by Lacey Wolfe
“You ready?” He stood, pulling me up with him.
He’d touched me the whole time. If he wasn’t holding my hand then his palm rested on the top of my thigh.
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Since it’s still early, want to get a bite to eat?”
“Sure.” We had a drive back to town, so feeding me might be a good idea.
“We could stay out this way for the night, if you wanted. I know a great pancake house we could try in the morning.”
Nice try. “Did you forget I have a kid?”
He tugged me through the crowd. “I didn’t, but I figured since it was Beth, she wouldn’t mind keeping him for the night.”
He had a point, but there was no way I was going to spend the night with him, even if the evening was going good so far. “Uh, yeah. Let’s wait until date three, remember?”
Not that date three meant we had to have sex, did it? I was so out of touch with how things worked now a days.
“Ah, just one more date then.”
“I hardly count the other day as a date.”
“It was a shitty one, but it counted.”
A cool breeze welcomed us as we stepped outside the conference center that held today’s rodeo. The sun was bright, so I tugged my sunglasses from the front of my shirt and slipped them on.
“Well, since breakfast is out tomorrow morning, I do know a place for dinner.”
“Deal.” I was starving and we had an hour drive back home.
We made our way to his truck and he opened the door for me so I could climb in. I wore sensible shoes this time. A pair of flats that had a good grip on the bottom. Of course, I didn’t have the same killer leg effect as heels gave me, but I also didn’t want to fall out of this monster again.
He drove through the town before turning into a parking lot to a place called Abigail’s Steak House. Just like a man, picking somewhere with steak. Though, I wasn’t picky and enjoyed a ribeye every now and then.
Before I was able to climb out of the truck, he was on my side, helping me down. He’d done this since I’d been stubborn the first time, swearing I could get out without problem. I did enjoy him being a gentleman though, even if I was doing my best to resist any of his charms.
We were seated quickly and after a few minutes, ordered our dinner. The inside was gorgeous. Crystal chandeliers hung throughout the place. The tables evenly spaced, hung with white tablecloths. A candle sat in the middle of our table, giving off that romantic feel. This was a big step up from Benny’s diner.
“Think you’ll want to go with me again to a rodeo?” he asked as he set his napkin in his lap.
“It’s a possibility, when your shoulder’s fixed and you’re not under my care.”
“Then you’ll get to see me ride.”
I smiled. After watching the men on the bulls, I did want to see Ryder up on one. See him in his glory, but I’d hate watching him get bucked off. When those riders fell they had seconds to get up and away before the bull turned around and charged them. There had been a few close calls today.
“How is your shoulder? You aren’t wearing your sling.”
“It didn’t match my shirt,” he joked.
“All right, well, I’ll let it slide this time, but next time I see you.”
“Will do. I’ve been taking the medication since you got on to me.”
“If you want to ride again, then you need to take care of yourself.”
The waitress set down our bowls of salad and refilled the beverages. I poured honey mustard dressing over the small salad.
“I’m glad today hasn’t been as much of a disaster.” he said.
“It’s not over yet. Don’t jinx us.”
He grinned as he lifted his drink. “I’m keeping an eye on that drink. I don’t want to see it in your lap.”
“Or yours.”
As I enjoyed my salad, I stole glances toward Ryder. Aside from the fact he was a bull rider, he wasn’t as bad a guy as I thought.
“What is your son into?” he asked.
“Video games, more video games, and occasionally sports.”
“I saw the baseball bat on the porch. Maybe I can play some time with him.”
I gave him a stern look. “When your shoulder is better.”
“Yes, I got it.”
Having him around my son didn’t seem like a good idea because that would lead to a relationship, and this wasn’t going anywhere. Or so I was trying to tell myself and believe.
“Where did you live before moving here?”
“Florida, all the way down in Miami.”
“And you went from city life to small town country life?”
It was crazy. “The beach was awesome, but not the traffic.”
“Yeah, I’ve traveled a good bit. I hate sitting in the back of a taxi while at a standstill. The AC never seems to work right.”
“I haven’t spent much time in a taxi.”
I pushed my salad bowl to the edge of the table and glanced around the restaurant. There were a mix of people dining, but the only one I was interested in was Ryder. The more I got to know him, the harder it was going to be to deny the feelings that bubbled, wanting to come to the surface. I’d do whatever I could to keep them away, because opening myself up again to love and having my heart torn to pieces wasn’t an option.
Even if I wanted to see Ryder again, this would have to be the last time.
***
We walked up the stone path toward my house, Ryder’s hand on my lower back. Dinner had been phenomenal and if I was ever out that way again, I wanted to dine at Abigail’s. I stopped at the bottom step and turned toward him, taking in his dark eyes as they gazed at me. Ryder was a sweet guy, and not the arrogant asshole I originally thought he’d be. I’d been wrong to judge him.
“Date two has been much better.” He shoved a hand in the front pocket of his jeans then brought it back out, almost as though he didn’t know what to do with it.
“I agree.”
“So, date three?” He raised an eyebrow.
“No.”
