****
Cara stepped into her room, slammed the door, bolted the lock, and slid the chain home.
It took her a good minute to recover. Her eardrums were no longer throbbing and her nipples stopped aching. She’d just met Adonis wearing a hat, plaid shirt, and worn jeans.
She popped the top off of the Coke bottle, the lid dropping to the floor and rolling somewhere. She brought the drink to her lips and sucked it down until her eyeballs burned. Lowering the bottle, she breathed heavily and blinked the stinging from her lids. A drop of pop had escaped her lips and she wiped the wetness with the back of her hand.
“Damn! Double damn!” She knew it was unladylike to swear, but she didn’t much care. The tingling between her legs was an awakening she had no clue could exist on her body. And the cause was a cowboy—a stranger—she’d never meet again.
She was disappointed that she didn’t get a better look at his face. His hat sat low on his brow, shading everything but that remarkable grin that had turned up a perfectly shaped set of lips and a prominent jaw covered with a dark layer of beard growth.
He’d saved her life!
She was dramatizing the truth a bit, she was certain. Considering the drunk on the sidewalk would have been reduced to a pile of bones on the ground with a slight push from her. She’d been caught off guard by the gagging smell of whiskey, a stench embedded in her nose from the years of drinking she’d tolerated from James.
She was grateful that a stranger helped her. A beautiful cowboy who she hoped visited her dreams, scaring away the nightmares, liked he’d done the drunk. She scoffed at her romantic notions and shook her head. When would she see that she had to put her emotions aside, and used her head?
Chapter Three
Cara rechecked her outfit three times in the bathroom mirror before she forced herself not to fuss anymore. She’d chosen a simple tunic style dress that hid her curves. Her nerves were a wreck and the eggs she’d eaten that morning were threatening to find their way back up.
She’d received a call on her cell from someone at Nirvana earlier that morning, letting her know that she would be picked up at eleven A.M.. She’d had no clue that being picked up was part of the package, but it did take some of the strain off her shoulders not having transportation to worry about.
If only the butterflies would stop tickling her insides.
The knock came on the door and she anxiously scanned the room to make sure she’d gotten everything. She held the doorknob, took a deep breath, and pulled it open.
A poster was held high, and it read, “Welcome Cara!” She smiled at the sweet touch. The board dropped and a tall, slender cowboy with deep dimples and twinkling eyes greeted her. His brown cowboy hat was pushed back high on his forehead and he was smiling from ear to ear.
“And you must be Cara,” he said in a deep twang.
Swallowing against the constriction in her throat, she moistened her lips. She had half the mind to turn and run—fast, but her feet wouldn’t move. Here it goes. “Yes, I’m Cara.”
“Well, howdy, ma’am.” He tipped his hat and winked. “I’m Dade. I’m here to take you to Nirvana.”
Cara showed him her bag and as he gathered it to take it outside, she allowed herself a moment to stare. The sparkling eyes and dimples didn’t do him any harm, but she wondered how old he was. Early twenties? But she doubted no older than twenty-five. Her misbehaving mind wandered to the cowboy from last night. Tall, dark, and mysterious. She’d gotten her wish and had a toe-curling dream about him that had her muscles still weak through breakfast. But today was a new day and she needed to put Mr. Mysterious from her thoughts and concentrate on her future.
“Is that all, ma’am?”
“Just this one, but I can get it.” She motioned to the small case she was holding in a tight grip.
“That’s my job. Let me take that.” He reached for the piece of luggage.
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ve got—“ But he already had it in his hand. “Thank you.” There was a slight quiver to her voice and she hoped he didn’t hear it. The last thing she needed was to bomb this right out of the gate. This was her chance to be brave. No one knew of her past, no one to judge her. She was on vacation and that meant she needed to relax.
“No thank you needed. I wasn’t given these muscles just for looks.” His smile seemed to grow by inches. She liked him and could guess that he was a hit with the ladies. What was funny, he made her want to smile too. “Now right this way.” He gestured for her to lead.
