Cowboy Most Wanted (Copper Creek Book 1)

by Stina Lindenblatt

  “Sorry,” I tell Natalie, “What did you say?”

  “Why did you stop competing in rodeos?”

  “I got injured. My orthopedic surgeon told me to stop competing, or I’d regret it later. So I listened to him.”

  Natalie’s hand rests on my arm again and she strokes her thumb along my biceps. “Good choice. There’s nothing worse than an athlete who would rather risk his body than end his pro career. I’ve seen it happen all too often in my clinic.”

  “Clinic?” If I had done my homework, I would know what she’s talking about—and her slightly taken aback expression confirms this.

  “My physical therapy clinic. I’m a physical therapist.”

  She doesn’t resemble the physical therapists I’ve ever dealt with. My last one would have left Marines cowering in fear. He was that much of a hard-ass.

  “Right,” I say as if I already knew that.

  I want to take a step back, to remove her hand from my arm, but there’s probably some fine print in the contract I’d rather not violate. Some rule that says I can’t rebuff any of her advances.

  Thor comes to my rescue. He shoves his head between Natalie and me, nudging me back.

  And an extra helping of oats for you, buddy.

  Not deterred by Thor’s actions, Natalie strokes his nose and talks to him in a flirting tone.

  And just like that, she has him under her spell.

  “I can’t remember the last time I rode a horse,” she says, and I almost expect the traitor of a stallion to offer to let her ride him.

  I glance at Camilla, hoping they have enough material for now so that she can call it a wrap.

  She gestures for me to keep going and mouths, “offer to take her horseback riding.”

  Or I think that’s what she said.

  “If you’d like, I can take you now,” I tell Natalie.

  She smiles and gives me flirty eyes. “I’d love that.”

  “And cut,” Camilla yells.

  Thank the fucking lord.

  23

  The sun is an hour from setting when I enter the office, a slight limp to my gait. Natalie and I returned hours ago from our ride, and now all I’m capable of is pacing. Asgard fell asleep watching me in my bedroom, hypnotized by my back and forth motion across the carpet.

  “How’s the knee?” Jake doesn’t bother to turn around, his attention on the computer screen.

  “Sore.” Before he has a chance to say it, I add, “Yeah, I know, I screwed up.” And it didn’t help that I went riding after roping the calf. “I need to get out of here for a bit before I go crazy. Can you cover for me?”

  Jake groans. “You can’t, TJ. You know what will happen if you go see her. There’s too much at stake.”

  It takes me a second to get on the same train as him. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just going to the river. The cold water will help clear my head and soothe my knee.” And it will also help with the semi hard-on, thanks to my thoughts constantly drifting to Violet.

  Naked.

  Riding my cock.

  And Christ, now it’s even harder.

  I inwardly groan—and not in the same way I would if Violet really were riding my cock.

  “Okay, I’ll figure something out if anyone’s looking for you.” He gestures at the computer screen. “I see our social media campaign about the ranch is going well.”

  Even though Jake’s smiling, something in his voice causes me to check the screen. He’s looking at the latest Facebook post. The post I certainly didn’t put up on our page. The post that has been shared over a hundred times.

  It’s of me shirtless in front of the barn. I’m staring at the camera with a bend-over-the-bale-of-hay-and-I’ll-fuck-you-from-behind, half-dazed expression.

  It captures perfectly what I was thinking when Violet took the photo—except she was the one I was focused on at the time.

  “Violet must have posted it.” I know she didn’t want to. She’s trying to help us promote the ranch after all. So why did she? That damn contract. According to it, I gave them permission to post any photo on the page that benefits the show or promotes it. Except this image looks more like it’s promoting me…as a male model.

  Which is further confirmed when I read the comments.

  Yummy. He’s even hotter than a Calvin Klein underwear model.

  He should be a male model with a body and face like that.

  I’m an agent with a modeling agency. Message me and we can set up a meeting.

