The Cowboy Daddy Hero (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 1), page 4
They ate in silence for a while. His steak was tender and fire-broiled. He’d forgotten how amazing their food was.
“I know I’m going to be too full, but I don’t want to leave any of this on my plate.” She grinned at him. “It’s going to be all your fault when I get fat.”
He laughed. “They probably do DoorDash here, you know. Or UberEats? We’re sunk.”
She gave a melodramatic sigh. “Soon I won’t fit into any of my clothes.”
“You’ll still be beautiful, though, don’t worry.”
She looked up at him, searching his face. “Thanks, Beau.”
The dynamic between them had changed. He said, “I’m happy I moved in next door to you, Dakota. Even though I’ve always had my family, I’ve felt alone for a long time.”
He reached for her hand. “Since I met you, I don’t feel so lonely anymore. I’m glad we’re friends.”
He squeezed her fingers. “And I’m glad we’re getting to know each other even better.”
She tightened her hand around his. “I’ve been lonely too. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. I’m thrilled about our friendship, and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us.”
“I’m glad we’re on the same page. I’d like to do this more often.” He caught the waitress’s attention. “I’d like another margarita. Dakota, would you like one?”
She nodded. “Please.”
They talked about small things as they enjoyed their drinks. He felt so comfortable with her. She laughed often, and that made him smile. He learned that she and her older brother were close. Her brother was still single, although he’d just begun dating someone he really liked.
“Do you see your parents often?” he asked.
“Johnathan and I go visit them occasionally on the weekends. Mom and Dad are real go-getters, so I practically need an appointment to find them at home.” She smiled and shook her head. “I hope I’m as active as they are when I’m in my late fifties.”
They’d finished their drinks, so he called the waitress over and paid the bill. On the way out to his truck, he put his arm around Dakota’s shoulders.
She leaned against him and sighed. “This was a wonderful evening. Thanks so much for inviting me.”
“I’m glad you came. I enjoyed myself too. It’s been a long time since I went out to dinner with a beautiful woman.” He squeezed her shoulders.
“Thanks, Beau.” She reached up and slipped her fingers through his.
He helped her climb into the tall truck and handed her the seat belt.
On the way home, he reached for her hand.
She squeezed his fingers and smiled.
He felt warm and contented inside. Being with Dakota fed his soul. He hoped Cat would let him sleep in, because tonight he’d sleep like a baby.
When they got home, he walked Dakota to her door. She turned to him and ran her hands up his chest. In a whisper, she said, “Kiss me, handsome. I’ve been looking forward to it all night.”
He swept her mouth with a gentle kiss. Then he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue, and she moaned softly.
The sound sent a shiver through him.
She slid her arms around his neck and kissed him back, her lips soft and full as they explored his mouth. When she drew back a moment later, she smiled up at him. “Goodnight, Beau. I had a fabulous time.”
The corner of his mouth lifted as he looked into her eyes. God, she was beautiful. “I did too. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, okay?”
She stepped back and put her hand on the door latch. “I look forward to it.”
He waited until she shut the door before he walked home. His heart felt so light it might float away. He looked back at her house as he unlocked his front door. Tonight had been perfect.
When he went inside, Janey said, “Hi, Beau. Cat’s asleep. She sure was good this evening. She enjoyed her bath, and I read a book to her. Like you said, I think she likes that.”
She picked up her purse as he handed her several bills in payment. “She’s such a good baby. I love taking care of her.”
“Thanks for coming over. It was nice to have an evening off.” He walked her to the door.
“Sure. Anytime. Just give me a call.” She waved before getting into her car and he waved back. He watched until she pulled away from the curb and then shut the door.
He was too restless to go to bed. That kiss still had his heart ramped up. He went into the kitchen and popped open a longneck. After a quick peek at a sleeping Cat, he settled into the rocker in the living room. He always enjoyed the soothing motion when he had something on his mind. And he was definitely thinking about Dakota.
It felt good to know that she was attracted to him too. He’d been surprised when she’d asked him to kiss her. He’d wanted to, of course, but it was great that she’d taken the bull by the horns. He admired that about her.
He took another long swallow of beer. She was really something else. A special woman. Finding someone like her had been the last thing on his mind when he’d moved to San Antonio, and he couldn’t help but feel that fate had brought them together. Fate or God.
He closed his eyes and said a prayer of thanks. God had gotten him through so many things this past year. He rocked back and forth as he relaxed, then sent Carson a text:
You were right. Dinner went great. Tell you more about it later. Thanks for being there for me, brother. Goodnight.
Carson’s reply was immediate:
All right! And three clapping emojis.
He knew his brother was probably getting ready for bed, so he put his phone away.
When he’d finished his beer, he headed to bed. He smiled as he envisioned Dakota’s face before him again. He’d dream of her tonight, and it would be wonderful.
Chapter Five
Beau lowered Cat into her walker, then fitted the rolled-up blanket behind her back.
“That’s a great idea,” Dakota said as she set the bowl of steaming spaghetti on the table.
Johnathan banged his spoon on the table in excitement.
She laughed. “You love spaghetti, don’t you, Johnathan?”
