Her Texas Cowboy Protector, page 6
She cut in, “Nobody could make me give up my career, Landon. And I think I’ve told you that I want a family too. I’ve seen the struggle working moms face, and I assumed I’d be forced to face that myself someday because it’s so hard to make ends meet as a single-income family.” She paused for a moment, and he heard her sigh. “Yes, I love my job, but if the choice is between my job and getting to stay home with my children, hands down I’ll choose to be a stay-at-home mom.”
Worry fled his heart, and he pressed the phone to his ear as if that brought him closer to her. “Oh honey, you don’t know how happy that makes me.”
“I’d love to have a garden just like your mom’s. I can get seeds from my grandparents and grow the traditional varieties of beans and squash and corn. We’ll have my parents down, and I’ll fix a traditional meal for them.”
The excitement in her voice melted his heart. “I’ll prepare the soil and till it for you, honey.”
She laughed. “Hey, we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves, aren’t we?”
He chuckled. “It’s a good dream, though, huh?”
“It sure is.”
The muscles in his chest relaxed. He said, “I’m so glad we talked about this. I never want to hurt you.”
“Thank you for thinking of it. I’m happy we talked about it too.” After a pause, she went on, her voice soft, “Landon, you’re the sweetest man I’ve ever known. Let’s start calling each other more often, huh? I think of you so much during the day, and I miss you terribly in the evenings.”
“I’d like that. How about you call me in the daytime, though? I don’t want to bother you when you’re in the middle of something important. I can usually answer the phone. I keep it with me.” He smiled at the prospect of this new closeness with her.
“That’s perfect.”
He imagined her smiling right then and said, “Goodnight, beautiful. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I’ll pray that all goes well when your corporate people are there.”
“Night, handsome. I’ll keep you posted.”
He looked down and realized that he’d been talking to her naked. He grinned. It was a good thing she hadn’t asked what he was wearing.
After putting on his boxers, he shut out the lights in the cabin and climbed into bed. As he lay in the dark with his hands behind his head, he let himself dream of being married to Natalie until sleep overwhelmed him.
Chapter Seven
Natalie sat on her balcony with a glass of wine, the chilly, mid-October breeze ruffling the faux fur on the hood of her coat. She had thirty minutes before Landon was due to arrive for their dinner and dancing date. She’d also asked him to spend the night.
She drew her phone from her pocket and touched her best friend’s contact.
It rang a couple of times, and Rachel picked up. “Natalie, I haven’t heard from you all week. How are you? Better yet, how’s that handsome cowboy of yours doing?”
Natalie laughed. “He’s awesome, and I’m fine. We’re going out to eat tonight, and then we’re heading to The Broken Spoke. I haven’t been there in a long time, and I just know Landon’s going to be a great dancer.”
“Awesome! Who’s playing tonight?”
“The Derailers, and their music’s great to dance to.” She took a quick sip of wine as her excitement grew.
“Right! I’ve been there when they’ve been playing.”
“Why don’t you come tonight? Since you’re not seeing anyone right now, maybe Jordan would like to go too,” she said.
“Hm, does he even country dance? I’ve never asked him.”
“Well, girl, you can do that right now. Let’s hang up so you can call him. Won’t it be fun if we’re all there?”
Rachel chuckled. “It will. And the worst thing that can happen is he’ll say no.”
“Yes! Text me and tell me what he says.”
She finished up her wine in one big gulp, realizing that she was chilled. This was shaping up to be the coldest night of the season so far.
After a quick look in the bathroom mirror and a lipstick touch-up, she returned to the living room, on pins and needles as she waited for Landon to arrive.
The doorbell rang before she could sit down. He was early, thank goodness. She answered the door and, before he could say anything, she slid her arms around his neck and kissed him. She took her time, and when she drew back, his eyes were filled with excitement.
“Miss me much?” He grinned and stepped through the door. “If you greet me like that every time, woman, I may never leave.”
“I’d like that, buster,” she said. “Guess what? Rachel and Jordan might meet us at The Broken Spoke.”
“Really? That’ll be great.” He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m glad we’ll be seeing them again. I’ve been thinking about a great climb I’d like us all to do in Mexico.”
Surprised, she asked, “Have you been there before?”
“No, but I’ve always wanted to go. I think the four of us would have a blast. We’d be gone four or five days. It’s several hours from the border at Laredo.”
She’d never been on a climbing adventure like that. “It sounds amazing. I’d like to hear more about it.”
“Maybe we can all get together and go over what it’ll take to do it,” he said.
“Let’s talk about it with them tonight. See if they’re even interested. If not, we can go by ourselves, right?”
He kissed her forehead. “Of course we can.”
After a wonderful dinner at El Naranjo, Landon drove them toward The Broken Spoke. She’d eaten more than she intended, something that always seemed to happen when she went to that restaurant. It was known for its Mexican cuisine with authentic traditional flavors, and she’d found that it was the only place in Austin where they served foods that tasted similar to dishes of her Cherokee heritage.
Parking was scarce when they arrived at the dance hall, so they had a block to walk to get to the door. Saturday nights were big there, not only for the dance hall, but for the in-house restaurant as well.