  Right—as if I believe the last one. Especially since the bio mentions the person is a data entry clerk at an insurance company.

  I’d ride his horse anytime. A winky-face emoji completes the comment.

  I scrub my hand over my face, as if it will magically solve the problem. “Shit. This is the last thing we need.”

  Jake shakes his head, gaze still on the screen. “Based on these comments, maybe Mayor Wineberg isn’t too far off with her suggestion to turn the ranch into a destination vacation. We can promote it to young single women who want to ride horses and ogle their shirtless, cover-model guide.” He laughs, but the sound is halfhearted at best.

  “Welcome to our new reality,” he says. “And it’s not just this photo. Violet has uploaded at least twenty others, and the comments are all the same. No one is taking the ranch seriously.”

  “Are those comments just on my photos?”

  He nods. “The ones you modeled for. Anything to do with the ranch and horses barely gets any views. The posts have a few likes but that’s about it.”

  My stomach clenches into a tight rubber ball. “Now I really need to go to the river to clear my head.”

  Thanks to my teen years, I’ve grown quite skilled at being stealthy. The CIA could learn a trick or two from me. The early evening air is silent, other than the soft tread of my feet against the dirt ground and the breeze playing with the leaves in the trees. The same leaves that will be turning to fall colors in another month.

  I enter the clearing where Violet and I had first fucked over a month ago. I kick off my boots and unzip my jeans. A minute later, my clothing is dumped on the fallen tree trunk near the river edge, and I stride butt-naked into the water.

  The cold water laps against my ankles. My knee twinges in anticipation. My cock isn’t quite as delighted at what’s coming soon.

  I keep going until the water is waist-high, then dive under the surface.

  Fuck, it’s cold!

  By the time my head emerges, my body is happily numb. My cock and nuts, on the other hand, aren’t anywhere near as pleased.

  Deal with it, boys.

  With two problems solved, I work on number three: clearing my head.

  My knee isn’t one hundred percent onboard with the plan, but we do come to an acceptable compromise. And by the time I’m too exhausted to take another stroke, my head is clearer than when I entered the river.

  It’s too bad the water doesn’t solve my problems when it comes to the reality show, the ranch’s reputation, and my feelings for Violet.

  I’m fucked. Plain and simple.

  I wade through the water to where I left my clothes.

  Except my stuff is no longer alone—I’m no longer alone.

  Natalie is standing at the water’s edge…wearing only a bikini bottom. Her arms are by her sides, leaving her heavy breasts on display. She’s not even attempting to cover them to keep warm.

  She unties one side of her bikini bottom. And then the other. I will my legs to move, but they aren’t interested in listening to me.

  “What the hell are you doing?” I ask.

  She smiles at me. “Same thing you are. Skinny dipping. It’s so beautiful out here. I couldn’t resist.”

  She steps into the water, not at all fazed by the temperature. I scan the area for the TV crew. But then remember the contract specified that nudity is not permitted on the show.

  “Camilla’s concerned at how tense you came off on camera every time I kissed you today.�
�� That’s right—she attempted to kiss me at least four other times during the day.

  She takes another step forward. “I have an idea that will help you be less awkward when it comes to kissing in front of the camera.” She keeps moving, coming closer and closer and closer. The theme music for Jaws plays in my head.

  “What’s your idea?” My legs finally get the hint from my brain to move. I back away, keeping pace with each of her steps.

  If I keep going in this direction, I’ll soon be at the point where the current is faster, more dangerous. I pivot toward the shore and take a few more steps back. The ground starts to change from silt to rocky—rocky with a covering of something slimy.

  Natalie doesn’t answer. She lunges at me.

  Like with her kisses today, I wasn’t expecting it. Nor was I expecting her to wrap her arms around my neck. Her body’s forward trajectory combined with the slimy rocks cause my feet to slip from under me.

  My back hits the water first, then my head goes under the surface. And since Natalie’s arms are still round my neck, she goes down with me.

