Do You Take This Cowboy?

“To adventure.” He tapped his glass to hers. “That’s a good thing to toast.”

“I haven’t had nearly as much adventure as you, I’m afraid.” She took a slow sip. “Nice wine.”

“Then I lucked out. Here’s hoping the meal works for you, too.”

“Since I rarely cook, almost any food made by someone else works for me.”

“This is a skillet dish a trail guide buddy created.” Setting his wine on the ground beside him, he hunkered down, turned on the stove and began pulling ingredients out of the ice chest. “It’s flexible regarding ingredients. Some kind of white fish, vegetables you have on hand and rice.”

“Sounds gourmet.”

“My friend’s a talented guy. Once every two weeks we offered an overnight trail ride. He was the chef on those outings.”

“I’m betting you were in charge of the fire.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Drew savored her wine. “Your life over there seems exotic and wonderful. I’m a little surprised you didn’t stay.”

“I wanted to spend enough time there that I felt the rhythm of the place in my bones.” He tended his stir-fry dinner. “But I always knew I’d come back here.”

“I like that idea—absorbing a place until you feel the rhythm in your bones. That’s what I try to do when I shoot a video. I think I’m almost there with Thunder Mountain.” She took another swallow of wine. “You’re a bit of a philosopher, aren’t you?”

“I don’t know about that, but ever since I saw The Lord of the Rings I’ve been into books. I might’ve read that phrase somewhere so don’t give me too much credit.”

“What books?”

“Anything about adventure, courage, honor, stuff like that. A librarian steered me toward The Iliad and The Odyssey. If I’d known that was serious literature I never would have read them. I’d taken enough teasing for Lord of the Rings.”

“But you liked them?”

“Sure did.” He paused to drink some wine. “My dad was kind of an epic hero. That’s probably why I related to those stories.”

She went very still. She knew this was important information but she didn’t know how to get him to elaborate. Finally, she decided to make it simple. “Would you tell me about your dad?”

His answer was slow in coming, but at last he spoke. “He was in Search and Rescue.”

She slowly let out her breath and waited for the story to unfold.

“A minor avalanche had trapped a family of five. My dad was on the team that went in to get them out.” He kept his attention on his cooking, carefully stirring the mixture in the pan. “They rescued everyone except the family dog. My dad went back for the dog and a second avalanche hit. The dog jumped out of his arms when he saw his family and ran to them. But when he jumped, he threw my dad off balance. He couldn’t get up fast enough.”

“That’s rough.”

He switched off the burner and put a lid on the pan. “It was rough, especially because I was only six and idolized him.” Standing, he reached into a basket next to the cooler and took out plates, napkins and utensils. “My mom must have been torn apart by the news, but she said all the right things to me—that my dad had died doing what he loved and he’d helped save the family and their beloved pet.”

She wanted to hug him and offer comfort, even though the event had taken place twenty years ago. Didn’t matter. He still felt the loss. She could tell by the catch in his voice as he’d finished the story.

But their relationship was still so new that she hesitated. At least she could help with serving up the meal. She got to her feet. “I’ll hold the plates while you fill them.”

“Good idea.” He handed her the dishes with the silverware and napkins on top. As he met her gaze, his voice gentled. “I know it seems like I got a rotten deal, but compared to the other foster boys, I was lucky. My parents adored each other and adored me. I thank God for that every day.”

That was when she realized she only had half the story. His dad died when he was six and he’d come to the ranch when he was nine. She asked the question as gently as possible. “And your mom?”

“She was a riding teacher. A normally steady horse freaked out. She fell off, broke her neck and died instantly.”

“Oh, Austin.”

“I’m not saying it wasn’t awful, because it was. But after my dad died she spent the next three years emphasizing that I should do what I love because nobody knows the future. She loved riding almost as much as she loved me.”

“So you went to New Zealand.”

“Yes, ma’am. I knew they would have wanted me to.”

“Well, then.” She managed to give him a smile. “I can’t wait to see what adventure you choose next.”

He smiled back. “Who knows? You might want to be a part of it.”

“You know, I just might.”

