The Reluctant Cowboy

by Ullman, Cherie

  “I think they are scary.” She said it before she could stop herself.

  “Scary? Why on earth would you think that? They are the lightest blue I have ever seen. Scary is not a word I would use to describe them.”

  “Really? You don’t think they look, I don’t know, glow-y?” She saw him smile. “Glow-y? Is that even a word?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “No, really I don’t. They are unique and beautiful. Like the rest of you.” Sierra didn’t know how to respond. She had never been seduced before but his words were working magic.

  “You have pretty eyes, too.” His chuckle made her blush.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She was feeling completely out of his league and knew she sounded like she felt.

  Cole could feel her nervousness and wanted to put her at ease. “So, how many pins are actually attached to your head right now?” She laughed again and he fell into her spell.

  “I lost count. I’m sure a lot,” she giggled nervously.

  “Would you like me to help try and get some out?”

  “You don’t have to. I’m sure I can just go the restroom and work on them.” She started to turn, but he stopped her with a hand to her waist.

  “I’d like to.” He meant it too. He wondered what her hair would be like. He slowly moved her to face the fire as he stood behind her. He placed his hands on her bare shoulders and felt her small shudder. He used his thumbs to trace up the back of her elongated neck and felt her relax. When he reached the first pin, he gently tugged it loose and let it drop to the floor. With her head bent down he worked to extract all of the pins. “You weren’t kidding. I know I already lost count after ten.”

  “Told ya. The housekeeper is going to wonder why you have all of these hair pins in your room.”

  Cole finally managed to release the last few larger pins that seemed to hold the bulk of her hair. He took both hands and started to maneuver them through the long thick mass of Chestnut waves. Her hair had highlights that looked like gold strands woven through it. He was massaging her scalp and letting the hair fall down over his hands and arms. It went past her shoulders and down the middle of her back.

  “It’s beautiful. Too beautiful to be pinned up.” He was leaning close to her ear. He then lowered his head slightly to kiss the base of her neck. His hands were on top of each shoulder with her hair still splayed over them. He removed her hair from his hands as he slowly turned her to face him. “You are beautiful.”

  Before she could reply, he tilted his head and kissed her. It was an amazing kiss. Her lips were soft and yielding. His hands moved to cup her head as he continued to kiss her slow and long. He felt her sigh and deepened the kiss. Her mouth opened and he explored inside. Their tongues entwined and he felt her step closer to him.

  Her arms came around his waist and she pulled him closer. He had wanted to go very slow, but this kiss was dispelling his plan quickly. Their arms and hands switched position as the kiss continued. Her arms wound around his neck as her hands ran to the back of his head and through his hair. His arms were behind her as his hands found their way down to her backside. He massaged and gripped her ass until he heard her moan. They both broke free and stood panting, looking at each other.

  Cole engrained his brain to remember the way she looked standing in front of the fire, her chestnut gold hair framing her face as she was breathing hard and looking back at him. It was the most erotic image he could ever remember.

  Instinct kicked in and he reached for her and swept her up and into his arms. In just a few strides, he placed her on the bed and removed his tie and shoes. There was still a glow from the light in the bathroom so he could see her lying on the bed as he undressed. She watched him, with her hands resting on her stomach, as he undid the buttons on his shirt and removed it, never breaking eye contact with her. He discarded his slacks and socks and joined her on the bed.

  She reached for him and he immediately started kissing her shoulders, her neck, and her lips. Her hands seemed to like his hair as she continued to run them through it. He turned her on her side, so he could remove her dress. When he felt the dress give, he swiftly slid it down her body to unveil what was beneath the pretty packaging. He was momentarily stunned as she had nothing on underneath it. “Surprise.” She quietly giggled.

  “Did I mention how much I love surprises?” He whispered into her ear as he gently suckled it.

  “Good to know,” she breathed.

  Their lips infused again as their hands explored their bodies.

  “God, your body is amazing!”

  Cole was kissing her collarbone and making his way down her body. Her breasts molded perfectly in his hands. He took his time with each one, massaging and then bringing them to his mouth. He felt the buds tighten as he suckled softly and then with more pressure. He felt her body respond to his touches and his body became more enflamed. They fed off of each other, caressing and kissing.

  He couldn’t remember a time enjoying foreplay this much. He was kissing her belly and moving lower when he felt her hands tug at his hair. He moved back up over her body for another smoldering kiss. He moved his right leg to position himself over top of her. Their passions were reaching a peak. “Open your eyes, Sierra. I want to see you when I enter you.” It was a breathless command and she obeyed.

  Staring into the most amazing eyes that were now full of desire, he entered her. Slowly at first, never breaking eye contact. She felt like heaven. He had a hard time keeping his eyes open with such bliss. She was so very tight and wet for him. He moved deeper and then pulled out to do it again. She was still staring into his eyes with heavy lids, but he felt her stiffen beneath him.

