A Cowboy's Charm

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  * * *

  Quinn savored the moment he’d just shared with Kendra. Without his daughter’s move to Eagles Nest, he wouldn’t have met this fascinating woman. His life would have been the poorer for it, too.

  She clearly loved to entertain. So did he, and he’d neglected that side of his personality over the years. Working with her to provide dinner for Roxanne and her fiancé was big fun.

  He grilled the steaks Michael brought and sipped from a chilled bottle of beer. Other than being alone with Kendra to see where that look they’d shared might lead, he couldn’t have it better than this.

  When Michael went in the house with Kendra to help her bring out plates and silverware, Roxanne wandered over by the fire pit with her glass of wine. “You look right at home, Dad.”

  “Kendra has a great place.”

  “Sure does. I haven’t been out here since they set up the fire pit and the picnic tables but it’s a festive arrangement.”

  “Have you ever been inside that little cabin where I’m staying?”

  “No, just seen it from a distance.”

  “You’d love the inside. Straight out of Little House on the Prairie.”

  “Then I should make sure I see it before you leave.”

  He took a sip of his beer. “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect setup for fixing my bike, either. Kendra was generous to offer it.”

  “She’s very giving. She’s invited us out several times when she’s having a family dinner. I guess once Michael became a partner in the Guzzling Grizzly, she considered him part of the McGavin clan. Now I’m included.”

  “I’ll bet you enjoy that.”

  “I do. She always makes me feel welcome.”

  “That’s nice.” He gazed at her. “I don’t have many regrets, but one is that you grew up without a mom.”

  “You’ve told me that before, but trust me, I wasn’t deprived. All my friends said I had the coolest dad ever. You came to all my school events, let me have slumber parties, taught me to ride, taught me to drive, took me—”

  “That’s all terrific to hear, honeybun, but a girl needs her mother sometimes.”

  “I’ve heard that said, too, but anyone who believes it has never met you. I wouldn’t trade you for all the mothers in the world. So there.”

  He smiled. “Thanks for that.”

  “The boys and I used to worry that you’d bring home a stepmother.”

  “You did? That’s news to me.”

  “We weren’t about to mention it in case we’d put ideas in your head.”

  “I see.”

  “Did you ever consider it?”

  “Not really. I knew the chances of finding someone as extraordinary as your mother were slim to none. Looking for that special person would have required way too much time. Time I wanted to spend with you guys.”

  “See? That’s what I mean. You’ve been the perfect parent.”

  He couldn’t help chuckling at that. “There were days when you didn’t think so.”

  “Oh, well.” She waved a hand. “I was young and stupid.”

  “So was I.” He glanced toward the house as Kendra and Michael came out on the porch with plates, silverware and the salad. “Bring it on down!” he called out. “Steaks are ready!” Now that it was time to dish up, he tilted his beer bottle to get the last swallow.

  Roxanne lowered her voice. “So, Dad, do you think Kendra’s extraordinary?”

  He choked on his beer.

  She took the bottle from him and pounded him on the back a few times. “Sorry!”

  Kendra put the salad bowl on one of the picnic tables that circled the fire pit and hurried over. “Goodness! Are you okay?”

  He nodded and kept coughing. Embarrassing as hell to have the three of them standing around watching him struggle for breath. On the other hand, although he hadn’t intentionally choked, he’d been saved from answering Roxanne’s question.

  He knew the answer. Had probably known it from the day in the bakery when Kendra McGavin had dropped into his life. He just wasn’t prepared to give it to his daughter.

  She’d likely ask him again sometime. Not tonight. The opportunity for a private chat had passed. But he might want to formulate an answer so he’d be ready the next time.

  Michael shared a bench with Roxanne on one side of the table and Quinn sat with Kendra on the other side. Cozy and natural as can be, and yet Quinn had never experienced having a meal with one of his kids while sitting next to a woman who was…what?

