“Please don’t. This is perfect. I know I’ll sleep like a baby tonight.”

  He kissed her behind the ear. “Good. And I agree. This is a little slice of heaven, Cowgirl.”

  “How are your ribs? I’m worried about you.”

  He drew her tighter against his chest. “A little sore right now, but don’t worry that beautiful head of yours. I’m fine.”

  She sighed. “Good. You take it easy and protect yourself whenever you need to, Dane. I mean that.”

  He chuckled. “That means there’s a next time?”

  “Oh, you!” She caught herself before she elbowed him in the ribs.

  He kissed her temple and nuzzled her neck in apology.

  She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. Making love to a rodeo cowboy? Dumb. But she didn’t regret it. Not one bit.

  She brought his fingers to her lips for a goodnight kiss. He was the sweetest man in the world—well worth making a giant mistake with.

  Dane woke to the heavenly scent of Alexis’s hair an inch from his nose. He still held her to his chest, and she slept soundly, her hand clasping his arm as if to keep him close.

  Like he would leave. Lying here with her was amazing, and he cherished every second of this time while she still slept. She looked serene and happy, so different from her conflicting moods when awake. Pleased, then worried, sad, then happy again. Now she seemed at peace, and he hoped that their lovemaking was part of the reason.

  He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and let his mind wander in a room silent except for the sound of her soft, even breaths. He daydreamed of a future with her, raising Quarter Horses and Black Angus cattle with several beautiful kids that looked just like their momma.

  But could she ever get around the fact that he was what she called a “rodeo cowboy”? She had a full-on aversion to his profession, and he didn’t know what to do about that.

  True, he’d been strongly considering retiring. Bulldogging was a young man’s game. He’d been at it since college and had been a professional for twelve years. It had taken a heavy toll on his body; his fractured arm and broken ribs were just a sampling of the injuries that he’d suffered over that time.

  He had a large amount in savings. However, he hoped to add one more year’s winnings to that total. He wanted to build his own home and have plenty of operating money left for the ranch before he ended his career. It wasn’t imperative, but it was a critical part of his financial plan.

  Alexis sighed and moved her legs. He smiled and kissed her behind the ear.

  Her eyes fluttered open sleepily, and then her hand convulsed on his arm. “Oh!”

  “Good morning.” He loosened his arms around her to give her some space if she felt she needed it.

  “Good morning,” she said quietly.

  “Did you forget I was here?”

  She chuckled softly. “Actually, yes. Sorry about that.”

  “My masculine pride might be hurt. I haven’t decided.”

  She laughed then, and pulled his arm tighter around her. “I’m glad you’re here. I was just startled, is all. I’m used to sleeping alone.”

  She turned to face him and smiled, tracing a fingertip across the curve of his cheek. “Yes, I’m happy you’re here, Rodeo.” She kissed him softly, her eyes never leaving his. “Last night was wonderful, and waking up with you like this is perfect.”

  He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. “Isn’t it, though? I was watching you sleep and thinking how peaceful you looked. We don’t have to rush around this morning. We can relax a while and then eat breakfast before we head out to Randy’s ranch.”

  She lowered her eyes and traced a design on his chest. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more excited about meeting your friend yesterday. I’m looking forward to it now. It’ll be fun.”

  He cupped the back of her neck in his palm, and she looked up at him. He could sense her sincerity. “I’m glad. He’s really a nice guy, and I think you’ll like Cindy, his wife. He’s got a couple of preschoolers running around the place that are chips off the old block. They’ll be cowboys like their daddy, for sure.” He remembered his daydream and hoped that he’d have a little cowboy of his own someday.

  She nestled her head against his chest, and he sighed deeply. It felt like she belonged there. His body relaxed and he closed his eyes, inhaling her sweet scent. He’d never imagined that this would happen on this trip. Alexis had been almost hostile when she’d agreed to come. He’d hoped that she would enjoy herself eventually, but he had counted on nothing like last night. However, he wasn’t a fool. When these seven days were over, he’d still be a rodeo cowboy, someone she’d sworn never to have in her life again.

