Billionaire Cowboy Kisses

by Kristen Echo

  Instead of making my mamma cry, I opted for a more diplomatic approach. “I’m not chasing boys. This is about work. The job is only two towns over. I can come back and visit on my days off.”

  Mamma’s lip quivered. “But tomorrow is your birthday. You can’t miss blowing out your candles and making your wish.”

  “I’ll be twenty-one,” I huffed. “And birthday wishes can be made from anywhere.”

  Not that I knew what to wish for anymore. I’d used up every wish and prayer for my sister to get healthy. The past few years had been rough and heartbreaking, but things were looking up. I had to start focusing on my life.

  She shook her head. Stray strawberry blonde strands caressed her cheeks. She placed her hands on her wide hips and stared at me. The blue and silver swirls in her eyes matched mine, but hers darkened with anger. “You can’t sneak away and expect us to be okay with it.”

  “I’m not sneaking anything. I outright told you,” I said, matching her pose. “It’s not a big deal. Mr. Klemson said I’d be a good addition to their team, and I’ll—”

  “Rose, stop before you dig this hole any deeper,” she snapped. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you followed that boy.”

  A hint of pride rang in her voice. Mamma had introduced us years ago, thinking we’d make a perfect match. Scott was a few years older than me and a hard worker. In many ways we were compatible, but the attraction was lukewarm at best.

  “Scott isn’t my boyfriend. We’re friends and nothing more.” Our relationship had never progressed the way he’d hoped. When he moved to accept the lead hand position at Klemson’s ranch, I wasn’t devastated, but I missed my friend. “He said the work is—”

  “Klemson’s ranch is on the other side of the mountains and too far away! They’re up near the Canadian border for crying out loud.” Daddy tossed his hands in the air.

  Mamma placed her gloved hand on his shoulder. “She isn’t going. We’re not losing a daughter tonight.”

  All of us girls were destined to leave at some point. My day had come. Or it would soon enough. For whatever reason, my parents didn’t see the writing on the wall. I had no reason to stay any longer. I had hoped a certain cowboy might one day ask me out and give me a reason to stick around, but it never happened. Moving was an easy way out.

  I released a long breath as they tore another strip off me. It would be rude to interrupt, but I couldn’t take it any longer. I never meant to upset them. When Scott had told me about the job, I hadn’t jumped for joy or been over the moon. It was a job. Something different, but not my dream come true.

  One day, they would have to let me go. Clearly, that day hadn’t arrived yet. As I picked up my bag, my daddy snatched it from my hand.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Putting your bag back in the house,” he replied. “Don’t take the first opportunity that comes your way. Something else will come up.”

  “Give me the bag, Daddy.” I reached for it, but he refused. “This is the only option.”

  “It’s not. Go for a ride and cool down. You are not moving tonight.”

  We stared at each other for a long while. He wouldn’t back down. My eyes filled with tears. I looked away first. I may have lost this round, but our fight was far from over.

  “You win,” I conceded. “But I will not be here forever. I’m not a little girl anymore.”

  Daddy leaned against the old tractor. The paint had chipped away, leaving only remnants of green. He hugged my bag to his chest. “You have everything you need here. A job. A roof over your head. Food on the table.”

  These mountains were my home. I loved Montana. My dreams were simple, but I didn’t want to take over our family ranch. I wanted something bigger.

  “And chains on my feet,” I added. “You can’t keep me single forever.”

  Mamma gasped. “Rose, your sass has gotten out of control. I just don’t know what to do with you anymore.”

  Running his grease stained hands through the few remaining strands on his head, Daddy tossed his hat on the ground, turned away from me and faced the love of his life. “Obviously, we were too soft on them, Callie. Let them run wild. Made life too easy.”

  Nothing about my life was easy. “Try again. I’m not a wild child. I’ve dated two boys and followed all your rules.”

  “Don’t let hormones run your life. There are plenty of young men closer to home,” Mamma said.

  I wasn’t boy crazy. Sure, I had needs and desires, but there wasn’t a plethora of guys close by drawing my attention. Except for one man. I exhaled as a vision of Trevor Knolls invaded my psyche and my cheeks flushed.

