The Discreet Cowboy (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 6) Read online

  He laughed and swiped his palm down his jaw. “I know how it is to be the older brother. No man is good enough for his sister.”

  “Oh, so no wonder you agreed to his foolish scheme,” she snorted. “You’re on his side. Brothers sticking together.”

  “I agreed to it because Chase is the boss, and a man I owe a lot to for what he’s done for me.”

  “You mean with regard to the accident?” She pointed to the cane.

  He picked at the corner of the label on his bottle. “If it wasn’t for him I’d probably be back home.”

  “I heard about what happened. You’re a lucky man to be alive.”

  He leaned in slightly and she caught a whiff of his spicy, citrusy scent aftershave mixed with the smell of cowboy—outdoors and leather. It was a lethal combination that always got her.

  “So what kind of fufu blue drink you got there?”

  She laughed. “It’s a spiked candy something or other. Mickey’s creation.”

  One brow lifted teasingly. “I’ve never been one who liked drinking dessert.”

  “Don’t knock it till you try it.”

  “Cowboy’s don’t drink frilly drinks,” he said with a snort.

  “Is that along the line of real men don’t wear pink? Or real men don’t wash dishes? I think I’ve heard every single quip.”

  He laughed and it was a nice sound. “Hey, I’ve worn pink a few times. Never been good at washing my clothes. And washing dishes softens a working man’s hands.”

  She liked his way of thinking.

  Signaling for Mickey, he ordered another round each, then grabbed his wallet from his back pocket. He opened it and she leaned closer, knowing she shouldn’t be so nosy, but the pretty faced young woman staring back from the plastic pocket caught Felicia’s attention. “Is that your girlfriend?”

  Dade grabbed a twenty from the pocket, laid it down then brought his attention to the picture, tapping it with the tip of his finger. “Nope. My sister, Tana. And this…” He flipped the plastic pocket. “Is Tina, she’s the youngest. Tiffany is in the middle.”

  All of them looked alike—ebony hair, freckled faces and big, toothy smiles. “Oh yeah, you’re going to be a very busy man.”

  “For now my dad is taking care of that.” He pushed the wallet back into his pocket. “When I was home though, I’d gotten into a few fist fights over their honor.”

  “So, I didn’t see any other photos. Does that mean you don’t have a girlfriend?”

  One shoulder lifted and dropped. “I did, all through high school, but things change. People change.” His low voice tickled her ear drums.

  Mickey brought their new drinks and Dade accepted the bottle and glass, handing it to her. The tips of their fingers touched, sending a zing of awareness straight up her arm and into her chest. And if that wasn’t enough, he swiveled, his knee brushed hers and heat radiated through her body. She fought the urge to rub the spot where he’d touched. Even more, resisted the urge to touch him.

  “To the fact that we don’t all have to drink one kind of drink.” He held up his beer.

  She lifted her glass and clanked it with his. “To individuality.”

  “How long are you planning to stay at Nirvana?” He sipped his beer.

  “Not sure. A month maybe.”

  He placed the beer on the bar with a loud thwap and brought his gaze to hers, his eyes crinkling. “A month?”

  “Is there a problem?” Then it came to her. “Oh, you don’t want to be stuck with me for a month.”

  “I’m hoping to be back on the land in the next two weeks, working.”

  “I’m sure me being around won’t put a screw in your bed.” Realizing what she’d said, she wished the floor would have opened up and engulfed her. He didn’t seem to notice one bit. Girl, get your thoughts together.

  “You don’t seem like the type that’d hang out away from the big city very long.”

  She flinched. “How do you get that?”

  He shrugged. “I haven’t seen a dress that fancy in, well, ever.” He slipped his gaze over the black dress. Something akin to appreciation filled his gaze, but he blinked and all remnants were gone.

  “I guess this place doesn’t see Dior often.”

  “Dior who?”

  “I’m saying, I think I overdressed.”

  “Just a little, but you certainly are giving the fellows something to look at.” He smiled.

