Lingerie and Lariats (Rough & Ready#7) (16 page)

“I’m fine.” Mrs. Grady rubbed her hand over Renee’s back as they hugged. “I’m just glad you’re okay. You did good, girl.”

 “So did you. If you hadn’t taken the knife to him like you did, I think we’d both be dead right now.” Renee drew back. “I’m lucky the gun didn’t fire the second time.”

“It only had one bullet in it,” Mrs. Grady said. “I forgot to reload it after shooting a rattlesnake out by the cow pen.”

Renee let out her breath. “I have to say I’m really happy you forgot.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Grady,” Dan said as he came up to stand beside them. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

The elder woman reached up and patted Dan on the cheek. “I’m made of strong stock, Danny Cooper. And don’t you forget it.”

Dan took Renee by the hand and led her from the kitchen. When they were alone, he took her in his arms and held her close. “I was so afraid I was going to lose you.”

“Me, too,” she whispered and realized how grateful she was to have Dan. Her whole body still trembled, but as he embraced her she knew that everything was going to be all right.

“That’s the last of it.” Renee brushed dust from her hands on her jeans as the movers returned to the moving van and started to retract the ramp and close up the now empty truck. She could hardly believe it was done. She and all of her things had moved to Arizona. Permanently.

As for her house in Philadelphia, a real estate agent was taking care of selling her house and had just put it up on the market. The agent believed they would be getting offers on it in no time.

“Everything will be safe inside here until you’re ready to unpack it.” Dan closed the door to the storage area in the back of the barn. “You didn’t bring back much from Philly.”

She shrugged. “I wanted a fresh start.”

They walked side-by-side out of the cool barn into the warm afternoon sunshine. A gust caused a miniature whirlwind of dust to kick up in front of them.

She talked with one of the movers for a moment as she signed a paper then thanked them both. The movers climbed into the truck, drove out of the yard, and headed down the dirt road.

It had only been a month since Jerry had almost killed her. Instead, Jerry had died when Dan saved her life.

Now it seemed like it had happened a lifetime ago and she was glad to put it all behind her. Her headaches were gone and the nightmares the experiences had given her were fading, especially when Dan’s arms were around her as they slept.

She had returned yesterday while he was working and they hadn’t had a chance to talk much since he’d had to work late. Today was Saturday but there had been chores to do and she’d stopped by Mrs. Grady’s to check in on the woman to see how she was doing. The woman had baked a berry pie that she sent over with Renee—she and Dan had each already eaten a big slice with vanilla ice cream, before the movers had arrived after lunch.

There really wasn’t too much to tell about her trip. It had taken a good week to sell her furniture and other items, donate what was left to charity, and wrap up her affairs. It had been hard being away from Dan but they’d talked on the phone daily. Even with the three-hour time difference, they’d managed to get in a lot of conversation. But it wasn’t the same as being with him and she was so glad to be back.

So glad.

When the truck disappeared around a bend, Renee turned to Dan. Wind blew strands of her chestnut hair across her face and he brushed them behind her ear as he looked down at her.

 “You know I’d like you to move in with me,” he said as he smoothed her hair.

“I still need a little time.” She studied him as they held each other’s gazes. “If you don’t mind me staying here until I make that decision…”

“Take all the time you need.” He took her hand and they started back to the house.

“It’s hard.” She looked up at him as they walked. “I’m having a difficult time dealing with what I went through with Jerry.” She hated saying his name. Hated how her relationship with him made her scared to take the step with Dan. “I just need to get my thoughts together. Everything is a jumbled mess in my mind.”

She continued, “Part of it has to do with seeing Jerry dead and all that he put me through with how he treated me, how he stole from me, how he tried to kill me. Twice. I just don’t feel like I’m in the position to make a decision without my mind quieting.”

“I understand.” He squeezed her hand and gave her a gentle smile. “There’s no rush. Stay here for now and then do what you have to do once you decide.”

