A man sitting a ways down the bar laughed. “Best card this one. He looks like he just fell off the turnip truck.”
Pete forced his mouth into an amiable smile. No sense in riling anyone up.
The bartender turned and looked at Pete. A shock of short, curly, platinum blonde hair surrounded her tanned face. Serious sea-green eyes met his brown ones. Wow, she was spectacular. Walking toward him in her no-nonsense red tank top, her eyes drifted to his work clothes. She had to be almost six feet tall, just five inches shorter than him. And thin, like a runner.
Stopping in front of him, she tipped her chin up, a quick motion.
He swallowed, wanting to see if those tight lips of hers would loosen up when he kissed them, if that slightly-fuller bottom lip would be bitable, if—
“You drinking, hayseed?”
The woman was all business, and a good portion rude. She crossed her long, thin arms over her small chest.
“No, ma’am.” He tried to form a sentence, tried to remember who his placement counselor at the graphic arts school had told him to ask for. But his body just hummed in acknowledgement of the Amazon in front of him.
“Hun, I got work to do. Did you just come in to stare?” Her eyes widened a bit, and her cheeks pinked up a little under her tan.
The bikers on either side of him snickered, keeping a close watch over the two of them.
“Ma’am, I’m looking to talk to the owner, CJ Overton. Is he here today?”
One of her light-brown eyebrows rose. “Yeah. He’s here. What’s your business with him?”
“If you don’t mind, I’ll take that up with Mr. Overton.” He hadn’t meant to be impolite, but it’d sure come out that way.
“Ooooooh,” a few of the bikers piped up.
Those tight lips of hers went even stiffer. She looked toward the other end of the bar. “Take over, Tony.” Her gaze barely brushed over Pete’s face. “C’mon, hayseed. I’ll bring you back to the office.” She strode out from behind the bar, her short denim skirt reaching only mid-thigh, her long, slender legs ending in ankle-high, lace-up red tennis shoes.
Along the hallway leading to the back exit, she stopped and punched in a code beside a black door marked “Keep Out” and led the way into a room with two desks that were loaded with papers and files. Beyond these, in a glassed-in office, an immaculately clean scarred wood desk sat with an office chair behind it, and two guest chairs in front.
She walked into the office. “Have a seat.” She gestured to the guest chairs.
“Thank you, ma’am.” He stayed on his feet, waiting for her to leave.
She didn’t. She walked behind the desk, sat in the office chair, and laid her palm on the desk. “I’m CJ Overton. What ‘cha need?”
####
Dax has his own story, book 3 of the All Cowboy Series, All Smoke No Fire. Read about the exciting way he meets Marilou, and how he ends up at Mardi Gras. Read the book blurb and find out where you can order your copy by clicking HERE. I’m attaching a sneak peek for you:
Dax and Marilou’s story:
All Smoke No Fire - Chapter One
Dax Marshall stood backstage at the small theater of Wiley Pete’s Casino in Rapid City, South Dakota, watching Marilou Roselle sing and strum her acoustic guitar, her band behind her. The venue had sold out, no surprise. She was a rising star in the country music world, and one of the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. Long, black hair, straight as a ruler to the middle of her back, and hazel eyes that tipped up at the outer corners.
He’d said a quick hello as she’d walked on stage, but their official meeting would happen after she finished the show. He’d contacted her people to pitch a new song he’d written for her, but her agent had explained that Marilou was a little old-fashioned. She didn’t like to hear new songs through her headphones, but live from the writer.
Dax had never been this nervous in his life. He leaned on his guitar case and took deep breaths.
She ended the set with her most popular song, handed her guitar to a roadie as she waved and left the stage.
Dax stood back, leaving her and her entourage plenty of room.
The roar of the crowd coalesced into a single chant, “One. More. Song.”
She stopped a few feet past him, taking a drink from a bottle, then letting her makeup person touch up her face and lips.
Her gaze met his. She gave him a finger wave.