  She’d never been one to be self-conscious about her clothes, so why start now? Or was it being this close to the cowboy and the way his knees kept brushing her bare skin? Or how his eyes crinkled when he smiled and his eyes lit up like the stars. When had she ever noticed such minor details about a man?

  He stood up and she watched him. “Where are you going?”

  “To prove you wrong.”

  “About what?”

  “That I can dance. I assure you, I can do everything I did before, just a little slower—and sometimes, that’s appreciated.” He winked.

  Holy mother of all that is good. Was he flirting with her? “Dade, have you tried to dance with the cane?”

  “No, but how hard can it be? If you don’t mind me stepping on your toes.”

  She hesitated. “You’re going to hurt yourself trying to prove something to me. I’d never forgive myself.”

  “Are you embarrassed to be seen dancing with a man with a limp?” He lifted a brow.

  “No, that’s not it.” She couldn’t admit to him that she was tossing about the idea of his hands on her and she was already sweating. “Sounds like a challenge.” She slipped off the stool. “I’ll be more than happy to test out the cane, but if you get hurt I wouldn’t make a very good nurse.”

  “Listen, we’re in luck. Another slow song.”

  The gentle, soft tune could lull any soul. Together, they stepped out onto the makeshift dance floor. She was fully aware that all eyes were on them—rather him. Possibly because they questioned how a man would dance with a cane, but she had a feeling it was much, much more. He was a tall man, built strong and lean, probably noticed by everyone everywhere he went. She could see the appreciation in the eyes of the women watching, even those sitting next to a date.

  Knowing she’d be in his arms sent flitters of her own appreciation radiating through her trembling veins.

  This could be dangerous.

  Never one to run away from a challenge, she wouldn’t start now, not when the excitement lured her in.

  Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glance of Tom. He was dancing with a big-breasted blonde and they had enough space between them to park a Buick. The wannabe cowboy scowled at Felicia and she saw something in his eyes, a warning or premonition that he wasn’t quite done trying to convince her to share a bed with him and his buddy. No chance that’d happen.

  Stepping closer to Dade, she inhaled his scent and her stomach fluttered. His warmth oozed through her thin dress, through the lace bra, her nipples puckering in delicious anticipation—delicious torment. A woman who loved cowboys lived for moments like this, but being in the arms of a man who made her tremble awakening sensations deep inside, wasn’t such a good idea. Felicia had gotten the ‘Nirvana rules’ speech when she arrived, not just from her big brother, but from Kaycee too, who wanted to make sure her husband didn’t blow off any steam during Felicia’s visit. Chase liked his hands to keep the horse in the barn at all times when it came to guests on the ranch, and that especially included the sister of the boss. Although Felicia loved the idea of blowing off Chase’s stupid rules and over-handedness, she also knew the repercussions she and Dade would face if she sampled what was inside of those worn Wranglers. Sure, she wasn’t inexperienced and knew exactly how to pull the wool over her brother’s eyes, but she was a grown woman and didn’t have to sneak around any longer. However, Dade had already stated how much he ‘respected’ Chase. To keep things off the radar, she was capable of not landing between the sheets, but as she stepped into Dade’s arms, she suddenly re
alized this could go bad—in a very, very good way.

  Since he only had one hand available to hold her, he slipped it around her waist while clutching the cane with the other. She had no choice but to wrap her arms around his hips as their bodies pressed together. It became clear that when he suggested they dance, he knew how close they would have to be to make it work, and the thought ignited her core.

  Surprisingly, he moved smoothly and easily, showing how much strength he had in his arms and legs. They moved together, and the heat grew.

  “You enjoy this, don’t you?” she asked.

  “Dancing?”

  “Surprising people.”

  He shrugged. “Maybe it’s your people’s fault for presuming.”

  “Point taken and I give my most genuine apology. I bet you can move just as skillfully in whatever task you’re committed to.” She knew exactly how flirtatious her words sounded—exactly her intention.

  He settled his palm on her hip and she sucked in a breath. His fingers skimmed her bottom and he jerked and lost his step, but quickly caught himself. “I guess you spoke a little too soon. Balance is the hardest thing to get back. It’s as if my bum leg has a mind of its own.”