  The rodeo cowboy next door took my breath away. My daddy’s friend hid at his ranch, avoiding most people and earning a bad reputation. As his closest neighbors, I’d learned plenty about the sexy billionaire. He was nearly double my age, tall, handsome, worldly, and completely out of my league. My entire body reacted whenever he was near.

  “If you two are done ruling my life, I’m going for a ride. I’d rather not talk about available men in the area. Or lack there of.”

  “Rose, I’m a great matchmaker.”

  “Yeah. Worked out so well last time,” I scoffed. Maybe things would have turned out differently with Scott if I hadn’t been so wrapped up with my sister. Our timing was off. But deep down, I’d known he wasn’t the one.

  She laughed. “I can see I’ve got my work cut out for me.”

  “Don’t bother.”

  “Leave her be, Callie. Our girls can fend for themselves. Focus on Trevor,” Daddy said.

  “Right… Trevor needs my help,” Mamma added.

  At the mention of his name, my heart skipped a beat. I had no idea what she was talking about, but my cheeks heated even more. It was silly how just his name could set butterflies loose in my belly. “What’s going on with Trevor?”

  Daddy coughed and turned Mamma towards the house. “He… nothing you need to worry about. Our neighbor’s life is none of your business.”

  “If you have information, you should share, or I’ll ask him myself.”

  He chewed his lip, telling me a juicy tidbit danced on the tip of his tongue. My daddy was the worst at keeping secrets. “Rose, leave it alone. Don’t bother Trevor.”

  My curiosity peaked even higher. “Do I need to seek the gossip mills around town for the dirt.”

  “You won’t learn anything there. Trevor is a very private guy,” he stated. “Look he… he’s thinking of reopening. That’s all.”

  “Oh.” I had assumed that ranch would be closed forever. This was big news. “Do you think he’s hiring?”

  Daddy rubbed the back of his neck. “Maybe. I told him I’d send over a few hands to help if he was serious. I highly doubt anything will come of it.”

  It seemed like there was more they weren’t telling me. “Why? Is he—”

  “If you’re heading out, go now before the storm hits,” Daddy pleaded.

  Mamma giggled and glanced at me over her shoulder. “When you get back from your ride, we’ll talk more.”

  “No, you won’t,” he mumbled as he slapped her backside.

  She cooed as he chased her towards the house. Those two were so in love. I knew from seeing them that I’d never experienced anything even close to love. Not yet. But I wouldn’t settle for anything less.

  Without another word, I turned and marched towards the paddock. The snow tumbled faster, covering every surface in sparkly white. It would take more than a snowstorm to keep me off my horse. I needed to feel the wind on my skin and flowing through my hair. This was my freedom.

  After mounting my favorite black stallion, we flew down the trail that lead to the creek. I hadn’t ventured this way in far too long. It was more of a summer ride. The path weaved through the neighbor’s property. Trevor rarely gave permission to others to use his land, but he never asked me to stop coming around. His dude ranch had once been a star attraction in our region. As a kid, I used to love meetin
g the guests. Every summer there would be new kids to play with at the watering hole. I missed those carefree days.

  My childhood fantasies had revolved around these acres of pristine mountain land. A blend of snow kissed trees and wide-open pastures. When I pictured my future, it always included working on a dude ranch during the day and cozying up to a big old cowboy at night. I had a specific cowboy in mind too, but some dreams were too big to come true.

  Something in the air shifted. The horse slowed. I sensed him before I saw him. In the corner of my eye, I spotted Trevor. My billionaire cowboy neighbor crouched by a fallen tree with an ax in his hands. His dark hair curled from under his cowboy hat. My breath hitched and butterflies danced in my belly as he stood, lifted the blade, and slammed it against the bark. His brute strength was a sight to behold.