Cara wouldn’t deny that she was flattered by his sweet character, but like he said, it was his job. She’d never had a man—not even James—offer to take her bags to help her.
Dade’s kindness didn’t end there.
He opened the passenger car door for her and, once she was settled into the leather seat of the SUV, she scanned the luxurious interior. “Nice ride,” she said when he slid behind the steering wheel.
“Yeah. This beauty is top of the line.” He smoothed his hand along the crème colored dashboard. “Wish she was mine.” He wagged his thick brows.
He started the engine and pulled away from the hotel. She placed her hands in her lap and clasped them tightly to hide the shaking. She hadn’t been this close to a man in so long that she felt like a teenager on her first date.
“No reason to be nervous, ma’am. No one at the ranch will bite you, unless you ask, of course.” He chuckled.
She snuck a peek at his profile. He was kidding—he had to be kidding. Biting? Her heart beat heavily and her palms turned sweaty. “I don’t think I’ll ask for a bite.”
“You might. Never say never.” He turned the car onto the highway and the engine purred as it picked up speed.
“No, I’m sure—“ She cleared her throat. “—uhh—that’s not what happens there, right?” She wasn’t sure how else to phrase it.
He shot her a glance across the seat. “No. Women have visited before hoping that was part of the package, you know what I mean, but nope. There’s something about a cowboy that gets all of the women flustered. Must be the hat.” He knuckled the brim of his Stetson.
Her skin tingled in embarrassment. What had she gotten herself into? She wondered if all of the cowboys at Nirvana looked like Dade. No wonder women flocked there, willing to pay. Just looking was visual therapy. Her curiosity got the best of her. “How old are you, Dade? I hope that’s okay to ask.”
“Sure. I’m twenty-three. Next month’s my birthday and I’m hoping Chase will give me the go-ahead and make me a ranch hand.”
“Oh, so you’re not a hand but a…?”
“Helper. I do whatever the boss tells me to do.”
“And this Chase, he’s the boss?”
“More than a boss, ma’am. He’s the owner.”
She nodded. “Right. Are there a lot of cowboys at Nirvana?”
“Enough to go around.” He concentrated on the road ahead. “You feeling better now?”
“I am. Can you, well, will you tell me about the ranch?”
He chuckled. “One word describes it all. Paradise.”
“Paradise. I read that in the brochure.” Many ideas popped into her head. She wondered if it were a paradise as in men walking around naked serving drinks with umbrellas.
“The brochure doesn’t even begin to define Nirvana. There’s lots of peace and adventure. We’re miles away from neighbors and shopping.” He pushed a button and the AC kicked on, instantly cooling her skin. “That’s what folks want.”
“I thought I read on the website that there’s a small shop on grounds.”
“There is, for toiletries and personals. But you won’t find a Starbucks or Macy’s at Nirvana. It’d defeat the purpose of vacationing.”
Her brain cells were on fire. From what she read about the ranch, she would be in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by country. She didn’t mind. She wasn’t a café latte kind of girl anyway.
Fifteen minutes later, they pulled into a narrow, gravel road
blocked off by a tall, black iron fence. Dade pushed a button on a remote and the gate opened. No signs announced where they were except for one that read in bold, red letters, “No trespassing. Private property. Violators will be prosecuted.”
The brochure had assured privacy as an utmost priority on the ranch and only individuals who met all qualifications would be invited as a guest. When she’d received the acceptance letter in the mail, she’d been at a cross between pure shock and eagerness.
Cara had thought about the adventure over and over, and when she couldn’t think of one good reason not to go, she mentally listed a dozen why she should take the plunge. The biggest motivation was the chance to go against everything she’d ever been, or ever thought she was. She’d never been a huge risk taker—or even a small one.
“Here we are, ma’am.”
She lifted her chin and stared across lush green fields scattered with purple wildflowers. “Beautiful.” Further ahead, horses—pretty horses with long manes—ran along the white fence that surrounded the pasture. In the distance she could see the mountain range that reached so high that the tips touched the low clouds.
