Callum (Cowboy Tough Book 1)

by Vanessa Devereaux

  Olivia almost wanted to laugh. A big hunk of guy like Callum and he was scared of a spider.

  He hugged her tighter.

  “You want to share a secret with me?” Callum asked her.

  “Would you be offended if I said no?”

  “No because everyone is allowed their very own secret.”

  She looked up at him. His lips were mere inches from hers. She could tell that he’d drunken a beer not so long ago. She liked the smell of it as it invaded her senses. He hugged her tighter and for the first time in forever she wanted to be kissed, to be loved, and to have Callum touch her.

  He ran his finger over her lips before leaning down and kissing her. This is what she wanted. Callum was gentle with her. No tongue invading her mouth. No pushing her down on the bed. She rested her hand on his shoulder as the kiss lingered. Her pussy pulled and she knew she wanted him to make love to her but, no, she couldn’t give in because that barrier she’d built around herself and her newly formed life, would be broken.

  Hoping he wouldn’t be offended in any way, she slowly moved away from him.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that,” Callum said.

  “I liked it but I’m not ready to be intimate with anyone. In fact, I’d say I’m pretty sure I never will be.”

  Chapter Nine

  Callum had never been so fired up in his entire life. Not since he was a teenager in high school and had a crush on Jenny Sutton, had he been this sexually frustrated. Back then the cure was jerking off in his bed at night. However, this was a whole new level of frustration. Pleasuring himself wasn’t going to do it this time around. He needed to be inside Olivia to find relief.

  Fuck, he shouldn’t have kissed her. Shouldn’t have started something he knew she wouldn’t allow him to finish. Not that he would have had sex with his parents just twelve feet away from the bedroom, but a little exploring wouldn’t have gone amiss. Him touching her breasts then thumbing her clit, masking her groan with his mouth.

  Damn, his mind wouldn’t stop thinking about it. He slid his hand under the blankets and he wrapped his fingers around his cock. This pent up sexual energy wasn’t only down to the fact he hadn’t had sex in a while. When a Monroe saw a woman he wanted to fuck, he pretty much went ahead with his plan.

  He moved his hand faster, thinking about the last words she’d said to him before he’d dashed out of the room with the biggest hard-on of his life. She might never be ready to have him touch her, make love to her.

  Callum knew he’d have to or he’d go crazy.

  He groaned as he finally found release. He looked up the ceiling, seeing her pretty face. A sad one, but he wanted to be the guy to put a smile on it. He threw back the covers of the bed. He wouldn’t be able to sleep so after he’d showered, he’d head over to his grandparent’s place and continue with the renovation. Maybe once Olivia was settled in, she let him into her life and body.

  *****

  Olivia hoped she didn’t wake Glen and Marie when she got up the next morning but they were already in the kitchen when she headed out there.

  “He’s up bright and early,” said Glen.

  They were both looking out of the window, coffee mugs in their hands, and obviously had their eye on the house that Callum was renovating for her.

  “Nope, he’s been there since two this morning,” said Marie. “I got up to make myself some tea and I saw his truck over there. He must be powering up the electricity with the old generator.”

  “Yeah, he’s a lot like my pa when he makes up his mind to do something, he gives it one hundred percent. Callum is a determined little bugger.”

  Olivia had to smile at Glen’s description of his son. He turned around.

  “Well, hey there, Olivia.”

  “Morning Glen, Marie”

  “You sleep well honey?” asked Marie. “I never do when I’m someplace new to me.”

  “Yes, just fine.”

  She hadn’t but she didn’t want them to know. It had nothing to do with the bed or the room but her mind was still working overtime about the kiss Callum had given her.

  “I was about to cook some breakfast,” Marie said. “You hungry for bacon and eggs?”

  “No, cereal is fine and once I get a job please let me pay you for the food I’m eating.”

  “Callum said you’re thinking about applying to the DIY store,” Glen said.

  “Yes, I thought it might be a good start.”