  I stared at Trevor and watched in awe as he chopped wood. His straight teeth sunk into his bottom lip with each swing. Despite the cold, a warm sensation traveled through me. My pulse raced like a herd of galloping wild horses. I swallowed hard. My body didn’t care that he was my daddy’s friend. I would give anything to feel his lips on mine just once. Feel the tickle of his beard and his rough hands against my skin. My core clenched with desire.

  I wanted him, but I would never make a move. I wasn’t his type. His ex-wife and I had nothing in common. She moved with the elegance of a ballet dancer, spoke with the poise of a royal, and looked like a model. Two women couldn’t be more different.

  Instead of riding towards Trevor, I veered towards the creek. Moving my hands forward above the horse’s wither, I squeezed my legs gently against his body and gave the silent command to race forward. The snow crunched under his hooves as we added some distance.

  This birthday would introduce another boring chapter in my life. I yearned for a change. A break from the ordinary. Twenty-one candles should mean twenty-one wishes, but I’d settle for one. A kiss from the billionaire cowboy next door.

  Chapter 3

  Trevor

  * * *

  The neighbor's daughter had a bad habit of riding on my land. When I saw her maneuver her horse towards the creek, I shook my head and adjusted my hat. If it were anyone else, I would have charged towards them, removed my gun from its holster, and fired a few warning shots to scare them away. But I wouldn’t do that to Rose.

  Just like her mother, Rose had a defiant streak and a quiet confidence that stood out. She was a good kid with good parents. I liked my neighbors. Except when they told me how to run my life. I was still mulling over our conversation from the previous night and wondering who Callie would send as the first dating candidate for me to consider. As much as I hated the idea at first, it had grown on me. Not that I expected a positive outcome. Finding love wasn’t as easy as going to town and choosing a woman.

  A cold breeze blasted against my face as I switched directions. The snow fell in waves from the darkened, early evening sky. I wondered what Rose was thinking, riding in this storm. Instead of heading for shelter, I put down the ax and followed her. Using my cane to clear a path, I marched through the thick snow-covered brush that lined the creek. Even with assistance, my legs didn’t move as quickly as they used to.

  By the time I approached the clearing, she was crouched by the water with her back to me. Long red tendrils hung past her shoulders. She tossed a rock. It skipped three times across the surface before sinking. She found another and chucked it, but it sank immediately.

  “Another disappointment,” she mumbled before burying her face in her hands.

  “You did it wrong.” There was an art to skipping rocks. Something I'd perfected since I'd moved to the mountains and spent countless hours at this very spot. “Need to flick your wrist,” I added.

  Rose screamed, swiveled towards me, and lost her balance on the frozen banks. Her arms flew up as she tumbled sideways into the freezing water. It was shallow, but the current kept a steady flow, preventing it from freezing completely. I raced towards her.

  “Dang it!” She exhaled a sharp breath. A puff of air drifted around her like a cloud as she pushed her wet hair away from her face. She stood and stepped out of the ankle-deep water. “You scared the daylights out of me, Trevor. That water is really cold.”

  She breathed onto her wet hands. I didn’t respond as I slowed my pace.

  “Figured I was alone. I... I didn't realize you were so close,” she added.

  I stopped a good foot away. My legs throbbed from the small amount of exertion. I hated my body for not being able to do simple tasks with ease.

  “My land,” I said flatly. My voice was gruff. The words came out far more brisk than I'd intended. I didn’t mean to scare the girl, but she seemed frazzled by my presence. Something seemed off.

  “Sorry.” She cast her big blue eyes down, avoiding my gaze. Her round cheeks had a pink glow and her button nose turned up slightly in the most adorable way. She was beautiful.

  I eyed the young woman curiously as she knotted her fingers. She seemed on edge. We’d known each other for years; she had no reason to be nervous. A strange thought crossed my mind.

  “Did your folks send you?”

  “Why would you ask that?”

  “There’s a project your mamma is… no reason.”

  Tear streaks marked her pale cheeks. A beauty like Rose should never have a reason to cry. If someone hurt her, I would end them. Anger bubbled in my chest. She wasn’t mine, but the thought of her hurting didn’t sit right. I closed the distance and gripped her chin. Her skin was soft and cold.

