The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love: The Colemans of Heart Falls: Book 3

by Vivian Arend

  But goddammit, he wanted to protect her from ever feeling that kind of fear again, whether in a nightmare or in real life.

  He gave her a squeeze then let go, pushing back to meet her gaze again. “Okay.”

  Julia raised a brow. “We need to talk about your vocabulary problems. I don’t think okay means what you think it means.”

  Involuntarily, he snorted. “You’re right. I’m not using the dictionary definition. More like I’ve pulled myself together enough, please go on.”

  It was a good thing he had faked his control as well as he did. Because Julia went on to briefly describe being left in the cabin over the next four days. Each time Dwayne returned to give her food and water and a bathroom break before leaving her tied up tight.

  Julia took a deep breath. “Dwayne started ranting about how we had to escape and that the safest thing would be to paddle out to an island he knew about.” She stared down at where her fingers meshed with Zach’s. “He would only be gone for a little while, he said. So, he tied me up again and carried me to the rowboat in the boathouse. He’d barely left when I realized the boat’s keel was broken and the entire thing was slowly sinking.”

  No wonder she had nightmares. Hell, Zach was going to have nightmares just from thinking about her being helpless in that situation.

  Julia squeezed his hands. “Brad showed up about half an hour after Dwayne left. I have never been so grateful to see anyone in my entire life.”

  Zach shook his head. “I don’t even know what to say.”

  “You don’t really have to say anything. I mean, it was terrible, I know that. But none of it was my fault. Dwayne is supposed to be better now that he got treatment, so I can’t even really blame him because the guy who did it doesn’t exist anymore.” She made a face. “No. It was his fault, and it was his choice, but I also understand how mental illness means people do things they wouldn’t do if they didn’t have that chemical imbalance in the first place.”

  “You’re far more understanding than I am.” Zach slipped his fingers under her chin. “Thank you for sharing that with me. And if there is anything I can do, or anything you need me to follow up on, let me know.”

  “Thanks. I told Brad that I would let you know about Dwayne. About him being released and me getting the news.”

  Something inside him stilled. Zach examined her face carefully, fighting to keep the worry that had sprung up from showing.

  Was Brad’s influence the only reason she’d told him?

  He wasn’t used to the fingers of doubt shifting through his brain, but they were there, at least briefly, before he focused on the most important thing.

  Zach shoved aside everything except making Julia know that she could rely on him, even when the ground under his feet felt shaky.

  He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, meeting her gaze. Trying to figure out what needed to be said.

  Julia took control, swinging across his lap so her knees rested on the metal bench under his hips. Straddling him, her ass warm on his thighs as she caught hold of his collar and meticulously straightened it. “Not to change the topic or anything, but it’s time to change the topic. You said this was a research trip.”

  Amusement drifted in. Of course the woman would be not only strong enough to tell him what had happened, but strong enough to then push the events aside as if they weren’t life-altering on so many levels.

  Still, he took his cue from her. “It is a research trip,” he agreed. “It’s a double research trip. No, it’s triple research.”

  Julia’s lips curled upward. “Not quadruple? How disappointing.”

  “Sorry, couldn’t find a fourth topic to dig into this go-round, but maybe the next time we go away.” He rested his hands on her hips, thoroughly entertained as she groomed him back into a state of neatness. Adjusting his collar, stroking her fingers through his hair, patting the wrinkles out of his sleeves.

  “Let me guess. First research topic is to do with beer. I did a Google search, and there is a really good brewery in Nelson. I assume we’ll do some taste testing.”

  “Definitely. A couple of the restaurants put together menus with recommended local beverage pairings. We’ve got tapas and samples lined up from three different places.”

  “We should’ve asked Karen and Finn to join us. And Lisa and Josiah. They like trying new things.”

  It took everything in him to not gape at her in wonder. He forced himself to respond all cool and collected. “Good idea. We’ll have to do that sometime.”

