A Cowboy's Charm

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “We are!” Kendra got up to hug her.

  “Someone must’ve put a quarter in Kendra today.” Faith came over for her hug. “I couldn’t keep up with her.”

  “Well, you’re supposed to take it easy, anyway.” Jo stepped back. “Is the morning sickness bad?”

  “Nah. It goes away pretty quick. I think it worries Cody more than it does me.”

  “And it won’t last forever. I’m excited for you.” She glanced at Kendra. “And you, too. Here I thought Mandy and Zane would be the first.”

  “So did I, but Faith and Cody had other plans.”

  Faith blushed. “Honestly, we didn’t expect it to happen so fast. We just—”

  “You just wanted a baby.” Kendra put her arm around Faith’s shoulders. “So did I when Ian and I decided to get married. We—”

  “I’m here early, like I promised!” Deidre came in with a flourish as she always did.

  “Me, too,” Jo said. “Turns out everything’s done.”

  “Well, cover me with feathers and call me a bluebird. Guess we can start drinking.” She pulled Faith into a bear hug. “Except for you, sweetheart. Congratulations on the bambino. I should’ve guessed you’d be the first.”

  “Well, we—”

  “You wanted a baby. And we’ll all get to spoil him or her. You’re not telling which, right?”

  “Right.”

  “So I suppose we’re not allowed to get out the Sacred Ouija Board?” She looked over at Kendra, eyebrows raised.

  “No Ouija board. They don’t want to know so that’s that.”

  Faith’s brow furrowed as she glanced at Kendra. “What’s a Ouija board?”

  “It’s kind of a game.” She was surprised that Faith didn’t know, but then again it made sense. Faith had been raised in a bunkhouse and hadn’t had girlfriends until she’d started working at Wild Creek Ranch.

  “Never heard of it.”

  “Let’s show her,” Deidre said. “We don’t have to do the thing about the baby, but we could ask it something else. I have a million questions about Quinn Sawyer.”

  That struck fear into Kendra’s heart. Just her luck Deidre would be in the middle of asking those embarrassing questions when Quinn came through the door. “I don’t know where it is.”

  “Sure you do,” Jo said. “It’s in the game closet. I put it away myself the last time we—”

  “I’ve rearranged that closet since then.” She gave Jo the evil eye. “I’m pretty sure I tucked it somewhere else.”

  “Why?”

  “Because…it’s falling apart, and…we should get a new one.”

  “A new one?” Deidre looked shocked. “This one’s part of our history! If we redo the tape, it’ll be—” The front door opened as Judy and Christine came in. “Aha! Reinforcements. Guys, Kendra’s talking about getting a new Ouija board.”

  Judy’s mouth dropped open. “Why would you do a dumb thing like that?”

  “She’s just kidding,” Christine said. “She wouldn’t, really.”

  Kendra sighed. “No, I wouldn’t really. I just—”

  “That’s a relief.” Judy put down her purse. “Is it still in the game closet?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Let’s get it out. It would be perfect for tonight. We can initiate the newbies into the wonders of the Sacred Ouija Board.” She headed down the hallway.

  “Wait!” Kendra hurried after her. “Let’s not.”

  “Why?”

  “Quinn’s coming to the party.”

  “He is?” Judy opened the closet door and turned back to her. “Excellent. But what’s that got to do with the Ouija board?”

  “He’s a guy.”

  “I noticed that. I’m quick that way.” She opened the closet door and pulled out the Ouija board, which sat right on top of the stack. Carrying the tattered box, she started toward the living room. “I can’t imagine getting a new one, but I’ll admit a few more pieces of tape would improve the situation.”

  “Let me grab some out of my office.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Judy followed her inside. “How’s it going with Quinn?”

  “We’ve kissed. Twice.” She opened her desk drawer and took out the tape dispenser.

  “That’s all?”

  She closed the drawer and glanced at Judy. “I think that’s a lot, considering I haven’t kissed anyone since Ian.”