He brushed his palm across my cheek, making my lips part as I stared at him and took a step closer. The pull to be near him was undeniable and before I knew it, only an inch stood between us.
“I want to see you again,” he said.
“And you will for your next appointment.”
He groaned and slid his hand through my hair, cupping the back of my head. I liked the feel of him having control and if he wanted to kiss me, he could and I’d not be able to get away. What kind of thought is that?
Gazing into my eyes, he said, “I’m not good with words, so this isn’t going to come across the right way, but I don’t want something to be between us.”
I couldn’t help but grin. “You’re right. You really do suck.”
“But there is and I’m not going to be satisfied until we fully explore this. Remember our kiss?”
How could I forget? “The kiss might have been good, but—”
“Might? Oh no, sweetheart, there was no might.”
His lips crushed against mine and I moaned. Fucking moaned. His tongue met mine and I was a goner. Clinging to him, trying to get as close as I could. My breasts were smooshed against his rock hard chest, and his hand that wasn’t clasping the back of my head, keeping me in place, gripped my ass.
Holy shit, I wanted him with everything in me. I was way too ashamed to even think about the last time I’d had sex. I needed more fingers than I had on one hand to count the years. Sex scared me and I envisioned it hurting because it had been so long, but I almost wanted to throw caution to the wind, take this man inside, and let him sink that cock of his into my pussy. To remember what it felt like to be filled and taken care of in a way only sex could do.
Ryder ended the kiss as his hand slid around, tilting my face toward him by my chin. “There was no might. Best kiss I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a lot.”
I laughed. “You’re so bad with words.”
“Only around you. I’m a stumbling mess, the things I say. I just don’t get it.”
“Okay, I’ll admit the kiss is good.”
“Great.”
I beamed. “Great. But there has to be more to a relationship than just kissing.”
“Oh, I want to do a lot more than kiss you. I want to lick every square inch of your body and taste you between your thighs.”
A shiver traveled down my spine and desire landed right where he referred to. I was ashamed to admit a man had never been down on me. I was young when I’d had Shiloh and his father was selfish when it came to sex, including the guys after. Something deep inside me said that it would be different with Ryder. Was it wrong I wanted to find out what it could be like to lay back and let a man please me?
“Cat got your tongue?” he asked with a chuckle.
“No.”
“Just don’t have a comeback for once.” He ran his finger across my lips. “I can’t wait until our next date. It’s going to end the way I’ve been dreaming about.”
“You’ve dreamt about me?”
“Almost every night since I met you.”
This was too much. The man claimed he’d only pursued me due to something his parents said, yet now he acted as though he’d been interested in me all along. It made no sense and left my head spinning as I tried to figure him out. Us out.
“I think we need to end tonight,” I said, mainly for myself.
“With one more kiss.”
I moistened my lips, wanting that kiss. No, needing it. He gave me what I wanted, his mouth on mine, awakening something in me I didn’t realize I’d lost. I ran my palms up his chest and through his hair, envisioning us in my bed, naked. I wanted him to kiss his way down me, stopping at my center. I wanted to know what it would be like for his mouth to cover my slit, lick along my folds, and give me a release.
“Those noises you’re making are driving me crazy,” he whispered against my cheek. “I need to go before I take you inside and show you what you’re doing to me.”
“You better go then.”
We still held each other, not breaking apart. This was insane, the way he made me feel. How a touch and kiss from him had me wanting to yank my clothes off and offer myself to him.
He kissed my cheek, lingering as he said, “Until next time, where I kiss another part of your body.”
“Until next time.”
I climbed my porch steps and unlocked the door. Turning toward him, he had the biggest smile on his face.
“You agreed to a date then.”
I walked into my house and as I shut the door, I said, “I did not.”
I totally had.
Chapter 8
Ryder
Even though I wanted to see Cassidy again, I’d been avoiding her. It had been over a week since I’d seen her last. I’d been to physical therapy but had seen Beth. With taking my meds and doing the exercises, my shoulder felt a bit better. It had been almost a month since the accident and I itched to get back out there and ride.
I’d been on a horse a few times at the ranch, working on my lasso skills. It had been awhile since I’d done that, but had to ice my shoulder after. A part of me was angry because this injury might mean I wouldn’t ride again and I didn’t want to go out like this.
Life was settling down. It wouldn’t be long before I was better and working on the ranch again. I’d miss competing, but it was time for a change. I just hadn’t figured out what though. As much as I wanted to spend my days on the ranch, I couldn’t shake the feeling something was missing.
Cassidy.
She was missing. From the first kiss, she was the one. I wanted nothing more than to be with her, take care of her and her son. But as each day went by and I avoided her, the more I realized how much I’d fucked this up. If I’d called her after our last date then who knows where we’d be right now. Maybe my bed, but I kept messing up. From the things I said to my actions. This wasn’t me.
My phone rang in my back pocket. Pulling it out, I saw my friend Rob’s name on the screen. “What’s up, man?”
“Not much. Just seeing how you were.”
“Been better, but hanging in there. Shoulder is feeling better, so maybe I’ll be back on a bull soon.”
