"You should pet her." Melissa moved closer for support, then reached out to stroke the snake. "See, she likes it."
Windy's arm bristled with goose bumps. Could she actually touch that slimy thing? "I don't know."
"We'll pet her together," the girl offered.
All right, Windy told herself. Just do it. Get it over with. Be brave. She may as well get to know the annoying boa. After all, the snake and Sky were a package deal.
She raised her hand cautiously, looking for the end without teeth. At the moment Tequila's head was tucked into a fold of her oversize T-shirt, making the reptile look like one continuous, winding gray mass.
Melissa kept her promise and reached out, coaxing Windy to do the same.
"Wow." Windy was awestruck. She had expected its skin to feel wet and slimy or rough and scaly. But Tequila was as smooth as silk. Instinctively, she traced the length of the reptile, marveling at its beauty. An overwhelming feeling of pride came over her, realizing the unrelenting effort it took on Tequila's part to capture her attention.
This was a good sign, she thought. Tequila had accepted her as Sky's mate. And since the snake had supposedly sent Windy that spiritual dream, maybe Sky would realize that he and Windy were meant to be together from the beginning, that Tequila had been right all along.
Melissa smiled. "I told you she just wanted to be friends."
"And you were right," Windy responded as her stomach growled. She grinned at Melissa. "Sorry, I haven't eaten since lunch. I'm starving."
"Me, too." Melissa hopped off the couch. "Let's go fix a snack."
"Okay." Oh, goodness, now she felt guilty about disturbing Tequila. The friendly snake looked so content on her lap. "Tequila." She poked the still gray form. "I'm going into the kitchen. Do you want to come?"
Melissa remained silent as did Windy, as though waiting for Tequila's response. Naturally the snake didn't make a peep, or budge an inch.
Finally Melissa came forward and lifted Tequila with both hands, balancing the reptile carefully. "You can get up now," she told Windy.
"Thanks."
When Windy felt the cool kitchen tiles beneath her feet, she glanced back to see if Tequila had followed. Sure enough, her loyal new friend was right there.
* * *
Sky led Windy into his dressing room behind the arena at Rodeo Knights. He had already introduced her to his coworkers, including what he'd called the most important contributors, the quarter horses, palominos and paints that performed to perfection.
As Sky took Windy's hand, she beamed. He had introduced her as his "girlfriend." Not friend or roommate, but girlfriend. Even Charlie had smiled at the affectionate title, sending Windy a playful wink.
Sky closed the door and tossed his hat onto a small counter. The tiny room, cluttered with costumes, sported a plaid recliner, a full-length mirror and an adjoining bathroom. "Do you want to sit down?" he asked.
"Thanks." She smiled and settled into the upholstered chair. "So this is where you change?"
"Yeah." He reached for the top snap on his shirt, pulling it open. "Charlie has a wardrobe lady. She takes care of the clothes, makes sure they're repaired, cleaned, things like that." He touched his shirt—white satin decorated with a rhinestone collar and fringed sleeves. "Fancy, huh?"
She nodded. Besides the shirt, he wore snug denims and a pair of black-and-white leather chaps, equally formfitting. Windy mentally thanked the wardrobe lady. Sky looked good enough to eat. And she wasn't the only female who thought so. She'd heard the feminine catcalls and cheers from the audience during his solo act. "You were incredible out there. Where did you learn to ride like that?"
He removed the shirt. "I don't know. I mean, I don't really remember. Charlie said I was already doing stunts and tricks when he met me. Of course, he says I wasn't very polished, so he figured I was one of those kids who just came by it naturally. Took chances and tried things."
Windy didn't know what the stunts or tricks were called or what style of riding Sky had done, but she'd been more than impressed. He could ride frontward, backward, standing up, kneeling or hanging below the horse's belly. And he'd performed all sorts of rope tricks, some that involved other cast members.
"You must have lived in foster homes where the people had horses."
"Yeah. I have a vague recollection of this big ranch. I think lots of teenagers lived there. Like maybe the owners took in foster kids to help with the chores."