  “What’s the second research? And the third?” The engines rumbled slightly, and they both glanced over the water. “We’re getting close to the other side of the lake.”

  Zach helped her off his lap and brought her to the railing. He tucked his arm around her and held her against his side as they watched the ferry manoeuvre through the narrows toward the docking station. “Second research involves hitting one of the coffee shops tomorrow morning. Tansy wants me to bring back a selection of their baked goods. She heard good things about the place and wants to try to expand the repertoire at Buns and Roses.”

  Julia pressed against his side. “That’s very nice of you to do that for her.”

  He laughed heartily. “Oh, yeah, it’s totally a hardship to be asked to go to a bakery and bring back a dozen of everything sweet.”

  She twisted until he had to look at her. “See, that’s the thing. You make it sound as if you’re totally on the winning end of all these things you volunteer to do, but you’re also putting yourself out.” She leaned in closer, staring him in the eye. “I’m onto you, baby. I’m totally onto your tricks.”

  She tapped him on the nose, but before he could catch hold and tickle her, she ducked under his arm and scurried away.

  He held out his hand and waited until she linked their fingers together so he could guide her back to Delilah. “Still say I’m getting the good end of that deal. The one that involves breakfast goodies.”

  Julia waited until they had disembarked from the ferry and were once again on the final stretch of highway before she asked, “Where are we staying?”

  “An Airbnb. Not that we’ll need the kitchen, but I like having enough room to spread out.”

  She nodded then played with her phone for a minute. He waited politely, except it was apparent she had mischief on her mind when the playlist that started up was all Elvis.

  When she queued up “A Little Less Conversation,” Zach outright laughed. He reached across the stick and caught her fingers in his. “What an interesting sentiment. Are you getting tired of talking to me?”

  She winked. “Actually, no. Tell me another story about your sisters.”

  Which kept her entertained for the final half hour until they pulled into the driveway of the house in uphill Nelson.

  Julia stared at the house in confusion. “Exactly how far do you need to spread out? Holy moly, this place is ginormous.”

  He hurried around to open her door. “It all depends how noisy your neighbours are.”

  “Maybe. But your neighbours could be a marching band and the symphony orchestra, and you probably still wouldn’t hear them inside this monstrosity.”

  Zach pushed open the door and gestured her in. “Yeah, I suppose. But then, I don’t think you’ve ever heard how noisy Finn gets when he’s involved in a rousing game of Pictionary.”

  Julia stuttered to a stop just inside the door. “What are you talking about Finn— What?”

  “Surprise.” Sprawled on the couch in the middle of the open living room, Karen and Lisa lifted glasses in the air.

  Lisa waved hers a little. “I made Mojitos, but Josiah has taken over pouring. He seems to think I had a slight rum-to-mix ratio problem in the first batch.”

  Josiah drifted into view, a blender in one hand and a full glass in the other that he held toward the front door. “I hope you realize none of us qualify as a designated driver for this evening’s outing.”

  “Good thing the food is being
delivered,” Zach told him, loving the expression dancing across Julia’s face.

  Surprise, yet delight, and when she whirled back toward him and threw herself into his arms to squeeze him so tight he could barely breathe, Zach figured he had probably done something right. “This okay?”

  “Okay, as in the I can’t believe you pulled this off and hell yes, it’s wonderful definition of the word.” Only when she pulled away, her cheeks were flushed.

  Zach held on to her, loving the way it felt to have her body pressed against his. “What’s that look mean?”

  Julia’s voice dropped to a mere whisper. “You’re going to think I’m being silly, but having them overhear us fool around would be just as embarrassing as my dad.”

  Too funny.

  He dropped his tone to match hers in volume. “Then we won’t fool around until they leave. We have three nights, and I didn’t invite them to stay the whole time.”

  They grinned at each other, an unspoken pact witnessed in that moment, before Julia turned and accepted the drink from Josiah with grateful thanks before joining her sisters in the living room.

