The Cowboy Daddy Hero (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 1), page 5
She shook her head. “I ate dinner already. You can buy me a drink, though.”
“Of course.” He grinned down at her. “Too bad we can’t dance, though. It would have been fun.”
She bumped him with her hip. “Right? We’ll have to go somewhere else on another weekend. You can show me your stuff.”
He laughed. “No, you can show me your stuff.”
“What? You still doubt my skills?”
He grinned. “I’m just saying...”
“You wait, mister. I’ll show you.”
He laughed again. “I’ll bet you will.”
Despite there being almost an hour before the show was supposed to begin, Floore’s was crowded. Beau bought himself a beer and Dakota a cup of wine. They walked into the outdoor stage area and joined the throng of people milling around.
Cowboy hats were prevalent, although there were plenty of brightly dressed women. The night was warm, and most of the ladies who weren’t in Western clothes wore dresses. They waded through the crush of people until they found their place in front of the stage. Those tickets would have been expensive.
“This is perfect,” Dakota said, and took a sip from her cup.
Beau slipped his arm around her waist and nodded. “We’ll be able to see everything up close. It’s surprising to me how small this place is. I was expecting something larger.”
“Floore’s hasn’t changed all that much in the seventy-five years it’s been in business. It’s been renovated, of course, but the basics have stayed the same,” she said.
He kissed her temple, and a shiver of desire ran through her. She leaned into him, loving the feel of his strong body pressed against her.
“I’m glad I’m with you tonight,” he whispered in her ear, the soft puff of his breath making her tingle.
She put her arm around his waist and pulled him closer. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” she said softly, looking into his eyes.
He smiled and brushed a kiss across her forehead.
Tingles of desire swirled through her.
Movement on stage caught her attention as several men began carrying on equipment. She grinned at Beau.
“Looks like the band’s setting up,” Beau said as he ran his fingers slowly up and down her arm. Ripples of goose bumps trailed in their wake.
She leaned her head against him and sighed. This was going to be a wonderful evening.
By the time the band members walked out on stage, the venue was packed shoulder to shoulder. She looked around, her brow tight with concern. How could they get out in an emergency? She spotted security manning the closed double gate in the back corner and felt better.
The fiddle intro to “Texas on My Mind”, one of Pat Green’s biggest hits, began. The crowd roared its excitement, and Beau grinned at her.
The music was loud—her whole body vibrated to it.
Beau tucked her back up against his chest and wrapped his arms around her.
She clasped his arms and leaned her head against him, exhilarated as the sound waves pounded her ears. There was nothing like being this close to the performers.
As the song ended, the band went right into “Wave on Wave”.
Beau kissed her temple, and she closed her eyes, letting the music and the closeness of his body take her away.
The show ended at midnight. The crowd roared and clapped as Pat Green thanked his fans.
Beau led her through the tightly packed crowd to the exit, and they walked slowly to the truck.
As he held her close at his side, she said, “I had an amazing time tonight.”
He kissed the top of her head. “So did I. We’ll definitely have to come back again.”
She sighed. “I’d love that.”
He held her hand on the drive home, and the connection gave her a muzzy sense of unreality in the darkness. The evening with him had forged a bond between them.
She gazed at his profile: his straight nose, the strong line of his jaw, the chiseled lips that set her on fire when he kissed her. He was everything she’d ever dreamed of in a man.
He glanced at her and smiled. “Tired?”
“A little, maybe.” She met his gaze as they passed under bright streetlights. “I don’t feel like going to bed yet, though.”
He squeezed her fingers. “Me neither. Do you need to relieve Michael as soon as we get home, or can you come inside with me for a little while?”
“I told Michael I’d be back late and to nap on the couch. I can wait a while before going home.”
“Good. I bought a bottle of that wine you like, just in case,” he said.
“That was nice.” They were nearing their neighborhood, and her pulse picked up. What would happen when they were alone in Beau’s house?
Cat was asleep, of course, when they got home.
Beau paid Janey and watched from the door until she drove away. He walked over to Dakota and put his arms around her waist. “Ready for that drink?”
“You bet.”
He caressed her cheek. “I’m glad you could stay.”
She covered his hand with hers. “I’m glad too.” She definitely didn’t feel muzzy-headed anymore. A zing of excitement ran through her veins.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back with your wine.”
She sat on the couch and looked around. Even though he’d put everything in the boxes in its place, the room still felt bare. She realized that it was the absence of framed pictures, knickknacks, and photos that made it seem that way.
Beau returned with a stemless glass of wine and a longneck. After settling beside her, he said, “Now we can relax.”
She nodded and took a sip of her wine. “I was a little scared just before the band began to play tonight. The crowd was so tightly packed, and I wondered how we’d get out of there in an emergency.”
“I thought about that, too, but I spotted that security guard at the back gates. I figured we could exit pretty quickly through there. It’s a large opening,” he said.
“I saw that. The exit near the front’s not that big. I wonder if they’ve ever had a problem with something like that?”
He shrugged. “I’ve never heard of it, and you’d think it would be news.”
“I haven’t either—and you’re right, it would be.”