Windy crossed her legs. Tonight she'd chosen a Santa Fe-style skirt, a silk blouse and lizard-skin boots. "I'm getting used to being around horses now. I think I'll be able to ride by myself next time." They had already shared the big gelding several times. "I'm looking forward to going again."
"Yeah, you're doing great. Charlie has a mare he said you could borrow." Sky walked into the rest room and came out, sponging his face with a damp cloth. "She's the horse Melissa rides. I think you'd do fine on her."
"Gingersnap?" Windy asked, recalling the friendly mare at Charlie's house. Charlie and his wife had invited Sky and Windy to dinner last week. She found the parents as charming as their daughter.
"Yeah. Gingersnap. That's the one." He stretched his arms to the ceiling, then leaned against the counter. "I think Missy named her."
Windy leaned forward. "Why don't you have your own horse, Sky?"
"Charlie doesn't mind if I borrow his. And when I'm not working for him, I work as a ranch hand, or a trainer when someone's needin' one. There's always plenty of horses around."
"So you've never owned a horse of your own?"
"No. Tequila's the only companion I've ever had. And sometimes it's tough enough traveling with her. You know, hauling that terrarium around. Sometimes, I just rig some lights for her. It depends on where I'm bunking. Of course, I wouldn't mind having my own place, with my own horses, but, well, you know…"
No, she didn't know. "Maybe it's time for a change, Sky," she said, her voice steadier than the rhythm of her heart. Each week that passed brought them closer to September, closer to his impending departure. "I'm sure Tequila would enjoy having a permanent home. And a man with your skills should have his own ranch, even a mini one." She took a deep breath, reminding herself that he'd referred to her as his girlfriend earlier. "There's plenty of horse property around. Sure, Burbank is too expensive, but the area Charlie lives in is affordable." And Windy had already scanned the newspaper for rentals in that area, preparing for the future. "You and I could lease a place together. Edith wouldn't mind. She wouldn't have trouble finding another tenant."
Sky clawed his fingers through his hair. "Ah, Windy, honey. You know how I feel about California. I just don't belong here."
Windy kept herself focused, determined. If California was the problem, then she'd find a way around it. "We could go someplace else. I could transfer to another university. And there are preschools all over the country." She could make her home anywhere, as long as she was with the man she loved, pursuing the career of her dreams and teaching little children along the way.
Sky came toward her and held out both hands, inviting her to stand. "Let's not get caught up in the future, okay? It's easier on me if we just live day-to-day. No promises, remember?"
She glanced down at their joined hands, willing herself to remain strong. If he left in September, her heart would break, shatter into a million painful pieces. "Okay," she whispered.
Sky brought her hands to his lips and gently grazed her knuckles. "Did you get enough to eat earlier? I can take you out to dinner if you'd like."
She looked into his eyes, praying day-to-day would lead to month-to-month. Year-to-year. "I had the meal they served the audience."
"Yeah, but you don't eat ribs."
"The salad was good. The corn, too. And you know how I love fresh rolls and butter."
He rubbed his nose against hers, in what she thought of as an Eskimo-style kiss. "Don't be sad, Pretty Windy."
"I'm not," her pride responded, as she lifted her chin. "
Day-to-day is fine. I was just looking for a little adventure. You know, horses and all that."
"Okay. Good." He turned away and reached for the buckle on his chaps. "I should change."
Windy stood in the tiny dressing room, overwhelmed with the need to keep him close, caress him, press her mouth to his skin and make him shudder. Show him that she loved him. Tell him through her touch that they belonged together.
Now. And forever.
Walking up behind him, she placed her arms around his waist, covered his fingers with her own. "Let me undress you."
Sky turned and dropped his hands, his eyes a blazing shade of blue. "No problem."
Windy released the buckle, then slid her palms over the leather. "How do these…?"
He guided her to the outside seam on the chaps. "They zip."
"You mean unzip," she said, pulling the metal tab down. Divesting him of the fringed garment, she went after his jeans, opening yet another zipper.
She reached into the denims and found his body throbbing from her touch. Pressing her lips to his chest, she kissed each nipple and nudged him toward the chair.