  He hesitated to put a label on Kendra. Yes, she was extraordinary, but she was more than that. She was the needle in the haystack he’d never expected to find, an independent woman who unselfishly gave of herself to her family and friends. A person he could laugh with. A vibrant, exciting lady he loved talking to…and wanted to touch.

  Admiration and chemistry didn’t always come bundled together but this time it had. She was inches away and yet he couldn’t close that gap and nestle his thigh against hers. Her warmth beckoned to him and every time she spoke, his heart beat just a little faster. In his peripheral vision, he tracked her movements as she ate her meal and drank her wine.

  Meanwhile he participated in the conversation about the Guzzling Grizzly Country Store, Michael’s newest project. Construction to add onto the bar’s original footprint had been finished a week ago, and he was eager to see it. Customers who came in the GG’s front door could choose to go left into the bar or right into the space provided for GG merchandise and signed vinyl editions of Bryce and Nicole’s music.

  Quinn’s art would go in there, too. The store wasn’t big enough to display his larger works. Those had to hang on the wall in the bar. But Michael had requested smaller prints because the scratchboard art was selling. Evidently the clientele of the Guzzling Grizzly was the perfect fit for Quinn’s depiction of horses, cowhands and wildlife.

  He glanced across the table at Quinn. “You brought me some five-by-sevens and eight-by-tens, right? Because customers are already asking for them.”

  “I did. They’re up in the cabin if you want me to fetch them.”

  “Tomorrow’s good enough. I figured you’d want to see the store now that it’s finished.”

  “I would.” He glanced at Kendra. “If I drain the tank in the morning and solder in the afternoon, we could have lunch at the GG like we planned.”

  “We sure could. Roxanne, do you want to meet us there?”

  “Sounds good to me. Just let me know what time.”

  “Excellent.” Michael pushed aside his empty plate. “Any progress with the notecards?”

  “Not really. I—”

  “Hey, Dad. I didn’t know you wanted to do notecards.” Roxanne laid down her fork.

  “Michael’s idea. Slipped my mind, probably because I wasn’t sure how to go about it.”

  “I can handle it for you. Just tell me which designs you want to use.”

  “Anything is fine. Whatever you—”

  “No, wait,” Michael said. “Let’s do this scientifically. I can testify that horses and cowboys are the most popular. Wildlife is good but it needs to be the right wildlife. Wolves sell great. Bears do, too, obviously, because we’re the Guzzling Grizzly.”

  “Got it.” Roxanne pulled out her phone and made some notes. “Let’s choose four designs. One of horses, one of cowboys with horses, one of wolves and one of bears. Is that good?”

  “Works for me.” Michael looked across the table at Quinn. “You okay with that?”

  “Sure. I’m happy to have you two make those decisions. I’m not very objective about my work.”

  “Why should you be?” Kendra turned to him. “It’s a labor of love. Anyone can tell that.”

  “They can?” That pleased him.

  Roxanne nodded. “Kendra’s right. You’re emotionally invested in those images and it shows. People react to it.”

  “That tickles me.”

  “And now that we have that settled,” Kendra said, “we have cherry pie
and brownies for dessert compliments of Mr. Sawyer. Do I have any takers?”

  Michael grinned. “I’ll take both, especially if there’s coffee to be had.”

  “Always.” Kendra stood. “Let’s get these dishes in the house before we launch into dessert mode.” She glanced over at the fire pit. “Although someone needs to stay here and build up the fire.”

  “I’ll do that.” Quinn had assumed responsibility for the fire from the get-go so he might as well continue.

  “Thanks.” Kendra flashed him a smile. “I don’t have to ask you what you want.”

  “Nope.” He met her gaze. She was likely talking about cherry pie. But he wasn’t.

  Chapter Six

  Quinn had done such a good job with the fire that it continued to crackle merrily when Michael and Roxanne were ready to leave. After they drove away, Kendra evaluated the situation. “We have two choices. We can smother it with dirt or grab another cup of coffee and enjoy it a little longer.”

