Bareback For Cowboy Page 3

  Cade kissed her on the nose. “Her name is Bella, and she’s my Quarter Horse.”

  Sophia swatted at him. “That’s not funny!”

  He turned away from her reach and groaned when he looked at the clock. It was still very early, but he had a busy day and an important rodeo to compete in.

  “I’m in the Steer Wrestling event today. I can get you some good tickets if you’d like to come watch.”

  Her giant smile answered the question. “That would be lovely.” She grasped her hands together and made a small jump in the air. “What time?”

  “Two o’clock.”

  “Oh my, that doesn’t give a girl much time.” She looked worried.

  “Time for what? It’s half a day away.”

  “I have to go shopping, of course! Most of what I brought along for this trip is what you saw yesterday.”

  “I saw what you were wearing last night and what you were wearing this morning is even better.” He winked.

  “Very funny! But I’m glad you approve.”

  “I definitely approve.” He pulled her close and kissed her gently on the lips. “I don’t know how I’m gonna get anything accomplished if I have to think about you all day. This is most certainly not how I thought this visit would go.”

  She pulled back slightly. “Really, Cade, I don’t want to be any trouble to you at all.”

  “I’m kidding! You are not any trouble. If you’ll let me have a shower first, which will take no time, I’ll let you have the run of the trailer. I’ll leave you a ticket at the east gate. They’ll have somebody bring you to the suite. Is one-thirty okay?”

  “Perfect. I’ll be there,” she purred.

  “I’ll look for you.”

  “I’ll be watching you.” She turned to leave the bedroom but paused. “Thanks for everything. Nothing has distracted me so nicely…well, since…”

  “It’s been my pleasure.”

  Chapter Five

  The day was off to a great start, and the shopping had been fantastic. She had too many bags to carry, so when the nice volunteer attendant from the gate offered his assistance, she happily took him up on his offer. The young man also suggested he could take her to where she would meet Cade.

  “I promise not to be long.” She smiled in earnest. “I’ll just get changed into something more appropriate, and I’ll be right out.”

  “Okay, that’s fine with me.” Playing with his shirt, he hung his head shyly.

  Sophia closed the door, moved the bags into the bedroom, and rummaged through them to decide which outfit to wear.

  Quickly removing her skirt and shirt, she pulled out a pair of blue jeans sparkling with bling and pulled them on. After tucking the fitted, white and silver cotton button-up shirt into the pants, she finished off the outfit with a splashy belt and fashionable boots.

  The reflection staring back at her was barely recognizable. She added a set of silver earrings and a necklace, ran her fingers through her long hair, refreshed her makeup, and turned for the door, hoping Cade would like what he saw.

  ***

  The event was action-packed. A steer barreled out of the shoot followed by the horse and rider. When they got close enough to the animal, the rider jumped from the horse, grabbed the steer by the horns, and flipped him to the ground. She could barely contain her excitement waiting for Cade’s turn. The suite was lovely, complete with an outdoor balcony, which is where she found herself leaning over the edge. Would he see her?

  He was just off to the side with the other competitors, but sure enough, he looked her way and removed his hat in a nod. Her stomach did a flip. She felt like a teenager all over again.

  The afternoon passed quickly. Rider after rider came and went, but, truthfully, Sophia could have cared less about the others. In her mind, nobody performed as well as he did. And although she knew little about the sport, the others in the suite assured her Cade had, in fact, won for today. Sophia was bursting with pride. Not that she’d admit it to anyone, but she couldn’t wait to see him—later tonight—perhaps another night like the last one.

  Everyone began to clear out, and she wondered what she should do. Her answer arrived immediately in the form of Pounder. “Hello, Miss Sophia,” he declared, peeking his head around the corner of the luxury suite.

  Spinning around, she smiled. “Oh, hello…Pounder…is it?”

  “Yes, ma’am, you got it. Cade asked me to take you to the barns.”

  “Thank you. I’m sorry if I’m an inconvenience.”