Chapter Four

As dusk arrived along with a cool breeze, Austin decided they should sit closer to the fire while they ate. He switched on the lantern he’d brought but kept it on low to preserve the ambience. As he settled down next to Drew on the blanket, he could feel the hum of sexual tension moving back through his system.

He did his best to ignore it and tucked into the stir-fry. It had turned out fairly well, which was a relief. Multitasking had never been one of his favorite ways to operate and he wouldn’t have chosen to cook dinner while telling his life story. But he’d known those facts had to come out, and the sooner the better. If he expected to spend more time with Drew, she needed to hear about his folks.

But he wanted to know her story, too. She’d worn the pearl-and-diamond pendant again tonight with a long-sleeved cotton shirt and jeans. Clearly it was important to her, so he decided to start with that. He mentioned that he’d noticed it when they’d first met.

She glanced down at the pendant as if she’d forgotten it was there. “My grandmother gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday.”

“You had it on earlier today, too.” Her scent, light and sweet, mingled with the aroma of wood smoke from the fire. It was an arousing combination.

“I wear it every day. I didn’t use to, though.” She picked up her wineglass and drank what was left in it.

“More?” He reached for the bottle.

“Sure.”

“Might as well finish off the bottle.” He divided the rest between them. “So when did you start wearing it all the time?”

“After she died last October. Wearing it makes me feel close to her again.”

“Ah.” He should have guessed something like that. “I’m sorry.”

She put down her fork and looked over at him. “Me, too, but she was ninety-three and wasn’t well. I miss her like crazy, but that’s all about me. She was ready.”

“Ninety-three. That’s a good run.” He wondered if she realized she was now holding on to the pendant and moving it slowly back and forth along its chain.

“She had a full life, although not one I would have chosen. My mother was the youngest of nine children.”

“Whew.”

“I know. My mom has a framed picture of my grandparents surrounded by all those kids. I would have gone insane with a brood like that depending on me, constantly needing things, but in the picture she looks serene. That’s something I admired about her. Our family is huge and when we all get together it’s a circus. Nonna Elena took it all in stride.”

“Rosie’s like that. Growing up, there could’ve been ten or eleven of us running around, more if we’d invited our friends over, and she hardly ever lost her cool. When she needed us to behave, though, all she had to do was give us The Look.”

Drew smiled. “Nonna Elena had that technique down, too. We used to say she could cut glass with The Look.”

“How many of that crew lives in Billings?”

“Most of them.” She let go of the pendant, picked up her fork and went back to her meal. “Did I remember to tell you this is really good? I’ve been so busy eating it I might not have.”

“Since you weren’t gagging and choking, I figured you were okay with it. Save room for dessert, though. I bought brownies at the bakery while I was in town.” He noticed she’d changed the subject. Was that on purpose?

“I love brownies, but I want to finish this, which means I’ll be too full for dessert. Can we wait awhile?”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m flattered you like the stir-fry so much.”

“It’s great.”

“Want the recipe?” He grinned at her.

“How about I just talk you into making it for me again sometime?”

“Love to.”

“I look forward to it.” She went back to eating.

He did, too, but he wanted to find out if the change of subject had been deliberate. “Do you miss living close to your family?”

She finished chewing and swallowed. “Sometimes, I guess.” Then she shook her head. “At the risk of sounding awful, no, I don’t really miss that. If we were in Billings right now, I could expect several texts tonight wanting info about my date. I’m thrilled that they don’t even know you exist.”

“Gonna keep me a secret?” He finished off his meal and set aside his plate.

“For now, if you don’t mind. I love them all and they love me, but we’re too enmeshed, at least in my estimation. I came to Sheridan to escape the lack of privacy and the constant expectations.”

“A lot of privacy out here.” Seductive privacy that was working on him the longer they sat within inches of each other. By turning his head a fraction, he could study her profile—her high, intelligent forehead, thick dark lashes, prominent cheekbones and plump lips, which he’d longed to taste ever since he’d had his first glimpse of them while lying under the sink.

“Yes, I like this a lot. Much better than a crowded restaurant.” She scooped up her last bite and ate it.

