“Have you ever been inside a country bar? You know, dancing?” she inquired.
“I have been in a country bar and I will take you there tonight.”
“Really?”
“Really. I don’t remember any dancing though, it’s near Rockefeller Center. It’s called Johnny Utah’s. It’s a restaurant with a mechanical bull.”
“Sounds interesting. Let’s get you that pair of boots.”
They walked back to the car as Cole was looking up a western store on his phone. “Okay, I found one not far from here. Western Spirit sounds like the place to go.”
He merged his car into the traffic to make their way there. The store was over 6,000 square feet and had everything American Western inspired. “Wow. This takes me right into October and the Quarter Horse Congress. Feels like home.”
“You mentioned that a couple of times. Have you always been a horsewoman?”
He watched her walk around as she answered him, “Since I could walk. My grandparents had horses when I was growing up. My mom used to show in 4-H but couldn’t afford them as she got older. My grandparents didn’t live far away, so they kept them for her.
“My dad was afraid of them when he first met my mom but she converted him.” He saw her grin as she was looking at the boots. “I was fortunate to grow up around them and love them.
“I met my best friend, Dana, in 4-H and we started showing together. We both excelled and continued to show and moved up to start showing other people’s horses. We followed the Quarter Horse Circuit.”
“Do you get paid to show other people’s horses?”
“Yep. If you are good.” She gave him another smile as she glanced at him.
“So, you are good?” he pressed.
“Duh…of course. I haven’t been as active in the last few years with work and school, though. Dana and her husband are still showing and training with Jeremy.”
“Who’s Jeremy?”
“Sorry, Vanessa’s friend. I’m sure you met them at the wedding. Riley’s husband. Quinn’s Quarter Horses.”
He nodded. “Oh, of course, I did meet them. I just heard him called Quinn, and thought that was his first name.”
“That’s funny,” she snickered. “Most people do. Anyway, Dana and Doug, her husband, train students at Quinn’s place. They have continued to build and grow.”
“Why don’t you?”
“I’m not good at training, just riding. I can ride anything.” Cole laughed out loud and watched Sierra blush as she realized what she said could be misconstrued.
“Do you have your own horse?”
“Not right now. We rented most of the horses I showed when I was younger.”
“I didn’t know it was such a business.”
“Oh yeah, Quarter Horses are a huge industry.”
“So, how did you end up working for an insurance company?” He followed her as she headed for one of the long isles filled with cowboy boots.
“My Dad retired from Nations. He liked working there and got me my first job when I was 20. I like it. It has good benefits and they have been good to work for.”
“Do you have time to enjoy riding?”
He watched her caress the boots and swallowed as his mouth went a little dry, envisioning her caressing him as gently.
“So many questions,” she teased. “Yes, I still go out as often as I can. I try to get out and ride on the weekends. I found a few I’d like you to try on.”
“Huh?”
“The boots. Here, try some on.”
For the next thirty minutes, Cole was educated on different types of boots. He had no idea there were so many. He finally found a pair he actually liked, and they were comfortable, too. A sales associate had offered to help them, but Sierra had told them nicely that she could handle it. She certainly knew her footwear.
“I like these.” He walked up and down the aisle and around the store. “Those are not cheap, Cole.”
“Do I look cheap, Sierra?” With one brow raised, he watched her throw her head back and laugh.
“No, you certainly don’t,” she assured him. “Those are Justin AQHA branded Remuda boots. Great pair.”
“You lost me again.”
“AQHA, American Quarter Horse Association.”
“Well, that seems appropriate then, doesn’t it? I’ll take them.”
“I’m going to look around and see if I can find some souvenirs in here.”
“I thought you wanted something ‘New York.’”
“Well, I’m in New York, aren’t I?” she sassed, and then laughed.
As he placed his loafers in the large boot box, he watched her pick up a few items, checking the price tag as she did so. He wondered if she was good with her money. Did she have savings? Did she have a lot of debt? Not that it mattered to him, he just hoped she was responsible.
He was surprised at how comfortable the boots were. He had considered putting his loafers back on, but the boots were making a believer out of him. He tucked the box under his arm as he found her still shopping. She was holding a small, stuffed animal horse.
“That’s cute,” he remarked.
“I thought so, too. I like it.”
“Well, then, please allow me to get that for you.”
“Oh no, I can get it.”
“I would like to, Sierra.” She didn’t argue when he took the stuffed animal from her, while she continued to shop.
“I’m ready,” she stated, as she headed for the register. “I got a few key fobs for my friends and a turquoise bracelet for my mom.”
“I’m sure they will like them.” Cole received a minor start when his boots rang up for over $600.
“Told ya,” Sierra whispered in his hear as he made the purchase.
He whispered back to her, “Lifetime guarantee, right?”
They finished making their purchases and placed them in the back of the Mercedes. Cole saw Sierra let out a large yawn as she got situated in the passenger seat. “You’re tired. Would you like to go back to the hotel and rest before going to Johnny Utah’s?”
“I’d like to go back to the hotel, not so sure on the rest part.” Cole gave her a wink and felt his own heart beat quicken at her statement.