  “Not at all, ma’am.” His gold front teeth shone brightly with his smile.

  “Is it far to go?”

  “No, Miss Sophia, it’s just a scoot away.”

  “Okay, I’m ready when you are.”

  They walked a little way beyond the back of the building toward a large complex she deduced was the barn.

  There was a continuous stream of horses coming and going, nickering and neighing. Cowboys sat in lawn chairs lined up and down the alleyway. All eyes were on her as she made her way toward the back. It was obvious a few comments were made, but she was unable to hear exactly what they said.

  Pounder stopped suddenly, causing her to almost run into him. “That’ll be enough out of you fellas.” He scowled at the men.

  They continued walking. “We’re almost there.” He looked over his shoulder at her with mild amusement.

  At the far end, a stall was open. Sophia got a great view of Cade bent over his horse’s foot. She whistled and Cade dropped Bella’s leg. His beaming smile sent shivers up her arm. She jumped forward and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “You were great!”

  His large arms hugged her around the waist. He felt so good. “You’re gonna make me blush.” He kissed her cheek.

  He set her down at the sound of Pounder clearing his throat. “Thanks for escorting me here.” She straightened her shirt.

  “It was my pleasure.”

  “Yeah, thanks, Pounder,” Cade said and turned to Sophia. “The guys and I were going to head over to the beer gardens; would you like to join us?”

  “Beer gardens?” she asked, unsure.

  “Yes, you know…beer?” Cade teased.

  “Yes, I know what beer is, just not sure if I know what beer gardens are?”

  “Well, you’re about to find out. Pounder, we’ll meet you over there. I’m just going to tidy Bella up.”

  “Why don’t you get one of the lead hands to do that?” Pounder returned, lifting his hat and repositioning it.

  “You know I hate doing that.”

  Pounder tipped his head in her direction and left the way they’d come in.

  Sophia watched as Cade closed the stall door with the two of them still on the inside. For a moment, she almost panicked. She really didn’t have much experience with horses, but Bella continued to eat her hanging basket full of hay.

  Cade came around to face her and placed his hands on her arms. The close proximity of his body caused her to step backward until she felt the cool wood pressing into the small of her back. He leaned into her. The intensity of his look set her on fire. Closing her eyes, she felt his lips meet hers. Immediately surrendering, she drank in the scent of his cologne and the taste of salt on his lips. The urgency between them drove her wild. He wanted her. If possible, he tugged her ass even closer, pressing his groin into her. A tiny moan escaped her mouth.

  The sound of voices from far down the alleyway caused her to turn her head to the side. “They’re going to hear us,” she whispered.

  “No, they won’t and I don’t give a damn if they do.”

  He grabbed hold of her belt with a wicked smile. Sophia was amazed at how quickly he undid it before pulling at the button and undoing the zipper. His tongue jutted in her mouth and she sucked him. When his hand snuck down the front of her pants, she froze in anticipation. She closed her eyes as his fingers slid inside her and his thumb rubbed her clit.

  “You’re so wet.”

  “You’re
crazy,” she panted while her hands pulled the shirt out of his pants and worked on his belt. Eventually she had her hand wrapped around his rock-hard cock, pulling it free from the confines of his jeans.

  She lifted her leg up, giving him better access. He continued to plunge and stroke with his fingers. Each movement caused her to stroke him faster.

  “Fuck this!”

  He stopped, removed his hand, and in a rushed movement, had her pants down to her ankles and off her legs. She smiled, knowing exactly what he wanted.

  “Put your hand in my back pocket,” he commanded. She did as he asked and pulled out a small square package.

  “It’s almost like you had this planned.” In turn, she shoved his jeans down and over his ass. His rigid, pulsing cock made her turn inside out with excitement. Breathlessly and quickly, she put the condom over him, and then placing her arms around his neck, she held on and wrapped her legs around his waist. His cock sank deep inside her and her stomach did a flip. Still holding her tightly up against the side of the stall, he began to thrust.