  “True. Was it fun?”

  “Yes.”

  Happiness bloomed on Judy’s round face. “That’s wonderful. You deserve this.”

  “Jo said that.”

  “Jo’s right and you need to mellow out and enjoy yourself.”

  She took a deep breath. “Good advice. Let’s tape up this battered relic and introduce it to the next generation of true believers.”

  Twenty minutes later the box was repaired and Faith’s attendants –Mandy, April, Nicole and Olivia—had all arrived. Drinks were being served when a recently shaved and showered Quinn walked through her front door.

  He moved smoothly into the flow of activity, his smile relaxed and easy as he greeted everyone. She stood with a wine glass in each hand, mesmerized.

  At last his gaze found hers. And held. In that second she was many things—dizzy, shaky, hot and breathless. But mellow? Not a chance.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Quinn was having a blast. He’d always liked the company of women and this batch was hilarious. The wine that flowed freely during the evening didn’t hurt, but he’d likely get a kick out of these ladies whether they were tipsy or sober.

  He enjoyed the stimulation of being in the same room with Kendra even if he couldn’t act on the impulses that bombarded him whenever he glanced her way. She didn’t look at him much, but whenever she did, the air crackled between them. No doubt her friends took notice of those hot exchanges.

  Judging from the cheerful way everyone treated him, they didn’t mind that he was clearly enamored of their beloved friend. And she was beloved, by those who’d known her for more than forty years and those she’d met recently.

  After dinner, the table was cleared so they could make the favors. Faith and Kendra brought out bird seed and drawstring bags with little tags attached.

  “We need a volunteer with good handwriting to put Faith and Cody plus the date on the tags,” Kendra announced.

  Christine, the tall blonde who’d known Kendra since kindergarten, spoke up first. “Since we have an artist among us, I nominate Quinn for the job.”

  “Brilliant idea.” Deidre, the apparent ringleader of the Whine and Cheese Club, focused on Quinn. “That’s if you’re willing.”

  “Happy to. I bought some colored pencils today at the Crafty Corner. Let me go fetch them.” He pushed back his chair and stood.

  “Perfect.” Christine sent him a smile of approval. “We’ll start filling the bags while you’re gone.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” He headed for the front door and grabbed his hat from the coat tree.

  “Why don’t you go with him, Kendra?” Jo said casually.

  Thank you, Jo. Great suggestion. He paused, his handle on the knob, and glanced back at Kendra.

  She looked adorably flustered. “I doubt you need help carrying a box of pencils.”

  “I don’t, but I wouldn’t mind the company.”

  “Then, sure, I’ll go.” Color high, Kendra left her chair and started toward him.

  “But don’t forget to come back.” Faith smiled at Quinn. “I want fancy writing on the tags.”

  “We’ll be back.” He opened the door and followed Kendra outside.

  She turned to him after he’d closed the door. “They can’t resist,” she said in a low voice.

  “Do you mind?”

  She gave him a cute little smile. “Truthfully? No.”

  “Temperature’s dropping. Think I’ll grab my jacket along with the pencils.”

  “Maybe I should go back and get my—”

  “No need.” He put his arm
around her shoulders and started toward the steps. “I’ll keep you warm until we get to the cabin. You can wear mine on the return trip.”

  “Um, okay.” She slipped her arm around his waist and tucked in closer.

  Her warmth and the sweet aroma of her body nearly undid him. Somehow he managed to make pleasant conversation. “Thank you for letting me come to this party. It’s a great group.”

  “They’re pretty happy with you, too.”

  “I’m glad they are. I have a suspicion that if they weren’t, my chances with you would suffer.”

  “I’ve known my girlfriends a long time. Mandy and April, too. The others are more recent, but Faith is like a daughter to me and Olivia’s a trusted friend. Nicole inspired Bryce to take up his guitar again, which I’m incredibly grateful for. I love them all so much.”

  “They love you right back. But it’s no wonder. You’re like a magnet drawing out the good in people.” In his case, she also inspired a hotter, more potent energy, one that swirled around them now.

