The Cowboy Daddy Hero (The Winchester Cowboys Series Book 1), page 9
“That sounds great. I’d really like for Johnathan to experience riding if we can make it work. We have an old horse at the ranch that’s gentle. I’d lead Johnathan around the corral,” he said.
“I miss you, Beau. This is going to be a long two days.”
He sighed. “I know. Maybe I can come over and say hi while Cat’s taking her nap tomorrow. I sure don’t want to be cooped up in this house with Kara. I honestly don’t know what to say to her.”
“That’d be awesome if you could. Johnathan and I aren’t going anywhere. I told him I’d take him to a movie Sunday, though.”
“I’ll come Saturday, then. I can’t wait.” Just knowing he’d see her made him feel better already. “Dakota?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re amazing.”
She laughed. “Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself.”
“Talk to you tomorrow.”
He turned on the TV and found something to watch. He already felt better about Kara being around, especially now that he knew he could push past his anger and be decent to her. That was what counted.
And tomorrow he’d see Dakota. He couldn’t wait.
Chapter Nine
Dakota’s heart pounded as Beau cut off the truck’s engine in front of the ranch house. He’d said that his parents were thrilled that she and Johnathan were coming to visit, and they’d been planning carefully for the trip for the past two weeks, but she suddenly felt unsure. Having an adult with disabilities as a guest for a whole weekend could make some people uncomfortable.
The sun set low on the horizon as the screen door opened and a pretty, dark-haired woman walked out onto the wrap-around porch. She smiled and waved.
Dakota waved back as she took off her seat belt. “You look a lot like your mom.”
“Really?” Beau glanced up to where his mother stood. “Hm, maybe I do.”
“We’re here, Johnathan. Just a sec and I’ll help you get out,” Dakota said as she got down from the truck.
“Yeah,” Johnathan said in an excited voice. “I wanna ride horses.”
Dakota laughed as she opened his door. “We’ll ride horses some other time, honey. It’s getting dark.”
Beau took Cat out of her car seat and carried her up to his mom, who waited with open arms. Then he retrieved their suitcases from the bed of the truck as Dakota helped Johnathan clamber down to the ground. Taking him by the arm to steady him, she waited for Beau.
His mom called, “Come on in. We’ve been waiting for you all.”
Dakota smiled as Beau came up beside her. “We’re glad to be here,” she called.
She followed him up the wooden steps, slowing at each one while Johnathan got his balance.
When she made it to the porch, Beau put his arm around her. “Mom, this is Dakota Ross and her foster son, Johnathan. Dakota, Johnathan, this is my mom, Debra.”
His mom offered her hand. “It’s wonderful to meet you, Dakota.” Then she patted Johnathan’s shoulder. “And you, too, Johnathan. Let’s go inside. I’ve made brownies.”
Johnathan grinned. “I like brownies.”
Dakota said, “This young man never met a dessert he didn’t like, Debra. Thanks for making a treat for us.”
When they went inside, Beau’s father rose from his recliner and came forward, his hand outstretched. “Welcome. I’m Ken.”
She clasped his hand as Beau said, “Dad, this is Dakota Ross.” Then he motioned to Johnathan. “This is her foster son, Johnathan, and he’s raring to go riding in the morning.”
Ken offered his hand to Johnathan, who politely shook it. “Johnathan, we have the perfect horse for you. Old Ben’s been around the block a few times, and he’ll give you a gentle ride.”
Although Dakota trusted Beau that Johnathan would be safe up on a horse, Ken’s description of Old Ben gave her comfort.
“Why don’t you all get settled in your rooms before we have dessert, son?” Debra said.
“Good idea.” He glanced at Dakota. “We’ve put Johnathan down here, so he won’t have to deal with the stairs. We’ll be on the second floor, though. That’ll be okay, won’t it?”
She nodded. “It’s fine. Johnathan sleeps through the night.”
“I thought I remembered you telling me that.” He clapped Johnathan on the back. “Come on. I’ll show you your bedroom, buddy.”
