Her Cowboy In Charge

by Maggie Carpenter

  “Coffee, wonderful,” she smiled.

  “I don’t even know what’s in here,” he said peering into the box. “Let’s take a look.”

  There were numerous toys, some still new, and several well-chewed, and as he started sorting through them he picked up a half-eaten wooly lamb.

  “Special?” she asked.

  “Yep, he had it a long time. He used to sleep with it,” he said with a heavy sigh.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine, but I’m gonna keep this a while yet.”

  Reaching into the box Crystal pulled out two collars, one of which sported a Christmas theme, and a battered leash.

  “What about these?”

  “I’m thinkin’ I should get Lucky his own collar and leash.”

  “Probably a good idea,” she said softly.

  “I still can’t believe you arrived with a waterlogged dog in tow,” he said shaking his head.

  “I can’t either,” she agreed. “I can’t believe much of what’s happened today.”

  “And it’s still only the afternoon,” he said dramatically, “it’s not over yet.”

  “Neither is the storm,” she remarked looking out the window. “How long can it keep raining like this?”

  “It’s a fast moving cell,” he replied. “I’ll bet it’ll be gone by mornin’.”

  “I love the rain, but I hope so. Anyway, back to the toys. What does Lucky get?”

  “Let’s give him an old one and new one to start, though I don’t know that he’ll be up to playin’ for a while, and I washed this blanket before I put it away. Sometimes Trooper like to lay on the bed and I’d put this on top of the comforter.”

  “Okay, so, I’ll take these in and lay them beside him. Should I put some more kibble in his bowl for when he wakes up?”

  “Sure. I’ll put this box back in the garage and bring us in the coffee.”

  “Perfect,” she smiled kissing him on the cheek.

  As he watched her leave the kitchen, he stared into the box for a moment and took a breath. He was moving on. There was a miracle named Lucky laying in front of his fireplace and he realized he needed Lucky as much as Lucky needed him. It felt right, just as he knew what was happening with Crystal felt right, and though she was supposed to be leaving Whitefish in a few months, he knew he’d have to throw caution to the wind and let it crinkle out. It felt too good to do anything else.

  They spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing on the couch sharing amusing anecdotes about their childhood pets. It was light-hearted and comfortable, and when it was time for the football game to start, as if on cue Lucky stirred and lifted his head.

  “Hey you,” Crystal said as they walked across and sat down next to him. “Did you have a good sleep?”

  The dog’s big brown eyes looked up at them, then he let out a yawn as Clay softly stroked his head.

  “Do you think he needs to go for a walk?” Crystal asked.

  “He might. Let me see if I can get him up.”

  Clay continued to pet him and talk softly as he put the collar around his neck, and when Clay stood up, much to his relief, Lucky did too.

  “I don’t think he’ll be very happy about going back out in the rain,” Crystal remarked.

  “There’s a small yard around the side of the house. It has a decent overhang and I’ll take an umbrella.”

  “I’ll come with you,” Crystal said. “My jeans will be dry and-“

  “No sense in both of us getting wet,” he said, interrupting her. “Are you ready for dinner?”

  “Maybe a little something..”

  “Why don’t you order us a pizza. Whatever you like. There’s a pizza flyer in the drawer by the sink in the kitchen.”

  “Pizza and football! Perfect,” she grinned.

  “Come on, Lucky, let’s see if you know what it means to go outside.”

  She watched them walk slowly towards the hallway, then headed into the kitchen. She found the flyer exactly where he said it would be, and had just hung up the phone when she heard Clay’s voice.

  “Back already? Is everything okay?” she asked anxiously as he walked in.

  “He was a champion,” Clay replied as he took off the dog’s collar.

  “Really?”

  “Yep, three steps outside, lifted his leg, then immediately turned back into the house.”

  “Aww, what a good boy. Look, he’s going to eat.”

