A Cowboy To Keep: A Contemporary Western Romance Collection

by Hebby Roman

  The heat of his mouth circled her breast over the silky material of her bra. He raised a hand and she felt nimble fingers unhook the back. Cool air wafted over her exposed breasts as Sawyer tore off his shirt, then melted into her, skin against skin.

  His mouth returned to her breasts and he teased her nipple with his tongue until she was certain she’d die from the torment. His hand strayed lower and she almost did. Gasping for breath, she reached for his belt, needing to feel more of him.

  He stopped her with a firm hold. “How about we take this into the bedroom?”

  With her head spinning, Addison readily led the way.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Sawyer opened his eyes, waking long before daybreak. He embraced Addison’s curves, pulling her closer into his body. She moaned in her sleep inspiring a grin. He could get used to waking up to her. The woman was amazing. And last night…incredible.

  She moved, nestling her nose into the crook of his neck. “Are you awake?” she asked groggily.

  “Yes. I have been for a while now.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me?” She bolted upright, feigning mock anger.

  He swallowed hard, stunned by her natural beauty. Addison was a sight…hair mussed from sleep and wearing little more than a sleepy grin. This is what he wanted to see every time he opened his eyes. Shaken by the way she affected him, a thought struck him, knocking the wind out of his sails. He was falling hard for the girl. And though it terrified him, he wanted nothing more.

  He raised a hand, gently cupping the back of her neck to pull her into a kiss. What was meant to be nothing more than a morning peck, quickly developed into an hour of exploration and lovemaking. Taking his time, Sawyer reacquainted himself with the peaks and valleys of her body, connecting in a way he didn’t think possible.

  They cuddled for a bit before she excused herself to take a shower. She sashayed toward the bathroom wearing only that sexy smile. At the door, she whirled around and invited him to join her with a crook of her finger.

  Unable to refuse such an intriguing offer, he rose to his feet, and the next half hour was spent frolicking in hot water while soaping one another up. Once out of the shower, they dried off and as he dressed, she coaxed him into the kitchen with a promise of scrambled eggs and coffee.

  While she whisked a bowl of eggs, he filled the coffee pot with fresh grounds and water, then pressed the on button.

  “About the trailer…,” Addison began, pausing to pour the yellow froth into a skillet. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before. Billy’s grandpa has a couple of them he doesn’t use anymore since he went out of the cattle business. I’m sure I could talk him into borrowing one.”

  “Think we’ll need it after all? I’ve already mentioned seeing a strange vehicle to Ramsey and I was planning on dropping a hint or two to Slim sometime today. I’m sure he’ll take the bait and repeat it again to Ramsey. Might be enough to sidetrack them.”

  “Maybe you’re right. I’d rather not get Billy or his grandpa involved anyway,” Addison admitted. Using a spatula, she stirred at the eggs until they were fluffy and ready to eat. She filled two plates, then sat them on the table. Sawyer filled two mugs with coffee and joined her as she sat down.

  “I’d like to get this over with.” She toyed with the food on her plate.

  Sawyer nodded. He wanted to get this done and over with, too. At this point, Ramsey was only suspicious of him. Not Addison. If all went well, he’d be the one taking all of the risks. “Tonight then. After work, I’ll stick around Ramsey’s and then turn in early. Meet me at the property line around midnight. If I don’t show, get the hell out of there. Promise?”

  “Yeah.” She sighed, forcing a smile. Reaching across the table, she placed her hand on his. “I promise. I’m sure this will be a walk in the park. Nothing to it. We get the cattle and get out.”

  Though her words were convincing, he read the doubt in her stare.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Close to midnight, Addison neared the property line. She peered into the dark, praying Sawyer would be there as promised. A low growl from Scout alerted her to a tall shadow moving near the fence. Sawyer called out, letting her know it was him.

  Exhaling a sigh of relief, she released the heavy breath she’d been holding. He helped her to dismount, holding her close as she slid down his torso and then long after her feet found solid ground. Strong fingers cupped the back of her neck, pulling her in for a kiss.