When they came back to the living room, Debra had the platter of brownies on the coffee table and glasses of milk poured.
Dakota helped Johnathan sit on the couch and handed him a plate with a brownie on it, along with a napkin. “Here you go, honey. How about drinking your milk when you finish eating that?”
His eyes were glued to the brownie as he said, “Okay, Dakota.”
She grinned and sat down beside him.
Beau handed her a plate and brownie and then served himself. After he took a bite, he said, “Mom, these are great, as usual.”
“I know how much you love them, honey. That’s one reason I made them. I figured that Johnathan might take a liking to them, too.”
“It’s good,” Johnathan said, after swallowing what he had in his mouth.
Dakota whispered, “What else do you say?”
“Thank you,” he said before taking another big bite.
Debra smiled at him. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you like your brownie, Johnathan.”
Dakota leaned over, blotting up some of the crumbs Johnathan had scattered over his lap and the couch.
“Oh, don’t worry about crumbs,” Debra told her. “Let him enjoy himself.”
Dakota’s heart instantly warmed to the older woman. It was obvious where Beau got his kind disposition.
When they’d finished, Dakota helped Debra clear the dishes.
Johnathan said, “Thank you,” as they cleaned up around him.
“You have wonderful manners,” Debra told him.
Dakota smiled and squeezed Johnathan’s shoulder. “He sure does.”
Afterwards, Beau put Cat to bed in the playpen in his parents’ first-floor bedroom. They’d offered to keep her at night during their stay. She was exhausted and fell right to sleep while taking her bottle as he rocked her on the bed.
When he came back out to the living room, they all chatted for a while. Beau talked a little bit about his job, then Debra regaled them with stories about Beau’s early years. Dakota learned that he’d been in 4H and had rodeoed growing up. Apparently all the Winchester boys had.
His mom said, “You can meet Beau’s brothers tomorrow. They’re anxious to get to know you, Dakota.”
“That’ll be nice. I can’t wait to see them,” Dakota said. She knew that Beau and Carson were close, but Beau hadn’t talked much about his youngest brother, Landon. Carson had just finished building his own home on the ranch, and Landon had moved into one of the ranch’s hunting cabins when he’d come home from college a couple of years ago.
The talk finally wound down, and Debra said, “Well, I’m sure you all are tired after that drive you had. We should let you get to bed.”
Beau stood up. “Thanks, Mom. We’ll see you in the morning for breakfast.”
Dakota helped Johnathan to his feet. “Thanks for the warm welcome. I’m so glad we’re here.”
Debra clasped Dakota’s hands. “We’re happy you all are here, too. We’ll have a big breakfast in the morning before you head out for your ride.”
“I’m looking forward to that. Beau’s told me what a wonderful cook you are.”
She led Johnathan to his room and helped him get ready for bed. When she returned to Beau’s room upstairs, he was already in his boxers and hanging his jeans in the closet.
“The bathroom’s the next door down on the right.”
“Thanks.” She gathered her stuff and headed down the hall. They were the only ones staying upstairs. She had showered before leaving home, so it didn’t take her long to change into her blue silk nightie.
When she walked back into the room, Beau had already gotten into bed and was propped up on pillows. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes,” he greeted her. He threw back the covers. “Come on over here, sexy.”
She giggled and climbed in beside him.
He slid his arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I’ve been waiting for this all day.”
She put her arm around his waist, feeling the taut muscles of his six-pack. Talk about sexy—this man was gorgeous. “There’s just one thing I’m worried about.”
“What’s that?” he said, a note of concern in his voice.
“Does this bed squeak?”
He burst out laughing. “I don’t think so, but then I’ve never had a woman up here before. We could have stayed at the house Kara and I lived in—except I don’t have beds there anymore, and I didn’t leave any food there, either. Besides, Mom would’ve killed me.”
She chuckled. “You don’t want to mess with your mom, that’s for sure.”
“You’ve got that right.”