“Spaghetti’s good,” he agreed.
“It smells wonderful.” Beau scooted his chair up to the table. Dakota had invited him and Cat over for dinner several days ago, and he’d been looking forward to this evening. He’d fed Cat before arriving, however. She wasn’t on table foods yet.
Cat brought one of the toys attached to the tray on her walker to her mouth and chewed it with her front teeth. She was the proud owner of a new top tooth to go with the two bottom ones she already had.
He reached out and patted her head. It never ceased to amaze him how soft her curls were.
“I don’t expect Cat’s eating spaghetti tonight?” Dakota said as she dished some up into Johnathan’s bowl.
“No, I fed her before we came over. I’m still introducing baby food to her.”
“That’s what I thought,” she said as she moved over beside Johnathan and began to cut up his spaghetti with a knife and fork. “Hang in there, guy. I’m almost done, then you can dig in.”
“I’m hungry, Dakota,” he said in a grumpy voice.
She chuckled. “When are you not hungry, young man?”
Beau laughed quietly. The love between them was obvious. He glanced at Cat just as she reached for a different toy. It was farther down the tray and was a real stretch for her little arm. She leaned hard, and her fingers wrapped around it. With a grunt of accomplishment, she tugged it toward her.
He grinned at her determination and adjusted the blanket so that she could move her body in that direction. Soon she had the animal figure in her mouth.
“Serve yourself, Beau. I’m ready to eat too,” Dakota said as she took a seat.
Johnathan scooped up a big bite and aimed it toward his mouth.
“Thanks. I can’t wait to taste it,” Beau said.
“It’s my mom’s recipe. I grew up eating it. Johnathan sure likes it too.”
Beau put plenty on his plate and then took a piece of garlic bread. She’d made iced tea as well, and he poured himself a glass.
As she filled her plate, Dakota said, “So, how’s work going?”
He was in his second week now and had been hard at it. “I’ve watched James do two loans now. He’s been really patient about explaining everything. And we’ve made headway on the big folder he put together. We’re going through old loans, for one thing. And he’s quizzing me on them after I look them over. It’s kinda fun.”
“That sounds like some intense work. I’m glad you’re enjoying it, though. I’ll bet James likes working with you.”
“He seems to. I know I like working with him. I’ve also spent some time with Debbie, one of the new accounts reps. She’s taking me through opening accounts. Theres a lot to that, I’m finding out.”
“You’ve got a steep learning curve,” Dakota said.
“Yeah, I do, but I don’t mind. It’s nice to stretch my mind again.”
He ate some more spaghetti. “This is really good.”
She smiled. “Thanks. I’ll tell my mom you like it.”
“Please do.” After another bite, he continued. “I can feel myself growing more confident, and it feels good.”
He took a swallow of tea. “So, tell me how your day went.”
She dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “I was busy. Johnathan had a checkup with his doctor, so that’s always hectic—getting him from day hab and making it to the office on time. Then it’s hurry-up-and-wait at that place. We went out for an ice cream afterwards, though, didn’t we, Johnathan?”
He nodded happily. “Ice cream was good.”
She smiled and wiped his face with his napkin. “Yes, it was, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“Then we came home, and I got Johnathan all cleaned up. Ice cream is one of our messiest excursions. By then it was time to start dinner.”
She brushed her hair back from her cheek and smiled. “I swear, I don’t know how mothers with multiple children do it. I’m overwhelmed with just one.”
He smiled. “I know the feeling.”
“I’m sure you do.”
After dinner, he helped her wash the dishes while Johnathan went to his room to watch TV. Cat was still playing happily in her walker. Her legs were too short to move anywhere, but she loved sitting up in it.
When they’d finished in the kitchen, they went out onto the back porch. By that time, Cat was getting fussy, so they sat in the swing and he gave her a bottle.
“I love this time in the evening, when the sun’s going down and the sky’s so beautiful,” Dakota said.
He glanced up at the oranges and reds and yellows that streaked the horizon. “It’s gorgeous.”
Cat wasn’t really hungry and had only needed the comfort of the bottle. She drank lazily and looked up at him. He bent and kissed her forehead.
“She’s such a sweet baby.” Dakota caressed Cat’s foot.
He sighed and then smiled. “I’m a lucky man to have such a good little girl. I don’t know what I’d do if she was a fussy baby. My life would be hell.”
“You’re lucky, all right. And you’re a good daddy. That makes a big difference.”
When Cat finally spit out the nipple, he sat her on his lap. “You feeling better now, honey?”
He bounced her gently on his knees. “Let’s put you in your walker again. You’re ready for that, I know.”
She didn’t fuss as he slid her legs through the openings and settled her down into the seat. After wrapping the blanket around her back, he caressed her head. “There you go, honey. Have fun.”
She immediately reached for a toy.
He sat back down in the swing and set it in motion. Leaning back, he said, “This is more like it.”
Dakota chuckled. “What did parents do before those contraptions were invented?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know, and I don’t want to find out.”
He slipped his arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against him. He heard her sigh as her head nestled against him. It felt so good to hold her like this.
She said, “I’m glad you’re here.”
He kissed her temple. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. “Me too.”