  Her world began to spin and her groans intensified. She didn’t care how loud she was anymore. She flung her head back with abandon as he sucked on her neck. Continuing his momentum, the climax built. She dug her nails in his shoulder, and his ragged breathing told her he was close. “Cade…”

  “Are you ready?”

  She let out a strangled scream, which was abruptly stifled by his mouth covering hers. He thrust faster and harder, then held her tight to him. His release caused her second climax. Her legs squeezed tight while she rode the wave of pleasure drowning her body.

  Blood pumped through her veins at a furious tempo. Gulping in a breath of air, she stared into Cade’s cornflower blue eyes looking back at her. Slowly she smiled. He leaned forward, kissing her gently on the lips. His tenderness shocked her. She could have sworn he really cared.

  Losing her smile, she unwrapped her legs from around his waist and stood.

  “Wow.” She stared up at him. “I could get used to that.”

  Cade discarded the condom, pulled up his pants, and tucked his shirt back in. “I don’t know what came over me.”

  She struggled with her inside-out pant leg and removed flakes of straw. Bella continued eating. “She didn’t budge.”

  “It’s the food.”

  “Maybe you were hungry, too?” she teased with a grin.

  “You make the best-looking cowgirl I’ve ever seen.” His eyes pierced her soul. He was being so serious.

  “I did my best to wear something appropriate.”

  “I’d say you did a good job.”

  She smoothed her hair down as best she could. “Watching you wrestling that steer got me very excited. I’m so proud of you.”

  He raked a hand through his hair and put on his black cowboy hat. Her heart melted. It didn’t seem fair he was so damn good-looking!

  “I’m glad you liked what you saw,” he drawled.

  “I certainly did,” she responded by running a hand over his jean-covered thigh. “And if you don’t get us out of here, we’ll have a repeat performance of what just happened.”

  He grabbed her forcefully once again and kissed her, a kiss to end all others. It spoke volumes; somehow she felt branded by him. For a moment she was caught off guard. Never had she ever contemplated the fact that Cade Galloway might actually like her. What if he did? Isn’t that what she wanted? Had wanted for years? Inside her heart screamed “yes” but it didn’t make sense. Best not get overly happy about what happened.

  “If you don’t have plans after the beer gardens, perhaps you’d like to have dinner with me tonight?” he prompted.

  She hesitated and purposely batted her eyelashes. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

  “Would you say yes if I said I was?”

  “Well…let’s see. I have to paint my nails, do my hair, phone a couple friends, umm, Oui, monsieur.” She did her best not to smile as big as she wanted to. She had to remember this was just two weeks of fun.

  His eyebrows scrunched together. “I think that means yes?”

  This time she giggled out loud. “Yes, dinner would be lovely, and perhaps a ride on that contraption out there.” She pointed to the exit of the barn.

  “I don’t do those rides.” He shook his head.

  “We’ll see about that.”

  He continued shaking his head. “Maybe we’ll do the beer gardens another time. How about you head to the trailer and get freshened up, it that’s what you wish, and I’ll be along shortly?”

  “Sounds perfect.” She petted Bella, then stepped away from the horse.

  “I’d really like to go for a ride,” she proposed.

  “I’ve seen how you ride, and I’m willing anytime, honey.” He snickered.

  “Not funny…well, maybe just a bit, but seriously, I’d like to go for a horse ride with you before I leave.” The moment the words tumbled from her mouth, she felt the sadness in her heart. No longer could she deny that any more special memories she made with him would just add to her inevitable heartache when she had to leave. He didn’t speak right away. She wondered dreamily if he might be a bit sad also. Silly thought indeed. He wouldn’t be sad about her leaving, she really was dreaming.

  “I’ll take you for a horse ride before you leave,” he answered.

  “Wonderful. Now if you’d let me out of here, I’ll find my own way back to the trailer. I’m starting to know my way around, and I know it’s just over there.” She pointed.

  He opened the stall door. “I’ll walk you out. We can go this way instead of the way you came in.”