“Speaking of bulls. I need someone to ride with me out of state to an auction. Want to come with me?”
A day away might be a good thing. “Suppose so. Don’t have much else going on.”
“What about that hot number you were with the other weekend?”
“I might have screwed that up.”
Rob laughed. “What? Ask her for a threesome?”
“Wish it was that easy to get out of, but nah.”
“What then? You can talk your way out of anything.” Rob chuckled.
“It’s talking that gets me in trouble. Cassidy isn’t like any girl I’ve been with before. She isn’t under my spell.” And it sucked. My smile could usually charm the panties off any girl.
“So you found a hard one.”
“Yeah. And I feel like a fool around her, so I kinda haven’t talked to her since our date the other weekend.”
“Why?”
I ran a hand through my hair, wishing I had a better answer. “I don’t know. I guess cause I like her.”
“I’m sure you can fix it,” Rob said.
“Not so sure.” He hadn’t met Cassidy. She put the s in stubborn.
“Ride out with me and then maybe I can help you think of a way to get back on her good side.”
“I don’t have anything else to lose, so sure.”
“Awesome. We leave at five am tomorrow.”
“Bring the coffee.”
I hung up, pushing my phone back into my pocket. Getting out of town might be what I needed. Ever since the fall, I’d been hanging around with nothing to do. My dad kept making me leave when I came to work, and other than physical therapy, I sat around twiddling my thumbs and dreaming of Cassidy.
***
I’d found something to do. Grocery shopping for my mom. I’d stopped by to see if she needed help around the house and tell her I’d be gone tomorrow. Not that she needed to know, but I still to this day told my mama everywhere I was going. I’d made the mistake and told her I was bored. I had a two-sided grocery list of things she needed.
I made my way down the aisle for shampoo. She’d written down the kind she wanted, now I had to find it. Damn, there were so many choices. I used whatever my hair dresser sold me, but the stuff here was half the price. I finally spotted the brand she listed then had to figure out which one was for volume. So many kinds. Oily hair, fine hair. It was probably the same liquid in each bottle.
I tossed the shampoo and conditioner in the cart then went to the next aisle for body wash. She had written down something flowery. I started popping open tops and sniffing until I found one I liked.
“Do you always sniff women’s body washes?”
I dropped the bottle into the cart, turning to see Cassidy with her son.
“Uh, hey.” I held up the list. “Out shopping for my mom.”
“That makes sense then. Let me help.” She picked up the bottle from my cart and put it back on the shelf, before pulling down another brand. “This one is a few dollars more, but it’s better for the skin. Leaves it softer.”
I took the bottle and set it in the cart.
“Not gonna smell it?”
If it smelled anything like she did, it could cost a hundred dollars. I didn’t care. “I trust you.”
She smiled. “I guess if your mom doesn’t like it, I’m to blame.”
I glanced at her son then back at her. There was a slight resemblance, but he had almost black hair where she dark red, almost auburn. He must have gotten it from his father.
“I’m sorry I haven’t called.”
“It’s okay.” She grabbed a box of soap and looked at Shiloh. “This the one you want, right?”
“Yeah,” he replied, glancing around like h
e was bored. I knew the feeling all too well. If it wasn’t for this trip to the store, I’d probably be in my house, staring at the walls.
She tossed it into the cart. “He’s getting picky on what I buy him.”
“I wish I could say I’ve been busy,” I said, getting back to my initial apology.
“It’s okay, I understand. It’s not like I expected us to go anywhere.”
I did though. As I stood here, seeing her and Shiloh, I could imagine myself with them shopping. “I want to see you again.”
“Can we go?” Shiloh asked, giving me a weird look. Did he sense I was interested in his mother? I didn’t get the impression she dated much.
“Just a moment.” She picked up her list. “Can you go grab a bottle of hair spray in the next aisle?”
“Uh huh.” Her son walked away slowly.
When he was gone, Cassidy said, “I don’t want him to know we’ve been out again. Especially since this is casual seeing as though you’re avoiding me.”
“I’m not avoiding you.” Okay, I was. “I’m just nervous around you.”
“Why?”
“You’re different from any other woman I’ve been with.”
“I put my pants on just like everyone else.”
I laughed. This is what I liked about her. She was down to earth and not at all impressed by my looks. Shiloh came back to the cart, dropping a black bottle into the basket. I didn’t want to take up any more of their time. It was obvious from the look on her son’s face, he was less than impressed by me.
“I’ll call you,” I said, meaning it this time.
“Sounds good.” She smiled as she grabbed the handle of her cart. “See you.”
Her ass swayed as she spun around, walking away from me, her son several steps behind. Taking the list from the shopping cart and glancing over it, I went toward the food to get the rest of the items. As I strode that way, I looked for Cassidy, needing to see her again.
This wasn’t good. Settling down hadn’t been in my cards, yet something about Cassidy had changed that in me. I wanted the chance to know everything about her and change her views on men, because it was clear she didn’t think highly of us. I’d always sweet talked women to get in their pants, but with this woman, I wanted to sweet talk my way into her heart.