“Thank you.” She leaned her head on his arm as they walked and tried to quiet her thoughts. Dan was a good man and he deserved better than what she was able to give him at this moment in time.

Renee dressed in satiny black lingerie, which included a bustier that emphasized her cleavage and thigh-high stockings with a garter to hold them up. When they went out to dinner tonight, she would love the feeling of the sexy lingerie beneath her little black dress.

She studied her reflection in the mirror and smiled. She’d been living with Dan for eight months.

And she loved him. Couldn’t imagine life without him.

Loving the feeling of the satin over her skin, she smoothed her hands down her black bustier. It felt erotic and sexy and she couldn’t wait to get back home after dinner to model it for Dan.

She was reaching for her dress when a shadow fell across the room. She looked up to see him standing in the doorway.

Heat and hunger burned in his eyes as he drank her in. She put her hands on her hips as his gaze lingered on her cleavage and moved down her small waist to her garters and stockings.

He looked so hot and sexy in his snug Wranglers and cream-colored western shirt and a brown Stetson. She wanted to touch him. She loved to feel his broad shoulders beneath her hands and his strength when she ran her palms over his powerful chest and biceps. She loved the strong lines of his face that could appear so hard when he was attending to something serious, and so tender when he looked at her.

With a primal look in his gaze, he crooked his finger, telling her to come to him. The way he was looking at her sent thrills through her belly.

She couldn’t help but go to him, knowing every move she made was seductive and sensual. “We’ll be late for our reservation at the restaurant.”

The bulge in his jeans told her that they were indeed going to be late.

“Damn, you look hot, woman.” The words came out rough as he spoke.

When she reached him, he took her into his arms and brought his mouth down hard on hers. His kiss sent wild sensations straight to her belly and on down between her thighs.

He grabbed her by her ass and raised her up. As they kissed she gripped his shoulders and wrapped her legs around his hips.

Her heart beat like crazy and her breathing came faster as he kissed her with the kind of passion that told her how badly he wanted her.

“I can’t wait to have you.” His voice was almost guttural.

“I can’t wait either.” She swallowed. “I want you.”

He lowered her to the bed until she was on her back and he was between her thighs. He pulled her bustier down, releasing her breasts. She caught her breath as he grasped both her breasts in his callused hands and squeezed. He moved his mouth from one nipple to the other, licking and sucking each one.

“Please.” She squirmed beneath him, wanting more. “Now, Dan.”

He rose up on his knees between her thighs. He unfastened his belt and the button on his Wranglers then pushed his jeans and boxer briefs down just enough to release his cock and balls.

She widened her thighs as he pulled her panties aside and he thrust his cock inside her. She gasped as he filled her, completed her. He started driving in and out, taking her hard and fast. She loved his almost primal expression as he thrust deep. The feel of his jeans was erotic, rough against her soft flesh.

The oncoming climax spun through her and she had a hard time keeping her eyes open as it came closer and closer. But she wanted to see Dan’s eyes when she came.

She cried out as her orgasm slammed into her. Her hips bucked against his and he thrust harder.

He came with a growl and she felt his cock throb inside her. When he came to a stop he pressed his groin tight to hers then relaxed with a loud exhale. He placed his forehead against hers. “Guess I’d better call and let them know we’ll be late.”

She smiled. “Yes, you’d better.”

Dan seemed reluctant to move off of her, but he did. It didn’t take long for them to arrange their clothes and for Renee to slip into her little black dress.

As she walked down the stairs she was glad for the two that squeaked when she tread on them. They had saved her life the first time Jerry had come after her.

The drive to Patagonia went by fast. They arrived at the Italian restaurant and were seated at a nice corner table. It was a cozy place with a nice atmosphere.

Like always when she was with Dan, before they sat down there were greetings of “Hi, Sheriff Cooper.” He’d smiled, shaken their hands, and then escorted Renee to their table.

Dan reached across the table and took her hand in his after they’d ordered and the waitress had taken their menus. The look in his sea green eyes sent butterflies through her belly. She bit the inside of her lip and looked down at their joined hands.