Chapter 7
Sierra was missing him already. Once they returned to the hotel they had made love and took their time exploring each other’s bodies. It had been a slow seduction on both parts without much talking. The eye contact and caresses spoke volumes.
Cole told her he wanted to go back to his apartment to shower and dress for the night. He didn’t ask her to come with him and she was partly grateful. She used the time away to call and check in at home and to talk with Dana. She just told them how she had spent her day and everything she had seen. Dana tried to get her to talk more about Cole, but she told her best friend she was fine and could handle it.
She was taking a long, hot shower after such a remarkable day. Tears came on their own accord and she didn’t try to stop them. The release of emotions she didn’t realize she was carrying, made their way out. She laughed through the tears at the range of emotions flowing through her brain -- from euphoria to sadness and everything in between.
Cole was the only man Sierra had ever been with physically. Now, she was convinced more than ever that he would be the only man for her mentally. She had fantasized about them being together from their first encounter. After months passed, she had tried to let that fantasy go and concentrate on work and school.
She figured she would meet someone else and be able to file his memory as one she would save for herself. She would get married, have children and live a content life. Cole was just supposed to be a fantasy. Now, she was with him again. Her fantasy was very real and wonderful.
She had so much fun with him today at the park, lunch, shopping and she was looking forward to dinner. She was learning who he was and she found herself falling hard for him. How would she be able to categorize this weekend as just a memory?
She considered herself smart and independent. She was an optimist. How could she be those things and yet be here, crying like a baby in a hotel shower? She took some deep calming breaths as she let the spray of the shower run over her face.
She resolved to herself to enjoy the night with Cole and let the future unfold on its own.
Cole knocked on her door exactly two hours after he had dropped her off. She felt excited and nervous when she let him in. She had on a black form fitting tank top with a red and black checkered flannel top, unbuttoned, and a pair of Rocky blue jeans with her boots. She was happy to see him.
As he came in, he gave her a quick, but passionate kiss. She took a step back to make sure he was wearing his boots. “You look good in those boots, Mister.” She saw his grin, as she continued her appraisal. “Nice collared shirt, minus the tie. Levi’s that show off the ass.”
“That is enough, young lady. If you intend to leave this room at all tonight, then you need to stop talking.”
She laughed as she grabbed her things to go. Cole was now being too quiet.
“I’m ready. Why the sudden silent treatment?” she queried.
“I was just thinking. Last night, in your dress, I thought you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Seeing you today and again tonight, it amazes me that you appear more beautiful each time.”
Sierra was dazzled by his compliment. She ran her fingers through her tousled hair. Not sure how to reply, she grabbed his hand and headed out the door. She noticed the limo as they made their way outside. When she tilted her head as a question, he replied, “I don’t drink and drive. Ever.”
She smiled. “Ever hailed a cab?”
“Don’t need to. C’mon.”
She climbed in the back of the limo and saw a bottle of Moet & Chandon champagne on ice. “Nice touch.” As he opened and uncorked the champagne, she felt a little apprehensive. She tried to brush it off, as he filled the glasses.
Raising his glass up to hers, he toasted, “To a fun night in New York….in my new Cowboy boots.” She laughed hard as they clinked their glasses and took a drink.
Johnny Utah’s was packed. Once they entered, Sierra was eyeing the New York style country bar/restaurant. It was plush and chic. New York sophistication meets western flare.
They were seated in a curved padded booth. There were tall tables and short tables with chairs and barstools. Large wooden beams and posts made up the well-lit restaurant. It felt like she was attending another show, instead of a country bar. She felt her eyes drawn to the enormous mechanical bull in the center of the bar, surrounded by wrought iron fencing and hundreds of people. They were clapping and cheering as people took their turns riding, or trying to ride, the massive bull. She was enjoying people watching when the server brought their menus.
“What a difference one night can make.” Sierra spun her head to look at him.
“What do you mean?” She felt the panic in her voice.
“The menu? From words you didn’t understand to words I’m not sure I understand.” Relief flooded Sierra as she glanced at the menu, while he read some of the items, “Honky Tonk Fries? Double Cut Bacon?” She relaxed as she watched him continue. “I may need your expertise for this one. I like steak, potatoes…”
“Ha. Ha. Very funny. Make fun of the country girl.”
They ordered their dinner and a few minutes later, a bartender appeared to ask if they wanted any specialty drinks. After they perused the menu together, laughing, Cole placed their drink orders, “The lady will have the Rodeo Clown and I will have Cooksey’s Cure.”
“You do know that I intend on riding that bull tonight, right?”
As the drinks arrived, she watched Cole take a sip and smile. “I’m ready when you are.”
She giggled and pointed to the center of the bar, “I mean that one.”
“No offense, Sierra, but do you really think you can last eight seconds?”
“No, I can go all night.” She watched as he choked on his drink and reached for his glass of water. “As soon as my food settles, I’m gonna do it. These city people need to see what a country girl can do.”
She was excited to ride the bull and show off a little for Cole. She wanted him to be impressed. She was in awe of all of his accomplishments and she wanted a turn to impress him. They enjoyed their dinner and had a few more of the specialty drinks when she said she was ready.