  “Thank you.” She sounded breathless, but then again, they were climbing the slope to the cabin. “By the way, in case you wondered about Trevor showing up at the GG and wanting to discuss—”

  “My mustache? Yeah, what was that all about?”

  “Months ago he made this prediction that a mustache-wearing guy would ride into town on a motorcycle and sweep me off my feet.”

  “No kidding?” He laughed. “That’s wild.”

  “Wait, there’s more. I mentioned this to Ingrid and Abigail in February after I met you, which is why Ingrid called Roxanne while you guys were eating lunch at the GG.”

  “And asked if I had a motorcycle.”

  “Right. It’s also why she suggested that you grow a mustache.”

  “Oh, man.” He shook his head. “I had no idea all that was going on.”

  “But my boys didn’t know you were clueless. They thought maybe you’d added the mustache on purpose, to fit the profile.”

  “Do they still think that?”

  “I doubt it. That’s why I took Trevor aside today, to set him straight and ask him to pass the word.”

  “Thanks.” He glanced down at her. “You said he came up with this scenario?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What did you think of it?”

  “I was intrigued.”

  “And now?”

  She smiled. “Even more intrigued.”

  “Guess I owe your son a debt of gratitude for paving the way for me.”

  “Don’t tell him that.”

  He chuckled. “Wasn’t going to.” Clouds and the shadow of tall pines darkened the path and he walked carefully until they stepped into the glow from the porch light. He’d left a lamp on inside the cabin, too.

  The place always looked cozy, but never more so than now, with Kendra by his side. “If I hadn’t promised to go back and decorate those tags and you weren’t the hostess of the party, I’d invite you inside.“

  “But you did and I am.”

  “Then you’d better wait on the porch.” He kept her tucked against his hip as they climbed the steps. “I’ll be right out.”

  “Is the cabin working well for you?”

  “I love it.” He released her and ducked inside before his noble intentions vanished in a wave of hot desire. He didn’t dare spend time with her in such close quarters, especially when the space included a bed.

  Grabbing the box of pencils and his denim jacket, he stepped outside.

  She stood with her arms folded and her back to him, gazing down through the trees to the ranch house, its windows alight and the faint sound of animated voices and laughter drifting on the breeze.

  He paused, struck by the image of Kendra as a precious jewel in a perfect setting—Wild Creek Ranch. She was the heart and soul of this place. Regardless of what happened between them, he’d be wise to keep that in mind.

  He closed the door with a muted click and she faced him with a soft smile of welcome. The porch light caught the intense blue of her eyes and the sprinkling of silver in her hair. Damn, she was beautiful.

  Shoving the box of pencils in his hip pocket, he shook out his jacket and held it for her.

  “Thanks.” She pivoted and slipped her arms into sleeves that hung down past her hands. “You know, I halfway expected you to ride into town wearing a black leather one.”

  “Was that part of Trevor’s prediction?” He lifted the jacket onto her shoulders. He could fit two of her in it.

  “We didn’t get into clothing choices.”

  “I have a leather one but I’m partial to denim.”

  “Me, too.” She turned back to him and pushed up the sleeves. “Thanks for the loan.”

  “Anytime.” He nudged back his hat. “Just so you know, I don’t plan to leave this porch without kissing you.”

  She closed the gap between them and rested her palms against his chest. “I was hoping you had that in mind.”

  “Always.” Easing his hands inside the unbuttoned jacket, he drew her closer.

  She gazed up at him. “Your heart’s beating really fast.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know.”

  “All right.” She took a quick breath. “Mine’s beating even faster.” She wound her arms around his neck.

  “Glad to hear it.” Lowering his head, he captured her mouth. Mm. He settled in, exploring and savoring the moist warmth and sweet taste of her with a smooth slide of his tongue.

  So good. And getting better. He shifted the angle and went back for more. She was deliciously eager. Blood pounded in his ears, blocking out everything but her whimper of pleasure when he nibbled on her lips and her gasp of excitement when he thrust his tongue deep.

