Burning Desire by Ami Snow (73)

Hot and Heavy with the Cowboy

Chapter One: Misery Loves Company

The sun beat down on the hot desert sand as Derrick Mason drove west toward Crescent City. July had been a record setting start to summer that was forecast to last well into September. If it held up its end, they’d likely see an Indian summer this year. Derrick Mason, for one, was already looking forward to it. He needed this change. The work and the sweat, if only to work off the demons that chased him. His past had reared its ugly head a month ago and now he was hoping this change of pace would put that past so far behind him he could officially bury it six feet under. Even if it took every ounce of energy in his body, he’d bleed his mistakes into the dirt and start over.

His truck rattled and rolled along highway eighty, advertising that Yuma was a cool seventy miles down the road and his new home, Crescent City was just around the bend. The curve in the road was long and lean, winding around a massive rock formation that was as red as the Grand Canyon. Coming through the turn, Derrick could see the sleepy little town lying just off in the distance. It struck a chord in him, the idea that this place would now be home. He wasn’t visiting or taking a tour, he would live and work and sleep and eat and dream this little town until the feeling was as natural as breathing. He only hoped it hurried the hell up.

Pulling up to the closest real estate place, Derrick parked his truck and got out. He walked up to the door and opened it, hearing the chime of the bell that would inevitably alert the agents that someone had come to see them.

“Morning,” a stout woman said with a big toothy smile as she came up to the front desk. “How may I help you?”

“I’m looking for a place that I can rent or purchase,” Derrick said, giving the woman the details she needed.

“Well, we have several one bedroom rentals, but if you’d rather purchase something small, we can look in that direction as well.”

“We can start with the rentals first,” Derrick agreed. He sat down at a small table, declining the coffee the woman offered him. It was a hundred and something degrees outside. If it didn’t come iced and frigid, he wasn’t drinking it. How anyone could drink coffee from the pot in the middle of this heat he had no idea. They were either addicted severely or mentally ill, maybe even both.

Derrick perused the rentals and found a nice, spacious two bedroom house that was exactly what he needed. Thankfully it also came with a nice sized yard. With a five acre plot of land next to it the prospect of buying became more alluring. “Is the owner willing to think about selling me the house and the property adjacent to it?”

“I can certainly ask,” the woman smiled. “Give me a couple of hours and I’ll get back to you. Meanwhile, the DMV is just down the road on the right and there are a couple of banks on the left if you’re looking to get some legal stuff out of the way. There’s a nice café close to the library which is further down on the left and the grocery store is past the DMV on the right.”

“Thank you,” Derrick said, smiling and shaking the woman’s hand. Thinking she had a good point, Derrick went to the DMV and found out the process for changing his drivers’ license. He also stopped by the post office and grabbed a change of address form. Then, seeing as he still had time to kill he went to the bank and opened a deposit account with the cashier’s check he had from his previous bank. Hopefully that money would get him settled into his new life.

“Mr. Mason?” a young woman called from the center information island. Derrick turned around and nearly bit his tongue at the vision in front of him. The woman was gorgeous, beyond the ample curves of her incredible body, Derrick noted her beautiful face with dark eyes that smiled when she did. She had a small dimple in her left cheek and a splay of freckles that added cute to sexy. He walked back to her slowly, gathering his thoughts.

“That’s me,” he smiled.

“I see here you need help with some investments and a savings account?”

“Yes,” he said, following her to a desk. The name plate said Rachel and Derrick decided that he’d keep that in the front of his mind. Rachel was stunning and already had arousal pumping through him. If she did that just by existing, he couldn’t wait to try and talk her from her clothes. Crescent City was looking way up in his estimation calculator and he hadn’t been in town more than a couple of hours.

“Tell me a little bit about what you’re looking for and we’ll see what sort of investment plan you’re looking at. Can you give me your account number?”

Derrick took his deposit slip and handed it to her. She looked at it and back at him, obviously surprised. He had a mind to keep surprising her. He liked the way it swam into those gorgeous chocolate eyes. “I’m not really sure what sort of investments I want to do. I don’t want me money to be tied up too much as I’m hoping to purchase a house and some property, but I also want to make sure I can stretch that so that my pennies squeak. I’m moving here permanently and need to make sure my ventures pay out before my funds are dried up.”

***

“Okay,” Rachel smiled. She had no idea who this man was, but his two hundred and fifty thousand dollars was a definite bonus and by the looks of him he meant to make good on whatever venture he set his hand to. Rachel couldn’t help wondering how those hands felt, particularly how they’d feel against her skin. Smirking she entered his deposit account and up came his recent deposit which had been placed on an extended seven day hold. “Are you in need of cash right now Mr. Mason?”

“Nah,” he said. “I’ve got enough to get me through until that check clears. Once it does though I’ll be withdrawing several thousand to purchase a pair of horses for my farm. I’m still waiting on word about the property so that’s still up in the air, but the horses are a sure thing as soon as that money is ready.”

“Alright,” Rachel said, making a notation to his account. “Do you know about how much you’ll be withdrawing? Anything over five thousand usually requires at least a three day notice.”

“I’ve got a promissory note for sixty-five hundred.” Derrick showed her the worn paper and informed her that he’d want the money in hundreds and fifties the day the check cleared. Another notation went into his file and she scribbled the same note onto a sticky pad.

“Alright,” Rachel said. “We’ll have that ready for you in seven days. As for the property let me know and we’ll see if we can’t help you out there as well.”

“Excellent,” Derrick smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” Rachel said, smiling as she shook his hand. It was warm and rough, obviously the hand of a man who knew a hard day’s work. The need that swam into her only intensified.

Chapter Two: Ownership

Derrick headed back toward the real estate office, having done three hours’ worth of errands to kill the time. Stepping into the office again he was greeted by the same woman.

“Hello Mr. Mason,” she smiled broadly. “Come on over and sit down.”

Derrick obliged her and took a seat across from her. “Any news?”

“I have some excellent news,” she chirped. “Your credit score came back decent, which is a great asset. I’m sure once the bank is able to verify that you’ll be offered a substantial loan at a decent APR. The owner of the home, as well as the adjacent property did say that he was willing to sell. He’s requesting a total of one hundred and thirty-eight thousand plus closing costs.”

“Okay,” Derrick said. “I’ll need about a week to get clearance from the bank, but I’d like to put this down as my first stop. Can you recommend a motel I can check into?”