She brought her gaze up and studied his eyes that looked at her with such meaning and it made her heart twist. Exactly what meaning, she didn’t know, but it was like he was trying to tell her something in that one look.

Dinner was wonderful, but she was so wrapped up in Dan that she barely remembered what she’d eaten. When he got up to use the restroom, she leaned over to breathe in the scent of the orchid in the vase at the center of the small table.

When he returned he took his seat. His knee brushed hers. “I ordered dessert,” he said. “I hope you don’t mind.”

She smiled. “You could order anything and I’d love it.”

The server arrived and set a piece of rich-looking chocolate cake between them. Something sparkled on top of the cake and she tilted her head to the side. It looked like a diamond was resting in a large white rose in the middle of the chocolate frosting.

“What’s that?” She wondered if someone had lost their ring on their cake. She reached out and picked it up off of the soft petals of the rose then looked at him when the ring was in her palm. It was a solitaire with emeralds to either side of it. “It’s a diamond.”

He gave her a sexy grin as her eyes widened and she looked at him. Then his features grew serious as he took the ring from her palm then held both her hands in his. “Will you marry me, Renee?”

As her eyes widened even more, he gripped her hand tighter. “I have loved you forever and it would mean the world if you would be my wife.”

Her lips parted as she stared at him. Earlier she’d been thinking it would be a big step just moving in with him and now he was asking her to marry him.

A feeling bright and warm blossomed inside of her, filling her to completion, and she knew her answer. “I love you, Dan.” Warmth traveled throughout her body as she said the words. “It started when we were kids, and now that we’re adults it’s deeper than ever.” She felt her hand start to shake. “Yes, I will marry you.”

He grinned again, broader yet, as he grasped her hand and slid the ring on her finger. He stood and brought her to her feet with him and took her into his arms. He kissed her hard then raised his head as he said out loud to the other patrons in the restaurant, “Renee has agreed to be my wife.”

Everyone around them broke into applause and they congratulated their sheriff and his bride-to-be.

Dan brought her into his embrace again and kissed her hard.

It was then that she truly felt it with everything she had. She’d finally come home.

# # #

“Rough and Ready” Series

Silk and Spurs

Lace and Lassos

Champagne and Chaps

Satin and Saddles

Roses and Rodeo

Lingerie and Lariats

Lipstick and Leather

“Altered States” Series

Dark Seduction

“Dark Enforcers” Series

Night’s Captive

Lexi Steele Novels

The First Sin

The Second Betrayal

The Temptation

From St. Martin’s Press:

Night Tracker Series

Demons Not Included

No Werewolves Allowed

Vampires Not Invited

Zombies Sold Separately

Vampires Dead Ahead

Magic Series

Forbidden Magic

Seduced by Magic

Wicked Magic

Shadow Magic

Dark Magic

Single Title

Moving Target

Chosen Prey

Anthologies

No Rest for the Witches

Real Men Last All Night

Legally Hot

Chicks Kick Butt

Hotter than Hell

Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romances

Mammoth Book of Special Ops Romances

“The Auction” Series

Sold

Bought

Claimed

Taken

“Taboo” Series

Taking it Home

Losing Control

Alluring Stranger

Taboo Desires: three Tales of Lust and Passion

Playing Rough: three Stories of Sensual Submission

Paranormal Single Title

The Touch

Come to Me

Cheyenne McCray

“He sure is one sexy bull rider.” Danica Cameron looked at her friend Kelsey then nodded toward the chute and the next cowboy preparing to ride a bull. “What’s his name?”

“Darryl Thompson.” Kelsey sighed and twirled a strand of her long blonde hair around her finger. “Only two dates and I think I’m in love.”

“Then I hope he’s Mr. Right.” Danica glanced at the bull rider before moving her gaze back to her friend. “I really don’t want to see you get hurt again, Kels.”

Kelsey smiled. “Darryl’s different than any guy I’ve ever dated. He’s a
real
man.”