“And no obligations.”

She put down her plate and gazed at him. “I like that a lot, too.”

“For example, just because I brought you out here to this extremely secluded place, fed you a good dinner and served you some excellent wine, you’re not obliged to kiss me.”

Her full mouth widened in a smile. “Really?”

“Scout’s honor. And that’s legit because I was a Boy Scout.”

“That doesn’t surprise me at all. Okay, then I’ll point out that just because I showered, changed clothes and drove out here to meet you when I could have spent the evening watching a movie in my grubby old sweats, you’re not obliged to kiss me, either.”

“Now that’s where you’re wrong.” He laid his hat on the blanket before reaching out to cup her cheek. Her skin felt so delicate that he lightened his touch. “I have a huge obligation after you made all those sacrifices.” He rubbed his thumb gently over skin soft as a rose petal.

Her breath hitched. “It was nothing.”

“That’s not the way I heard it.” He leaned closer and watched her eyes flutter closed and her lips part in invitation. “Sounds to me like you went to a lot of trouble to be here.”

“On second thought, maybe I did.”

“Let me make it up to you.” His heart thundered as he brushed his mouth over her velvet lips. He could barely feel her hand as she slipped it around his neck, yet knowing she’d reached for him heated his blood.

He moaned and fit his lips to hers, pressing a little, then a little more. Her grip on his neck tightened a tiny bit. Slowly he began to explore with his tongue, savoring the warm, arousing taste of her. Her jaw slackened ever so slightly. Easy, easy...

Drawing back, he changed the angle, settling down more firmly this time and becoming bolder with his tongue. A tiny whimper, a quick gasp, and she surrendered completely, opening to him with a rush of passion that made him dizzy.

He rose to his knees and cradled her face in both hands. She mirrored him, gripping his shoulders as she balanced on her knees and turned fully into his kiss, her intensity matching his.

Breathing hard, he lifted his head. “We should probably—”

“I know.” She gulped for air and leaned back, but she didn’t let go of him. “This is crazy.”

“Feels good, though.”

“It does, but...” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I think—” She sucked in a breath and let it out again. “I think we need to slow down.”

“Agreed.” He reminded himself he was in this for the long haul. He combed his fingers through her silky hair and resisted the urge to grip her head and kiss her again. “We met a few hours ago.”

Letting go of him, she took another deep breath and settled back on her heels. “We’ll deal with this sudden attraction like two intelligent adults.”

“One intelligent adult. All my brain cells are swimming in testosterone right now so I don’t qualify.” But one thought did make it through his fevered brain. “I’m buying a truck tomorrow.”

She stared at him. “What?”

“I’ll have my own truck by tomorrow afternoon.” He retrieved his hat and put it on.

“What’s having your own truck got to do with anything?”

“It’s a guy thing. I don’t want to borrow the ranch truck every time we go out. Which reminds me. Are you free tomorrow night?” He sat back and winced at the sharp pinch of unforgiving denim on his privates.

“No, I’m not. I’ll be camping at the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Refuge so I can get more video of the mustangs.”

“Oh.” He hesitated. Asking her to change her plans seemed pushy, even for a guy who liked to seize the moment. “I’ve heard about that place. Never been out there, though. Sounds interesting.” Maybe she’d agree to put it off. Tomorrow night was his window of opportunity because the following night was Cade’s bachelor party. Then they were into the weekend wedding activities with the rehearsal Friday and the wedding Saturday.

“It’s fascinating out there. I have a friend who works at the center and she keeps me posted on the herd’s activities. Right now the horses are hanging out in an ideal location for the kind of footage I’m looking for.”

“You probably need to grab that opportunity while you can.” His chances of spending an evening with her anytime soon were growing dimmer by the minute.

“Right. I would have gone this afternoon except Lexi and Cade asked me to film the video for their folks and it had to be edited right away. I like to get out there in the late afternoon and set up camp, so I couldn’t see that working out today.”

“So how about this. What if I went with you?” It was a bold suggestion, but tough times called for tough measures.

She blinked. “Um, I’ll be camping overnight.”