She figured that they wouldn’t get a table since they were arriving after eight on a Saturday night, but Landon had a surprise for her. When they walked in, he peered around and then waved off to his right. She glanced in that direction and saw a guy with his hand raised.
“That’s Brandon, a friend of mine. I asked him to come early and get us a table.”
She grinned as they headed in that direction. “Awesome!”
Brandon stood up as they arrived at the table and Landon shook his hand. “Thanks, bro. I owe you one. I just wish you could stay.” He pulled some bills out of his pocket and handed them to Brandon. “That’s for your cover charge.”
Brandon nodded his thanks. “I’d love to stay but work calls.” His gaze slid to her.
Landon put his arm around her shoulders. “This is Natalie Walker.”
Brandon held out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Gotta say, you’re as pretty as Landon said you were.”
She laughed. “Thank you. It’s great to meet you, too, and thanks so much for coming through for us.”
It was obvious by Brandon’s attire that he was also a cowboy, and he tipped his hat to her. “Gotta go.”
“Thanks again, Brandon. Let’s catch up soon,” Landon said as he held her chair for her.
The band was already on stage and tuning up.
As Landon moved his chair next to hers, she leaned close to him. “I hope the others can make it.”
“It’ll be fun if they do.”
“Is Brandon a rancher too?” she asked.
“Yeah, but his family is having a hard time meeting the bottom line right now, so he’s taken a job here in town. He’s rooming with a friend who’s letting him sleep on his couch. The money he makes he sends back to his dad for ranch expenses. It’s really been a big help to his parents.”
She could hear the sadness in his voice. “Is there a reason that they’re having such a hard time of it?”
“They’ve just had a run of bad luck over the past ten years or so. They made some iffy decisions that didn’t pay off, and this Texas drought is killing all of us.” He shook his head. “We’re feeling it, too, just not as much. The three of us boys went to college, learned to plan well, how to do some things better than the old ways, and so far, we’re doing okay.”
She clasped his hand. “I’m glad. Your family should be proud.”
He smiled. “Oh, we are. The Winchesters are an old ranching family, and we plan to keep going strong.”
Just then, the bass player stepped up to the microphone. “Hi there. We’re The Derailers, and welcome to The Broken Spoke.”
Applause rang out, and the first song started. Dancers moved to the floor, and soon it was crowded with couples doing the Texas two-step to the quick beat of the music.
Landon grinned at her. “The first dance is always a rodeo, and I don’t want you to get elbowed. We’ll get the next one.”
She chuckled. “Sounds good.”
The song ended, and the second one, which had a rapid beat, began. Landon rose and grinned, offering her his hand. “You ready to get rowdy?”
She laughed. “Lead on, cowboy.”
Landon was a great dancer, moving quickly to the beat of the music, spinning her around and deftly leading her between the other couples on the densely packed dance floor.
She was out of breath when the song ended, and he kissed her on the temple.
“That was fun,” he whispered before leading her back to the table.
As they sat down, he snagged a passing waitress and ordered their drinks.
Natalie’s heart was still pounding, and her hand shook as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Part of it was from the exertion of the dance, and part was from her intense attraction to the handsome cowboy who had his arm around her shoulders so possessively. She loved the feel of his strong body against hers. God, she loved everything about him.
Their drinks arrived and he thanked the waitress, leaving a generous tip. The corner of her mouth lifted at this evidence of his kindness. He was a good man. She moved her hand to his thigh.
He kissed the top of her head, his arm tightening around her.
She spotted Rachel near the door, with Jordan right behind her. “They’re here!” She raised her arm in the air and waved it around until Rachel waved back and headed toward their table.
As they arrived, Landon stood up and shook hands with each of them.
Rachel sat as Jordan held her chair. “It’s great that you all got a table.”
“Landon’s friend Brandon snagged it for us, but he had to leave. I’m so glad you all could come!” Natalie glanced across the table. “Jordan, I’m happy you’re here.”
“There’s no saying ‘no’ to this one.” He gestured at Rachel and grinned. “But I was ready for a night out. This is great.”
“And he knows how to dance,” Rachel said.
“Awesome!” Natalie smiled at Jordan. “Rachel loves to dance, so expect her to wear you out.”
Jordan rolled his eyes. “She’s already prepared me, don’t worry.”
Jordan flagged down a waitress and ordered their drinks.
A great dancing song started up, and Landon rose. “Ready?”
She grinned and got to her feet. “You bet!”
Rachel took Jordan by the hand. “Let’s go, mister.”
Jordan laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Natalie kept an eye on her friends as she and Landon moved around the floor. Jordan was a good dancer, and Rachel appeared to be having a wonderful time.
Natalie looked up at Landon as the song ended. His eyes gleamed. He kissed her, quickly but gently, too, and put his arm around her waist as he walked her back to the table.
Jordan and Rachel stayed on the floor and danced to the next song. When they returned to the table, Rachel said, “I must be in bad shape. Two fast songs and I’m winded.”
“You’re in great shape, silly,” Jordan said.