The bar was getting really crowded and she didn’t know how long she would have to wait to ride the bull. As they made their way through the crowd, she couldn’t help but notice most of the women staring openly at Cole. She was sure they were thinking the same thing she did. He was a very tall, handsome fantasy and a definite head turner. His confidence and presence exuded sexuality. She had been immediately drawn to him and knew how these women felt.
“Have you ever ridden a live bull?” He was leaning into her to be heard over the crowd.
“No, but a bare back is a bare back, no matter what the size.” She heard his literal whoop of laughter behind her and realized again her choice of words. She wasn’t doing it on purpose, either. Stupid filter. She wished she could activate it.
As they waited her turn, they laughed and applauded others’ efforts. It was equal part men and women that tried, unsuccessfully, to master the bull. She was on deck and turned to look at Cole to give him a thumbs up. She saw the concern on his face, but gave him a wink.
She threw her hands in the air to pump up the crowd as she easily mounted the large bull. The crowd was into it, as she adjusted her seat on the bull. It was wider than any horse, but she was confident in her balance as the operator started on the lowest setting. She got the feel of the movement and nodded to the operator to start turning up the settings. The bull started to buck and pivot, but Sierra never lost her seat, keeping up with the motion.
She heard the crowd cheering and chanting “turn it up” as she raised her right hand in the air and adjusted her grip with her left hand. She again nodded to the operator and saw him smile at her as he turned the bull up to a much higher setting. The bull was bucking and spinning much faster in different directions, but Sierra was laughing as she moved with it. The crowd was now screaming and counting in unison and the noise was deafening.
She was able to get a glimpse of Cole as she whipped past him and saw him cheering, too. The buzzer sounded and the crowd erupted in cheers and cat calls. The bull slowed down and Sierra dismounted and gave a bow to the cheering crowd. She was laughing as she left the arena and people were patting her back and giving her compliments. She reached Cole and he gave her a big bear hug, picking her feet up off the floor. “That was amazing! The crowd loved it!”
Sierra’s adrenaline was spiked and with her hands on the tops of his shoulders, she bent her head down to give him a promising kiss. She felt herself being lowered, the kiss never breaking. She momentarily forgot they were in a crowded bar, but no one seemed to notice because they were cheering for the next person riding the bull. The kiss ended and Sierra asked him if he wanted to give it a try. They still had to practically shout at each other over the crowd noise.
“No way. After what you just did. I still can’t believe you stayed on. My ego would suffer for sure, along with other areas.”
They continued to watch the next several people try unsuccessfully to navigate the bull. They laughed and cheered, as they had another drink. She saw Cole try to stifle a yawn and felt herself getting tired. She asked him what time it was, only to find out it was almost midnight. They were having fun, but she was ready to go. “Want to do a shot together before heading out?”
“Sure, what did you have in mind?”
She grinned up at him. “You’ll see.”
They made their way to the bar and Sierra asked for two shots of Firewater Firebombs. The shots had Firewater cinnamon schnapps and red bull energy drink. She knew that would wake them both up. They both downed the shots and let out an “ahhh” as they shook their heads and let the liquid burn down t
heir throats. They looked at each other and laughed.
Cole took her hand to lead her out of the crowded bar. The limo was parked around the corner and they got in. Sierra heard Cole ask the drive to go back to the hotel via the scenic route and wondered if he had more to show her. Her fantasy was going to end soon. She was starting to feel sad until she saw Cole press a button to raise the privacy glass in the limo, then he reached for her.
She recognized the hungry look in his eyes as he pulled her toward him and kissed her deeply. He mumbled something about the cinnamon, while he kissed her ear and proceeded down her neck. She felt her flannel shirt being removed from her shoulders as he continued his welcomed advances. She was kissing his head and hair, until he sat up to remove her tank top. She took the opportunity to undo the buttons of his shirt and pull it free from his jeans.
They were necking like teenagers with his bare torso and her bra still on. She felt him squeeze and knead her breasts through the material and moaned with contentment as their kissing escalated. She felt his hands move lower and felt the button of her jeans give way, just as the zipper was lowered. He then continued his path, until his hand was touching her hyper sensitive folds. He hissed in her ear, “Commando?”
“Surprise….again,” she whispered, her reply breathy as her head fell back against the leather of the limo seat and his head moved lower to kiss above her breasts, while his hand worked magic below.
Her own hands came up to undo the front clasp of her bra and she felt him take one breast and suck it deep into his mouth. She exploded in the back seat of the limo as her orgasm coursed through her body from head to toe. She whimpered as he slowed his administrations and kissed her again deeply. She heard him undo his own belt and jeans and broke the kiss to slide off her own.
They were both panting, as she climbed on top of him. She braced her hands on either side of his head, against the back of the seat as she raised herself above him. She could see his smoldering eyes that now looked black with the passing of the city lights. She was sure her own eyes were just as dark. He placed his hands on her hips and guided her down his length. She enjoyed his sharp intake of breath, as she lowered herself more fully against him. She watched his eyes close and his jaw clench as his hands guided her up and then down again. She couldn’t resist leaning her head down and whispering in his ear, “I told you I could ride anything.”
The Reluctant Cowboy Page 7