“I’d take care of you. Don’t worry.” He slipped his arm around her shoulders, and she nestled closer to him. His body was warm, and she could feel the curve of hard muscle in his arm.
He kissed her temple. “You smell wonderful,” he said softly.
She touched his cheek. “You always do. I love the cologne you wear. I’ve never smelled it before.”
“Mm, then I’ll always wear it.” With his fingertip under her chin, he turned her face to him. “I love kissing you, Dakota.”
She sighed and cupped his cheek. “Kiss me, then.” Her lips parted as he bent to her, his mouth capturing hers in a gentle, thorough, and yet urgent kiss. When she opened her eyes, his were warm and loving. He ran his fingers through her hair, exploring the silky texture.
She clasped his face and kissed him, losing herself as she stroked his mouth with the tip of her tongue and then dipped inside.
He groaned and slid both hands through her hair, taking control, kissing her deeply, his lips firm and insistent.
She kissed him back, matching his need, beginning to pant.
He cupped her breast, and she nipped his bottom lip, wanting more. His thumb caressed her hardened nipple, and she gasped.
Need filled her, and her breath caught in her throat. She pulled back and opened her eyes.
Beau blinked at her, seeming as carried away as she was. He sighed shakily and smiled at her. “God, Dakota, that was...”
The corner of her mouth lifted, and she said, “Yeah, it was.” She clasped his hand. “I love how you kiss.”
She picked up her wine and took a long swallow. “Wow,” she said and grinned at him.
He chuckled. “I second that.” He took several swallows of his beer and slid his arm around her shoulders again. Then he kissed her temple. “My heart’s still pounding. What did you do to me?”
She chuckled. “Hey, I’m in the same boat, mister.”
When she’d finished her wine, she said, “I’m glad you invited me in, but I’ve got to let Michael go home.”
He stood and helped her to her feet. “Tonight was awesome. I can’t wait to take you out again. Let’s plan on that soon, okay?”
She smiled up at him. “I’d love that.”
He walked her over to her front door, a caring gesture that warmed her heart.
He took her into his arms again before she went inside and whispered, “You’re amazing, Dakota.”
She met his gaze, looking right into his deep brown eyes. “Thanks for tonight. It was more wonderful than I ever imagined.”
Ever the gentleman, he waited until she went inside and shut the door. She watched his shadow pass by the blinds on the living room window, and she felt a deep sense of loss. What would it be like to spend a whole night with him? She sighed and walked over to wake Michael. Would she ever be able to find out?
Chapter Six
Two weeks later, Beau walked in the front door, tired but exhilarated. He enjoyed his new job, and today had been especially good. He’d completed his first loan, and it was way sooner than James had suggested it would be. True, his mentor had been right beside him, but he’d done all the work. James had slapped him on the back and told him that he’d done a good job. He couldn’t wait to tell Dakota all about it.
Janey walked in from the kitchen with Cat in her arms. “I was just fixing her a bottle. We had a really good day.”
“Great!” He took Cat and the bottle from her.
Cat blew bubbles, dribbling saliva on his arm. She was still teething, with another bottom tooth coming in now.
He kissed her on the top of her head. “How’s my sweetheart doing?”
She kicked her legs and cooed at him.
He laughed and turned her to face away from him like she preferred.
Janey went to get her purse. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Janey. Drive safely.”
He hung his Stetson, which he’d taken to wearing to work now that he was more comfortable there, on the rack by the door, then went in to get a beer. Then he sat in the rocking chair and gave Cat her bottle. She stared up at him, and the sweet innocence in her eyes melted his heart.
When she’d finished, he put her down on the blanket with her toys and called Dakota.
“Hey, how was your day?” she asked.
He smiled. “It was awesome.” He told her all about it.
“That’s great, Beau. I know you feel proud to have finally begun your independence. You’re going to be awesome at this.”
“Thanks. I have to admit, I was pretty proud of myself. And James appreciated the job I did.” He sighed and drank the last swallow of his beer. “I feel like I can finally relax now that I know I can do the job. I mean, it’s only a start, but now I’m confident I’ll manage it.”
“I always knew you could do it.”
He chuckled. “I guess I just wondered how long it would take me.”
“This calls for a celebration. Why don’t you and Cat come over for dinner and a beer?”
His heartbeat picked up. “That sounds great. Thanks.”
“It’ll be simple: hamburgers and oven fries. That okay?”
“Of course. I love hamburgers. I’ll feed Cat before we come. What time?” This day was getting better and better.
“How about six-thirty? I’d like to look nice, so I need time to get ready.”
“Dakota, you always look nice, but six-thirty is just fine.”
She chuckled. “Thanks. See you then.”
He put Cat in the playpen with her toys and headed in to take a quick shower. He was eager to see Dakota and hoped that Cat wouldn’t get fussy too early.
When he walked back into the living room with a towel wrapped around his waist, Cat was lying on her back, chewing on a toy. She’d rolled over from her tummy, which was fine with him.
He picked her up and gave her a kiss. “You sweet thing. How come you’re always so good for Daddy? Is it because you’re perfect?”
She babbled quietly and smiled at him.