“So you’d rather not?” He didn’t want to push her. “Look, I realize that might not work for you. Like we’ve said, we just met.” He hesitated. “I could bring my own tent.”

“Do you have one?”

“No, but I’d have time to go into town and pick one up.”

“That seems silly. Mine sleeps two.”

Now there was an encouraging remark. He didn’t think they’d spend the whole time sleeping but decided not to say so. “I’d be honored to be your Sherpa. I’m good at carrying things, setting up tents and building fires. I’d bring the food and do all the cooking. And I’ll drive us there in my new truck.” He was already picturing that it would be black.

“That makes no sense. The ranch is on the way to the refuge. If you come, I should just swing by and pick you up.”

“That would be fine.” He still needed to buy that truck, but maybe not tomorrow.

“I was planning to leave around four. The best times to film the horses are at dusk and dawn.”

He thought about all the time that left in between but again decided to keep his mouth shut about it. Instead he offered her a way out of taking him along in case she had any second thoughts. “If I go along, I promise not to mess with your schedule for getting good videos. But if you’d rather go out there alone, I’ll back off. I’d never want to interfere with your job.”

She reached out and touched his cheek. “Don’t back off. Persistence is sexy.”

Capturing her hand, he turned his head so he could place a kiss in her palm.

She moaned softly and pulled her hand away. “And so are you. Let’s go back before we both forget this is only our first date.”

Chapter Five

Drew put the dirty dishes and anything food-related in the metal cooler while Austin smothered the fire. He told her the ice chest was fairly critter-proof and should be okay until he drove out with the ranch truck in a little while to haul everything back and make sure the fire was out.

“But we can take the blanket.” He shook it out, folded it and handed it to her. “If you wouldn’t mind holding it on the way back.”

“Or I could sit on it. That might make more sense.” She wasn’t sure why he wanted to take the blanket when he was leaving the rest of the gear, but she’d go along with the plan.

“Actually, I want you to stuff it between us.”

“You want me to... Oh, I get it.” She managed not to laugh. “A barrier.”

“The trip out here was painful, especially going over bumps.” He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Now that I’ve kissed you, the ride back will be even worse.”

“I’m really glad I’m a girl.”

He laughed. “Yes, ma’am, so am I. Let’s go.” He swung his leg over the ATV and sat down.

She climbed on after him and sandwiched the folded blanket between them. “I’ll still need to hold on to you.” She wrapped her arms around both the blanket and him. Not nearly as much fun as she’d had without the extra padding, but she didn’t want to make the poor guy suffer.

“That’s okay. I’m just trying to avoid having you pressed tight against my backside.”

“What if I drove?”

“That would be worse.”

She imagined his arms wrapped around her middle just below her breasts and her bottom nestled in the V of his legs. Her pulse kicked up a notch. “Guess so. Next time we do this you should probably just drive the truck out here and forget about the ATV.”

“Next time we do this I don’t plan to be in a constant state of arousal. Ready?”

“Y-yes.” She managed to get the word out, but her brain had stalled on his last statement. She’d never met a person more goal-oriented than Austin.

She was beginning to understand what Cade meant. Being with Austin was a little like booking a ticket on a high-speed train and she could be in for a thrilling ride. She might regret allowing him to go along on this video trip because of all the ramifications, but she seriously doubted that he’d get in her way.

If anything, he might make things easier because he was more experienced at camping than she was. The more she thought about it, the more she looked forward to showing him something inspirational right here in Wyoming. Those mustangs were descended from horses ridden by Spaniards looking for adventure two hundred years ago. That should appeal to him.

Mostly, though, she was excited about exploring a relationship with a man, both sexually and emotionally, without her family members knowing about it. They’d met and evaluated nearly everyone she’d dated except a few times when she’d only gone out with the guy once. Setting up this overnight camping trip with Austin seemed strange because he hadn’t been vetted. But ultimately it felt liberating.

When they pulled up in front of the ranch house, she was very glad they hadn’t continued to make out furiously on that blanket because Rosie and Herb sat on the front porch with a cowboy she didn’t recognize.

Austin did, though. “Jonah, is that you? I thought you were driving over tomorrow!”