  He thought she was anxious for him, so he thrust deeply into her. He felt the resistance, but it was too late. He was deep inside her. He blinked in confusion as he stared into misting light eyes. He saw a single tear escape on either side. In that moment, he didn’t know what to do. His body was at its most vulnerable state of pure ecstasy and his mind was not comprehending what had happened. A virgin? He had never been with a virgin before.

  Nothing had prepared him for this moment. He started to pull out, but she stopped him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and pressed her hips up. Cole closed his eyes as the most exquisite pleasure raged through him. He opened his eyes to see her still looking at him.

  “Surprise?” She mouthed the word to him.

  Cole took the deepest breath he could with his condition and started to pull out again. The slight movement was intoxicating and he let out a moan.

  “Please don’t stop. I need…something…” she cried.

  Cole couldn’t speak, but his body heard her. He slowly pushed forward as he felt her legs let loose and fall back to the bed. She pulled his head down for another kiss. This was a desperate plea to show him she wanted more. She thrust her small tongue inside his mouth and kissed him unabashed. Cole was lost to her plea. His body moved on its own accord. He tried to wrap his brain around the fact that she was an innocent but her body betrayed it.

  With the last ounce of control left, Cole started to move inside her. He could hear her moans, while they continued kissing. He withdrew and entered her again and again. Their mouths finally parted, while they caught their breath. Cole’s arms straightened and he stretched his neck while he continued his slow thrusts.

  He felt her hands move down between their connected bodies as her head started to move from side to side. Her eyes were closed as her own hand reached her most intimate folds and she rubbed at her sensitive nub. Cole was in a state of euphoric shock as he felt her climax and tighten even more around him. Her loud moan brought him back to reality and he plunged his tongue into her open mouth.

  His kiss turned carnal, as he began to pick up the pace of his own passion. When he drew his mouth away, he heard his own moan of pleasure escape. He looked down at her. “Open your eyes Sierra. “ When she again opened them and locked with his, he continued
to thrust harder and faster. She gripped onto his forearms as he watched her start her crescendo again. “Surprise,” he managed to get out, before he heard her cry out as the next climax hit her, this time taking him with her.

  Sierra watched him sleep. He seemed peaceful as his chest rose up and down evenly. He was undoubtedly every woman’s fantasy. The cover had slid down to his waist, exposing his finely sculpted chest and arms. One arm was draped over his head as he lay on his back.

  She knew he would ask questions when we awoke. She wasn’t prepared to answer them. She wasn’t sure herself. This was so unlike her. She knew he had been shocked by her virginity. She had secretly hoped that maybe her hymen wouldn’t be intact. After all, she was a very active horsewoman and had heard that the hymen could break without intercourse. No such luck in her case. It wasn’t that big of a deal, was it? She knew her body and how to please herself.

  This was something she had wanted and desired. The desire she felt with Cole was what sex was supposed to be like. The fact that he brought her to a second climax once the pain had subsided was amazing. The pain was over quick and when he had started to move again… She blushed in remembrance.

  Her own inhibitions were let loose and she felt as desirable as he made her feel. She was afraid he would start drilling her with questions once he found his own release, but instead he had moved behind her and pulled her close. She must have fallen asleep immediately.

  She had awoken once to use the restroom and thought about leaving then. She started to look for her clothing, but then she glanced at the bed. He was just too sexy and she was still feeling brazen, so she had climbed back under the covers and started lightly stroking him. He had moaned and shifted so her back was against his chest. He had reached for her breasts and started kneading them. She pressed her butt against his now very erect member and he reached down and bent one of her legs up at the knee. He then placed his hand on her pubic bone as he pushed himself inside her. With the palm of his hand on her sex and his thrusts, he brought her to another exploding climax.

  She drifted off to sleep again to have him awaken her when she felt him nudging her from behind. She had been asleep on her stomach when she felt him kissing her neck. He was completely enveloping her with his body as again he reached beneath her waist to draw her up enough for him to enter her while his fingers worked their magic. This time she actually screamed into her pillow as the orgasm rocked through her. She heard his carnal cry into her neck as he too reached his climax.

  Now, it was time to go. She didn’t want to wake him and she wanted to remember this night for what it was. A fantasy. She quietly gathered her things and made her way to the door. She looked back to see all of the hair pins lying on the floor in front of the fire place. She smiled as she quietly shut the door behind her.

  Chapter 1 (Two Years Later)

  Cole was pacing in the boardroom. He had an important meeting coming up in thirty minutes and he was considering all of the options. The past two years had been very tough on him, both financially and mentally. His corporation, Alexandar International, and its subsidiaries were based primarily on real estate. From commercial properties to rental properties around the world, the company was worth tens of millions.

  With the depreciation of the real estate market over the last few years, the company lost a lot. Even with solid investment choices, it was still a hard hit. He was positive that over time the company would thrive, once the upturn happened. He knew it would take years before the business would again prosper and make money. Until that time came he had to re-evaluate all of his expenses and try to find solutions where he could save money.

  He had a team of experts helping him and guiding him with their expertise, but ultimately, as the CEO, he was responsible. He had worked extremely hard to step out from behind his father’s shadow in the business world and was successful until the markets failed. He was determined to sustain in these difficult times.