  A spike of desire jolted her with a feverish demand. Dizzily she pulled away and tried to gain control over her scrambled senses and the frantic beat of her heart.

  “Are you ready for this?”

  Ready for what? Addison tried to clear the cotton wool from her head. Why the hell did the man have to greet her with a kiss? His mouth messed up everything. Now all she wanted was another kiss, or maybe a hundred zillion more.

  “If you are sure you want to go through with this, we’d better make our move now. Unless you wanted to continue on this path we’re on,” he whispered into her ear, then trailed kisses along the tender side of her neck. “I think I’d much rather keep on kissing you.”

  Warmth spread through her limbs, and she not only forgot about the chill in the air, she had completely set aside the mission she’d started on. She placed her hands on his chest and stepped back.

  Firmly chiseled muscles flexed under her palms. Damn. So much for the resolution to focus only on her ranch today. All day long she’d been on pins and needles, preparing herself for this moment. She’d pictured every move, imagined every cow. And now, after a few mind-blowing kisses, she’d darn near forgotten her own name.

  “I promise there will be plenty more when this is over.” She dropped her hands to her side and inhaled a deep lungful of air. “I’m ready. In fact, I’m better prepared tonight than I was last night. I brought a flashlight. Plus I decided on my .38 Special instead of the shotgun.” She patted the sidearm holstered at her hip. “It’s small but packs a punch. Hopefully I won’t have to use it.”

  “Good idea. I feel better knowing you are armed, just in case something happens. But only use the flashlight here. We can’t risk someone seeing the light.” Sawyer reached for her hand. “Let’s make sure we are on the same page. First we clear this field, then we move on to the next for the pregnant cows and heifers?”

  “Yes,” she seconded. “We stick with the plan.”

  Her horse moved, a large inky shadow amongst a field of shadows. Addison walked toward the mare. Feeling along the bulk of the horse’s body, she fumbled for the saddlebag. Opening the leather flap, she retrieved the flashlight and wire cutters, then bounced a beam of light off of the fence line to the post closest to the opening.

  She clipped the first strand. Ping. Followed by the second. Ping. And down the line until all five strands were cut. No turning back now. She inhaled a ragged breath, feeling oddly empowered. Though terrified, she fought the urge to thrust her fist into the air in triumph. Ramsey would not get the best of her.

  She forced herself to calm down, blaming the reaction on adrenaline. This was far too early for a victory dance. All she’d managed to do was cut her fence line.

  “Keep those handy. We will need them for the pasture holding the heavies. I’ll go first.” He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. “Now, if something goes down, you get the hell out of here. Got it?”

  She tucked the flashlight and wire cutters into her coat pocket. The man was crazy to think she’d let him take responsibility for her actions. “Absolutely not. Are you out of your mind? These are my cattle. I’m not breaking the law, Ramsey is.”

  “This is not negotiable. I’m not talking about the law here. We are dealing with a ruthless man. If this goes south, get the hell out,” he demanded. “Just promise me. Please?”

  “Fine. Whatever you say,” she blurted, only to appease him. But, his words triggered a faint memory of something the crooked rancher had once said about Sawyer….the fall guy
in case it all goes south. “I’m not the only one who may be in trouble. You’d better watch your back.”

  “I’ll be okay. I’ve dealt with a lot of men like Ramsey.” The softness of lips brushed her temple. A whisk of air stirred her hair and she no longer felt the warmth of his body heat. She heard the faint creak of the leather as he mounted, followed by a few words of encouragement to Black Jack, and then he was gone.

  Though shaky, Addison was too amped to be scared. She made her way back to her horse and untied the reins. She mounted and released a low whistle to Scout.

  “Get down,” she commanded in a stern voice in order to garnish the dog’s complete attention, then went through the opening. Once inside Ramsey’s property lines, she directed the dog to load up for a left hand outrun.

  Eager and alert, Scout fell into place. Sharing his energy, Addison inhaled a deep breath. All of her senses were heightened as a combined mix of fear and excitement shot through her. Her heartbeat raced, the sound drummed loudly, damn near exploding in her ears. She wiped clammy hands on her pant leg, then grasped the reins firmly.