  “Rodeo?”

  “Uh-huh?”

  “I need a shower. Am I going to have to get up naked in front of you?”

  He burst out laughing. “As much as I’d love that, I can take a hint. I’m leaving, Cowgirl.” He stood up and put on his boxers, carrying his shorts with him. “Let’s meet at ten-thirty for breakfast. Just come on into my room.”

  “Thanks, Dane.”

  “See you, beautiful.” And she was, awake or sleeping. And he’d just had one of the best nights of his life.

  Chapter Eight

  Alexis carried the steaming pot of pinto beans out to the picnic table as Cindy followed with the big bowl of homemade potato salad. Rowdy and Cash, three and four years old respectively, had gone down to the big corral with Randy and Dane to look at a two-year-old prize bull that Randy had raised. Randy’s hope was that when his riding days were over, he’d have bulls that would rank high enough to set him up as a stock contractor for the PBR.

  Alexis glanced down toward the arena, noticing again the height difference between Randy and Dane. Bull riders tended to be smaller, since a low center of gravity made it easier for a rider to stay on a bucking, spinning bull. Dane had to be six foot four or five, and Rusty was probably five foot eight, at most. Both, though, had great masculine builds.

  Randy had finished cutting up the brisket before heading down to the barn area, and the foil-covered platter was already on the table, along with Cindy’s homemade bread.

  She yelled, “You guys head on back, you hear? Food’s ready.”

  Randy turned and waved, then hollered at the two boys, who were playing in one of the barn pens.

  Dane turned, and Alexis could tell that he was looking at her. She waved, and he waved back. Her tummy fluttered. She’d found herself drawn to the handsome cowboy like never before since meeting him for breakfast that morning.

  Cindy had been watching, and the corner of her mouth lifted when Alexis glanced at her. “Dane’s never brought a woman with him before,” she told her. “I didn’t know if you knew that.”

  Alexis’s heart thumped hard. How could that be? A guy as good-looking as Dane should have women falling all over him. “Really? That surprises me.”

  Cindy studied her for a moment. “Dane doesn’t have much truck with women. He’s had some trouble, so he’s real careful, if you know what I mean.” She watched the men approaching and, without looking at Alexis, she continued, “Please be good to him. I don’t want to see him hurt again.”

  Alexis’s throat tightened. Lord, she’d only been thinking of herself, of protecting her own heart. She’d never considered that the big cowboy might get hurt.

  “I’ll try my best, Cindy.” She met the other woman’s gaze. “And thanks.”

  Cindy smiled gently and called to the approaching men and boys, “Who’s hungry for some of my momma’s potato salad? You know I make it just like her.”

  Randy came close and leaned down, giving his wife a loud smack on the lips. “I’m ready, woman. Are you fixing me a plate?”

  Cindy rolled her eyes. “Since when do I wait on you hand and foot, mister?”

  He picked her up and swung her in a circle as she giggled like a schoolgirl. “What if I say pretty please?” he asked.

  “Oh, well, in that case, one plate of barbeque coming right up.”

  Randy laughed and grabbed two plates, then started loading them with small portions of beans, potato salad, and brisket. “Rowdy, Cash, sit down while I fix your plates, boys.”

  “Yes, daddy,” they said in unison and climbed up on the bench seat at the table.

  Dane had watched all this with a bemused smile, and now he met Alexis’s gaze. “Shall I fix you a plate?”

  She walked over to him. “Thanks, but I can get my own.” Then she whispered in his ear, “Aren’t they just precious? What a wonderful little family.”

  Dane slipped his arm around her shoulders and said quietly, “Yes, they are. Randy and Cindy have a strong marriage, even though he’s gone a lot of the time. And because of the boys, she can’t travel with him like she used to. He flies home for a few days between rodeos as often as he can. He calls her every night on FaceTime and talks to the boys then, too. The PBR season ends in May, and then Randy competes in the PRCA rodeos. They really know how to make the most of their time together.”