“Got off a day earlier so I just headed out.” The cowboy ambled down the steps toward them.

“And why wouldn’t you? We’ve gotta be more fun than the folks in Pinedale.” Austin dismounted from the ATV and then helped her climb off.

“That’s the truth, bro.”

Drew left the blanket on the seat and turned to meet another returning foster son. His name sounded familiar but she’d heard so many recently that they were all blurring together.

Austin gestured toward the newcomer. “Drew Martinelli, I’d like you to meet Jonah Bridger, Zen master.”

Jonah shook her hand. “Pleased to meet you, ma’am. Don’t pay attention to that Zen stuff Austin’s spouting. I’m not a master of anything. But Rosie and Herb tell me that you’re the best videographer in Wyoming.”

“That’s stretching it, but it’s nice to hear.”

“Ah, she’s just modest.” Austin gave his foster brother a hug. “Like you are, bro. With all that meditating you used to do, you must be enlightened by now.”

“’Fraid not. I’ve learned just enough to be dangerous.”

“And to conduct Cade and Lexi’s ceremony.” Austin clapped him on the back. “I’m gonna get a kick out of that.”

“Oh, right!” Drew remembered now. “You’re the minister.”

“With no church and no parishioners,” Jonah said.

“So how does that work?” All Drew’s relatives had been married in a church.

“I work at a dude ranch, and my boss wanted to offer weddings to our guests. He asked me if I’d be willing to get qualified to marry folks. You can apply online. It sounded like fun so I did it.”

Austin nodded. “I can see how it would be fun being the person who launches a couple on their great adventure.”

“Then you should get into it.”

“Nope, not my thing. I have other plans in the hopper. But I look forward to seeing your performance on Saturday.”

Drew realized that she’d heard Austin mention his future plans but he’d never been specific about them. She’d have to ask him about it tomorrow night. Right now, though, she needed to make her exit. These guys had some catching up to do, and at some point Austin had to drive back out to the clearing and gather the cookout gear.

She laid her hand on his arm. “Thanks for a great dinner. I’m going to head home.” She glanced over at his brother. “Great to meet you, Jonah.”

He touched the brim of his hat. “Same here, Drew.”

She raised her voice. “Rosie and Herb, I’m going home. Have a good night.”

“Come on up and sit for a while,” Rosie called back. “Have some coffee.”

“Thanks. I’ll take a rain check.” She turned back to Austin and smiled. “See you tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’ll walk you to your truck.” He looked over at Jonah. “Be right back.”

“Take your time.”

She didn’t bother to tell him that walking her to her truck, which was only a few yards away, was completely unnecessary. She suspected he’d want to open her door for her and give her a hand up. In truth, she was beginning to cherish that about him.

Once they’d reached the driver’s side they had a small measure of privacy. She kept her voice low. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stick around here tomorrow night and spend time with Jonah? You two seem fairly close.”

“We lived in the same cabin once I was old enough to move out of the ranch house. He’s a great guy and I’m glad he’s here, but the answer is no, I wouldn’t rather hang out here tomorrow. I want to be with you.”

“All right.” The intensity in his gaze made her heart race. “Then I’ll see you at four.”

He opened her door. “Don’t bring any food. That’ll be my contribution.”

“Understood, but I’ll ice up the chest so it’s ready for the food. Having a chef along will be a treat.”

He nudged back his hat and grinned. “Well, maybe food won’t be my only contribution, come to think of it.”

“Hey, don’t go getting me hot and bothered.”

“Do I?”

“You know you do.”

“Good.” He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss. Then he helped her into the truck, closed the door and stepped back.

She had to get her keys from under the seat and when she looked out the window he was still there, feet braced apart, thumbs through his belt loops, looking amazing. She gave a little wave and he touched the brim of his hat.

Somehow she managed to start the engine and drive away even though her mind was completely occupied by the image of Austin standing in the driveway. She’d be sharing a small tent with that gorgeous cowboy within twenty-four hours and the concept left her breathless. It wasn’t until she’d started down the dark ranch road that she realized she’d forgotten to turn on her headlights.