He tilted her face to him and kissed her softly. “This is going to be a great weekend.” He kissed her again, deeper this time.
When he raised his head, he said, “I’ll take Johnathan riding in the corral first for as long as he can handle it. Then you and I will go riding in the pastures. Mom said she’d be glad to watch both Johnathan and Cat while we’re gone.”
Dakota felt tears prickle her eyes. “Your mom’s so sweet. I’ll have to figure out some way to thank her.”
He caressed her cheek. “There’s no need for that. Mom’s happy to do it.”
“Yeah, but still, some people wouldn’t offer to keep Johnathan. It just shows what a kind person your mother is.”
He smiled. “She’s pretty special, all right.”
Dakota tugged at the waistband of his boxers, and he slid out of them. When she took him in her hand, he sighed and slid his fingers through her hair.
With a firm grip, she moved her hand up and down. His breath caught, and she did it again. Then she moved faster, reaching a rhythm that ramped up his pleasure. He moaned softly and held her head in his hands.
She kept going, and he began to pant in soft, quick breaths. His fingers stiffened, but her rhythm never faltered. He groaned, turning his head to the side, his eyes clenched shut.
She loved seeing him like this, lost in the intensity of his pleasure.
Suddenly he clasped her hand, stopping her. He opened his eyes with a trace of a smile. “Your turn, honey.”
She laughed softly as he sat up and tugged off her nightie.
He cupped her breast in his hand. “Damn, you look good, sweetheart.” Bending low, he took her taut nipple in his mouth.
Pleasure shot through her. She was so turned on from pleasuring him that it wouldn’t take much to send her over the edge.
He urged her down onto her back and took her panties off. Resting on his elbow, he looked down on her. “Dakota, I think of you like this all the time. Does that mean I have a dirty mind?”
She giggled. “If it does, then I have a dirty mind, too. I’m always thinking about you naked.”
He laughed quietly. “We’re both bad, I guess.”
She ran her hand across his chest, loving the feel of his muscles. “I don’t feel one bit guilty, mister.”
He leaned down and kissed her. “Me neither.” His palm traced slow circles on her belly, sending tingles racing through her. Then his hand slid between her legs, his finger dipping inside her.
She sucked in a breath as he drove it in and out. God, he felt so good. Then, his finger slick with her wetness, he found her sensitive spot, caressing it round and round. She moaned, her body tensing as pleasure rocketed through her.
He kissed her, thrusting his tongue in and out of her lips, and she moaned louder. He wet his finger again and then returned to her sensitive spot, his touch gentle and slow.
Bliss surrounded her. She lost herself in it, thinking only of Beau. She reached for him as ecstasy overwhelmed her senses, sending her out of control. She cried out, clutching him.
He rose above her and slid inside her. She grabbed his shoulders as pleasure blasted through her core, deep inside her.
She moaned, and he said, “You like this, honey?”
Eyes squeezed shut, she said, “God, don’t stop!”
He laughed and thrust harder.
She didn’t think about anything then as she rode the sensations rolling through her.
When he groaned and thrust one last time, she opened her eyes to see him freeze, lost in ecstasy. She smiled gently and sighed.
A moment later, he rolled onto his side beside her. She turned to face him. “Well, the bed didn’t squeak. Maybe our secret is safe.”
He grinned. “I don’t know. Do you think we were too loud?”
She frowned. “Were we?”
He laughed and kissed her on the nose. “I don’t think so—and besides, my parents know you’re sleeping in my bed.”
She sighed. “True.”
“Don’t worry about it. Mom and Dad are cool.”
After a quick trip to the bathroom, he came back and drew her into his arms. “I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight. No Cat to worry about, and I’ll have you cuddled against me. What more could I ask for?”
She nestled her head against his chest. “I know I’ll sleep well, too. I always do when I stay with you.”
“You do?”
“Yep. I never sleep as well when I’m by myself.”
“Hm. That’s nice.” He kissed the top of her head. “Good night, gorgeous. See you in the morning.”