  “You seem to have it down just fine. You dance better than Tom and he has the full use of both legs.”

  Dade held her gaze. “I’d accuse you of teasing me, but looks like you’re not the only one who thinks Tom can’t dance.” He jutted his chin.

  Felicia glanced across the floor where the blonde and Tom were arguing until she stomped off in a huff, leaving the poor bastard scowling deeper. “I’d guess she didn’t want to party with him and his buddy either.”

  “Party?”

  “As in buck naked fun. He even offered to grab his rope from his truck. What a gentleman.” Felicia sniffed.

  Dade stiffened. “I have half a mind to show that son-of-a-bitch that it’s not polite to treat a woman so low and dirty. Say the words and I’ll kick his ass.”

  She pulled her head back looking for any signs of him joking. He was serious. “No, there won’t be any need for any ass-kicking tonight. I’ve learned to handle men like Tom, and if my words don’t work, I have a size seven heel that fits nicely up an asshole’s rear.”

  He laughed and his chest vibrated. “Yeah, you’re definitely Chase’s sister all right. I think you might be onto something when it comes to him needing to give you some space. You seem pretty level headed to me.”

  “Thank you, Dade.” She slipped her thumb inside of his leather belt. “I am sorry that I locked you inside of the room without any clothes. I wasn’t thinking, well, you know…”

  “You weren’t thinking that I’m crippled, and how hard it would be for me to walk back to my cabin.”

  “No, that wasn’t my thought.” She snapped her chin up and saw his grin. She pinched him playfully on the arm. “The word crippled never crossed my mind. It shouldn’t yours either.”

  He shrugged. “I’m sure it does for some. Truth is, I sometimes wonder if I’ll be stuck with this damn thing the rest of my life.” He nodded at the cane. “Just when I think I have walking down again, I lose my balance.”

  “No worries. You can lean on me. I won’t slap you if your hand slips.” She winked.

  He laughed, causing her core to tremble. She slid her palms around his back, exploring the tightness of his muscles, each masculine coil. She wanted to discover more of his rigid physique, like a human map. This was a man who worked hard and didn’t allow his temporary disability to keep him from continuing on in life.

  Dade surprised her when he gently tugged her closer—so close that her breasts pressed against his solid chest. Her nipples were so hard now, she wondered if he could feel the nubs through their clothing. Her pussy lips throbbed and her panties moistened. Oh what she wouldn’t give to sneak Dade away from the crowd and see where things led. She knew exactly where things would lead…and why didn’t she shy away from the thought?

  Okay, obviously going six months without sex was causing her to respond like a schoolgirl dancing with her first boyfriend. Hell, he wouldn’t take the chance of allowing things to go to the next level. He was probably only taking her up on her offer that he could lean on her for stability.

  “That’s mighty close, cowboy. Are you needing me to keep you steady?”

  “No,” he said in a husky voice.

  “Really? Mm.”

  He chuckled. “Don’t laugh at me, but parts of my body are responding with a little too much enthusiasm. I think I might embarrass myself. Wouldn’t want that, now would we?”

  Something about his openness made her happy. “Just keep in mind, it’s just a dance, not an invitation.” She warned gently, although she didn’t sound so convincing. She even had to bite back a smile.

  “Oh darn, there went all of my plans of seducing you with my smooth dance moves.” There was a bucket load of sarcasm to his words.

  “You don’t give yourself enough credit. Trust me.”

  “Oh, so my skills are working? I was afraid this might happen.” He winked and a mischievous smile curved his beautiful mouth.

  “You were afraid what would happen?”

  “That you’d fall for me once you were in my arms.”

  “Don’t take me for your typical woman, Dade. It’d take a lot more than fancy footwork or a flash of that undeniably sexy smile to steal my heart.” Her voice quivered.

  “Who wants typical when they can have extraordinary?”