  Marie handed Olivia several boxes of cereal and then a jug of milk. “Are you sure that’s all you want?”

  “Positive,” Olivia said.

  “Maybe Callum should take a break and have some breakfast too,” Glen said. He picked up the phone and dialed and was shortly talking to his son.

  “We’re just about to eat breakfast, how about you join us?”

  Glen put the phone back. “He’ll be right over.”

  Sure enough within five minutes, Callum was heading through the door. Today he was shirtless, sweaty, stubble adorned his strong jaw, his hair had that I just got out of bed quality to it.

  He looked straight at Olivia.

  “Burning the midnight oil?” Glen asked him.

  “I couldn’t sleep so I thought I might as well get to work,” Callum said. He washed his hands and then sat down at the table.

  “Don’t employees get a twenty percent discount at DIY Haven,” said Marie.

  “I know what she’s leading up to, me putting in new cabinets in this place,” Callum said, winking at his mother.

  Olivia noticed Sloan heading up to the back door with Kyle in her arms.

  “Well, look who’s here,” Marie said.

  “I couldn’t find a babysitter,” Sloan said.

  “I’d be happy to do it while you and Olivia go into town,” said Marie.

  “Perfect. I’d take him with us but he’s cutting another tooth and in a fussy mood.”

  “Hey there nephew,” said Callum, tugging on his foot.

  “Breakfast, great, I’m starving,” said Sloan, pulling up a chair opposite Olivia. Her father took Kyle from her and bounced him on his lap.

  “This little guy sure reminds me of someone. I’m not sure who but one day it will come to me.”

  “Did I miss anything exciting?” asked Sloan. She poured herself some coffee and added milk.

  Olivia noticed that Sloan had turned crimson and clearly had wanted to change the subject of who her son looked like. Maybe like her, Sloan had a secret she wanted to keep. Callum was probably right about everyone having one.

  “I picked out the new cabinets for grandma’s place,” Callum said.

  “I can’t wait to see what you do with that place,” said Sloan.

  Kyle made a gurgling sound making Glen laugh.

  “I think he looks like dad,” Sloan said, while buttering some toast.

  “Don’t worry Kyle you might grow out of it,” said Callum.

  “I don’t have a cleft in my chin or big blue eyes like this. I’m guessing with that combination when you’re older it’s going to earn you a free pass into lots of girls’ panties.”

  “Glen, Dad,” said Marie and Sloan at the same time.

  Callum laughed too and then Glen, finally Marie and Sloan joined in and pretty soon, Olivia had to laugh along with them.

  Kyle squealed almost as if he found the whole thing funny which caused them all to laugh again. Pretty soon Olivia’s cheeks were aching because she hadn’t smiled or laughed like this in what seemed like a lifetime. She looked around the table at each of their faces. What would it be like to be part of this family? She glanced over at Callum who was pulling a face at Kyle and then the baby grabbed a chunk of his hair and pulled on it.

  “He’s checking that all that great looking hair isn’t really a wig,” Sloan said.

  Olivia had to agree it was wonderful looking with its thickness and slight wave. She could imagine running her fingers through it as they made love.

  Why had she thought about tha
t? Because of the kiss and last night? She was a woman, and women had needs just the same as men did.

  “Shall we head out now? We can shop and then stop for lunch at the new café on Market Street.”

  Sloan’s words jarred her out of her train of thought and just in time before she traveled down a road she might not like where it led.

  “Sure, I’ll grab my purse.”

  *****

  Callum yawned as he measured the window in the back bedroom. The wood was rotten and it would definitely need replacing. It was probably the original one so he hated to remove it, but safety and keeping the cold Montana winter air out was his priority. He looked around the room realizing just how significant it was.

  His father had been born here. His grandma had told Callum that he’d arrived early, been the biggest of the bunch and with a head like a melon. Well, that’s what it felt like when she’d given birth to him.

  He stopped and took a sip of the soda, hoping that would keep him awake. He leaned against the door jamb thinking how much he’d like his own son to be born here too. Not in some sterile hospital but where there was family history and love as he made his grand entrance into the world.