He kissed her again and said, “Yes, that’s it. You’re just perfect.”
He put her down and went to get dressed.
When he came back in, he picked Cat up and sat in the rocker. While he bounced her gently on his knee, he texted Carson:
Dakota invited me over for dinner and a beer to celebrate this evening. I did my first solo loan today and James, my mentor, gave me a slap on the back. I was pretty proud.
Carson replied:
Wow! That’s great! And it’s nice of Dakota to invite you over. That woman really likes you, brother. You need to do something about that.
He smiled and texted:
What did you have in mind?
Carson shot back:
I’m sure you can think of something!
He laughed.
Oh, I can. I just don’t want to move too fast. I really respect Dakota. I want to leave that decision up to her.
Carson texted:
What if she’s leaving it up to you? Could be a big mix-up going on there, brother, and won’t you be sorry.
He laughed. Carson was right, though. He’d have to be sensitive to Dakota. Try to understand what she wanted.
I won’t let that happen.
Carson sent:
Keep me posted, and good luck.
Beau smiled and put his phone back in his pocket.
At a quarter to six, he fed Cat. She was hungry by then and ate well. He gave her a quick bath afterwards and put her in her onesie pajamas. When he headed for Dakota’s a short while later, he took Cat’s floor blanket and stuffed several toys into her diaper bag.
When Dakota met him at the door, he sucked in a breath. Her dark hair was piled up in a French twist, exposing her long, slender neck, and her makeup highlighted her blue eyes perfectly. He wanted to take her into his arms and kiss her thoroughly.
“Come in. Everything’s ready, and Johnathan’s dying to eat.” She stepped back from the door and smiled at Cat. “Look at you, cutie. You already have your pj’s on.”
“I just gave her a bath, so she’s all ready for bed,” he said as he walked into the living room.
“That’s great. Does that mean you can stay a little later tonight?”
“I’m hoping to. I brought a blanket to lay on the floor so she could play. She might even fall asleep.”
Dakota’s eyes widened as the corner of her mouth lifted. “Oh. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
He grinned as he set the diaper bag down on the couch. “Most definitely.”
“Come on. Johnathan’s going to kill me if I don’t make his hamburger. He’s already at the table.”
Beau grabbed the toys from the diaper bag, then watched her sexy hips sway as they walked toward the kitchen.
The hamburger patties were thick, and Dakota had said that they were cooked medium, just the way he liked them. The tomatoes looked ripe and juicy.
“These are sweet onions, so enjoy,” she said as she passed the tray of onions, tomatoes, and pickles toward him.
He glanced at her plate and saw that she’d already added onions. Great. He could eat them, then. He loved onions on his burgers.
While Dakota put together Johnathan’s burger, Beau spread the blanket on the floor and laid Cat down. He gave her a toy, then put the other two out of her reach.
Johnathan clapped his hands when his burger was done, and he gave Dakota a big grin.
“There you go, buddy. Dig in.” She handed it to him, and when he had a good hold of it, he carefully raised it to his mouth.
“Just eat what you can, then I’ll help you some more, honey,” Dakota said as she began putting her own burger together.
Beau put mayonnaise and mustard on his bun. “This looks so good, Dakota,” he said as he put ketchup on his patty. After adding the vegetables and shredded lettuce, he put the top on and took a bite. “Mm, this is great.”
Dakota smiled as she finished making hers. “I love hamburgers, and so does Johnathan. We have them pretty often.”
Beau served himself some fries. “I never think to make oven fries. I always think of fries as being fried.”
“Oven fries are easy and so much healthier,” she said as she glanced at Johnathan. “Here, honey, let me help you with that.” She took the burger from him and repositioned his hands on it, exposing more for him to eat.
Beau ate another bite of his burger, then had a swallow of beer. Leaning back in his chair, he sighed in satisfaction. This was the perfect ending to a great day.
Dakota glanced at him. “Happy?”
He smiled. “I am. Thanks for inviting us over.”
“I’m glad you could come.” She took a drink of her iced tea, her eyes never leaving his. “And I’m glad you don’t have to leave so early.”
Was she trying to tell him what he thought she was?
He gave her a slow, sensual smile. “I am, too, believe me.”
“Help, Dakota?” Johnathan said, breaking the spell.
She repositioned his hands again so he could finish his burger. “You’re a really good eater, Johnathan. You should be proud,” she said as she put a big blob of ketchup on his plate. “You can dip your fries in that, honey.”
Beau smiled. She was so patient and kind with the young man. Johnathan was lucky to have someone like Dakota in his life.
Beau finished eating and leaned back in his chair.
Dakota smiled at him. “There’s more meat if you want another burger. I made plenty of patties.”
“I’m fine. Those patties were the perfect size to fill me up. You’re a good cook, Dakota. I keep telling you that.”
She bit her lip. “Thanks, I appreciate it. My mom’s a great cook and I’m not, so it’s hard to take compliments on my cooking.”
Cat gave several frustrated grunts, then mewled pathetically.
He glanced down and chuckled. She’d rolled over a couple of times and had crawled a bit on her belly, but still hadn’t quite reached the toy she wanted.