  She prompted Chesney forward with the heel of her boots. In the distance were several dark shapes. Cattle that belonged to her. Their movement shifted, coming closer. She spurred forward in an arc to come up behind them as Scout circled along an outer loop on the opposite side.

  A shadow bobbed and flitted further back, pushing a straying dark shape toward her and she knew it was Black Jack performing the graceful dance of cutting, as her father had taught him. She spurred Chesney to a large sooty outline on the far end of the field.

  Positioning the horse parallel to the cow, she paced alongside it. Addison applied pressure to the saddle so Chesney knew to slow down. The animal turned and the mare anticipated the move, rolling over her hocks to box the cow in but not let it get away.

  The horse shifted its weight to her hindquarters, balancing on haunches and flexing in the direction of the turn. Once both animals were in sync, the horse mirrored the cow’s movement.

  After a few moments of this, Addison was able to convince the cow to join the other cattle heading toward her land. Scout prodded them to the fence line, nipping at their heels.

  She glanced over her shoulder in Sawyer’s direction and heeded the approach of two shapes. So far so good. Once all the cattle were on her side of the property line. She dismounted. Sawyer joined her a moment later.

  “Halfway there.” A hitch in his normally smooth tone told her he loved this too. “You think Scout can hold them while we go back for the girls? Or you could stay here and I’ll go back.”

  “No way. I’d go back, not you. Won’t be necessary anyway. Scout can keep them here,” Addison said with conviction. After the many hours she’d spent training the dog, Addison knew his capabilities. She tapped her jacket pocket to make sure the fence cutters were where she’d tucked them earlier. “I’m ready.”

  Sawyer grasped her arm. “Whoa. Wait a minute. How about a kiss for good luck?”

  She complied, kissing him chastely on the lips. “There will be more of this later,” she promised again. “But right now, I can’t have you sidetracking me.” Before he could object, she pulled away and remounted her mare. “Hold,” she ordered Scout, and then spurred Chesney forward.

  Rampaging thoughts spread like wildfire as she galloped to the holding pasture. Stealing her cattle back was only half the battle. Sawyer was right. Ramsey was ruthless. He’d come after her.

  Nearing the fence, she dismounted long enough to cut the barbed wire. Perhaps it would’ve been less time consuming to start with the pregnant heifers and cows and have herded them all at once, but the pasture was closer to the ranch-hands’ quarters, upping the risk.

  She remounted and entered the field. As she rounded up the cattle, Sawyer headed toward the mom and new calf. Leaving him behind, Addison continued to herd the animals out of the field. Once on her land, she released a heavy sigh of relief and then turned back around in search of Sawyer.

  She saw only darkness.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Conflicted, Addison wasn’t sure what to do. Still perched atop of Chesney, she debated whether to stay put or go back. His words came back to haunt her...if something goes down.

  Oh Lord. What if something had? Feeling as if she’d been punched in the stomach, she gasped for breath. Frozen lungs refused to hold the air. She clasped a hand against her chest as a heaviness spread. Forcing short, measured breaths, she tried to calm herself down. An impossible feat considering her reeling thoughts.

  Though terrified, Addison spurred her horse forward, determined to find him. A dark mass moved in the distance and she pulled back on the leather straps in her hand to halt Chesney. Squinting, she tried to see in the pitch blackness. Finally, the shape materialized into a horse and Sawyer emerged, the calf draped over the saddle in front of him and the mother in tow.

  “I had to carry him. His little legs wouldn’t keep up,” he said breathlessly.

  She jumped from her horse to meet him, but her knees buckled refusing to hold her weight and she stumbled. Somehow Sawyer managed to lower the calf to the ground and dismount, then raced to her side.

  “I…was…oh my…I thought….” Struggling to speak, she was at a loss for words.

  “I’m here.” Sawyer soothed her with smooth tone.