  “I’d vote for Option B. It’s a mild night and the stars are out. But it’s your ranch and your fire pit. I’ll happily smother the fire if you want me to.”

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you intended for this fire to last until after they left.”

  “Would I do that?”

  “We haven’t been acquainted for long, Quinn, but based on what I’ve seen so far, I’d say you would do that.”

  “Busted.” He didn’t look very contrite.

  “Tell you what. Put on another log and I’ll bring down the coffee pot. And my jacket.”

  “I’ll move a bench over by the fire.”

  “Good idea, I’ll be right back.” Her pulse fluttered as she walked back to the house. But the prospect of sitting under a starry sky with Quinn was too delicious to pass up.

  She’d meant what she’d said earlier today. She had a full life. But she hadn’t experienced a night like this in ages, a night when romance drifted on the breeze and a handsome man waited by the fire.

  Could she live without such things? Certainly. But when an opportunity dropped in her lap, why reject it?

  Moments later she returned to the fire pit with a thermal carafe of coffee. She’d put on her denim jacket but left it unbuttoned so she wouldn’t overheat in the warmth coming from the blazing logs. Or from the hot cowboy.

  As promised, Quinn had brought a bench over by the fire and was sitting on it with both coffee mugs beside him. When she stepped into the firelight, he stood and picked up both mugs. “I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed an evening more than this one.”

  “I can’t either.” She poured their coffee and set the carafe on the end of the bench. “Perfect weather.” Cradling her mug, she sat down.

  “Perfect company.”

  “Nice of you to say.”

  “Nice of you to invite me.” He settled on her right, leaving enough space between them for her coffee mug if she chose to put it there.

  Instead she held it in both hands and took a tentative sip. “Watch out for the coffee. It’s really hot.”

  “Just how I like it. Nothing worse than lukewarm coffee.”

  “Nothing?”

  He chuckled. “All right, there are plenty of things worse.” He took a drink before glancing at her. “You pay close attention to what people say, don’t you?” Firelight shimmered in his eyes.

  “I pay even closer attention to what they do.”

  “Smart lady.”

  “Like keeping the fire going even though we’d finished eating.”

  He shrugged. “No telling how long they would stay.”

  “True.”

  “Or whether you’d agree to sit out here with me after they left.”

  “Hm.”

  “But I was hoping.”

  “And here I am.” Anticipation curled in her stomach.

  “Nervous?”

  “A little.” She glanced at him. “Silly, huh?”

  “Not at all.” His gaze was kind. “But if you’re wondering if I want to kiss you, the answer is yes. I would like that very much.”

  Her pulse hammered. “It’s been a long time since…”

  “I know. That’s why it’s your call.”

  “Then…” She took a breath and gathered her courage. “Let’s try it.”

  Beneath his mustache, his mouth tilted up at the corners. “That’s the spirit.” Turning away from her, he put down his coffee. Then he reached for hers and placed it next to his.

  Her breathing quickened as he shifted on the bench. Slowly, gently, as if she were a bird that might take flight, he cupped her face in both hands. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since that day at the bakery.”

  This close, she breathed in the aroma of cedar smoke clinging to his shirt. “Because I made you laugh?”

  “Yeah.” He stroked her cheeks with his thumbs. “And turned me on.”

  The tenderness of that light pressure made her shiver with delight. “I was flirting.”

  “I know.” His gaze dropped to her mouth. “So was I.”

  “It’s not like me to flirt.”

  “Or me.” His grip tightened ever so slightly, bringing her closer.

  “But I couldn’t resist…teasing you.”

  “I can’t resist you, period.” He lowered his head, moving deliberately, giving her time to close her eyes.

  She waited, heart pounding, as he brushed that smiling mouth over hers. Velvet…followed by a brief tickle when his mustache touched her lips.

  When he drew back, she opened her eyes and took a shaky breath. “Is that it?”

  “Thought I’d better check in.” His voice was husky as he met her gaze. “Never done this with a mustache before.”