  Alexis watched as Cindy filled a large platter with barbeque, homemade bread and butter, potato salad and beans, and then set it on the table for Randy. Her husband was busy cutting up the meat on the boys’ plates into tiny pieces. The whole scene was perfect Americana.

  Alexis was suddenly overcome with a yearning to have a family like theirs. Would it ever happen for her? She bore such incredible responsibility—for her grandparents and the ranch. What man would want to take that on?

  Sighing, she picked up a plate and put a piece of the tender brisket on it.

  Cindy glanced at her. “I know potato salad has a lot of calories, but I hope you’ll try some and tell me what you think.”

  Alexis smiled. “No problem. I usually eat like a horse. I work hard and have a big appetite most days.” She glanced at Dane, and the twinkle in his eyes told her that he was thinking of the particular type of exercise they’d gotten up to last night. She pressed her lips together to keep from grinning.

  Dinner was lovely. Everyone talked, including the boys, and Randy and Cindy made an effort to get to know her. Alexis helped Cindy clean up afterwards while Randy and Dane got a fire started in the firepit, then Cindy put the food away as Alexis washed the dishes.

  “On days like this, I don’t make the boys take a bath. I let them stay up after their bedtime and scrub them with baby wipes instead. It’s more important that they spend time with their momma and daddy than it is for them to be perfectly clean,” Cindy said as she wiped down the counters.

  “What a wonderful idea.” Alexis tucked that little nugget away as something she’d do if she ever had kids of her own. It made perfect sense. Children should be able to enjoy their family time.

  When the two women went back outside, Dane walked over to Alexis and clasped her hand. “Everything okay?”

  “Cindy’s nice. I really like her.”

  He smiled and laced his fingers with hers. “I thought you would. She’s good people.” Then he added, “We’re going to take a drive around the ranch, look at a few more of Randy’s bulls. Then we’ll come back and sit around the fire. It’s getting chilly already.”

  She and Dane sat in the back seat of the truck while Randy, Cindy and the boys sat up front. Alexis couldn’t help but smile as the squirming little boys tried to be good as they drove down the bumpy pasture roads.

  Dane slipped his arm around her, and she sighed softly. This had been a wonderful day. He kissed her temple, and she closed her eyes, happy as she hadn’t been in years. And, no, she wouldn’t think ahead, wouldn’t consider what would happen when they returned to Horsehead. Now was perfect—and that was all that mattered.

  Later, around the fire, she and Dane held hands and sipped cold longnecks as the boys poked sticks into the flames and laughed. Randy and Cindy talked of family things and asked about Alexis’s cattle. Cindy quizzed Dane about his plans to return to competition, and Alexis’s heart froze.

  Dane held up his arm. “I don’t think I even need this splint anymore. I’m not sure what the doc’s going to say when I go back in two weeks, but I think I’m ready to compete.”

  He glanced at her, his gaze probing, and she looked quickly down at their entwined fingers. If he was looking for some kind of answer about their relationship, she had none. Instead, she squeezed his hand. They had right now, and she wouldn’t give that up, not one second of it. He squeezed back, and that was the end of it.

  The boys at last became drowsy and soon settled into their little lawn chairs. Randy and Cindy carried them into the house while Dane texted for an Uber. He slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Tired?”

  She leaned her head against him and sighed. “Just completely relaxed. What a perfect evening.”

  He stood and drew her to her feet. “I have a surprise for you.” He reached into the pocket of his coat and pulled out an envelope. She recognized it as the same envelope of cash that he’d made their wager with. “We’re going to Reno tomorrow, and I’m staking your play.”

  She felt the blood draining from her face and was suddenly lightheaded. “What? You’re what?”

  He laughed softly. “I’m taking you to Reno. I want to help you with whatever’s going on in your life.”

  My God, I’m going to Reno. I’ve got the money! There’ll be a branch of my bank there, and I can get what I’ve put aside. She buried her face in Dane’s chest as tears of joy filled her eyes. “Dane, I don’t know what to say. This is so, so...” She gasped and drew away. “What if I lose your money? I can’t pay it back.”