  “I think he’s going to be fine,” Clay said with a happy smile. “He just needs a good bath and lots of food and rest. Did you order the pizza?”

  “It’s on its way.”

  “Great. Let’s turn on the game.”

  Much later that night, after an idyllic, relaxing, comfortable evening, as they laid in bed and he was holding her in his arms, he felt a deep sense of peace. Gently gliding his cock into her depths he rode her slowly forward to her orgasm, taking his time to enjoy her soft moans and utterances of pleasure, and when the moment swept them up, while it wasn’t tumultuous or explosive, it was loving and warm, and they fell into sleep drifting from their post-orgasmic bliss.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Crystal awoke the following morning from an intensely deep sleep. Yawning several times before opening her eyes, when she finally did she found the bed empty. Stretching languidly she gazed at the windows and saw the drapes were still closed, and when she looked around the room for a clock she realized there wasn’t one. She felt a chill in the air but noticed the fire was burning, which meant Clay must have lit it when he got up. Moving from the bed she stumbled to the door, poked her head down the hallway and called his name. There was no response. Wandering into the living room she discovered it quiet and empty, and Lucky was gone, but she did see the clock on the cable box under the television and it read 7:54 a.m. Realizing Clay must have taken the dog to the vet she wandered back into the bedroom, and that’s when she saw the note on the bedside table. Hurriedly unfolding the piece of paper she began to read.

  Hey, Sleepyhead.

  It’s early. I hugged you goodbye but you didn’t even stir. You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t have the heart to wake you. I’ve taken Lucky to the vet. His name is Doc Samuels and his phone number and address is at the bottom of this page. There’s a set of keys in the kitchen drawer where you found the pizza flyer. Make yourself at home. I’ll call you as soon as I can, probably around ten when I get a break. Thanks for taking care of the pooch. Talk to you soon.

  Be good or else!

  XXX

  Clay.

  A rush of warmth traveled through her heart, and climbing back between the sheets she reached for his pillow. It smelled like him, and hugging it against her body she thought back to the previous day. It had been one of the best days of her life, from rescuing Lucky, to discovering her love of being spanked and controlled. Closing her eyes she recalled being bent over the kitchen island, and moving her hands to her backside she could still feel a residual tenderness. It brought a smile to her lips, and sighing happily she decided she wasn’t ready to get up. The delicious memories were cloaking her, and she wanted to relive them in the comforting warmth of his bed.

  She had walked through an invisible door and she knew there was no turning back. It had slammed shut behind her, and though she’d had only a small taste of the kinkier side of sex, she knew it had changed her. She wanted more, much more. She had told him the truth when she’d said take-charge men had always appealed to her, but the few men she’d known who had that authoritative style weren’t like Clay. They were domineering, and Clay wasn’t. He offered a different kind of ‘taking charge.’ It was sexy, and hot, and thrilling, and offered a feeling of safety and protection, but now she had a new problem. They saw each other two, sometimes three nights a week. Was that going to be enough?

  “I’m already missing you,” she mumbled.

  Dropping her fingers between her legs, she rubbed herself as she imagined what else he might do to her. His promise of tying her a
nkles apart seized her imagination, and closing her eyes she pictured him laying beside her, bringing her to the edge but denying her. It was only minutes before she was surrendering to a tingling release, and as the waves passed she dozed back into a half-sleep, aching for his arms.

  About thirty minutes away on the other side of town, Clay was sitting in his office. It was in the family home and was the command center for the ranch. Having been born with a gift for finance, he had inherited the complicated business of managing the operation, and under his careful planning the farm had continued to grow. He had a natural instinct for what opportunities or problems might materialize, how to hedge his bets, cut corners without cutting quality, and while his father would often look over his shoulder, Clay was now considered the head of the family company.