“Absolutely,” the woman smiled. She handed Derrick a few pamphlets of motels and hotels that were scattered both around and in Crescent City. He finally chose a local, small motel, hoping the rooms would be cheaper. He’d need to keep his money tight until his check cleared. Then he’d take out a loan, let it sit for a month and pay it off.

Derrick went shopping and picked up enough groceries for him to survive the next week. He bought a hot plate as well and finally checked into the motel. He paid for the seven days up front and crashed nearly as soon as he put his food away.

***

Rachel woke with the sun as she normally did. Feeling juiced, she showered and dressed for a day in the saddle. Her days off were precious, but she knew she had to put some time in with Destiny or the horse wouldn’t be ready for the next rodeo. If she was going to win the barrel racing competition and the prize money, which wasn’t anything to snivel at. She’d need to put her dues in. She raced downstairs, grabbed three muffins and a bottle of orange juice and then bolted out the door before her mother could call to her. She saddled her chestnut colored mare and was in the saddle within minutes, tucking two of her muffins into her saddle bag and trotting out of the stable as her mother stepped onto the front porch.

“Stay close to home,” Stella Parsons called, waving her hand.

“Will do mama,” Rachel smiled. She finished off her muffin and kicked Destiny into a cantor. Within minutes she was far enough away from the house that she could barely make it out. She realized that she needed the space and privacy as much as Destiny did and finally she let her hair down. Unbuttoning her plaid shirt and untying her hair she gave a whoop of joy. She wouldn’t think about the demands her mother would place on her when she returned home or how her father was trying to marry her off to the richest man he came across. She’d only think about right now and how gorgeous the Arizona land was. How, no matter where she went, Arizona soil would always be home. She might despise the nosy neighbors who were always waiting for the juiciest gossip, but home was home and there was none like hers.

She rode hard for an hour and brought Destiny to a small secluded pond to drink. Taking her canteen from her saddle bag, Rachel drank deep. She finished off another muffin and gave Destiny a juicy apple before she turned to head home. Any longer out and her mother would never let it rest. Rachel re-saddled Destiny and headed back toward home at a considerably slower pace. As she drew closer to home she noticed a pickup truck in the driveway and wondered who’d come to visit. She dismounted and walked Destiny to the stable, taking off her saddle and blanket.

“I wondered where you’d run off to.” Rachel nearly jumped out of her skin before she turned to see the handsome man who’d come to see her yesterday at the bank.

“Hello again,” she smiled. “Mr. Mason right?”

“Derrick, yes.” He looked good Rachel decided, damn good. Dark hair framed a strong jawline. Dark brows accented blue eyes and a very aristocratic nose. His mouth was currently smirking, a look that made him seem much more the mischievous school boy than a grown man. She liked him.

“If you didn’t notice yesterday,” she said. “I’m Rachel Parsons. It’s nice to see you again. How are you liking Crescent City?”

“It’s got some charm for sure. I haven’t been around long enough to know everything about it yet, but I’m liking what I’ve seen so far.”

“Any news on the house yet?”

“I talked to the realtor yesterday and she said the man’s willing to sell both the home and the adjacent property. I told her to set it up and I’d put up the down payment and the closing costs as soon as my check cleared. Think you could help me with a loan?”

“Absolutely,” Rachel said. She’d help him with more than that, she thought with a smirk. The man was certifiably gorgeous. “Although I’m off work today.”

“Oh, that’s okay.”

“I’m sorry,” she apologized.

“No, it’s fine. I won’t be needing the loan today anyways. Listen, I know this is sort of last minute and all, but would you like to go to dinner with me?”

“Tonight?”

“If that suits you,” Derrick smiled.

“I can’t,” Rachel said, feeling even worse.

“Oh. That’s alright. Maybe another time then.” He turned to leave and Rachel smiled.

“It’s not that I don’t want to go out with you Derrick,” Rachel said, jogging to catch up to him. His long legs gave him a nice head start. She touched his arm. When he turned he nearly knocked her over. Only his arm around her waist stopped her from tumbling backwards.

***

Derrick felt heat rush through his body. Holding a woman as beautiful as Rachel had its fine points for sure, especially when every breath she took pressed her considerable breasts against his chest. She was blushing and Derrick smirked. “Alright Miss Parsons. You name the day and time and I’ll be here to escort you.”

“Tomorrow night, six-thirty.” Her eyes were full of desire and something uniquely feminine that Derrick knew he’d never understand.

“Deal,” he smiled. “What type of food do you like?”

“Surprise me. I’m game for almost anything.”

“Alright,” Derrick agreed, realizing he was still holding her a little too close. Slowly he released his arm, making sure she was standing steady. “I’ll be here at six-thirty then.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Have a good day Rachel,” Derrick said, turning toward his truck.

“You as well Mr. Mason.” Derrick left the Parson’s house and headed back into town. Things were looking up already. He was about to become a homeowner, he had a hefty bank account, even after the house and horses and he had a date with a woman who was easily a ten. He could still feel those gorgeous breasts against his chest. The thought of having them in his hands made him ache. Smiling, he headed toward his motel.

By the time Derrick finally sat down to eat his sub sandwich and chips, it was well past lunch and he was starving. He’d only just started eating when his cell phone rang. “Mason,” he answered.

“Hello Derrick,” a sly female voice said over the phone.

“Cassandra,” Derrick said, biting back the words that burned in his throat. “What the hell are you doing and how’d you get my number?”

“Oh now Derrick,” she chuckled. “You should know by now that when I need or want something, I know exactly how to get it. You didn’t tell me your parents had redecorated their lovely home.”

Derrick closed his eyes to shut out the possibilities. “My parents are useless to you Cassandra. Why don’t we meet somewhere and talk about all of this?”

“Well that’d be lovely,” she purred. “Where would you suggest? I’m a little strapped for time or I’d fly out to Arizona today. How are you liking Crescent City?”

“I can meet you tomorrow morning in Winwood.”

“Deal,” she agreed. “And Derrick, don’t forget my money, all of it.”

The phone went dead before Derrick could say anything else. Slamming the phone down Derrick nearly crushed it with the fury that fueled his rage. How and the hell had Cassandra found his parents? Getting in his truck he drove back out to the Parson’s and knocked on the door. Where else could he turn?