  The rapid pace of her breathing matched his and her arms tightened, crushing her breasts against the wall of his chest. He cupped her bottom and pulled her firmly against his needy package. It was a wonder he didn’t set her jeans on fire.

  Lifting his mouth a fraction from hers, he gulped in a breath. “We’d better stop.”

  “I know.” She swallowed. “We can’t…this isn’t…” She moaned and pulled his head down.

  He surrendered to her hot mouth as flames licked at the edges of his control. Pressing his fingers into her taut behind, he rocked his hips forward. Desire battled duty. A bed was only steps away.

  Duty won. He lifted his head. Struggling for air, he took a step back while holding her steady so she wouldn’t fall.

  Slowly her eyes opened, and the heat in those blue depths made him tremble. She sucked in a ragged breath, moved back and leaned against the porch railing. “I’ve come to a decision.”

  He waited, heart pounding.

  “I want to make love tomorrow night.”

  “Tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Why not—” He stopped himself from saying it. Maybe she needed twenty-four hours to adjust to the idea. If so, he’d honor that.

  “Were you about to ask me why not tonight?”

  “Yes, ma’am, but if you need time, that’s perfectly fine. No worries. Tomorrow night it is. I’ll look forward to it.” Gross understatement. He’d be counting the seconds.

  “I’m not the one who needs time, but I thought you would.”

  “Me?”

  “You know.” She looked at him as if he was one donut shy of a dozen. “To go shopping.”

  “Shopping?” He stared at her in confusion. “Would you like me to bring you a gift?”

  “Good grief, no. I’m talking about condoms.”

  “Oh.” Blew that call.

  “If you have some on hand I’ll be very surprised. You don’t seem like the type to be constantly prepared.”

  “I’m not. It’s been years since my last…anyway, Anne and I decided four kids was enough so I had the procedure.“

  “I see.” Her cheeks turned pink. “Well, that’s good to know.”

  “I’ve got a clean bill of health, but I can pick some up tomo
rrow.”

  “Not necessary.”

  “So, um…how does that affect the timetable?”

  Her breath caught. “I guess we don’t have to wait, then.”

  “No.” He hesitated. “But we don’t have to barrel forward, either.” Much as he’d like to. “This is a big step for you.”

  She nodded. “When we’re kissing, I’m ready to rock and roll, but—”

  “We’ve just had the talk, which can be a major buzz kill.”

  “You really want to, though. I can tell.”

  “Yes, I really want to. But that’s not your problem.” He held out his hand. “Let’s go back, finish making the favors, and take things as they come.”

  She laced her fingers through his as they started down the porch steps. “You’re a good guy, Quinn.”

  He gave her hand a squeeze. “Thanks, but I’m no choir boy. If kisses make you want to rock and roll, I’ll be sure and steal a few before the night’s over.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Kendra prepared herself for some teasing when she and Quinn came back much later than a quick trip for pencils would require. Surely everyone knew they’d been making out.

  She hadn’t bothered to put on lipstick before everyone arrived tonight, so the physical evidence wouldn’t be too obvious. But they’d been gone quite a while and chances were good she was flushed. Nobody said a word.

  This romance clearly had their blessing. Too bad her sons didn’t feel the same way. She hadn’t mentioned it to Quinn, but that was another reason why, given a chance to cool down, she became hesitant about making the decision to have sex with him.

  Although she was a grown woman with the right to make her own choices, she was hesitant about letting her boys know that Quinn had shared her bed. Or that she’d shared his if they chose the cabin, instead. Her boys didn’t seem comfortable with it. Understandable. She wasn’t completely comfortable with it, either.

  After hanging Quinn’s jacket on the coat tree next to where he’d put his hat, she reclaimed her place at the table. Then she threw herself into party mode, filling little bags with seed and participating in the conversational threads. Quinn was seated across from her and he immediately started on the tags.