The lane came to a Y and Dade followed the road to the left. “The other way takes you to staff quarters. There’s some space between the two sides, and between guests lodgings, for privacy.” The road turned narrow and bumpy. Cara held on so she wouldn’t be thrown around in the seat.
“That’s not the first I’ve heard of privacy. It must be very important here.”
He shrugged. “Guests come here to get away from everything and everyone. Have you ever fished?”
“No.”
“You should take it up. There’s a pond on the North side of the ranch. Nothing relieves stress like fishing. Nirvana is all about destressing. Have you tried essential oils?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“You have a variety in your lodge. Try ‘em out. I once knew a woman who gave me a massage using some oil that smelled like cinnamon. Best rub down ever.” He brought his eyes to her. “Sorry, ma’am. I get to rambling sometimes.”
She nodded and turned her cheek to hide her smile.
They hit a rut and Cara’s head pecked the glass.
“Are you okay,” he asked, his eyes wide.
“I’m fine.” She chuckled.
“We don’t drive up this way often. We use golf carts, four wheelers, and horses.”
“Wow, the brochure wasn’t kidding when it said secluded lodging.”
“Trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet. Like I said, the brochure only touches the basics of what we offer.” He pulled the SUV along the edge of the grass. “We’re here. Nirvana’s finest—Make a Wish Treehouse.”
“Did you say treehouse?” Cara scooted forward so she could look around Dade’s shoulders. Her mouth fell open and a soft whimper escaped her lips. “That’s a treehouse.” She pointed at the tiny house situated in a nest of trees.
He tapped the steering wheel. “Yes, that’s one of the gifts here at Nirvana. The boss had a dream and treehouses were a part of it. You’re not afraid of heights are you?”
“No…well, I don’t know. I’ve never been in a treehouse.”
“Then you’re lucky it’s only built twenty feet off the ground. To have indoor plumbing, we couldn’t put the houses too high.”
“That’s amazing,” she whispered. She’d never seen anything more lovely and inviting. When Dade opened her door, she slid out, still staring at the small abode. Her foot slipped on the grass and Dade caught her by the elbow.
“Watch your step, ma’am.”
“I believe I made the wrong shoe choice.” She guessed sandals and nature didn’t mix well.
“It won’t be as slippery once you’re on the walkway.”
“I think I’m in love with this place already.”
“We aren’t called Nirvana for the fun of it—well, I guess we are.”
The Wish Treehouse was tucked a little piece from the lane and they followed a beaten path to a set of stairs leading to the front door. Cara climbed the wooden stairs and thankfully Dade was utilizing his muscles again for more than looks and carried her bags. He left them just inside the doorway.
“The treehouse is stocked with snacks, food, and drinks. All to your liking, or at least what you wrote on the questionnaire,” he said. “If you want something special, you can call the kitchen and Motley will be glad to mix you up whatever you like. I’ll warn you though, he doesn’t believe in anything fried.”
“Okay, great. So, no fast food, huh?” Cooking for one was never fun, so when she wasn’t in the mood for a can of soup or a bowl of cereal, she drove through the nearest drive-thru. She knew it wasn’t healthy for her, but neither was being alone. Sometimes one played the hand they were dealt.
“No, not out here, ma’am.” He dipped his hat. “Here’s your key card, lovely lady, and this is where I leave you to begin your journey.” He winked and started down the steps, but turned back. “Oh, I don’t want to forget. There’s a list of numbers next to the wall phone. Dial the one labeled ‘scheduling’ and answer the questions the operator asks.”
“What questions?”
“Easy ones. You tell them what you want to experience here—massages, lessons, hiking—and they’ll make a schedule for you for your entire stay. Makes it easier for the hands to get the guests where they need to be with no one getting angry. By the way, the hands here are also the transporters, and teach the lessons. See ya’, ma’am.” He walked down the stairs.