Danica returned her friend’s smile. She’d known Kelsey for a couple of years now and she’d grown to care for her like a sister. They’d met at the local gym where Danica worked out three times a week and had started working out together. Eventually they began meeting outside of the health club and had become close friends.

With a smile, Danica turned her attention to the upcoming rider.

They had seats that hugged the arena, with a perfect view of all the action at the May Las Vegas professional bull riding competition. The air smelled of dust and animals and the announcer’s voice carried over the loudspeakers along with medleys of tunes to go with the high-energy crowd in the arena. The intro to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s
Sweet Home Alabama
blared from the speakers followed by a burst of Loverboy’s
Working for the Weekend
and then a partial tune Danica didn’t recognize, all in close succession.

Like other bull riders, Darryl’s protective vest and his shirtsleeves were covered with patches from various sponsors.

The announcer shouted out, “Darryl Thompson riding Killjoy, one of the rankest bulls here today.”

The gate to the chute swung open and the crowd cheered as the bull flung itself out and the cowboy started his ride. The bull bucked and twisted round and round, trying to throw its rider off as cheers and shouts rose up from the crowd.

Kelsey stood and screamed, “Go, Darryl!” as he hung on for the full eight seconds and then the horn blared.

The bull bucked Darryl off before he could dismount and he landed on his hands and knees, and scrambled to his feet. The cowboy clowns—who were now called bullfighters—distracted the bull to keep it from going after its rider and they got the bull to exit the arena through an open gate that they shut behind him.

Even Danica, who didn’t know a hell of a lot about bull riding, knew enough that she was sure it had been a really good ride.

Danica tilted her head to the side. “I always wondered how they get the bulls to twist in circles like that.”

“Did you see that strap around the bull’s flanks?” Kelsey said. “It’s called a flank strap. That’s what makes the bulls kick because they’re trying to kick it off. The rope that the cowboy holds onto is called a bull rope.”

Danica smiled as she pushed her long dark hair over her shoulder. “You’re becoming quite the expert now that you’re going out with Darryl.”

“I’m trying.” Kelsey grinned, her pretty gray eyes lit with excitement. “But I really want to be an expert on the bull rider himself.”

Danica laughed. “I’ll just bet you will.”

Kelsey hadn’t grown up on a ranch like Danica had, so to Kelsey, cowboys were a novelty. She’d met Darryl in San Diego at a country western bar and had talked Danica into flying to Las Vegas for a girl’s weekend to check out the bull riding competition. Well, the bull riders for the most part.

She’d known from the beginning that this was really a girl-and-cowboy weekend. Last thing she wanted to be was a third wheel, so she’d planned to keep herself busy and let Kelsey enjoy her time with Darryl.

Danica felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her jeans. She drew it out and saw that she had a text message from Barry.

Where are you, babe? I stopped by your place and you weren’t home.

She frowned. “I’m not your babe,” she muttered.

Kelsey glanced at Danica. “What did you say?”

“Got a text from Barry.” Danica sighed. “He won’t take a hint. Not even an outright, ‘I don’t want to date. Let’s be friends.’”

Kelsey shook her head. “Never did understand what you saw in that spoiled little rich boy.”

“He was actually pretty cool at the start.” Danica pushed hair behind her ear. “He was friendly and fun. I just didn’t see how obsessive he was until after we started dating. Or how arrogant and conceited he really is.”

He had been the first non-cowboy she’d ever dated, and he might be the last. She rolled her eyes at that thought. That wasn’t fair—not all men were like Barry.

The announcer shouted, turning her attention back to the event. “Ninety points for Darryl Thompson, making him tonight’s leader.”

Kelsey clapped her hands and looked at Danica. “That’s a great score.”

Danica nodded but looked down at her cell phone. “I’d better respond or he’ll never stop sending messages.”

She drafted a quick message.

In Las Vegas with Kelsey. Will be home tomorrow.