***

Rachel slid the apple tart into the oven and smiled, wiping her hands on her apron. She heard the knock on the door and hollered. “I’ll get it.” Going to the front door Rachel saw Derrick standing there and smiled. “It’s not tomorrow at six-thirty is it?”

“No, um, can we talk?”

There was a note of desperation that tinged his voice. “Sure. Why don’t you sit on the porch swing, I’ll bring you a beer.”

“Thanks.” Rachel was back in a minute and handed the beer to him, watching him take a long pull as if he’d die of thirst. “What’s up?”

“How are the police in Crescent City?”

“Like most small towns I suppose. They know the people who live here so it makes it easier somehow. You in trouble?”

“Sort of,” Derrick said, his face taught, pensive. “I got dragged in with some bad people from my hometown. I thought I’d dealt with it all before I left. Unfortunately I was wrong. A woman who thinks I owe her money just called my cell phone and the only way she knew my number was to harass my parents. I have to meet her tomorrow in Winwood. The problem is that I don’t have her money. Even the money in my account won’t cover what she thinks I owe her. “

“How much is that?”

“Three million dollars,” Derrick said with disgust. “My former friends and I did some work for her. The last time I saw them, they were on point to rendezvous with her, drop off the money and get our share. I never saw them again. I’m assuming they have her money, but there’s no guarantee.”

“I’m assuming she’ll be miffed when she finds out you don’t have it either?”

“Yeah,” Derrick sighed. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come here and dragged you into my past.”

“No, it’s okay,” Rachel said, touching his hand. The jolt that went through her must have hit Derrick too because his eyes grew hot and intense. “I’m glad you did.”

“I need proof that I didn’t take her money, but I don’t know how to get it.”

“Do you know the last location your friends were at before they met with this woman?”

“I left them at Points Bluff. They were supposed to meet Cassandra outside a motel in Westchester. When they didn’t show up she called me accusing me of taking her money. No matter how many times I try to tell her I don’t have her funds, she keeps berating me.”

“Do you mind if I ask how you ended up with three million dollars?”

“We stole it,” Derrick said, his eyes showing the remorse he felt. “I can’t turn myself in because I don’t even have enough proof to prove we did it.”

“Okay,” Rachel said in her best, no nonsense tone. “First, we need to find your friends, confirm that they took her money and get back whatever they haven’t spent.”

“Alright,” Derrick smiled. “Any ideas how we do that?”

“Let me talk to my parents. Maybe they can help.”

Rachel grabbed Derrick’s hand and tugged until he stood. This close he was so tall. She imagined briefly what it’d feel like if he put his arms around her. Shaking the feeling she smiled and pulled him with her into her parent’s home.

***

Derrick again recounted the vague details of the missing money and his part in securing it. He apologized for dragging them all into but that he didn’t know where else to turn in town. “You did the right thing son,” Mr. Parsons said extending his hand. “I’ve been in a scrape or two myself and it was some good people who helped me out. I’d like to think this is karma, giving me a chance to pay it back.”

“Thank you sir,” Derrick exhaled. Derrick listened to the Parson’s ideas and plans before he said anything, thankful that they were even willing to stick their necks out for a stranger. He supposed it was Rachel’s doing. He’d owe her the world’s best dinner date when they figured everything out.

“So the first thing we need to do is find out where your friends took Cassandra’s three million. Do you know how long it’s been since you last saw them?”

“Nearly a year,” Derrick sighed. I’ve been trying desperately to track them down, but once I left them at Points Bluff, I never saw them again.”

“I don’t mean to be crude or assume anything harsh, but have you checked obituaries for your two friends? If Cassandra’s as violent as you say, and she believed you the first time you told her about the money, would she find your friends and question them as well?”

“Yes and no I haven’t checked the obits,” Derrick said, a sinking feeling in his gut. “Shaemus was originally from New York, but had moved to Colorado three years before we did the job. Zach was from Denver.”

“Where do you hale from Derrick?” Rick Parsons asked.

“I’m a transplant as well,” he smiled. “I was born in Texas and moved to Colorado to go to school. After that I traveled around, got into trouble, obviously. Then I moved here, hoping my past would stay behind me. Apparently that’s not the case, unfortunately.”

“Rachel tells me you’re hoping to buy the old Mandle property?”

“Um, yes. All I need is the down payment and closing costs. And I’ll be working with horses. Eventually I’ll buy more land, but I know plenty of people who are looking for good horse stock. I aim to provide it.”

“That’s quite an undertaking,” Rick said. “Do you have any experience in breeding horses?”

“I studied Equine Science at Colorado University. I got my Master’s degree last year, before all the trouble started.”

“May I ask why you did the job for the three million?”

“I was drowning in student loan debt. Even with my degree I couldn’t get a job that could take care of me and my loans, not fresh out of school. I was desperate to get out from under the stress and weight of the debt. Even making my monthly payments I felt like I couldn’t keep my head above the water.”

“I see,” Rick said. “Alright. Well, we have a dinner party in about two hours and then we’ll see what we can do about getting everything taken care of okay?”

“I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that sir,” Derrick said, shaking the man’s hand.

“Come to dinner tonight and help me fend off the women,” Rick smiled. “That’ll be payment enough.”

Derrick smiled and looked at Rachel who was smiling as well. As if he’d turn down a chance to spend more time with her. “Will do sir,” he agreed. “Is it a black tie affair?”

“Oh god no,” Rick sighed. “I can barely survive the party, let alone the monkey suit.” Derrick laughed and then said his farewells. He’d need to shower and shave if he was going to be ready to see them again in a couple hours.

“I’ll walk you out,” Rachel offered. Derrick smiled and opened the front door for her. “My parents like you.”

“I like them,” Derrick said. “I’ve never met anyone so genuine, it must run in the family,” Derrick said, grabbing her hand. “Rachel I need to tell you upfront that I like you, a lot.”

“I like you too,” she blushed.

“I’m an idiot when it comes to women. I stumble over my words and forget things and act like a jackass most of the time. Just so you know.”

She chuckled. “Aren’t all men idiots where women are involved?”

“Probably,” Derrick said, cupping her cheek. He ran his thumb along her jaw and over her bottom lip, enjoying the way her eyes darkened. “I don’t want to be an idiot where you’re concerned.”