He nodded and gripped his guitar case for stability. She’s a nice person. He repeated the mantra, having been promised this was true by half the people standing around behind the stage.
Marilou handed her bottle to a staffer, and walked toward the stage, but stopped right in front of Dax.
The stage lights shifted.
The crowd grew louder. “Ma-ri-lou, Ma-ri-lou.”
She leaned into him. “Guess that’s me, huh?” With the two-inch heel on her cowgirl boots, she was still a half a foot shorter than his six feet.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m pretty sure it is.” Could he sound any dumber?
She laughed, holding out her hand. “You’re the songwriter, correct?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He took her hand, feeling the zap of excitement race all the way up his arm.
“Do you have a name?” She blinked, looking innocent.
“Yes, ma’am. Dax Marshall.”
“All right, Dax. I’m excited to hear what you’ve got for me.”
“Yes...” He didn’t dare say “ma’am” one more time, or she’d think he was a parrot. “...Ms. Roselle.”
She smirked as she walked back on stage to the shouts of thousands of fans. “You wanna hear another one?”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Marilou sang her two most popular songs, and everyone sang along, including Dax. She had a voice that could melt butter. Soft and rich, but she could hit the high notes, too.
“Can I get another mic stand out here?” She looked backstage, and the crew jumped into action. “One with two mics, please. One down here...” She held her hand at the level of her guitar. “And one up here.” Her hand lifted to about the top of her head. “Thanks, guys.”
She smiled at the audience. “I like to get my money’s worth out of those roadies, you know what I mean?”
The audience clapped and whistled.
The spotlight narrowed on just her, camouflaging the road crew as they set up the mics while she sang a slow ballad.
After the song and the applause, she turned to look backstage where he stood. “I’ve got a surprise for you.” She pointed in his direction, then looked out at the audience. “We have a local boy, songwriter, who I want to bring out on stage right now to sing a song he wrote for me.”
Dax’s heart thudded to a halt, then he relaxed. It had to be someone else. He looked around his area, but everyone stared right at him. “Oh shit.”
Marilou put her hand beside her mouth, and leaned into the mic. “He didn’t know I was going to do this, so be kind to him, okay?”
The audience erupted in applause.
“Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time ever live, and on stage, Dax Marshall.”
“Oh shit.” His face heated and he gripped his guitar case tighter.
Shouts and whistles came from the audience.
A guy grabbed Dax’s guitar case and set it on the ground. “Pull yourself together, buddy. This is your big break, right here.”
Dax stood staring out at where Marilou smiled at him from under the bright lights. “I’m not sure I can...”
“Sure you are.” The man slung his guitar strap over Dax’s head, handed him a pick, and gave him a mighty shove out onto the stage.
“Oh shiiiiit.”
####
Ready for the fourth book in the All Cowboy Series? Huck’s book, All Work No Play, will be released in December 2015, just in time for New Years’ Eve. You’ll learn Huck’s secret, the one that takes him away weekends, and you’ll meet Shiloh, a woman who’ll keep Huck wishing he had less wo
rk to do, and a lot more time to play.
Connect With Me
When I attended the Black Hills Roundup at the invitation of a friend, I had no idea how completely I’d fall in love with the town, the rodeo, and everyone I met there. Shaw and Harper’s story was so much fun to write, and I hope you’ll pick up Pete and Dax’s stories today, and Huck’s story when it’s released later this year.
I'd love to hear from you. I've listed all the places I hang out, and I hope you'll connect with me at one or more of them.
All my best,
Randi
"Rode Hard and Put Up Satisfied"
RandiAlexander.com
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About the Author
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander knows a modern woman dreams of an alpha cowboy who takes the reins, and guarantees they’re rode hard and put up satisfied.
Published with Cleis Press, Wild Rose Press, and self-published, Randi writes smokin' hot romance with heroes who'll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them. When she's not dreaming of, or writing about, rugged cowboys, Randi is biking trails along remote rivers, snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday forming a tropical rock-band.