  Callum took another sip. Fuck, he was getting all broody and sentimental. Two adjectives he would never have used to describe himself. He’d not been the same man since he’d spotted Olivia being wheeled out of the women’s shelter, all blooded w ith tears rolling down her cheeks.

  Testosterone had kicked in and he’d been the knight in shining armor who gone to the aid of a damsel in distress.

  He’d volunteered to give blood and he hated even getting shots. Who the guy was that night, he still wasn’t sure. By the time he’d realized what he’d agreed to do, they had the needle in his arm and he could only watch as this blood flowed through a tube.

  His second secret fear: needles and blood.

  What was Olivia’s secret? He guessed she had one. Maybe she’d tell him one of these days.

  He finished off the last of the soda and got back to work.

  He hoped she and Sloan were having fun shopping for dresses. He couldn’t wait to see Olivia all dressed up and escorting him to the wedding.

  *****

  Olivia loved the dress she’d tried on. She’d momentarily taken her arm out of the sling. It had hurt like hell getting the dress on but she was glad she’d made the effort. It actually played up her curves to their advantage. She causally glanced at the price tag. Holy moly.

  “It looks fantastic on you, Olivia,” Sloan said. “It’s almost like it was custom made for you.”

  Olivia knew that Sloan wasn’t bullshitting her just to be polite. Olivia’s felt the same way. It was if someone had made and fitted it to her body. She spun around so she could see the back of it in the mirror. She knew it was stupid because it would make her fall in love with the dress just that bit more, leaving her heartbroken when she had to put it back on the hanger and walk away.

  “I’d go with that one,” said Sloan.

  “I would if my budget stretched that far.”

  “I’ll buy it for you.”

  “No, I couldn’t let you do that.”

  “Sure you can. I’ve been working and got myself a credit card.”

  Mark never let Olivia have a credit card and kept the money in his name, giving her an allowance like she was a child.

  “No, I really couldn’t let you do that.”

  “I’m buying it and if you want you can pay me back a little at a time whenever you’re able?”

  “I…”

  This family was too good to be true. Olivia glanced at herself in the mirror one more time.

  “Okay, but I insist on paying you for it.”

  “Okay, that’s settled then. I’ll go pay for our dresses and then let’s go eat because I’m starving.”

  *****

  “Fuck, fuck, and fuck,” Callum couldn’t take that words back but he hadn’t been expecting to see Olivia standing in the hallway of his grandparent’s house.

  “Sorry, pretend you didn’t hear that,” he said. Had he gone red in the face? Another first for him.

  “It’s okay. I’m guessing something made you say it.”

  “Yeah, got a sliver in my palm about an hour ago. I thought I’d pulled it out but now every time I touch something it hurts like crazy.”

  “You want me to take a look for you?” Olivia asked him.

  The thought of her playing nurse excited him. He grew hard just thinking about her hands on him. It was almost worth getting the sliver.

  “That would be great,” Callum said. More than great, more like fantastic.

  “Do you have a flashlight?” Olivia asked.

  “I sure do.”

  Callum rummaged through his toolbox and pulled out a small green one. He handed it to Olivia.

  “Let me take a look,” she said.

  He offered her his palm and she focused the beam on his hand.

  “It feels like it’s in the fleshy part,” Callum said.

  “Yep, I think I can see just a little piece of wood sticking out from your skin by your thumb.”

  She gently rubbed it and oh yeah, that was it but he didn’t make sound because he didn’t want her to think he was whippy or anything like that.

  “I have my eyebrow tweezers in my purse and I’ll have that out in no time.”

  She dug through her bag and pulled them out. “If you could hold the flashlight with your other hand and focus the beam it will be easier for me,” she said.

  Callum took it from her and kept the light steady as best he could. She held his hand and soon the sliver was history.

  “How much do I owe you?” Callum asked her while looking her straight in the eye. Those beautiful eyes that had clearly seen pain and hurt and he was going to put laughter and pleasure back into them.