  His words were like a magical drug oozing through her body, breaking down all of her defenses. Before she thought over her next action, she stood on tiptoes and kissed him quickly on the lips. His eyes widened slightly, but he recovered fast and pressed his mouth to hers. At first his touch was slow, explorative and gentle. He slipped his tongue between her lips and she parted easily in welcome, moaning in delight. Their tongues dueled, tasting and sampling, both forgetting where they were—or more importantly, who they were. This was against unwritten rules, but neither cared. Neither could worry about anything but the unexplainable connection igniting between them. A draw that had the intensity of a hurricane.

  He pulled back, his breathing heavy and his eyes glazed. “Shit.” He nuzzled his face against her neck, kissing the tender skin. “You smell good. Like apple pie,” he whispered.

  She tried concentrating on his words. “I ate a piece at that little diner down the street.”

  “Ah, yes. Best pies in Wyoming.” His voice was full of tension.

  “You doing okay?” she asked.

  “This is as much action I’ve had in a very long time.” He sighed. “A man learns how little control he truly has when he feels like he could bust a seam and do something really crazy.”

  “Crazy or unexpected?”

  “Both.”

  “Some of the best things in life happen when we least expect them.”

  They moved slowly to the music as she patiently kept with his pace, yet it only made the dance seem more seductive—more intimate. The warmth from his hand penetrated through the material of her dress and thong, heating her blood like boiling water. His taste lingered on her lips and she wanted more of his kisses.

  The song ended and neither made a move to part. They stood there, meshed together, frozen to the floor in attraction’s hold. Both were grateful when another slow song drifted from the speakers. She recognized the husky, lulling voice of Tim McGraw and easily moved her body against Dade’s to the soft rhythm of the tune. If the connection between them wasn’t strong enough, the romantic feel of the music certainly could wrap them in a cloud of lust.

  “Question is, are you okay?” he asked while threading his fingers through her hair.

  She swallowed, hoping her voice worked much better than her mind. “Actually, I’m pretty damn good.” Her words came out on a breathless moan. Goosebumps scattered her skin as his steamy breaths fluttered like butterfly wings across her cheek. She tipped her head back and looked up at him. “Been a while f
or me too. Not sure what’s come over me. Maybe I need to find out what potent concoction Mickey whipped up in that drink.”

  “Want another?”

  “Are you trying to get me drunk?” She laughed.

  “No, I like you just the way you are. Sober and spirited.”

  He stared down at her and she truly got the feeling that he wasn’t attempting to seduce her, which was quite odd because she was turned on and would be in the mood for a quickie in the backseat of her car if things went that direction. Awareness zip-lined through her and an uncontrollable need clamped her nerve endings. Her clit pulsated, swelling against her panties as she imagined him between her legs, his thick black hair nestled between her trembling thighs, while he sucked away her juices. Desire built like an inferno, heating her core to a dangerous temperature. This was unlike her. The sexual attraction was off the charts. Most men she met didn’t cause this sudden yearning and she had to wonder what the draw could be. Why was every sensation extra strong and amazing? Was the appeal because he was off limits? No, this was more than that. He was sexy and kind, seductive, but in a subdued manner. A lethal combination of wit and power.

  “Do you have a boyfriend?” His eyes turned a shade darker, like melted green glass. She’d never met anyone whose eye color changed with their mood. It fascinated her.

  “No.” She swept her tongue out, moistening her lips. “I don’t have the time. I bet it’d be hard for you to find a girlfriend out on a secluded ranch. Most women wouldn’t stand for her man working at Nirvana around all of those attractive, willing women. Yet, it’s probably not a long term relationship you’re looking for when you have a dozen ladies a week wanting to sample what’s under those Wranglers.”

  “Ah, the ol’ assumption of Nirvana. You’re half right. There are many attractive and willing women, but they seem to go for the mature, rugged type, like Dodge, Maverick, and Jared. And, of course, your brother. But I think you’re wrong. I think a lot of women would be okay with her man working at the ranch. Chase and Kaycee live there. So do Maverick and Jax. They all seem to be doing okay.”

  “I guess for some folks it works. Yet, I don’t get why you separate yourself from the other cowboys.”