  He kissed her then. “Silly, it’s called gambling. I don’t expect to get paid back.”

  She stood on her tiptoes and swept his lips with a gentle kiss. “Honey, I don’t know what I did to deserve you. I really don’t, but thank you, Dane.” She looked into his eyes in the fading light, letting him see the intensity of her feelings for him.

  “Sweetheart, don’t you know I’d do anything for you?” he said, as he kissed her again.

  Randy came outside then and sat down in his chair, a happy smile on his face for his friend. “Looks like you two are getting along.”

  Dane just grinned.

  Alexis sat back down in her chair, her mind still reeling.

  Dane took a seat and put his arm around her.

  Nothing had ever felt so good. She leaned against him and looked up at the sky. The lights of Dallas smothered the stars. Too bad. She was in the mood for stars and heaven and all that wonderful stuff.

  After a while, their Uber arrived, and they said their goodbyes. Cindy gave her a hug and whispered, “Please remember what I said.”

  She whispered back, “I really care about him, but our lives are so different, Cindy. I promise you this: I’ll be kind, no matter what.”

  Cindy nodded and released her after giving her cheek a little peck.

  She thought about Cindy’s words all the way home. She didn’t want to hurt Dane. He was a good man and deserved to be treated with care and respect.

  When they got back to the hotel, he said, “Join me for a drink?”

  She nodded. “Can we talk?”

  His brows lowered. “Everything okay?”

  “That’s what I need to know.”

  He opened the door and went straight to the bottles of liquor. She took off her coat and sat down, preparing exactly what she wanted to say.

  He handed her a glass of scotch and sat down across from her. “Tell me, Alexis, what’s wrong?”

  She leaned toward him. “Dane, nothing’s wrong, per se, but Cindy reminded me tonight that I’m not the only one who could get hurt by our “arrangement.”

  The corners of his mouth suddenly lifted. “She’s always been protective of me. So, did you tell her about our bet?”

  “No, nothing like that. She told me that it’s unusual for you to bring a date to visit them and that you’ve been hurt before. She made it clear that she didn’t want me to hurt you again.”

  He nodded. “I see. And you’re thinking that we’ve only got these seven days, and with what’s happened between us, that afterward I might...” He paused, his brows raised. “What?”

  Oh, God, had she assumed that his feelings for her were stronger than they were? Shit. How embarrassing.

  “Look,” she said hurriedly, “I’m happy with...”

  He laughed softly and drew her to her feet, setting their glasses on the table. “Come here, you.” He pulled her in for a gentle hug. “I don’t know what’s going to happen when we get home, and right now, I don’t care. I want to enjoy every second of the next few days that I have with you.” He tilted her chin so that she looked into his eyes. “And, yes, at some point there may be pain for both of us, but we don’t know the future, do we?”

  Her lips crooked up. “No.”

  “So why don’t we enjoy being together until we get home on Wednesday? All right?”

  He pulled her in close again and stroked her hair. “I care about you, Alexis, and whatever happens when we get home, well... It is what it is.” He kissed her temple and held her for a long moment before he released her.

  She stepped back. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m glad.” She caressed his lower lip with her thumb. “I love the way you kiss me.”

  His eyes grew dark with emotion, and she said, “Shall we try out your bed tonight?”

  He smiled that sensual smile of his and said, “I was hoping I wouldn’t have to beg.”

  She laughed softly and gave him a quick kiss. “Let me get cleaned up. I’ll be back in a little while.”

  As she walked away, he held onto her hand until the last second, and it tugged at her heart. She stopped at the door and looked over her shoulder. “I’m missing you already.”

  He groaned. “Are you trying to drive me crazy, woman?”

  She laughed and went through the door.

  Dane showered and then poured himself another finger of Maker’s Mark while he waited for Alexis. She’d surprised him tonight, both with her concern for him and her request to try his bed. He grinned at the memory. She was quite a woman.

 

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