  As much as he loved the work, there were days he needed to leave the spreadsheets behind him, saddle up Maverick, his dark bay gelding, and ride out. Staring at his computer screen he found it impossible to concentrate. The ranch was large, with miles upon miles of fencing, and though there were ranch hands whose sole job it was to keep it maintained, Clay would use an inspection run as his excuse to get away from the office and spend a couple of hours on horseback.

  Powering off his computer he let out a sigh, then rising from his black leather chair he headed through the house and out the back door. The mountains greeted him. He knew they would soon be sparkling white, and a few weeks later the delicious smells of the holidays would permeate the house. Crystal’s first white winter and her first white Christmas was around the corner, but he knew there would be more firsts; dark erotic firsts that would leave them both breathless.

  Marching across the yard he approached the expansive corral where Maverick was housed with two other horses, Captain and Storm. It was attached to the side of the barn, and grabbing a few carrots from the bucket just inside the door he whistled to announce his arrival. All three pricked up their ears, but it was Maverick who trotted across to the fence.

  “Here you go, buddy,” Clay said affectionately.

  Captain and Storm, suddenly aware treats were on offer, ambled across and demanded their share. Clay was happy to oblige, then picking up one of the many halters tied to the fence rail he opened the gate and slipped the halter on his horse.

  “Ready to go check the fencing?” he asked, stroking his horse’s neck.

  Maverick blinked his large, soft brown eye in response.

  “Yeah, I know we’re just goin’ for a ride, but don’t tell anyone.”

  Leading him into the barn, Clay breathed in the familiar smells that brought peace to his soul, and as he put Maverick in the cross-ties and began to groom him and saddle him up, he felt the tension leave his body.

  “Clay!”

  Turning around he saw his youngest brother Mark walking towards him. He was in college at the University of Montana, and being only a couple of hours away he often came home on weekends.

  “Why aren’t you headed back to school?”

  “I’m about to leave. Just wanted to say hi. I didn’t see you this weekend.”

  “Yeah, I stayed at the lake,” Clay replied, swinging his saddle into place.

  “I figured. Goin’ for one of your fence-checkin’ rides?” Mark asked with a knowing grin.

  “Yep. After that storm I thought I’d better.”

  “Uh-huh. You know you’re not foolin’ anybody.”

  “No comment,” Clay chuckled leading Maverick outside. “You comin’ back next weekend?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe.”

  “I’ve got some news,” Clay smiled as he mounted up.

  “Oh, yeah? What kinda news.”

  “I have a new dog. A stray, some kind of large breed mutt. I’ve named him Lucky.”

  “That’s great. I know you and Trooper…well…I know he was somethin’ special, but, uh…I’m glad. Sorry. I didn’t do that very well. You know what I mean.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Clay nodded.

  “Where is this new mutt?”

  “At the vet. He was pretty messed up.”

  “Where’d you find him?”

  “That’s a story for another time,” Clay replied. “Drive safe, don’t speed, and call me if you need me.”

  It was what Clay always said whenever they parted company.

  “I know, I know,” Mark nodded.

  “Don’t, I know me,” Clay said firmly. “Just do it.”

  “I will, I always do.”

  “Call mom when you get there. She worries.”

  “Anything else, Sergeant?”

  “Yeah, don’t be a smartass, and thanks for comin’ and sayin’ hello,” Clay grinned. “I’ll catch ya later,” and with a final wave he turned Maverick in the direction of the back fields and trotted off.

  As Mark watched his big brother ride away, he stuffed his hands in his pockets. Wanting to be like Clay and is other brother, John, wouldn’t make it so. He was the runt of the litter and he’d always known it. While his two brothers were tall and rugged and could ride and rope, and had a new woman every month, Mark was slight of build, and in spite of the hours the men in the family had spent trying to teach him, he had no talent or interest in riding a horse or dealing with the cattle. Mark had talents, hidden talents, and they had nothing to do with ranch life. He’d never shown who he really was to his family. He couldn’t face the possibility of rejection. Mark could sing, and play the piano, and the guitar, and writing songs came to him as easily as breathing.