She patted his thigh, sending tingles racing through him. “You’ve got this. You’re going to be great at your job. I know you’ve been studying some of that paperwork at night, and I don’t want to be a distraction.”
He tightened his arm around her. “Thanks. I want to make time for you, too, though. You’re important.”
“I appreciate that. You’re important to me too.” She patted his thigh again, and he gritted his teeth as he became even more aroused.
She said, “We’ll make it work. There’s no rush. After all, we live next door to each other.”
He chuckled. “Right.” He glanced at Cat, who was going after another one of her toys. “Maybe we can catch a movie next time we go out. And dinner too.”
“That sounds great.”
“Do you dance?” he asked.
“Western dance? Yes, I do. I’m from Texas, aren’t I?” She grinned at him.
He chuckled. “Good answer, although some people still don’t dance Western. Imagine that.”
“We’ll have to go dancing too,” he said.
“I’m game, cowboy,” she said and grinned.
She was irresistible. He kissed her then, deeply, sensuously, until she moaned softly. He didn’t want to stop, but he pulled back and looked into her eyes. She appeared as aroused as he was.
She clasped his face and pulled him to her, kissing him hard, devouring his lips, turning him on in a way he hadn’t felt in forever.
He wrapped his arms around her and thrust his tongue inside her mouth.
She sucked on it, and a surge of desire shot through him.
He took hold of his passion and drew back. Brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, he said, “God, you’re amazing.” He took a deep breath and let it out, then smiled at her. “I’m sorry if I moved too fast.”
She chuckled wryly. “I’m not sure who was doing the moving, cowboy, but it was just fine.” She cupped his face in her hand. “This swing isn’t exactly the perfect place for what we had in mind, though, is it?”
“Definitely not.” He grinned and leaned back. “Cat and I should be going, I guess. She’ll get fussy again soon. It’s getting close to her bedtime.
They snuggled together for a while longer. He was loath to leave but finally said, “Thanks for a wonderful dinner, Dakota.”
He brought the swing to a stop and stood up. When she got to her feet, he took her into his arms. “I enjoyed this evening more than I can say.” He grazed her lips with a gentle kiss and let her go.
She brushed her fingertips across his cheekbone. “Come back soon.”
“I’ll do that.”
He picked up Cat, the walker, and her diaper bag and headed inside. When he turned at the front door, he said, “I’ll think of you tonight.”
She grinned. “Cowboy, I think of you every night.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Good night, Dakota. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.”
He headed down the walkway toward his house, his smile as wide as Texas.
Dakota tucked her shirt into her jeans and buckled her Western belt. She’d already tugged on her boots. Beau had invited her to John T. Floore’s in Helotes. She hadn’t been to the historic dance hall in years, and Pat Green was playing. Excitement made her eyes sparkle as she took a last look in the mirror.
Michael had already arrived, and Johnathan was looking forward to spending the evening with him. She popped her head into the bedroom, where they were watching TV. “I’m leaving now. You two have fun. And Michael? I’ll probably be late, so feel free to nap on the couch.”
He smiled. “Sure thing, Dakota. You have fun tonight.”
She felt her heartbeat pick up as she headed over to Beau’s. They hadn’t seen each other much in the last couple of weeks. He’d been working so hard at his training, and she hadn’t wanted to interfere. They’d talked a lot on the phone at night, though.
When she knocked on the door, Beau answered right away. He grinned. “Hey, you look like a cowgirl.”
She raised an eyebrow and smiled. “I’m a Texas girl, aren’t I?”
He turned around and said, “Janey, we’re leaving. See you when I get back.”
As he shut the door behind him, he said, “I’m sure looking forward to this. I’ve heard Floore’s is great, and I love Pat Green. I can’t believe he’s playing tonight. When I bought the tickets online last week, I got some of the last ones available.”
She leaned into him as he clasped her hand. “I love Pat Green too. I don’t think we’ll do much dancing, though. The place is going to be packed.”
He glanced at her as he opened the truck door. “Are you okay with that?”
She shrugged. “Sure. The atmosphere’s going to be amazing. I’ve been excited about this all week.”
He handed her the seat belt as she settled onto the seat. “I have too. I’ve missed seeing you, though. I’ll be glad when I finally get to actually work as a loan officer and I’m not having to study in the evenings. It won’t be long now.”
Twenty-five minutes later, they found that parking anywhere near Floore’s was going to be impossible. Vehicles lined the streets for blocks. Beau drove until he found a parking space large enough for the truck and pulled in.
He killed the engine and glanced at her. “Good thing you wore comfortable boots. We’re in for a hike.”
“I’m up for it. It’ll all be worth it once Pat Green’s up on that stage.” Nothing was going to dim her enthusiasm. She was out on the town with Beau, and they had the whole evening together.
He went around to open her door, and warmth spread through her as he took her hand to help her out of the truck. She hadn’t brought a purse, just her lipstick in one pocket and her license in the other. Beau slid his arm around her shoulders as she put her phone in her back pocket.
He kissed her temple. “This is going to be great. Do you want to get some food when we go inside? I looked at their website, and it’s supposed to be good.”