  She trailed her fingers along his face as if the touch would reinforce he was really there. Strong arms embraced her and she was hugged into an unyielding chest. Her body shook in an uncontrollable tremor and she realized how close her world had come to crashing down. The thought of losing him unbearable. She wrapped her arms around his middle, and breathed in his scent, wanting to hold onto this moment forever.

  “I’m sorry for the scare. The calf put up a little fight.”

  She raised her head and he brushed his lips against hers.

  “I’m fine. I was just worried.” Worried? More like devastated. She inhaled a ragged breath and attempted to push the thought aside. Sawyer was here. Safe and sound.

  “I’m okay. I would’ve been here sooner but I had to chase that little fellow around first.” He lifted his hand and pointed toward the calf. “I can’t tell, but I think he’s still over there. If not, he didn’t get far. We better get a fence back up or all this will have been for nothing.”

  “Yeah. You’re probably right,” Addison agreed.

  “You sure you’re ok?” He stood and held out his hand to help her up.

  She nodded though he couldn’t see. Accepting his arm, she rose and started toward her horse to grab the tools to repair the fence. She fumbled through her saddle bag, retrieving what she needed and the flashlight. Working as a team, they quickly strung up five lines of wire, once again separating the properties.

  “I think we are good. At first light, I’ll have the boys herd the cows into the other pastures. But I’d like to get the mother and calf into shelter tonight. Would you mind?”

  “No. Not at all. In fact, I’d feel better if they were sheltered too. Then we can stable the horses and I’ll go back for my truck.”

  “Your truck?” She’d never even considered his vehicle. “You shouldn’t have left it there.”

  “I had to. Ramsey would’ve known something was up if I hadn’t. Don’t worry. I’ll be in and out.”

  Addison grimaced. Good Lord she hoped so. Her heart could only take so much. She took a step forward and placed her palm on his chest. “You know what I said the other day about being able to do this myself? I lied. Don’t get me wrong, I would’ve still tried.” A shrill laugh escaped her. “But honestly, I don’t think I could’ve done this without you. And when I didn’t see you…,” she paused, blinking away the horrible thoughts before they could arise. “I just want to thank you. There’s not really anything I could say to tell you how much I appreciate you helping me.”

  “You just did.” He pulled her into a hug and she nuzzled in the warmth of his neck. “Though it wasn’t only to help you.
I told you I can’t abide a thief or a liar. Can’t stand them. Ramsey should’ve never stolen from you. Or anyone else for that matter. He needed to be knocked down a peg. But, trust me, this isn’t over yet. There may be hell to pay.”

  “I’ll worry about the consequences later. Right now I just want to bask in the glory of what we just accomplished. I have all of my cows back where they belong.” She pointed her flashlight at the cattle. Quickly finding the mother and calf, she held the light. “There they are. We may need to pony the calf again. It’ll be too much of a hike for the little guy. Your horse or mine?”

  Sawyer chuckled. “Mine I guess. Seat’s already warmed up.”

  Knowing the cow would be far less weary of an approaching horse, Addison mounted Chesney and headed toward the calf. She managed to keep him in place until Sawyer neared. He picked up the animal as if he barely weighed anything and somehow managed to mount Black Jack while holding onto the wiggly creature.

  Once secure, she called out for Scout and then they headed toward the pasture fenced off for calving. The calf bellowed, objecting to the ride. His loud cries garnished a low chuckle from them both.

  “There’s the pen. See the light?” She pointed off in the distance.

  “I like that the calving pen is close to the house,” Sawyer admired. “It’s convenient so you can check on the expectant mothers as often as you like.”

  “Yep. Plus, I turned on a heating lamp so it’d be nice and cozy for the little guy.”

  “Good idea. He’s trying to get under my coat as we speak.” Sawyer chuckled. The cheerful sound made a nice ending for the night. For a moment, all of Addison’s anxiety eased.

  Maybe everything was going to be okay after all.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After the mama cow and her baby were tucked into their new stall, Addison could finally breathe again. Sawyer’s hand cupped hers, surrounding her palm with warmth. Feeling the heat of his stare, she spun to face him.