  She swallowed. “That makes two of us.”

  “How’d you like it?”

  “Can’t tell yet.” Reaching up, she cupped the back of his head, his hair silky beneath her palm. She pulled him down until his lips almost touched hers. “Kiss me some more. And stay longer.”

  “Okay.” He fit his mouth to hers again.

  She kissed him back, taking her time. Nice. She changed the angle. That was good, too.

  He lifted away a fraction. “How’re we doing?”

  “Not bad. More, please.”

  “Gladly.” He returned, bringing a little more heat this time.

  Wow. Potent. By the time he released her, her entire body was tingling.

  “You okay?” His voice was slightly hoarse.

  “Sure. You?”

  “Never better.” He cleared his throat.

  “But I—”

  “Hey, no worries. I’m a very happy man.”

  “You are?”

  “I wasn’t sure this would ever happen.” He gazed at her. “What’s your take on the mustache?”

  “The mustache?” She blinked and touched her upper lip, which was slightly tender. “I totally forgot.”

  “Me, too. There’s a little bit of pink above your mouth, though. I hope I didn’t—”

  “I’m fine.” His concern made her smile. “But…we should probably call it a night.”

  “Good plan.” He stood and picked up the coffee mugs. “Do you want—”

  “No, thanks. I don’t like lukewarm coffee, either.” She got up from the bench.

  “Then I’ll toss it on the fire.”

  “In a highly symbolic gesture?”

  He laughed. “No, ma’am.” He emptied both mugs and the embers hissed in response. “That fire you lit is still burning. But it’s under control. Can I walk you to your door?”

  “I can’t leave yet. I need to fetch the shovel so we can cover those hot coals.”

  “No need. I’ve a mind to sit out here a bit longer.”

  “By yourself?”

  “I’m used to my own company.”

  “So am I.”

  “I sensed that about you. Makes me like you all the more.” He hooked his fingers through the handles of the mugs and picked up the carafe in his other hand.

&n
bsp; “I like you, too, Quinn.” She shoved her hands in the pockets of her jacket as she walked beside him.

  When they arrived on the porch, he set all three items on the porch railing. “Generally, in circumstances like this, when a man walks a lady to her door, he—”

  “Kisses her goodnight?”

  He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. But you still have veto power.”

  Damn, he was adorable. A sweet goodnight kiss sounded like the perfect ending to the evening. “Oh, what the heck?”

  “I was hoping you’d feel that way.” He drew her into his arms.

  That’s when she discovered that a standing kiss was more potent than a sitting kiss.

  He tugged her in close enough to feel the coiled strength of his muscular body, not to mention the evidence of his interest in her body. When at last he ended the sensual encounter, she was gasping for breath.

  He traced her upper lip with one finger. “The mustache has to go.”

  “What?”

  “It irritates your pretty mouth. I’m shaving it off.”

  “That’s crazy.”

  “No, it’s not.” He dropped one more light kiss on her lips and backed away. “Good night, Kendra. See you in the morning.” He turned and walked down the steps, giving her a tantalizing view of his broad shoulders and tight buns.

  Grabbing the mugs and carafe, she ducked inside and closed the door. Wow. Adrenaline made her light-headed as she carried everything into the kitchen, located her phone and texted Jo. You still awake?

  The phone rang immediately. “Kendra McGavin, how dare you invite Quinn to stay at your ranch and not tell me?”

  “Sorry, sorry. Everything happened so fast and I’ve been—”

  “Canoodling with that man? Zane and Cody seem to think that something is going on between you two so naturally Mandy called me to find out what I knew, which was nothing.”

  “Well, here’s something. He kissed me.”

  “That’s great!”

  “It was great. But I’m forty-six years old and I have five grown sons. I don’t know what happens next.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  “No, I don’t. He’s Roxanne’s dad. She and Michael were here for a cookout tonight. What would she think if I got jiggy with her father?”