“Night, night, beautiful.”
He chuckled and drew her a little closer.
She sighed and closed her eyes.
Beau slowly led Old Ben around the corral with an enthralled Johnathan on his back.
It had been quite a feat getting the young man up into the saddle. Beau had brought some square hay bales from one of the pasture barns up to the corral and had stacked them into steps. Then, with Carson and Landon’s help, he’d gotten Johnathan safely up onto Ben’s back.
Dakota had looked on anxiously from a few feet away, and he had to give it to her. No matter how awkward the process had looked, she’d kept quiet.
Landon walked beside the horse, his hand grasping the back of Johnathan’s jeans just in case. There was no way he was coming out of that saddle and getting hurt.
Beau glanced back at him. Johnathan’s grin hadn’t wavered. He’d been up for more than thirty minutes and was still going strong. “Having fun, buddy?”
Johnathan laughed. “I love Old Ben.”
Beau grinned. “Old Ben’s a good horse. I’m sure he loves you, too, buddy. We’re going to ride for ten more minutes, and then we’re going to stop. I don’t want you to get too tired.”
“Aw, man!” Johnathan said in a whiny voice.
“You’ve had a good, long ride, honey. And, besides, ten minutes is a long time,” Dakota said.
Landon chuckled. “I think we have a convert, bro. You’ll just have to schedule another trip down here so he can ride again.”
Beau glanced at Dakota and smiled. “I’ll definitely do that.”
Johnathan complained when it was time to get down but didn’t throw a fit. It was just as awkward getting him off, but it went smoothly, nonetheless.
Dakota gave Johnathan a hug. “Now you can say you’re a cowboy, honey. How about that?”
Johnathan grinned hugely. “I’m a cowboy.”
They all went back inside where Debra had a snack ready for Johnathan. After Dakota settled him at the table, Debra said, “You all go on back outside. Johnathan and I will be fine. We’re going to watch TV while you’re gone. I hear Johnathan likes Disney movies, and we have satellite TV.”
Dakota gave her a hug. “Thanks so much for this.”
“You go and have fun. We’ll be fine,” Debra said.
Carson had saddled Beau’s horse while he was leading Johnathan around, and Dakota learned that she’d be riding old Ben. “Don’t you think he’ll be too tired?”
Beau smiled. “He’s old, but not that old. He’ll be fine. We’re not going to do anything but walk, anyway.”
He helped her to mount and then got on his own horse. After a few simple instructions, they started off down the ranch drive.
She found that she was easily able to make Ben go where she wanted him to, and she felt proud of herself. “Old Ben’s such a great horse.”
“He was my go-to roping horse for years. He could get on a steer in a heartbeat when I rodeoed. And out in the pasture? Nothing got away from him. Now he’s just happy to take his time. The old boy deserves it.”
“Johnathan will never forget today. Thanks so much for helping him to ride. I’m glad I was able to find a helmet for him. And it was nice of Landon to walk beside him like that. I’m sure he got bored walking in circles for so long.”
“Landon’s great. He has a big heart, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at him. He doesn’t smile much, but on the inside he’s a real teddy bear.”
“I noticed he’s pretty quiet.”
“Yeah, he’s always been that way. But, when he has something to say, he’s not afraid to say it.” He grinned. “Now, get a few beers in the guy and he might talk your ear off. Not always, but it happens.”
She grinned. “Now I wonder if you’ve ever taken advantage of that.”
He laughed. “I might have, once or twice.” He reached over and took her hand. “This is nice. I can’t remember the last time I rode a horse just for fun.”
“I thought riding would be harder.” She glanced down at Ben and smiled. “Maybe it is, and I’m just lucky that I’m riding this guy.”
“Having a good horse is half the battle. Ben here, he’ll take care of you. You’d have to work at it to fall off.”
They rode in silence then, and she let her gaze wander over the countryside. The pasture on her right had been cleared and had tall, tufted grass in it. “What kind of grass is that?”