  Tilting her face up to mine, our eyes locked. “Care to explain why you’re crying?”

  The wind howled, but she didn’t answer.

  “Well… it’s a little cold for a swim. Don't you think, Rose?"

  A giggle escaped her pouty lips. The sweet sound melted the frozen walls around my heart. I reluctantly let go of her chin. She wrapped her arms around her soft center and shivered.

  “Way too cold,” she replied. “And I didn’t bring my bathing suit.”

  She laughed and I couldn't help but chuckle. The sound was almost foreign to me. I had to get out more. My self-imposed isolation wasn’t good for me. It had served its purpose, but those dark days were behind me. It was time to move on. I tore my gaze from her lips and stepped back.

  Leaves and twigs clung to her coat. I picked a clump of mud from her sleeve and tossed it into the creek. “Might want to shake that off.”

  She glanced at her clothes and hissed. “I’m a mess,” she said, removing the long wool garment. After a few shakes, most of the dirt and snow tumbled to the ground.

  My eyes drifted to her body. The water had soaked her t-shirt. The white see-through fabric clung to her curves. Rose had a gorgeous body. Full, supple breasts. More than a handful. Her erect nipples poked through the thin layers of cotton and lace, begging to be warmed by my mouth. I swallowed hard as a jolt of arousal hit me below the belt.

  “Must be freezing,” I said as she shivered.

  Her teeth chattered when she nodded. She had traveled deep onto my property and miles away from her home. We needed to get her by a fire soon. My place was far closer and the logical choice.

  I unzipped my coat. “Take your shirt off.”

  “Www... what?” Her eyes widened as her lips switched from pink to blue.

  “You'll freeze if you don't,” I barked. “Hypothermia doesn't take long in these conditions. Your wet clothes aren’t helping you.”

  “Oh... Rrrrighttt.” She gripped the hem of her shirt with shaking hands. “Would you turn around?”

  Her innocence was so damn appealing. I removed my jacket and held it out for her. The act was my attempt to be a gentleman, but my thoughts were anything but.

  “Put that on,” I said, turning away.

  The water-logged shirt hit the rocks with a loud slap. As she lowered the zipper on her jeans, my cock hardened and pressed against mine. It was a good thing I had my back to her. I glanced down as her white lace bra join
ed the pile. My heart jumped into my throat as her delicate hands grazed mine. Her fingers were like ice, but they ignited a fire I hadn’t felt in ages. I had an urge to wrap her in my arms and breathe heat back into her plump lips.

  I had no right to touch Rose and taint her. She was far too young for me. Too innocent and sweet. The kind of girl that enjoyed life on the ranch and didn’t need fancy things to feel valued. She was the opposite of my ex, which suddenly made me like her even more. I’d always liked Rose.

  “Thanks, T… Trevor,” she stammered. “For the jacket and for being so kind.”

  “It’s nothing.”

  I limped towards her steed and untangled the lead from the tree. As I headed back to the water’s edge, I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of Rose wearing nothing but my parka and a pair of cowboy boots. She rubbed her smooth, thick legs together to keep warm. I wondered if she’d ever had a man between her thighs.

  Giant white crystals covered her damp hair. I invaded her personal space and lifted the hood. She had meat on her bones, but she was still small compared to me. Her lips trembled. As I stepped back, her eyes met mine. They were an alluring shade of blue and so full of trust.

  “It's really starting to snow.” She licked her lips. “You’ll freeze without your coat.”

  Once again, the urge to claim her mouth invaded my thoughts, making me wonder if my neighbors hadn’t sent her over to tempt me. Rose was a born and raised a cowgirl. Everyone trusted and liked her. I couldn’t recall Roger or Callie mentioning a man in her life recently. A desirable young woman like her was bound to have her pick of young bucks.

  “We should get moving.”

  “We,” she repeated as I slipped my hands under her arms and lifted her onto her horse. She hissed as her bare legs straddled the cold from the saddle.

  “It’s late.” I collected her clothes. “You can warm up at my place,” I said, gripping the reins with more force than required.