  “Your brother off to check the fencing?” his father asked as Mark approached the house.

  “Yep. Did he tell you he’d found another dog?”

  “Sure did. He’s in a real good mood this mornin’.”

  “I’ve gotta hit the road, pop,” Mark said moving over to his car.

  “Be careful, and call your mother when you get back to school.”

  “There’s an echo in this place.”

  “Can’t be reminded about these things too much,” his father replied. “They matter.”

  “I know dad. See ya later.”

  As Kenny Parker watched his youngest son climb into his car and head down the driveway, he looked across at the lone figure on horseback in the distance. Something else was going on with his eldest and brightest. It was more than a new dog putting a smile on Clay’s face.

  “I’ll bet you’ve found yourself a new woman as well,” he muttered. “I hope you have, and I hope she’s local, and this one sticks,” then letting out a grunt he walked back inside to sit down and have a cup of coffee with his wife of thirty-seven years. She had an uncanny sense about these things, and he wanted to know if she shared his suspicions.

  Clay was following a gentle trail up the side of a hill, and though not steep, it afforded a magnificent view of the ranch. He chose it because he wanted to make sure there were no rocks that might have fallen across it, or tree branches tossed there by the previous day’s storm. He was determined to bring Crystal to the ranch, and the safe, easy trail would be perfect for her when she was ready to take a ride.

  Just the thought of her made him grin. He had enjoyed their weeks getting to know each other, but the Crystal he’d been with the day before was a brand new Crystal, a Crystal he hadn’t yet met. Stepping out into a downpour to check on an animal lying on the side of the road and to take it upon herself to rescue him, told him her heart was bigger than he’d known. Someone else would have called the local animal shelter, or the police, and others would have assumed the poor creature was already dead and just left him there, but not Crystal.

  And then there was the other thing. The sexy, dark, erotic other thing.

  She had always been super responsive, and they shared tremendous chemistry, but now he knew there was far more to Crystal Morrison that he could ever have guessed.

  Crystal was the lace to his leather.

  She shared his love of kink, and it was astounding to him. After finding it virtually impossible to find a woman who was even
remotely interested in such things, he had come to the conclusion that what he’d shared with Emily had been a one-off, that it was aberrant, that he would have to live without such erotic delights. Not only did Crystal share his predilections, he was crazy about her. In spite of her petulance and her penchant for pouting, she was engaging, smart and funny, and down right beautiful.

  Pausing at the top of the slope he gazed down at the compound. The one-story sprawling family home was set at the end of a landscaped lawn with dozens of flower beds, all artfully laid out, a testament to his mother’s love of gardening. The nearby guest cottage housed his support staff, then there were four barns, several cabins for the workers, and other various outbuildings, all within walking distance from each other, but when he’d had his house built he’d set it on a low knoll a fair distance away from everything and everyone. He loved his family deeply, but when it became obvious he would be taking over the day-to-day running of the operation and he’d need to be there long hours, living in the family home wasn’t an option. His father had insisted Clay keep the office in the house, and Clay had no desire to wake up where he worked. He needed a separate place on the ranch to live.

  Glancing across at the impressive brick and wood home he’d designed himself, he imagined having Crystal there, but he wasn’t sure if she’d like it as much as the lake cottage. The cottage was sleek and modern, but his home on the ranch was traditional and cozy. He knew he’d get her there at some point, but the question was, when? Pulling out his phone he looked at the time. It was almost ten o’clock. He wanted to check in with her, but he wanted to talk to Doc Samuels first, and hoping the news would be good, he called his vet.

  “Clay, you were right to name this dog Lucky,” Doc Samuels said when he picked up the line. “Not sure how much longer he could’ve gone on.”

  “But he’ll be all right?”

  “Yep. He was dehydrated and we found a few lacerations that needed attention, but the exray’s showed no internal injuries. We’ve cut away his coat. It was too matted to try to brush out.”