Chapter Three: Invitations

“Then kiss me and be back here for dinner,” Rachel smiled. She felt his lips brush hers, back and forth, soft as butterfly wings. Then the pressure changed as his arm slid around her waist, pulling her closer. He’d gone from gentle caress to hungry embrace and Rachel was thrilled. She linked her arms around his neck and opened to him, inviting him to deepen the kiss to a point that had her body singing with anticipation. When he pulled back, finally, Rachel was lightheaded and unsteady.

“Easy,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to her brow. The affection touched her like no other man ever had. Derrick was a lover, and she liked that, a lot. “I’ll see you in an hour or so.”

“See that you do.”

Rachel watched Derrick climb into his truck and head back toward town. Even as she headed back inside anticipation slid along her skin, heating her in places no one had touched in too long. At twenty-two she knew living at home was rubbing both herself and her parent’s to be at odds more often than they agreed, but where Derrick was concerned they were in total agreement. He was a nice, good-looking man who’d gotten himself into trouble trying to do the best thing. Hopefully they’d be able to get it all figured out, because Rachel was of a mind to turn their flirtation into a budding relationship.

***

Derrick enjoyed dinner with the Parson’s and their friends. But after a couple of hours he was itching to breathe again and stepped out onto the porch. “Stuffy isn’t it?”

He turned to find Rachel sitting on the porch swing. Her summer dress hugged every curve and Derrick found it impossible to look away. She stood and headed toward him, a mischievous smile on her face. “Ready to have some fun?”

“What did you have in mind?” he asked, ready to go with her anywhere.

“A horseback ride to my favorite spot,” she said.

“You’re sure your parents won’t mind?”

“They’ll be in party mode for another couple hours at least,” she smiled. “Not to mention I’m of age and old enough to decide for myself.”

“Alright,” Derrick said. Holding his hand out for her, he led her down the steps. “Are you riding in that?”

“Not hardly,” she laughed. “I always keep spare riding clothes in the tack room.”

“Smart girl,” he smiled. He followed Rachel to the stables and saw Destiny, Rachel’s horse, and Merimack, Rachel’s other horse. “They’re beautiful,” he said approvingly. “You take good care of them.”

“They cost enough to buy a house. Even if they hadn’t I don’t like neglecting my animals, no matter how big or small they are.”

“Good,” Derrick said. “You go get dressed, I’ll saddle them for us.”

“Alright,” she said. Saddling the horses would keep his mind off the fact that the woman he wanted was stripping out of her clothes ten feet away. By the time she finished and came back out Derrick had both horses saddled and ready to go. “You’re staring,” she smiled.

“Sorry I just…I’ve never known anyone who is so effortlessly beautiful. Hair up or down, dresses or riding jeans you’re breathtaking.”

“Thank you,” Rachel blushed. Leaving the horses Derrick went to her and in one swift motion brought her mouth halfway to his. His arm tightened around her waist as he lifted her off her feet. Hunger, the primal, take no prisoners kind of hunger filled him as his lips claimed hers. Somewhere in his mind he heard her moan as her arms came around his neck, but all Derrick knew was the flavor of her, the way her body molded to his so that he ached incessantly to touch her.

“Sweet mother,” Derrick panted when he finally pulled back from her. She looked equally as stunned, her dark eyes on fire and a hot blush searing her cheeks. It was a testament to the way he felt about her that it took him nearly two minutes to realize that she was trembling. “I want you.”

“I sort of figured that out when you were kissing me,” she smiled.

“No, Rachel,” Derrick said, his voice rough, serious. “I mean I want you now.”

“Oh,” she sighed. Need fisted inside her belly and tied it in knots of lust as she finally found her footing. “Well, seeing as I feel entirely the same way I suppose we should take that ride now.”

“Alright,” Derrick said. He didn’t like needing her like this, that was as clear as day on his face. But it seemed neither of them would turn from this, so they’d meet it head on. Maybe a twilight swim would cool them off a little before they warmed each other up again. She led the way from the stables, trotting out through the gate and across the back yard. When they hit the open landscape, Rachel pushed her horse to a gallop and laughed when Derrick spurred his mount to keep pace. They rode for more than an hour, enjoying the landscape and the quiet dark that descended like a curtain. That dark was just falling when they made it to Rachel’s favorite watering hole. Derrick slid off his horse and brought them both down to the edge to drink. When they were satisfied, he tied the horses to the only tree within a mile and came back to find Rachel taking her jeans off. “What are you doing?”

“Swimming,” she laughed. “It’s hot and a dip is exactly what I want. Care to join me?”

“I may embarrass both of us,” he said, obviously reluctant. When she stepped closer it was all Derrick could do to not back up.

“You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before,” she smiled. Her hands went to his jeans and Derrick felt himself quiver. “Besides, the way you kiss me makes me think you might just want to do more than that.”

“I do,” he said. He wanted to throttle whoever had taught his mother that honesty was the best policy. She’d beat it into him as a child and now he said whatever the truth was, no matter how mortifying.

“That makes two of us,” she chuckled. His jeans came off without provocation and Derrick knew she felt his erection. Maybe he’d be lucky and the water would be freezing. “Come on.” She grabbed his hand and led him down to the water. He stepped in and sighed. It felt magical, that liquid slide of cool, refreshing water. It wasn’t freezing, but sinking beneath the surface gave him a moment to breathe. He felt more than saw Rachel slide under the water as her hand reached out to touch him. “I’m thankful you know how to swim,” she smiled.

“You are?”

“It means I don’t have to babysit you,” she laughed. “I despise babysitting men who should be grown enough to learn to swim. Why don’t you kiss me again Derrick? I really like it when you do.”

***

“Rachel,” Derrick breathed, already lost to her. His hands pulled her close, wrapping around her waist. “I want to do so much more than kiss you.”

“Alright,” Rachel sighed as her mouth met his. She sank into him, the easy warmth of his body, the way his chest pressed hard against her. Heat shimmered through her as his mouth roamed over her jaw and the soft flesh of her neck. A chill slid down her spine, tightening her nipples so that they strained against the bra she wore. Then his mouth clamped over her flesh and sent her reeling. Her hands fisted in his hair as she rode that first hard wave of arousal. It whipped through her life a hurricane, washing out everything but the slow and steady burn of desire and need. His mouth came back to hers with a fierce mating of tongues that fueled their mutual lust.

Her lips now trailed down his body. She flicked her tongue over his nipple and felt the small tip tighten as he moaned. She let her hands roam and found the hardness of his erection under the water. As she fondled him she worked her own panties off and tossed them on the shore. Feeling emboldened in a way she never had with any man, Rachel took Derrick’s hand and pressed it between her thighs. When he filled her, Rachel threw her head back as needy claws gripped her body.