After she hit
send
, Danica raised her eyes and her gaze fixed on the next rider who was preparing to lower himself onto his bull. “Who’s that?”

“Creed McBride.” She gave Danica a sly smile when Danica glanced at her. “Hot, isn’t he?”

“Hard to tell.” But something about the cowboy made Danica sit up and take notice. There was an ease and confidence in his bearing that she could feel, even from where she sat. And yeah, when she got a good glimpse of him, he was definitely hot.

“Defending two-time World Champion, Creed McBride, ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer shouted over more pulse-pounding music. “Today he’s matched up with one of the toughest bulls, Dark Shadow!”

The chute seemed to explode open as the bull twisted its massive body into the arena, its rider gripping the bull rope. Danica held her breath as the eight-second ride seemed to draw out. The rider made it all look effortless as his body moved in tune with the creature’s bucks and pitches.

And then the horn was blaring and the rider dismounted. He hit the ground on his side and rolled to his feet, barely missing the bull’s hooves.

Danica let out her breath with relief when the cowboy avoided getting trampled. Every time a rider got bucked off or dismounted, her body tensed. Despite having four older brothers, all cowboys, she’d never been able to understand a man’s need to put himself in danger like that.

“Tell you what.” Danica looked at Kelsey. “I don’t think I’d ever be able to date a bull rider. The sport is too dangerous.”

“Lots of professions are dangerous,” Kelsey said. “Police officers face danger every day.”

Danica shrugged. “That’s different.”

Kelsey rolled her eyes. “Come on, Danica. Don’t worry so much.”

“You know I’m not a worrier.” Danica gave a laugh. “I just don’t want to date someone who could end up hospitalized from being trampled by an animal that weighs two thousand pounds.”

With a shake of her head, Kelsey said, “Hard to believe a cowgirl like you wouldn’t want to date a cowboy like that.”

Danica decided to change the subject. “How are the rides scored?”

“Four judges score both the bull and the rider and each judge gets a total of fifty points,” Kelsey said. “Each of the judges can award up to twenty-five points for the bull and twenty-five points for the rider. They combine the points from the four judges and then divide that in half to come up with the rider’s score. From what Darryl told me, no one has ever received a hundred points in the Professional Bull Riders organization. I think somewhere around ninety-six or so is the highest ever awarded.”

Her phone vibrated again and she looked down at the phone.

Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving? Call me when you get back.

Danica ground her teeth and tucked the phone away in her pocket again. She didn’t intend to respond again and she didn’t intend to call when she returned to California.

“Ninety-two point ride for Creed McBride.” The announcer’s voice cut through her thoughts. “That puts him over the top into first place and makes him champion!”

Danica clapped along with everyone else. Creed waved his black western hat and the crowd cheered even more.

“So you’ll come tonight?” Kelsey asked when Danica turned to her.

“If you insist.” Danica smiled at her friend.

“I insist.” Kelsey searched the arena with her gaze obviously looking for Darryl. “Maybe you’ll get to meet Creed.”

“Oh be still my heart.” Danica held her hand over her heart then laughed. “I wouldn’t say that is a must-do on my list.”

“Just you wait.” Kelsey gestured to Creed who was now talking to someone in the ring. “That looks like one cowboy worth getting to know.”

* * * * *

“No thank you.” Danica turned down yet another offer from a cowboy to buy her a drink.

After she declined, she dismissed the cowboy with a genuine smile. She moved away to search the room with her gaze for Kelsey. She held onto her beer bottle as she moved through the crowd.

The bar was packed with men and women in western attire and a country-western band had been playing familiar tunes all night. She liked that the slot machines were outside the bar and the constant ringing and cha-ching of machines wasn’t competing with the good music.

She’d caught herself lightly tapping her boot since she’d come into the bar, but she hadn’t been in the mood to dance. Usually she did, but tonight she had a headache that alcohol hadn’t been able to kick. Thank goodness smoking had been banned from bars and restaurants in Las Vegas or her headache would have magnified.