Forever an adventurous spirit with a naughty imagination, Randi is also family oriented and married to the best guy in the world, her own cowboy, Kick. Give in to the allure of erotic passion, strong but vulnerable heroines, and irresistibly seductive cowboys, as Randi's emotional love stories sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with passion.
Saddle up! And prepare yourself for the sexier side of happily ever after.
Other Books by Randi Alexander
The Sons of Dusty Walker: Jackson - When rodeo bronc rider Jackson Walker’s father passes away, he’s shocked to find he’s not the only son of Dusty Walker. His dad had three other families at compass points around the country. When a stipulation in Dusty’s will requires him to live in his dad’s house and work at his company for one week, Jackson heads to Red Creek, Kansas to get it over with, so he can get the hell back to his regularly scheduled life.
Computer engineer Rori Hughes needs to solidify her position in Dusty’s company, but the only one of his four sons available is Jackson, and Rori has a mighty low opinion of rodeo cowboys. Finding inconsistencies in the computer files, Rori and Jackson work together to solve the mystery, but their constant contact fires a red-hot desire that burns wild between them.
Spending their days at Dusty’s opulent lakeside home, and their nights together making love, they both ignore the warning signs that point to their attraction becoming more than merely sexual. Jackson’s time in Red Creek is coming to an end, but can he follow his original plan and leave town, breaking away from smart, beautiful, sexy Rori?
Legend Awakening Book 1 of the Diaries of a Casanova Series - The series addresses the controversial and often taboo art of The Ultimate Female Orgasm. The books are based on true-life events and real life experiences of co-author, Leo J. Canyon, pen name for a country music artist who has been seen by millions. “Leo” has opened his secret vault, telling his story in this truthful adventure that unfolds through fiction. The series of three books combines a traditional romance with a supernatural twist, and sexual passion so strong it smolders off the page. This mysterious subject begs to be explored, opening discussions for women worldwide. Join us as we take this erotic storytelling journey together. It’s fiction based on truth, guaranteed to get a little rain on you.
When small-town, Southern boy Liam Jackson learns he’s able to evoke The Ultimate Female Orgasm, he’s unprepared for the side effects. With each one he brings forth, he inherits the woman’s sexual uncertainty and frustrations. This frees the woman to love whomever she chooses, but binds Liam’s soul more and more with each encounter, lessening his ability to find love.
Inspired by the rumor of a legendary ritual known as “The Rain Ceremony,” Liam questions whether this ability may be his hereditary legacy. In a reckless search for answers, he creates havoc with the people he cares about most. Reaching the lowest point of his life, he is faced with a pivotal decision: will Liam seek the future his family wants for him, or continue his search for the truth?
As the legend awakens, Liam can no longer ignore the mysterious powers at work within him.
All Hat No Cattle Book 1 of the All Cowboy Series - It’s Independence Day, and Harper Johansen is at the rodeo in South Dakota on business. While she’s deep in cowboy territory, she’s hoping to meet a real cowboy—one who shares her dreams for the future. Shaw Donahue, tall and sexy in his cowboy hat, jeans, and boots, could be that man, and Harper quickly falls for his seductive charm. Until he tells her he’s a roughneck.
Shaw can’t believe his luck. Harper is an accomplished, intelligent businesswoman, and she’s beautiful, sexy, and willing. Until she learns he’s working in the local oil field. Before he can explain the reason he’s roughnecking, she pushes him away, telling him they can only be friends. He doesn’t fit into her plans. With four days of rodeo ahead of them, can Shaw convince Harper to value a man for more than his cattle?
All Flash No Cash Book 2 of the All Cowboy Series - When bar owner CJ Overton hires Pete Gonally to paint a motorcycle for a charity giveaway, she expects him to do it her way. After all, he’s a small-time rancher, and graphic arts is just his hobby. But Pete comes back with his own ideas, and sparks fly as tension builds between them. The only way to relieve the pressure is one hot night in her bed. Just one. But Pete wants more.