  She let out a sigh of relief. Thank heavens. She had no idea how loud they might have gotten, and she didn’t want to know what those cowboys would be picturing if they had the chance to gawk at her again.

  The sun shone off in the horizon. It was another lovely July evening. “I’d better finish tidying up the horses and cleaning the pens.”

  “Don’t be long.” She winked. “I’m hungry.”

  ***

  Cade watched with utter fascination as Sophia strutted her way off into the distance. It had only been one day, and he felt as though she had been with him for months. What was up with him? Hell, he’d never even been with a female for longer than a month. Boredom would strike, usually after the first sexual encounter. The truth was he hadn’t had many women in his life. There just didn’t seem to be time.

  He leaned up against the barn. Everything about her seemed too good to be true. He watched her hips sway, moving farther away from him. His cock stirred to life again. That also never happened. He wanted her already, and he knew with certainty if he didn’t have things to attend to in the barn, he’d be following her home right now to have more of what he’d just tasted.

  Chapter Six

  Dimly lit lights and candles greeted him when he opened the door to his trailer. The spicy scent of cinnamon put a smile on his face—it reminded him of Christmas, which was his favorite time of year.

  He turned to see Sophia stepping down the stairs from the bedroom, dressed in a pretty denim skirt and a silky red top. The material clung to every luscious curve on her body. Cut low in the front, her cleavage showed. A shiny gold belt hugged her tiny waist. She was a vision to behold. In each hand she held a goblet of red wine.

  She handed him a glass. “I thought you’d like to relax for a bit.” Slowly and seductively, she took a sip, then licked the rim with her tongue.

  Instantly his body stirred to life, and he took two giant gulps without a thought.

  “Thirsty?”

  He took another swallow. “I am now.”

  She sat on the large sofa and crossed her long legs. She’d pulled her hair up on top of her head with a few sexy strands winding down the side of her neck. He shook his head.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, cocking her head to the side.

  He set his glass down. “I feel like I’m in a dream. Or perhaps I picked the wrong person up at the ai
rport yesterday,” he stated seriously.

  She snorted a laugh, which caught him off guard. She used to do that as a kid.

  “See, I am the girl.”

  “You’ve just changed so much.”

  “We both have,” she responded, twisting the glass in her fingers.

  There was a moment of silence before Cade decided to speak about the uncomfortable accident. “Have you been having those nightmares since your mother passed away?” he asked sincerely.

  “Yes. There are so many ‘if onlys.’ Like if only we hadn’t stopped to grab that coffee. If we hadn’t, I could have been there in time. I could have pulled her from the car before it exploded,” her voice choked. “The multi-lane highways in Paris are crazy,” she said, her voice trailing off.

  “I didn’t mean to make you sad, not a good choice of conversation.”

  “No. It’s alright, it does me good to speak about it. I know it wasn’t my fault, but subconsciously I’m not sure my mind agrees. Quid pro quo, Cade. Would you mind sharing with me how you dealt with your father’s death?”

  He removed his hat. “Dad and I were close…very close. He had the biggest heart, seems ironic he had physical heart problems.” Cade laughed lightly. “Regardless of how somebody dies, you can never prepare for the death of a loved one, but we knew Dad had a weak heart and talked about it. He loved Mom so much and made it quite clear I should be the one to look after her.”

  She reached over, touching his arm.

  “Mom is a tough lady. She doesn’t need anyone to look after her.”

  “I understand what you mean, but she does need you, Cade.”

  Cade drank back the last of the wine and stood. “If I don’t get going, we’ll never get dinner and you did say you were hungry.”

  “I am hungry.” She patted her flat stomach.

  He was hungry alright, but it had nothing to do with food.

  ***

  Cade held the door open for her as they exited the restaurant.

  “That was delicious! Thank you very much.” She hooked her arm through his as they strolled down the sidewalk. Noise from the park could be heard along with the occasional screams from the people silly enough to get into that Skyscraper ride.