  “What can I get you to drink?” Josiah asked as Finn wandered into the room, pausing to give his wife a kiss then striding across the room toward them.

  Zach glanced around at his friends with growing contentment. “I should pour a drink for you. Happy belated birthday, by the way.”

  Josiah dipped his chin. “Thanks for setting up the impromptu party. Appreciate it.”

  “Thanks for having a birthday. Always good to have a reason to get together for a night or two.”

  But not three. That third night was just for him and Julia.

  Because while he was an awesome friend, he was also smart enough to know there were some things that would be far more enjoyable once the family bonding time was over.

  Two days later, Julia felt as if she had a permanent smile on her face.

  They’d not only had the research dinner Zach had promised and the breakfast trip with multiple types of baking, they’d done it all over again the next day.

  This morning they’d all gone paddling on the lake in tandem kayaks, followed by lunch out. The others were due to head home early afternoon, and Julia couldn’t decide if she was sad that they were leaving or eager to discover what mischief Zach had planned for them after they had the house to themselves.

  Sleeping in his arms had been a brutal form of torture. She’d considered reaching for him and turning up the heat, because she doubted her sisters would even notice anything going on in their far-off section of the house.

  Yet Zach had been right last week when he said waiting had its perks. Anticipation now pumped through her veins as strongly as any drug.

  Lust was tempered only by how full her stomach was.

  She collapsed onto the couch, sinking into the lush leather. “I could not eat another bite.”

  “There are some chocolate eclairs left from dessert.” Lisa appeared out of nowhere to stand over her, wiggling one of the million-calorie parcels of perfection in her fingers. “Oops, to be exact, there are three left. Considering there are six of us, you might want to move sooner than later.”

  Lisa popped the one she held into her mouth and moaned enthusiastically.

  From where the guys were setting up to play one final card game at the kitchen table, Josiah swore.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen.” He pushed back from the table and strode over to Lisa, swinging her over his shoulder and ignoring her squeal of protest. “Sweetheart, you make that kind of noise, you’re just asking to be removed from the room.”

  “Either that or she’s auditioning for a porno flick. Either way,” Karen said teasingly before warning, “we’re leaving in an hour.”

  Lisa pushed up, arms braced on Josiah’s back so she could offer a wink to the room as he carried her off. “Don’t worry. We won’t be late.”

  Josiah’s laughter rumbled then shut off behind the door leading to their room. Julia’s cheeks went red hot, and the need in her body jumped up another notch when she met Zach’s gaze.

  He was staring at her with all sorts of dirty intention in his eyes.

  An hour later when their friends and family had finally left the house, Julia’s entire body felt as if she’d been attached to a giant vibrator and teased for hours.

  Zach’s hands rested on her hips. He’d stood behind her as they waved goodbye, and he slid one palm over her belly as his lips dropped to her neck. “I’m glad they came, but I’m glad they’re gone,” he admitted.

  She arched her neck to the side, goose bumps rising everywhere. “You know that whole anticipation thing?”

  Pressed against her back, his muscular body wasn’t the only thing that was hard. “Yeah?”

  The word came out deep and breathless. Thank goodness, because she didn’t want to be the only one feeling this way. “I am extremely filled with anticipation.”

  She twisted in his arms, stroking her palms up his chest. The soft cotton of his pale-green T-shirt tickled her skin. Tactile seduction, but it wasn’t enough. Julia dipped her hands to his waist and untucked the fabric so she could slip her hands beneath the material and find bare skin.

  His abs flexed against her fingers. “I need to warn you my anticipation is high enough my control is iffy. On the other hand, my recovery time will also be off the charts, so do your worst.”

  “Anything I want?” Julia hummed happily as she shoved his T-shirt upward. It turned into a contented sigh when he rapidly moved to help strip away the barrier. “I want lots of things.”

  “Yeah? Like what?” His smile shone down even as he groaned. “I really hope one of them is your hands on my cock. That would be a good thing to add to your list.”