He fell into the recliner and grinned. "Is this where you want me?"
"Yes." She knelt before him and put her mouth against his belly button. He looked too beautiful for words, she thought. A powerful chest and a long, golden torso. Slim hips and denim-clad legs. She opened his jeans farther, exposing the part of him she hungered to taste, tease, arouse.
His grin turned to a groan. "What are you doing?"
"Loving you," she whispered. "The way you love me."
He fisted her hair as though preparing to either pull her away or tug her closer. "Windy, you don't have to…"
Empowered by his struggle, she saw his eyes turn glassy, felt his pulse quicken, his body harden. She pressed her cheek to his thigh, flicked her tongue over him. "I want to."
Sky didn't close his eyes. Instead he watched her, just as she hoped he would. He caressed her face while she loved him, tracing her features, lifting his hips, silently urging her to take more. He tasted of salt and man, of desire and hunger, of a craving neither could seem to control.
"Oh, Windy," he moaned, pulling her up so he could kiss her, slam his tongue into her mouth.
They grappled with unwanted garments, their hands on the other's body, searching for warmth and aroused flesh. While she raked her nails over his chest, he tore the pink lace on her bra and suckled her nipples, his mouth frantic.
Naked except for the lizard boots and a shimmer of gold jewelry, she straddled his waist and teased the tip of his erection, sending a shiver over that smooth, bronzed skin. Somehow, through the blaze of urgency, he growled about needing protection.
Windy dragged him to the floor, spilled the contents of her purse and tore open the foil with her teeth. He entered her where they were, on the carpet, licking and kissing whatever part of her he could reach.
Panting like wild animals, they climaxed, together, on the floor, locked in a primal embrace.
Trembling, Sky fell into her arms. "How am I ever going to live without you?" he asked, his voice raw, breath ragged.
"You're not," she said, holding him possessively against her heart. You're not.
* * *
Chapter 13
« ^ »
Windy touched her tummy and glanced down at Tequila. The snake was coiled on the bathroom floor beneath a towel, its striped head poking out.
She gathered the remnants from the home pregnancy test and jammed them into the trash. August was nearly over, and since her monthly never arrived, she had begun to suspect the reason.
"I'm pregnant," Windy told her companion, her emotions wavering between shock and pure bliss. "There's a baby in here." Sky's baby.
Windy closed the toilet lid and sat down. Five weeks had passed since her birthday, since the day she'd conceived. It must have happened in the shower the morning after her birthday, the only time Sky had forgotten to use protection. They'd washed each other afterward, and she knew Sky had assumed the gentle cleansing had rinsed his seed away. Naturally, conception hadn't crossed his mind. But then, she hadn't mentioned her missed period, either.
"When should I tell him?" she asked Tequila, suddenly fearful. Although Sky hadn't made plans to leave, he still refused to discuss a future. And September was but a week away.
Windy released a choppy breath, expelling her anxiety. If Sky intended to leave, his bags would be packed by now, and he would have prompted her to find another roommate. September might be a week away, but the man she loved remained, sharing her life and her bed.
"I'll tell him tomorrow," she said, voicing her decision to the snake. Tomorrow was Cowboy Day at the preschool—the perfect day to tell her cowboy lover about his baby. He would visit the school and spend some quality time with her students. And later he'd find out about his own child.
Tequila coiled herself into a tighter ball, and Windy smiled. "Oh, he's going to be a little scared when I tell him, but what expectant parent isn't?" She cradled her tummy and closed her eyes, picturing Sky with their baby. Oh, yes, she could see the tiny life cuddled against his broad chest, cooing soft baby sounds and dreaming sweet baby dreams.
Windy opened her eyes, her heart brimming with motherhood. "I'll be patient with Sky, give him time to adjust." She leaned forward to stroke Tequila's head. "But don't worry," she assured the animal as much as herself, "once the initial shock wears off, he'll be as happy as I am."
Deep down, she thought, Sky adored children, secretly longed to have his own. All the signs were there: his relationship with Melissa, his fears about fatherhood. She remembered on their first date Sky had worried aloud about his parental skills. Why would a man be concerned about being a good father if he didn't want children?