  Her thigh hits my package. A groan bursts from my lungs, forming bubbles in the water.

  Shit.

  I regain my footing and push myself upright. I surge up from the water and gulp down the cool evening air.

  Natalie is attached to me like a piece of soggy weed. I reach back and unhook her arms.

  “Whatever you had in mind to make my kisses appear less awkward…it didn’t work.” My tone isn’t pissed. It’s sitting between annoyed and mildly amused.

  I turned to head back to shore and freeze.

  Standing at the water’s edge, her face pale, is Violet.

  Fuck.

  And her brother.

  Double fuck.

  24

  As if frozen, Violet continues standing on the spot. The backpack with her camera gear stowed inside is on her back, and she’s holding her tripod. I have no idea what she saw, but I have a feeling whatever it was is a strike against me. Austin is also standing there, in his uniform, appearing unconcerned by the current situation.

  Needing to explain things to Violet, I surge forward. It’s only as I reach shallower water—and thanks to the cooler air—that I’m reminded that I’m naked.

  Faster than a cop car chasing a speeding Ferrari, Austin’s hand covers Violet’s eyes.

  She grabs his wrist and tries to pull his hand away. “For God’s sake, Austin. I’m not five years old. I’ve seen a naked man before.”

  “Yes, but this is TJ we’re talking about.”

  She attempts once more to pry his hand away. “What does that have to do with anything? Are you seriously trying to protect his virtue?”

  A bubble of laughter threatens to escape my lungs. He’s a little late when it comes to Violet.

  But no way in hell am I admitting that.

  “Wow, this is awkward.” Nothing about Natalie’s tone agrees with any of that. If anything, she sounds happy to be caught in this compromising situation.

  That makes only one of us.

  And to further prove this, she walks forward, making it clear she’s also naked—at the same time Violet pulls away from her brother.

  Her gaze falls on Natalie and her eyes go wide with hurt.

  “It’s not what you think,” I say.

  Austin steps in front of Violet. “You’re two consenting adults and this is private property. Your private property, TJ. You can do what you want. Mind you, if you were naked at the public beach, I would have to write you up for indecent exposure.”

  Natalie lowers herself into the water, covering her tits and everything south of them. “Could you do us a favor and not tell anyone about this? If the network or the producers find out, TJ and I could get in trouble.”

  A little late for that.

  “Sure. Okay, we’ll just leave you two alone.” Austin turns to his sister, his body shielding her from seeing me, and steers her away from us.

  Fuckity-fuck-fuck.

  Needing to explain things to her, I start running toward the shore, except the rocks and water are not in favor of my plan. I’m vaguely aware of Natalie saying something but ignore her.

  When it comes to my clothes, I have two choices. One is to yank on my boots and chase after Violet, with my package waving in the breeze like a white flag.

  But while I’m more than willing to surrender to her as long as she gives me a chance to explain, my exposed cock and nuts won’t do me any favors—especially when it comes to Austin.

  So, plan B it is.

  Ignoring Natalie’s questions, I grab my jeans and drag the denim onto my wet legs. I shove my feet into my boots, and race in the direction Violet and Austin disappeared.

  Unlike when I was sneaking to the river, there’s nothing quiet about my movements. A male bear lumbering through the forest, chasing a girl bear in heat, would make less noise.

  My breath comes in fast. My knee screams, “Fuck you.”

  I arrive at the small clearing where Violet’s rental car is parked. Austin’s marked vehicle is parked next to it. She reaches for the driver’s door.

  “Violet,” I gasp. “Please…listen…to me.” I press my hand against the window, preventing her from opening the door.

  Austin is standing near his vehicle, talking on his police radio.

  “You don’t owe me any explanations, TJ,” she says, “if that’s what this is about. You and I were just a fling. Nothing more. I knew that going in.” From her expression, you’d think I just slapped her face.

  The pain in my knee is nothing compared to the one in my heart.