  One of the things they looked closely at was insurance. It wasn’t a pretty word, actually quite boring, but very important nonetheless. He needed his team to look at everything they spent -- from corporate liability to risk management and even to health insurance for his employees. He had over 500 employees worldwide and wanted to make sure they were protected without overspending. He knew that without engaged employees who also cared for the company, he wouldn’t have anything to work for.

  His senior staff and trusted board members handled the day to day operations, but he enjoyed his work and was in the office every day.

  His executive assistant had been with him for ten years. She was one of the best in the business world and he appreciated her every day. She was loyal and dedicated to both him and to the company. She was in her early fifties and one of the few women that he both admired and respected. She wasn’t afraid to tell him the truth and remind him when he was being an ass. They could argue and she didn’t have to be afraid of being fired because he needed her and she knew it.

  He was good to her with her salary being one of the best paid in the industry. He also rewarded her hard work and dedication with trips for her and her family. She was married for twenty plus years and had two grown sons. Cole had helped set up the college funds for the two boys and one of them was interning with his company while going to school overseas. She entered the board room while he was mid pace.

  “You know you are going to wear a hole in the carpet if you don’t stop that pacing.”

  She was walking around the table placing folders in front of all the chairs.

  “Did you review the packet they sent over?” he asked her as he continued to pace.

  She continued placing the folders as she answered, “Of course I reviewed it. I tried not to doze off after half of it, but all in all, it’s the best proposal to date. This is the third bid, but in my opinion the best one yet.”

  “You know how important your opinion is, Denise, don’t make me flatter you.”

  “But you used to be so good at it.” She had finished with the folders and was now getting the water pitchers and glasses set about the table.

  “Where is this company based out of again?”

  “Umm, let me double check.” She opened the file. “Nations Insurance. Home office is out of Columbus, Ohio.”

  Cole paused his pacing to look at the file. He had read the materials, but momentarily forgot the home location. The mention of Ohio made his jaw clench, but Denise caught it.

  “You have an issue with Ohio?”

  Cole looked at her. “No,” was his terse reply. He continued to pace as Denise just raised a questioning brow towards him. Cole rarely discussed his personal life with anyone, but sometimes he would confide in her. She exhibited her motherly side on occasion, but only when Cole asked her to.

  He had never mentioned his “Ohio” trip or Sierra with her. He wasn’t able to talk about it without feeling rejected. After two years, he still had a hard time wrapping his head around what had happened. He had spent many hours and sleepless nights going over everything that occurred that amazing night. It hadn’t been a one night stand to him. Even if she hadn’t been a virgin, he had felt what he thought was a true connection to her. It was by far the best sexual encounter he ever had in his thirty-three years. He could still to this day recall every vivid moment of their time together. It was the only time a woman ever walked out on him. He let his mind wander to the morning when he woke up alone. Before he could continue with the torment, he shook his head and resumed his pacing. This was not the time or place to think of her. He had an important presentation to focus on.

  Sierra was pacing in the long marble hallway. Her high heels clicking as she did. She and her co-workers were waiting for their chance to present a very important proposal to Alexandar International. She had been working on this presentation for six long months. This was a huge opportunity for her personally to be advanced in her young career. She had worked her way up to the Corporate Risk Assessment Manager position and this was her f
irst presentation on Risk Management to such a large corporation. If they landed Alexandar International, it would be a huge boost to Nations Insurance as well as for herself.

  She and three other colleagues with their own expertise had worked long hours going over the presentation and their roles. She would be going last and the more she paced, the more convinced she became that she wished her part was first. She was getting more nervous by the minute.

  At the age of twenty-six, she was flourishing professionally. She enjoyed her job and had been working there for six years now. She was one of the youngest in her field. She had worked full-time and took college courses online to receive her bachelor’s degree in business. It took her a couple of extra years to earn her degree, but she didn’t have exorbitant debt because of it. Her parents helped her with some of the tuition, but her independence and pride pushed her to excel.

  Nations Insurance was a good company to work for and she believed in their products. They were one of the largest insurance companies in the world and she liked that the home office was in Columbus. She didn’t have to travel often, so this was her first trip to New York. It was late spring and she couldn’t help but compare this experience to what Cole had told her long ago.

  It didn’t help matters that the name of the CEO just happened to be Cole. Cole was a fairly common name, but when she briefly started to review his personal information she stopped short, not wanting to read about a millionaire playboy. She was more focused on the company and what she could offer them. She heard her co-workers say that he was a complex, but fair man. They advised her not to focus on him, but the presentation to the Board.

  She would be doing a power point presentation with graphs and materials that had already been distributed. She would answer any questions they might ask. She had practiced in front of the mirror at home and knew she looked like the young professional she was becoming. She had made a quick stop in the restroom to make sure there were no wrinkles in her slacks and to re-apply her lipstick and apply a light powder to her face. With a quick smile to make sure there was no lipstick on her teeth, she emerged just as a woman came out of the conference room and signaled for them to come in. She could do this.