She stood in front of the mirror and studied her reflection. Her hair wasn't so bad, she decided. Sky loved her rebellious curls, and he'd be thrilled to have a daughter with long golden waves, just as she'd be proud to have a blue-eyed, black-haired son.
She cocked her head, touched her lips in remembrance, tasting Sky's last kiss. He loves me. Skyler loves me.
He hadn't said so, not out loud, but she felt it in his touch, saw it in his smile whenever they made love. And soon he would know their loving had created a child, a tiny life growing in her womb.
A soft knock sounded on the door. "Windy, honey?"
Oh, my God.
"Sky?" she croaked, staring at the trash can, at the discarded pregnancy kit crunched on top. "How long have you been home?"
"A little while," he answered through the closed door. "I can't find Tequila. Is she with you?"
"Yes." She shot the snake a warning look, then almost laughed at her nervousness. Tequila couldn't talk. A reptile didn't need to be reprimanded about keeping secrets. "We're cleaning the bathroom."
Windy heard Sky chuckle, hoping he wouldn't try the door. "That snake follows you around like a puppy," he said. "You spoil her rotten."
Rather than respond, she scrambled for the trash and tied the bag, hiding the incriminating evidence. "Tomorrow," she whispered. Tomorrow she would tell Sky about their baby.
* * *
Sky walked through the narrow doorway, wishing he could turn tail and run. Career Week at the preschool was in full swing, and today was Cowboy Day. He didn't like the idea of having to interact with a bunch of tots. Performing in an arena was different. This gig required him to look the audience straight in the eye, be himself, rather than hide behind fancy duds and a rope.
He found room three and stood in the hallway, listening to the activity and happy chatter. Damning himself for being conned, he opened the door and stepped inside.
"The cowboy's here!" one of the children squealed, his tiny voice rising a decibel above the noisy room.
Anonymity wasn't possible, Sky realized. Not when he stood over six feet and wore black boots and a Stetson to match. He scanned the tables where the children sat, searching for Windy.
&nb
sp; She found him at the same moment. Their eyes met, and she smiled. He held on to her stare like a lifeline, praying he wouldn't disappoint her or the sea of little faces gazing up at him.
She came toward him and reached for his hand, gave it an encouraging squeeze. "This is my friend Sky," she told her students. "He's going to visit with us today. But first I'll collect your pictures. We'll have time to finish them later." She released Sky's hand and instructed the class to say a collective hello.
After the kids greeted him, he nodded and moved closer to observe their artwork. Apparently Windy had provided them with a picture of a pony. Some kids, he mused, had colored the animal blue or green. One happy little boy had decorated his with polka dots.
"Looks like an Appaloosa," Sky told the child. "They have spots."
The freckle-faced kid flashed a gap-toothed grin. "You a real cowboy?"
He nodded. "Yep."
"You kinda look like an Indian," another boy remarked.
Sky shifted his booted feet. "I'm an Indian who works as a cowboy."
"You got boo eyes," a blond-haired girl said. "So do I."
Sky almost touched the top of her pig-tailed head. No one had ever called his eyes boo before.
Windy managed to collect the artwork and keep the children in their seats. Sky marveled at her patience and nourishing manner. Adoration shone on those young faces as they gazed up at her. It made him feel like a heel, being there, pretending to be worthy of her affection.
Windy wrangled the group into a semicircle on the carpet so they could learn from their guest. At that dawning moment, Sky wished Charlie or some other cowboy had agreed to do this. Some of the kids wiggled and giggled, while others sat wide-eyed, waiting for him to speak.
Windy had suggested a simple explanation of his profession so the children could decipher movie heroes from the real thing. Sky lowered himself to the ground and looked to her for support. Thankfully, she took charge.
"Does anyone know how cowboys got their name?" she asked.
The kids started spouting answers, but Windy reminded them to raise their hands. The first hand that shot up belonged to the freckle-faced boy who'd created the polka-dotted pony.
SKYLER HAWK: LONE BRAVE Page 15