***

Derrick had never known a woman who was so bold in her need. Rachel had been leading him here since their first instance and now she’d show him exactly what they both wanted. He felt the hot warmth of her body as she arched against him. Then her hand slid over his shaft and stroked him so that his mind fogged over. He couldn’t think past the need to fill her. His fingers, which had been lazily seducing her, plunged hard into her wet pussy, driving her hard toward release. He molded her gorgeous and full breasts so that their peaks hardened for him. Then he teased them both when his wet tongue slid over those hard peaks. He suckled her until she rocked against him, her hips meeting his fingers as he drove into her. Derrick felt one hard jerk before the warmth of her orgasm slid over him. Her body trembled as she rode every last wave and Derrick ached all the more for watching her. He scooped her up and brought her to the shore, only saying, “I can’t make love to you standing in the water.”

“Oh,” she said, her eyes huge and dark. His mouth took hers again and Derrick pulled her down on top of him so that her naked body rested just above his throbbing cock. He reached up and palmed her beautifully ample breasts. He’d never had a woman who was so well endowed and carried it so well on her body. Rachel had generous curves that gave a man plenty to grab onto. Coupling that with her beautiful smile, stunning eyes and lustrous hair, she was exactly what a man wanted in a partner. The fact that Derrick also liked her personality and character was just another tick in all the right columns.

He shifted their bodies and watched surprise float over Rachel’s face when the tip of his shaft touched her. “Let me have you darling,” he whispered as he brought her mouth down to his. When she moaned and opened for him, Derrick drove himself fully into the wet heat of Rachel’s body. Her tightness thrilled him and he took her again, bouncing her hips against his as he drove them faster toward that hard crest. Her breasts bounced heavily as Derrick sat up. He kissed Rachel again, feeling her body work around the fullness of his hard cock. He reached down with his right hand and found her wet clit. He played with her small nub until she was left breathless by need. Back and forth he touched her, matching the rhythm of their joining. She came hard around him, crying his name as her orgasm simply undid her. Derrick gripped her hips and drove himself ruthlessly into her hot, throbbing pussy. He came hard on the heels of her climax and spent himself deep in her core. Thoroughly wrecked, Derrick fell back on the sand and pulled Rachel with him. She came willingly and he pressed a kiss to her long hair when she settled against him.

“I feel amazing,” she whispered a moment before she kissed his chest. Her fingers toyed with the dark chest hair that grew over his muscles and Derrick felt his chest ache.

“Is that a compliment?” Derrick asked sarcastically. “Because if not, I’ll have to refresh your memory sooner than I planned.”

“It’s the best compliment Rachel laughed.” They finally took their dip in the pond and dressed to head home. The ride home was slower than the one they’d taken to the pond, but it gave them time to talk. Derrick told Rachel about school and the night everything had changed. He went through the events as if they had just happened. Rachel told Derrick about her dreams of winning the barrel racing competition in the rodeo and what she planned to do if she did.

“So you’re leaving, if you win?” Derrick asked.

“I don’t know,” Rachel said. “For the longest time I’ve dreamed of moving away from this small town, of seeing the cities and traveling. Then you showed up.”

“I shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams Rachel,” Derrick said, even as his heart fell. “If traveling and visiting the large cities like New York and Los Angeles, then you should do it.”

“So this, tonight meant nothing to you?”

“I didn’t say that,” Derrick replied. “I said that you should follow your dreams. I care about you Rachel and I’ll be sad if you decide to leave. But I have no right to stop you.”

“Are you interested in someone else?”

“No,” Derrick said. “But with everything I have hanging over my head your father is already risking his own to help me. I can’t ask him for you as well.”

“Ask him for me?” Rachel laughed. “Am I a child that you should ask for my curfew? I’m a woman grown Derrick. A woman who makes up her own mind about her life and who she sees, what she does.”

“My mother raised me to treat the lady I care for with respect. It’d be disrespectful if I didn’t ask your father for permission to see you.”

“We just made love at a secluded pond Derrick,” Rachel smiled. “I think it’s a little late for asking permission. Unless you’d like to tell my father about our time out tonight.”

“I’ll pass,” Derrick smiled. “But I am serious Rachel. If you want to travel, you should do it. Not that I won’t do everything in my power to convince you to stay with me.”

***

The next morning Rachel was ready to go when her father said that he’d be meeting Derrick at the small airport just outside the city. “You’re going?” Rick asked, eyeing his daughter.

“I promised I’d help,” she said, heading for the car before he could argue. She rode quietly beside her dad, until he started talking.

“You went swimming last night,” Rick mentioned lightly.

“I did,” she replied. “It was a good night for it.”

“Derrick went with you.”

“He did,” she smiled. “Dad we’ve talked about this. My personal life is mine. Do you really want the details?”

“No,” Rick said. “But I’d like to think that I taught you better than just giving yourself to a man because he stirs your blood.”

“You did. You and mom sort of drilled it into me.”

“Good.”

“And just so you know,” Rachel smiled. “I haven’t given myself to anyone in more than three years. But there’s something about Derrick that pulls at me. Something I’ve never felt for or from anyone else. I care for him.”

“That being said, we don’t know all there is to know about this man Rachel. I have a good feeling about him as well, but I’d still like you to be cautious.”

“He said I should follow my dreams, even if it meant leaving. He’d sacrifice what he wants to see me happy Dad.”

“That can be a double edged sword sweetheart. Relationships have to have balance in order to work, especially for the long-term.”

“So you think I should back off?”

“Are you the one who started everything?”

“It was sort of a mutual decision,” Rachel said. “But I have to say that if I needed a reason to stay here, Derrick would be the leading one.”

Rachel didn’t need to see her dad’s face to see that he was worried. She couldn’t say anything to reassure him so she kept quiet. They met Derrick at the airfield and the smile on his face said more than any words he might have uttered. “Jack will be ready in just a minute,” Rick said, stepping onto the ladder and up into the airplane.

“Good morning,” Derrick said, touching her cheek. She closed her eyes and smiled. Before she could think of something to say Derrick took her mouth in a slow, simmering kiss. Her lips parted and warmed as the kiss went deeper. Conscious of her father’s presence Rachel pulled away and smiled.

“You’ll want to save the rest of that for later,” she chuckled. “And good morning.”