Pete lets CJ think he’s just a farm boy, but working on the oil field for years, he’s accumulated a small fortune. CJ’s dream future includes selling the bar, leaving Deadwood, and traveling the world. Attaching herself to a hayseed like Pete would only ruin her chances. How can Pete convince CJ that falling for a “dirt-poor farmer” will make her happier than anything she’d ever find outside of her small town of Deadwood, South Dakota?
All Smoke No Fire Book 3 of the All Cowboy Series - Dax Marshall is surprised when country music singer Marilou Roselle calls him out on stage to perform the song he hoped to sell her. But he’s downright shocked when she invites him to ride with her to New Orleans for a Mardi Gras performance. He makes the uncharacteristic choice to take time off from his job on the oil field, and head south with her. But somewhere between South Dakota and Louisiana, he falls for the intelligent, motivated, sensual woman.
Marilou sees great potential in Dax, with his deep, seductive voice and strong, sexy body, but she knows he’ll always stay behind the scenes as a songwriter if she doesn’t nudge him toward a singing career. The attraction between them grows hotter than a Bourbon Street bar on Mardi Gras Day and they give in to their wild desire. But Dax learns he’s not Marilou’s first “project” and heads home, confused and heartbroken. Can she convince him that their bond isn’t like those other times, that what she feels for him is real? Or is what they have all smoke and no fire?
Double Her Fantasy Book 1 of the Double Seduction Series- At a comic book convention, artist Megan Shore is amazed to find action movie hunk Garret McGatlin sharing the same elevator. Usually reclusive, she jumps on the rare opportunity and flirts shamelessly with the man who has starred in more than one of her sexy fantasies. He responds strong and seductive, and she agrees to meet him for a drink—in his suite. When she arrives, it's his rancher brother, Trey, who opens the door and unleashes Megan's cowboy fantasy. Both men pour on the charm, and she's uncertain which of them she desires more.
The McGatlin brothers have shared many women, but Megan is an irresistible combination of brains, beauty, humor, and sensuality. They want her, need both of their cocks sliding deep inside her. Working together, they execute a potent seduction. W
hen one hot night turns into an amazing week, the three-way relationship becomes emotionally charged. But some bad publicity sends a terrified Megan running, and Garret and Trey have to devise a way to make the headlines disappear. Can they pull off the impossible, or will they lose Megan forever?
Double Her Pleasure Book 2 of the Double Seduction Series - Megan Shore had spent a fantasy week in Chicago with two of the sexiest men she’d ever met. Now she’s a guest on their ranch, and the McGatlin brothers, Trey and Garret, are heating up their ménage under the bright Texas sun. But when strange messages and mysterious gifts begin appearing, Megan fears the threat from her past has followed her from Canada.
Trey and Garret McGatlin decided they wanted Megan for more than just that mind-blowing week in Chicago. Now that she’s with them on the Silver Spur, they’re thinking long-term. But she’s spooked by a past that won’t leave her alone and by people’s questions about their relationship. Will Megan bolt for home, or can they assure her she’s safe as well as desired in their bed?
Double Her Temptation Book 3 of the Double Seduction Series- Visiting the Silver Spur ranch in western Texas, Megan Shore loves being the center of sexy Trey and Garret McGatlin’s sensual attentions. The more the brothers get to know the woman they’d met and seduced during one memorable weekend in Chicago, the more they can see her fitting into their lives long-term. But when a stalker from Megan’s past finds her, she’s tempted to run back to the polar north to hide.
As the threat escalates, Garret and Trey call on their family to help find the man intent on kidnapping Megan. When Megan’s parents start encouraging her to leave the ranch and return north with them, the McGatlin brothers need to prove that the best place for their woman is tucked tightly between their hard bodies, held safely in their arms.
Red Hot and BOOM! A Sizzling Hot Collection of Stories from the Red Hot Authors Page 7