“Wait. What do I do now?” she called after him.
He stopped and looked over his shoulder. “Relax tonight. Tomorrow, Ben will introduce you to the rest of Nirvana.”
“Ben? Who is Ben?” But Dade was already climbing into the SUV.
Cara waited until Dade pulled away before she walked through the front door. Excitement washed over her as she looked around the beautiful treetop utopia.
This wasn’t the treehouses she remembered as a kid. This was built for an adult. One who enjoyed romance and had a flair for living on the wild side…so unlike her. She had a feeling that was the point of this. Bringing people out of their bubble… their safety net. She had a mixture of emotions—delight, inquisitiveness, coziness, and calm. She was alive for the first time in too long. As she stepped to the middle of the room she caught her reflection in the wall mirror. She was smiling and there was color to her cheeks. The country air was doing her some good already.
Turning on her heel, she bumped into the end of the bed. It took up nearly all of the space, but it was the focal point. The luxurious, red satin comforter draped across the bed like paint. The decorative pillows of all different sizes and colors were piled high.
She crawled into the bed and pushed her way through the mountain of pillows, some falling over the side. Leaning against the rustic headboard made of an old barn door, she stared out of the large picture window that had a magnificent view of the trees. She inhaled deeply and relaxed.
The house was romantic and charming, but seemed almost out of place for Cara. This would be a prime location for lovers, newlyweds, but not her, and yet… she wanted to crawl deep into the covers, naked, and have sinfully naughty dreams.
When the sun disappeared behind the gray clouds and the shadows feathered across the interior walls, Cara dragged herself from the satin haven. She searched for a light switch, finding it by the door. She flipped it on and the crystal chandelier above the bed lit up. She loved the difference from the elegance of the fine crystal to rustic furnishings.
The kitchen consisted of a small counter, microwave, stove, and a fridge. The cabinet was stocked with food, just as Dade had promised. Fresh fruit, cans of soup, pasta, and lots more. On the wall hung a phone with numbers for the kitchen, administrative office and life skills coach. She’d almost forgotten Dade’s directions. She picked up the receiver and dialed the extension next to scheduling. She was put on hold and Mozart played on a recording. Humming along, she scanned
the treehouse again.
She smiled. Everything was at her fingertips. What more could one person need?
After answering a few quick and painless questions, she hung up the phone and stepped out onto the small balcony in back. Just below she spotted an outdoor shower.
Outdoor shower?
Apprehension crawled down her spine. Shower in the open? That was a huge step out of her comfort zone.
Relax, Cara. Who would see? She was here alone—no neighbors.
Going inside, she opened her suitcases. After unpacking, she planned to enjoy the peace and quiet, which was unlike the loud silence at home.
Grabbing her book, she crawled into bed and fluffed the pillows to lean back on. She sighed in contentment. “This is the life.”
It’d been a long time since she’d actually relaxed. She already felt different in an unexplainable way. The change was doing her a world of good and she had a feeling that was only the beginning.
****
Ben zipped his jeans and headed across the room to the coffee maker, pouring himself a large mug. Once he slurped down half of the dark roast, he checked the clock on the wall. Eleven-fifteen. Cara should be with Dade by now.
He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sighed. After getting home last night from his brief encounter with Cara, he’d crawled into bed but didn’t sleep a wink. He’d almost called Dade when the sun came up to tell him that he would go and get Cara, but he didn’t want to take the risk that she’d see him and change her mind. She could run away, just as she did last night. He wasn’t used to scaring women away, and it was quite the opposite of how most women flocked to him. He’d take it personally if he didn’t have a gut feeling that she treated all men like they were the walking plague.
He knew there came a point he needed to recognize that he was attracted to a woman he didn’t even know—well, only a little. This was against his personal rules, but he couldn’t help himself. He was drawn to her. Or was it the thought of her that he liked. He couldn’t really be attracted to someone he had never met, not formally, could he?
Cowboy Paradise (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 1) Page 4