Derrick helped her up the ladder, letting her lead. She found her seat to be luxuriously comfortable. When Rick came out of the cockpit he looked from Derrick and Rachel and nearly winced. “We’ll be ready to go shortly.”

“Mr. Parsons can I speak to you in private?”

“Alright,” Rick agreed. He led Derrick back to a small room and the two men sat down.

“I’m not sure what Rachel has and hasn’t told you. I’ve come to have strong feelings for your daughter sir. I know that we’re just getting to know each other and I’ll respect whatever you want, but I’d like your permission to see her on a personal level.”

“I commend your forthrightness son,” Rick said sighing. “It’s not easy raising kids, especially daughters. It tries a father’s heart for sure. Rachel has been taught from a child that her choices are her own, as are the consequences. She’s of age and any control I might once have had is long gone. She’s free to see you on whatever level she chooses. I would ask that you remember each other when making decisions. Think about her before you do something. Think about how she’ll feel when she finds out and ask yourself whether or not she’ll be happy. Be honest and upfront, especially if you should decide that she no longer is the woman you want to spend time with. A broken heart heals faster when it’s told the truth instead of dragged around in a lie.”

“I agree completely sir,” Derrick assured him. “I appreciate our talk and all your help. If I can track down my old friend’s, maybe I can figure out how to get out of this mess.”

“Let’s hope there’s some strong leads out there.”

They touched down as close to Points Bluff as they could and the search started in earnest. Derrick showed Rick and Rachel where he’d last seen his two companions. It was a small patch of woods off a major intersection that was now busy with traffic. “This was the last place I saw them.”

“And you checked the obituaries?”

“You were right to suspect foul play,” Derrick said, his face falling. “Both of them were killed less than six months ago. That must be why Cassandra’s hounding me. She doesn’t have any more leads on her money.”

“What are you going to do when you find it?”

“Turn it in, along with myself and hopefully catch Cassandra as well.”

“I’ll hire an attorney,” Rick said, his voice brokering no argument. “Maybe a talk with the D.A. in exchange for your help, will get them to loosen your sentence some.”

“Maybe,” Derrick said, but didn’t hold out hope. He deserved whatever the District Attorney’s Office slapped on him.

It took them all day and into the afternoon to track Derrick’s original movements. When he stopped the three of them started digging. They dug an ever increasing swath of dirt and three more hours into it, hit a large metal box.”

“Got something,” Rick called over his shoulder. Derrick took the metal box and lifted it out. Under it were three more boxes, all in the shape and manner of a safety deposit box from a bank. Derrick opened the first box to see fresh bank notes sitting inside. The other remaining boxes held the same and together the three of them worked to unearth all four boxes. They filled the hole in as best they could and carried the boxes back to the plane. Rachel rode with Derrick to the Points Bluff Sherriff’s office, retelling the entire story from beginning to end.

“You say you’re willing to wear a wire and meet with this Cassandra?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Alright,” the Sherriff said. “We’ll get you cleaned up, get some fresh bills in a bag for you and see how that sits with the judge once we catch this woman.

Derrick met Cassandra at Winwood an hour behind schedule. “I was beginning to think you wouldn’t show, just like your friends.”

Derrick kept his emotions under control. The less Cassandra knew the better. “I said I would, here I am. I also have your money. Three million in small, unmarked bills as promised. It took me some time to track it down, but its here.”

“Excellent,” Cassandra said with a huge smile. “I suppose I should be honest and tell you that your two friends met their untimely deaths when they failed to produce my cash. I was sorry about that as it’s always a last resort. However, now that we’re squared away, you’re free to live out your life in peaceful ignorance. If you ever want some easy money again, let me know. I could use an honest man such as yourself.” Derrick waited for Cassandra to take out a couple stacks of bills and toss them at him. “And as promised, two hundred thousand in cash. That should relieve those student loans some huh?” She laughed and Derrick shivered at the evil sound of it.

Derrick took his evidence back to the Sherriff in time for Cassandra to be captured. He knew that she’d be furious with him, but all the money would go back where it belonged and he could get on with his life without all of his past choking that life out of him. The next week came quickly and Derrick took Rachel with him to purchase his breed stock for his horse ranch. He bought the property outright and negotiated a loan for the three other adjacent lots that had sat empty for a while. He had the homes on those lots moved to a piece of donated land and they were quickly turned into shelters for the homeless and needy. Two months after the Sherriff at Points Bluff nabbed Cassandra, he wrote a pardon letter for Derrick releasing him of any legal of civil responsibility tied to the case. He was truly a free man and is past could finally be buried.

He and Rachel continued to strengthen their relationship and she was able to do some much needed and desired traveling over the next year. Every time she came home Derrick always hosted a special, private dinner for them and the more she came and went the more he fell in love with her. A year to the day after he’d first walked into the bank for an account, Derrick asked Rachel to marry him. Six months later the tied the knot and learned to live the lives they’d always dreamed of. Thankfully Derrick’s risk paid off and his quarter horse business took off, thanks in part to great original stock and Rachel’s incessant advertising. They expanded their properties even more and Rachel finally found a reason to stay home for a while when she told Derrick that she was pregnant. Thankfully Rick and Julie Parsons were also thrilled at the news and Derrick was finally able to settle down in Crescent City, Arizona and sow seeds for his very abundant future.

THE END

COWBOY ROMANCE

By: Amanda Bolton

Taken Rough by the Rodeo Cowboy

“Daisy!” Maggie had to shout to be heard. Having a wedding reception at Billie’s Honky Tonk had its advantages – cheap beer and hot wings being very near the top of the list – but a quiet ambiance was definitely not one of them. “Where are you going? You don’t even know this guy!”

Daisy giggled. She’d had a few drinks, it was true, but she was even more intoxicated by the attention she’d been getting from the tall, blond cowboy. He’d whirled her around the dance floor a few times, and had then somehow maneuvered her into a corner, kissing her passionately, and letting his hands wander all over her ample, curvy frame. “What do I need to know?” she said. “He’s a cowboy. Check out the hat.” The cowboy, it was true, had a large white hat on. It looked great with his tight t-shirt and even tighter blue jeans.

Maggie had a suitor of her own, another cowboy who was drunkenly whispering in her ear all of the things he’d like to do to her ass. “You’re sure you’re all right?”

“It’ll be fine,” Daisy assured her. She looked her cowboy up and down, feeling shivers of sexual excitement running through her frame. “So damn fine.”