Her gaze slid past Creed who had three women around him. Kelsey had called the women buckle bunnies, female groupies. From what she’d seen, the groupies tended to wear tight jeans and boots with skimpy tops and bright, flashy accessories like a belt with a big buckle that had lots of dazzle.

She moved her gaze away from the cowboy and groupies then spotted her petite friend who was leaning against Darryl, her hand on his chest, looking into the tall cowboy’s eyes. It was a sweet, romantic picture the way he was looking at her. Danica hoped Kelsey wouldn’t get her heart broken. She’d been through far too much and she deserved a good guy. Danica had met him earlier in the night when Kelsey had introduced them. He seemed okay, but she’d reserve judgment for later.

Her cell phone had vibrated in her pocket three separate times. She was sure they were messages from Barry, so she didn’t bother to look.

From the corner of her eye, she found herself looking at Creed. This time a woman who looked upset was talking with him and the buckle bunnies were gone. He reached up and brushed something from beneath her eye with his thumb. He said something to her and she nodded, then turned and walked in Danica’s direction. The woman bumped into Danica, nearly making her drop her beer bottle.

Danica took a step back and shook her head. She looked at Darryl and Kelsey again. They really did look like a cute couple. She glanced away from the pair to check her watch. It was still early but she really wasn’t in the mood to party. Maybe she’d tell Kelsey about her headache and that she was going to head up to their suite in the casino resort hotel that was on the strip. She wouldn’t mind a bath in the amazing jetted tub.

“Heading off so early?” The deep drawl caught her attention. She immediately loved the male voice and turned to find herself facing Creed McBride.

She raised her brows. “Who says I’m leaving?”

He gave a slow, sexy grin. “Honey, you’ve been trying to head out that door all night.”

Her face warmed. “You’ve been watching me?”

“Ever since you walked into the room.” He searched her gaze. “Just waiting for a chance to catch your attention. I don’t think there’s a cowboy in this place who hasn’t offered to buy you a drink.”

She studied his eyes. He had dark hair and nice eyes that were a gorgeous shade of green. “Who’s to say I’m not going to send you packing?”

His gaze held hers. “I’m hoping my luck will hold out. I think this is the longest conversation you’ve had with any cowboy you’ve met tonight.”

Amusement sparked in his eyes as he spoke. He had that same ease and confidence in his manner in person as she’d seen before he’d ridden that bull and even after his ride.

He was about as tall as her four brothers, around six-two, but a little younger—she’d guess about thirty-three. His white shirt and Wrangler jeans fit him oh-so-well, and his white western hat was tilted up enough that she could study his eyes. He was definitely hot in an alpha male, bad boy kinda way.

“I’m Creed McBride.” He held out his hand.

“My name is Danica and you’re right, I’m heading up to my room.” She smiled as she took his hand. “Nice meeting you,” she added but couldn’t get herself to turn away. In fact she had a hard time getting herself to release his hand. His grip was firm and warm, his hand callused from hard work.

It was probably only seconds but it seemed as though it carried on longer before she finally drew back her hand.

“Pretty name.” He looked like he wanted to touch her again to keep her from leaving but held himself back. She didn’t know why she thought he did, but she could almost feel the brush of his fingers against her cheek even though he hadn’t reached for her at all. He studied her and she felt warmth go through her at the intensity in her look. “I bet you’re told all of the time what gorgeous blue eyes you have. Such a brilliant blue,” he said.

“Is that a pick-up line?” She raised an eyebrow.

“You know it’s not.” He smiled. “It’s an observation.”

It was true that she got that all of the time. She and her four brothers had the same eye color and her aunt called them “Cameron blue”.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to two-step with me?” Creed gave a nod to the dance floor. “I haven’t had a chance to dance all night.”

She wanted to ask him why not when gorgeous women had surrounded him all night, or the other woman he’d been talking with, but she didn’t want him to know that he’d captured her attention tonight, more than once. Fortunately, she didn’t think he’d caught her at it.