  “You know I’m not interested in Natalie,” I say, “nor am I interested in being part of the show.” It’s you I want, not her.

  “That’s because you aren’t interested in settling down. She’s actually really nice if you give her a chance.” The pain in her tone is still there.

  She has a point…or does she? In the past, I wasn’t interested in settling down. I’m still not. I don’t have a bucket list that states I plan to get married and have a family before I die. The ranch is my life.

  It doesn’t mean I’m not interested in a life with Violet—assuming her brother doesn’t kill me first. But I also can’t expect her to give up her life for me. She’s worked hard for it. She’s earned it.

  “Jeffery’s sheep are on the loose again,” Austin says, walking over to us. “But instead of going downtown, they’re blocking the road into town. You think you and Asgard can help me round them up, TJ?”

  “Sure, we’ll meet you there.” I throw Violet a glance that says we’re not done yet with our conversation.

  She doesn’t see it. It’s Austin who intercepts the message. And his reply can be loosely translated to “What the fuck is going on?”

  Time to get out of here.

  I return to the clearing where I left the rest of my clothing, to find Natalie dressed and guarding my shirt and hat.

  By guarding, I mean she has them on, the shirt left unbuttoned.

  Seeing her like this is a fist to the gut. Not because she’s wearing my shirt and hat, but because it’s not Violet who has them on.

  I remove my hat from her head and set it on my own. I leave her with my shirt since the air is chilly.

  “We should head back now.” I begin walking.

  “What’s wrong with your leg?”

  I turn back to her.

  She’s still standing where I left her. “You’re limping.”

  “It’s no big deal. It’s dark and I didn’t see a branch until it was too late.” I mentally kick myself for the pathetic excuse. It’s not that dark.

  “Maybe I should check it out.”

  “Like I said, it’s not a big deal.” I resume walking. If she wants to stay here, that’s her choice.

  We walk along the trail back to the house. “Do you think we have to worry about Rose?” Natalie asks.

  “Rose?” It takes me a second to figure out who the heck she’s
talking about. “You mean Violet? The photographer?”

  “Yes, that’s her. I didn’t see her camera but…” She leaves the sentence dangling.

  It isn’t so much what she said as how she says it that causes me to stop abruptly. “Violet is an award-winning photographer. She’s not going to risk damaging her reputation just to sell topless photos of you to the tabloids.”

  Natalie studies me for a moment, as if she’s seeing me in a new light. And it’s not the kind of light shining down from the heavens. “Fair enough. Camilla said you and Violet have known each other since you were kids. Do you think she’ll tell Camilla about what we were doing back there?”

  A snorted laugh pushes against my squeezed-shut lips. Camilla finding out about what just happened is the least of my problems. “I doubt she’ll say anything.” Especially since Violet won’t care if Natalie fucks up when it comes to the rules.

  It’s her own reputation and career at stake.

  We approach the garden that was Granny’s pride and joy when she was alive. Back then, it looked a little less wild than it does now.

  “Why don’t we go to the gazebo and I can check your knee,” Natalie says.

  Do I say no and keep on walking…or just get it over with? I have a feeling because she’s a physical therapist, she won’t let it go so easily. “Okay, but make it quick. Asgard and I have to go into town.”

  Natalie and I step into the gazebo. She grabs my hand. That’s when I realize it’s lighter in here than it should be at this time of the evening. Various pieces of lighting equipment for the show have been set up and turned on. Craig is waiting for us, a video camera perched on his shoulder.

  Natalie leans into me and presses her lips to mine. As much as I want to push her away, I can’t…for the sake of the show.

  In the past, kissing a woman wasn’t hard to do. I’ve kissed plenty of them. I enjoy kissing and I’m good at it. But for the first time ever, it doesn’t feel right. I’m not saying that kissing Natalie is like kissing a frog—not that I’ve had any experience kissing amphibians. It just feels off.

  The kiss ends, and I pray to all the Norse gods that it’s good enough for Camilla, so I don’t have to do it again.