Maggie’s cowboy was pawing at the top of her raspberry pink top, pulling the thin fabric away from her pert breasts. “Come on, baby,” he growled. “I want to make you come like you’ve never come before.”

“I’ll call you,” Maggie said to Daisy, “after!”

Daisy nodded, and let the cowboy take her by the hand. He led her out of the crowded honkytonk. Once they were outside, it was suddenly quiet and still.  There were a lot of cars in the driveway but very few people. Daisy and the cowboy took advantage of the situation to continue their make out session.

“Man,” the cowboy groaned. He had Daisy sandwiched between the side of his blue pickup truck and his long, tall, hard body.  She had her arms up around his neck, pulling him down to kiss him more easily. “I could make love to you right here.” Daisy could feel the urgency of his erection, pressing up hard against her stomach.

“That sounds so good,” she agreed, “but maybe you shouldn’t.” Over the cowboy’s shoulder, she could see the pair of beat cops slowly working their way down the sidewalk. The cops weren’t looking directly at her and the cowboy, but they weren’t exactly looking away, either. “I’m not really into having an audience.”

The word audience stopped the cowboy cold. He froze in place for a second, and then straightened up and stepped backward, putting some space between their bodies. He looked around, saw the cops, and gave them a friendly nod. “Where are you staying?” he asked.

“The Western Inn near the airport,” Daisy said. “I’m sorry it’s so far, but everything in town is booked…”

“With the rodeo, I know,” the cowboy cut her off. “No, that’s good.” He opened the pickup’s door and ushered Daisy inside. “I’d bring you to Mandalay Bay, but it’s a nuthouse over there. It’s good to get off the beaten path when you can.”

It wasn’t a long drive to the Western, but the cowboy took his time. He drove cautiously, not because he’d had too much to drink – as far as Daisy could remember, he’d had one beer, compared to her four or five – but because he was busy.  He had one hand on the wheel and the other up between Daisy’s thighs.

“So you aren’t from around here, are you?” he asked her, deftly rubbing his fingers against some of her most tender flesh through her panties. Daisy shifted her hips just enough for her panty fabric to move to the side, giving the cowboy easier access to her molten folds. Every time he touched her, she wanted him to do it again and again.

“No,” Daisy said, shaking her head. “I’m from Boston. Just came down for the wedding.” She shuddered and jumped as the cowboy’s fingers did their magic. The motion made her huge tits jiggle; the cowboy smiled at the sight. She gasped, and then remembered her manners. “What about you? Are you from Vegas?”

The cowboy shook his head. “I might as well be, for how often I’m here,” he said. “But no. I’m from Oklahoma.”

Daisy hand’s had found their way into the cowboy’s lap. “So what brings you out here, so often?”

“Work,” he replied. Then he turned his head to kiss her quickly. “Work and women.”

She tightened her grip on his rapidly swelling bulge, squeezing him through his jeans. “Sounds like a good gig.”

He spread his legs as much as he could, giving Daisy more room to work. “I’m not complaining.” His fingers went to his belt buckle. “You want me to undo this?”

Daisy eyed the large silver belt buckle. “Man, you really are a cowboy, aren’t you?” she laughed. “No, keep them on,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of room in here and I need some space to do what I want to do to you. I’m not exactly a small girl, you know.”

The cowboy smiled. “You’re exactly the right size.” His gaze fell on her double DD chest. “In all the right places.”

“You’re nice and hefty yourself,” Daisy said with another squeeze. The cowboy closed his eyes, but only for a second. Daisy spotted the blue and white Western Inn sign. “You can pull in here.”

He did, carefully finding a dark parking spot in the corner of the lot. Daisy wondered about that for a moment – was a jealous wife going to interrupt all of her exciting plans – but didn’t ask. Maybe it was the beer, maybe it was how good the cowboy’s muscular body felt pressed up against her own, maybe it was the moonlight, but Daisy just didn’t want to know.

Daisy’s room was on the third floor. The elevator was slow to arrive, leaving them lingering in the lobby. This made the cowboy uncomfortable. He kept glancing toward the front door.

“Why are you so nervous?” she asked him.

“I’m not nervous, I’m eager,” he said with a smile, bending down to kiss Daisy. He pulled her rounded body up against his, wrapping his arms around her waist. “I can’t wait to get you out of these clothes.” He started kissing Daisy’s neck. “Man, you smell so damn good. Good enough to eat.”

The elevator chimed, signaling its arrival.

“That’s music to my ears,” Daisy said.

Daisy’s hotel room looked like any of a million hotel rooms in Vegas: a large bed, cheap furniture, and a tiny adjoining bathroom festooned with signage urging guests to be mindful of their water usage. The cowboy gave it a quick once over, pulling the curtains closed, before turning his attention to Daisy.

“Now that we’re alone,” he said, “let’s get you out of all those clothes.” He reached for the hem of Daisy’s blouse. “I’ve been wanting to see those gorgeous titties of your since I first laid eyes on you.”

“Well, let’s not keep you waiting any longer.” Daisy peeled her shirt off, revealing her fleshy belly and a black bra overflowing with her massive DD breasts. She smiled. “You like what you see?”

“Oh, yeah,” the cowboy said. He reached out and pushed Daisy’s breasts together, deepening her already lush cleavage. “These are awesome.” He started kissing the pillowed top of her breasts, taking a moment to bury his face in their fleshy depths.

Daisy smiled. The cowboy had a magic touch. Everywhere his fingertips brushed against her, she felt like shivers of electricity dancing over her skin. And when he kissed her titties – she could feel her pussy throbbing with excitement.

“I want to see you too,” she said.

He reached for the front of her bra. “In just a second. We’ve got to get rid of this.”

Daisy laughed and turned around. “Girls like me don’t get to wear bras that hook in the front,” she said with a laugh. She directed his attention to the inch-thick row of hooks between her shoulder blade. “We’re a little more complicated.”

“Thank god for that,” the cowboy said, stepping closer. Daisy could feel his hot breath against her neck as he slowly unhooked her bra. He smelled really good, too – a mix of soap and smoke and some earthy element she couldn’t quite place. It took all her willpower not to lean back into him. The cowboy seemed to sense this, and stepped forward just enough to grind his hardness against her jean-covered ass. He kissed her neck as the final hook came undone, sliding the thick black straps from Daisy’s shoulders one at a time. “I like complicated.”