  “It’s on the house,” Olivia said.

  He leaned toward her, knowing full well he was going to kiss her again. Was he a fool or what? Getting himself all worked up again but he couldn’t resist those sweet lips of hers.

  He put his arm around hers this time, pulling her in close, hoping she’d feel his excitement for her. She didn’t protest and to his surprise she let her body melt into his. He kissed her, this time with more urgency than the night before. Callum sensed some resistance on her part but she still let him hold her. The next move he knew was a brave one because he didn’t want to scare her but he tickled her lower lip with his tongue, allowing it to flutter a while before slipping it into her mouth.

  She still didn’t protest and hadn’t pushed him away.

  This wasn’t the place to have their first sexual encounter. Debris, dust, and nowhere nice to lay her down and bring pleasure to her body. They both pulled away at the same, almost as if they were thinking the same thing. This wasn’t the place.

  “You want me to give you a riding lesson?”

  His brain and mouth were out of sync lately. Why had he asked her such a question right now?

  She knitted her eyebrows together like she knew it was dumb too. Or maybe…

  “I mean on a horse,” Callum quickly added.

  Olivia burst out laughing. He hadn’t seen her in such a happy mood before and he was glad his faux pas had caused it.

  “I knew what you meant but it’s still funny that you quickly added the word horse?”

  “Well do you?” he asked.

  “I’d love to but I’m scared that I’ll fall and hurt my shoulder again.”

  He got hold of her hand and looked her in the eye. “I promise you I’ll ride with you. I’ll pick the most gentle of horses and I can assure you that when I’m around nothing bad is ever going to happen to you. A Monroe’s word is their honor.”

  “I believe you but I’m still scared. I’ve never been around a horse before.”

  “Then it’s a great time to learn. Once you get the hang of it you can go to the stables and ride one whenever you feel like it and I don’t even need to be
around. Like my parents said, feel like this place is your home.”

  He didn’t give her chance to say no, or even think about. His dad had raised him to believe that you didn’t think about what scared you, you met it head on. He led her out of the house and across the field to the stables. He saw her nose twitch when the wind blew their way and the smell of manure drifted over them. Callum had grown up with that odor so he didn’t bat an eyelid but it was probably pretty awful for Olivia.

  “You get used to it,” Callum said.

  “It’s good for flowers isn’t it? I mean horse poop not the odor.”

  “I guess it is because Mom’s always has luck in the garden.”

  When he slid back the door on the stables, he noticed his dad was in there cleaning some of the stalls.

  “Howdy you two,” he said.

  “I’m going to teach Olivia how to ride. You think Dusty’s the best one for the job?” asked Callum.

  “I think that’s a good pick,” his dad said. “He’ll appreciate some extra exercise too. You want to take Springer?”

  “Nope, I’m going to ride with Olivia until she gets the hang of things and her shoulder heals. Let’s go meet Dusty and then I’ll get the saddle and we’ll be on our way,” Callum told her.

  He took her hand, all the time seeing his father watching them as he led Olivia over to Dusty’s stall. He noticed his father smile and then shake his head.

  “Hey there, Dusty, I’ve brought someone to meet you. This is Olivia and she’s a newbie at all this so I want you to be on your best behavior.”

  Callum gently opened back Dusty’s stall and felt Olivia move away, which slightly spooked Dusty and he kicked out with one of his legs.

  “Okay both of you, neither one’s going to hurt the other one,” Callum said. “Easy boy.”

  Callum stroked him and reached for Olivia’s hand and held it so she could touch Dusty.

  “There you go, feels good doesn’t it, Dusty? Let’s go out here and I can put your saddle on and then the three of us are going to a ride.”

  Olivia stood back as Callum led Dusty outside his stall.

  “He’s a gentle old boy and he wouldn’t hurt you,” his dad called over to her.

  Callum took his own saddle and placed it on Dusty’s back and then secured the reins. “Let’s lead him outside and I’ll get you up on his back.”