“I told Natalie earlier that I’d like to do a climb in Mexico soon. It’s about three hours from the border at Laredo. Would you all be interested in going? We’d probably be gone five days or so,” Landon said.
Jordan’s eyes instantly lit up. “That sounds awesome! Where is it?”
“It’s El Potrero Chico in Nuevo Leon,” he said. “Have you ever heard of it?”
Jordan leaned forward. “Yeah, I have. It’s supposed to be great. There’re some tough climbs there.”
“I’ve been studying up on it. How do you feel about going, Rachel?” Landon asked.
“I’m game if Jordan is,” she said and smiled at Jordan.
Natalie raised an eyebrow. Something was different between those two. Were they dating now? She needed to talk to Rachel. What wonderful news if they were.
“Let’s meet up next week, then.” Landon turned to Natalie. “Can you help figure out a time that works for everyone?”
She nodded. “No problem.”
After the music was over for the evening, they stayed and chatted.
Finally, Jordan said, “I think I’m ready to call it a night.”
Rachel glanced at him and rose. “Me too.”
Landon met Natalie’s gaze, and she nodded and stood up. As she gave her friend a hug goodbye, she said, “Call me.”
Rachel grinned. “I will.”
Rachel clasped Jordan’s hand as they walked toward the door, and Natalie was sure she was right about their new relationship.
Landon slid his arm around her shoulders and walked her outside. A cold wind slapped her in the face, and she ducked her head.
Landon pulled her closer to him. “Would you like to head back inside while I go get the truck? You’ll be warmer that way.”
She shook her head. “Let’s just hurry.”
He picked up the pace but made sure that she could easily keep up. By the time they got to the truck, her face felt frozen. He opened the door and half-lifted her into the seat.
Before pulling into the street, he turned the heat on high. “It’ll warm up fast. This thing has a good heater.”
She shivered. “Damn, it’s cold out there.”
He grinned. “It’ll be back in the eighties tomorrow, what’ll you bet?”
She smiled. “This is Texas. I’m sure you’re right.”
He clasped her hand, and her thoughts turned to what would happen next. As her pulse picked up speed, she smiled. The best part of the night was still to come.
Chapter Eight
Landon lay on his side and gazed down at Natalie, who was wearing nothing but a delicate pair of black lace panties.
She hooked her fingers in the waistband of his boxers and slid them down.
He smiled and took them the rest of the way off.
She turned toward him and clasped his butt cheek in her hand. “That’s more like it.
He chuckled, brushing a lock of her hair back from her face. She was beautiful, her eyes alight with devilry. He tilted her chin toward him and kissed her thoroughly, deeply, taking his time.
She sucked in a breath as he drew away and smiled up at him. “I love how you kiss me.”
“That’s because I love kissing you.” He touched her bottom lip. It was full and incredibly soft. “Your mouth was made for kissing. Did you know that?”
She shook her head, her eyes never leaving his.
He kissed her so gently that he barely felt her mouth.
She sighed; her eyes still closed even as he drew away. She whispered, “That made me tingle...everywhere.”
“Good.” With the tip of his tongue, he traced the line of her jaw. Then he blew a soft puff in her ear, making her visibly shiver. He smiled at this sign of her growing arousal. He found that special place behind her ear and brushed it with a kiss.
She gave a tiny gasp and clasped his arm.
He moved to the hollow of her throat and stroked it with his tongue. He felt her fingers tighten. He trailed his tongue down and circled her nipple, but stopped short of taking it into his mouth, and she arched into him, her hands moving to his head.
Smiling, he did as she wanted, stroking her swollen nipple with his tongue, then sucking hard as she held him to her.
Pleasing her had aroused him. He was hard, thrusting out from his body.
She reached for him, and he sucked in a breath as she clasped him firmly in her hand. Moving down, she took him into her mouth. He gasped, his heart pounding, as her tongue circled him. He held her head in his hands as she took in more and more of him. The hot, wet sensation nearly drove him over the edge.
Then she moved up, her tongue stroking him, and then back down again. He groaned and whispered, “Oh God, honey.”
She moved faster and faster, up and down, as ecstasy built inside him.
He cried out, eyes shut, as waves of pleasure washed through him. He had to stop her. Had to. He grasped her shoulders. “Stop! I can’t—”
She shook her head and kept on. He gave into the wild urge threatening his control. He moaned, “Natalie!” and let go.
She continued to stroke him as his head swam with the ecstasy rushing through him.
As his pulse began to slow, he drew her up and clasped her to his chest, kissing her temple. “Honey, that was amazing. Thank you.” He stroked her hair, cuddling her head against him.
“You give me so much pleasure. I wanted to please you too,” she said quietly.
“Believe me, you did.” His heart was still thudding in his chest, although not quite as hard as before. God, she was good.
He urged her to her back and looked down at her.
She ran her hand across his chest. “You’re so strong. I love looking at you.”
He smiled and cupped her breast in his hand. “I love looking at you too, gorgeous.”
She chuckled. “Thanks.”
He rose and hooked his thumbs in her panties, drawing them down and then off.