  “Maybe.” She leaned in close and pressed a kiss to his chest. Licking his skin and breathing in his sexy scent “Hmmmm.”

  He stood motionless as she slowly drifted around him, teasing with her fingertips and her lips. She watched closely for every reaction because it was clear how much he was enjoying every second.

  Here too he was honest. This was the part of being with a guy she’d missed. Not just being touched herself, but making another person feel wonderful.

  And when she laid her fingers under the waistline of his jeans, she hit the jackpot. The muscles of his neck stood out in stark relief as his head fell backward and he moaned loudly.

  The sound turned into a gasp when she wrapped her fingers around his rigid length. Julia stroked the best she could while trapped under the sturdy fabric.

  Reading her mind, Zach rapidly undid his button and zipper, shoving the top of his jeans open—

  The doorbell rang, and someone knocked vigorously.

  They both cursed. Zach caught hold of her and twirled them toward the front door. He had her pressed against the sturdy wood an instant later before leaning to peer through the side window.

  “For fuck’s sake.” He jerked the door open barely an inch. “What?”

  “Sorry.” Josiah sounded very apologetic, although also slightly amused. “Lisa forgot her purse.”

  There was nowhere to hide. Considering she wasn’t the one half-naked, Julia wasn’t sure why she was so flushed. Josiah strode over to the couch, grabbed Lisa’s purse off the cushion, then hurried back toward where Zach stood holding the door wide open for a rapid escape.

  He hadn’t bothered to do up his jeans. Maybe as a warning to not bother with any small talk. It worked, because Josiah took off without another word. Although he did wink as he went past.

  The instant Zach closed the door, the two of them pressed their noses against the side windows, watching intently until the truck vanished down the street.

  Lisa and Karen waved from the back seat as if they knew they were being watched.

  Julia snickered, and as Zach caught hold of her fingers and led her back toward their room, laughter swirled around them.

  “Should’ve known they couldn’t bear to leave without messing with u
s,” Zach complained, but there was amusement in his tone.

  “With friends like that, who needs enemies?” Julia drawled. She caught hold of the back belt loop on his jeans and tugged him to a stop. “Not so fast. I was doing something interesting.”

  Zach raised his hands out of her way, his eyelids growing heavy. “Okay.”

  “Which this time means go ahead and have your wicked way with me, yes?”

  “Hell yes,” he growled.

  She learned from her mistake last time and dealt with his pants before moving ahead. She shoved his jeans and briefs all the way to his ankles before helping him step out of the fabric.

  Rising to her feet, Julia took a deep breath as she admired the long muscular legs supporting the rest of his naked perfection. “Wow.”

  Zach flashed a smile even as he caught hold of her hands, pressing them against his torso. “Wow as much as you want but tell me you can do it while you’re touching me.”

  “Touching is good. Kissing.” She stepped against him, sliding her hands around to the small of his back. She tilted her head until their lips met, the kiss growing deeper and hotter by the second.

  Her being fully clothed and him being completely naked turned her on in an unexpected way. She felt powerful and utterly in control. She slipped one hand between their bodies to wrap her fingers around his erection.

  “Julia.” Not a warning, but definitely a plea, and one she very much wanted to answer. She put her free hand against his chest and backed him up until he was against the wall. Then she took her time, stroking firmly, watching the thick head of his cock peek out between her fingers again and again. Glancing up to examine his face as pleasure drifted in.

  When she bent over and licked, air hissed through his teeth. “Jesus.”

  While there were a whole lot of things on her list, suddenly the most important one was to blow Zach’s mind. Which now meant blowing something else entirely.

  She laughed as she slid to her knees in front of him, fingers moving teasingly over his length as she got her mouth in position. She was no expert, but his excitement, the quivering in his legs, and the unsteady touch of his fingers as he dragged them through her hair were enough of an aphrodisiac that she couldn’t resist.