Daisy turned around to face him when her bra slid all the way off. Her breasts sagged somewhat without their lingerie support, but the cowboy didn’t seem to mind. His attention went right to her pink nipples, which were fully erect and aching for his attention.  “So pretty,” he said, tracing his fingers over her puffy areola. Daisy shivered, almost uncontrollably. “And so sensitive.”

He looked up at Daisy and smiled.  “We’re going to have so much fun.”

Daisy nodded and reached for her waistband. “I’m ready.” She was surprised at her own eagerness, but there was something about this cowboy that just did it for her. Maybe it was his frank desire – lots of guys were shy about admitting they wanted a big girl, but the cowboy wasn’t playing those games. When he looked at Daisy, it was as if he could see right through her clothes – and when her clothes were gone, the expression on the cowboy’s face was pure delight.

It was a look that mirrored her own glee when the cowboy started shedding his own clothes. His strong muscular arms had led her to expect a pretty beefy torso, but that wasn’t even half of it.  This guy was just made of muscle, especially in his shoulders and upper chest.

“Holy shit, man,” Daisy said. “You must live in the gym.”

He shook his head. “I hate gyms. They’re full of assholes.”

Daisy laughed. “That’s why I stay out of them.” She let the cowboy get a good look at her blue lacy panties before sliding them off. “That, and the whole exercise thing.”

The cowboy flexed for her. “That’s pure farm boy for you, Ma’am. Tossing hay bales for a whole herd of beef cattle.”

“It looks like you’ve been tossing the cattle around, not the hay bales.” Daisy reached for the cowboy’s belt. “Let me help you with that.”

“Music to my ears,” the cowboy said with a grin. He had an ornate silver belt buckle that was at least two inches long. It had a bull’s head on it and a bunch of writing that Daisy, in the heat of the moment and the dim light, just couldn’t read. There were other, more pressing things to pay attention to – like the cowboy’s cock.

When freed from his blue striped underwear, the cowboy’s cock was long, thin, and clearly ready for action. Daisy wrapped her fingers around it, and slowly slid down the length of him, from the flared tip to the golden fringe of curls at the base. “This is going to be fun,” she said.

“I want to fuck your big titties,” the cowboy said. He gently pushed Daisy into a seated position on the bed and pushed her breasts together around his cock. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. “God damn, that feels good.”

Daisy smiled, and wrapped her hands over the cowboy’s. She knew a little extra pressure was the key to getting a man off this way. Moving slowly, she started shifting her massive jugs up and down, letting the rounded underside crush gently against her lover’s balls.

“Damn, girl,” the cowboy said. He opened his eyes and looked at Daisy. “You know what you’re doing.”

“I am to please,” Daisy said. “It’s not every day I get to play with a good looking cowboy.”

He smiled. “I want to taste your sweet pussy.” He stepped backward, drawing himself slowly from Daisy’s fleshy bosom. “And you’re going to make me lose it too fast if we keep doing that.”

“I’m hungry too,” Daisy said. They settled onto the bed in a loose 69, with Daisy bending one leg up to give the cowboy easy access to her blond-furred pussy while she did her best to swallow his cock.

It was easier said than done. Although the cowboy’s cock was thin, it was surprisingly long. When Daisy slid her lips down as far as she could go, there was still plenty of room for her to wrap her chubby fingers around the base. She tried combining a pumping motion with some powerful suction, but with the cowboy lapping his talented tongue up against her clit, it was very difficult for her to stay focused.

“God damn,” she growled against his prick. “You’re going to make me come.”

“That’s the idea,” he replied, and then returned to kissing her juicy folds. The man had a tongue like a miniature prick; it parted Daisy’s labia with pinpoint accuracy and plunged in to hit her most sensitive spots.

“Jesus!” Daisy’s whole body went rigid as the first waves of her orgasm ripped through her. She couldn’t help but trap the cowboy’s head between her thighs – if he stopped doing what he was doing, she was going to die, she just knew it, and she wasn’t about to take that chance. “Holy sweet Jesus!”

The cowboy wrapped one arm around each of Daisy’s thick thighs, easing them apart just enough to let some air get in. His kisses became even more intense, with lighting fast flickers of his tongue tracing over and over Daisy’s clit.

She thought she’d been at the peak of her pleasure, but Daisy was wrong. The cowboy’s knowing tongue pushed her to new levels of ecstasy. Her legs came apart as a new orgasm hit. For the first time in her life Daisy experienced a squirting orgasm, coating the cowboy’s face with a thick layer of her desire.

“Holy shit,” she said, after. It took a long time for her body to stop shaking, during which time the cowboy used his t-shirt to wipe off his grinning face. “That was amazing.”

“Yeah, it was.”  The cowboy rolled Daisy onto her back. “And now that I know you’re all ready for me?” He moved into position between her splayed thighs, lining up the thick head of his cock against her pussy. “This is going to be even better.”

He slid in smoothly, burying himself balls deep in Daisy’s pussy with one stroke. She screamed with pleasure, surprising herself, and clapped her hands over her mouth to stop any more sounds from coming out.

The cowboy laughed, and started slowly pushing in and out of her. “Go ahead and sing,” he told Daisy. “I want to hear it. And if anybody minds it? Fuck them. This isn’t that good of a hotel.”

Daisy laughed. The act of laughing with the cowboy seemed to change something in the way they lined up together. Suddenly they were moving easier and faster; her generous hips rocking up to meet his slim thrusts.

“Yeah, baby,” the cowboy said. “Give it to me. Give it to me.” Effortlessly, he guided one of Daisy’s legs up so her calf was resting on his shoulder. This allowed his dick to slide even further in; Daisy couldn’t believe the sounds that were coming out of her mouth. They went on like this for a few more thrusts, each one deeper and more intense than the one before, then the cowboy moved again, and Daisy found herself on her hands and knees, facing away from him.

“Oh, yeah,” he growled. His hands rested lightly on her bulging hips; she could feel the rough, calloused skin of his fingertips pressing into her flesh. “Rider…fucking…up.” His cock slid into her effortlessly; Daisy was suddenly fuller than she’d been before. Her breasts were hanging freely beneath her. They swung back and forth, slapping against her arms and belly as the cowboy began riding her. The sound they made was soon the only thing to be heard in the room, aside from Daisy’s groans and the cowboy’s occasional “Hot damn!”

Daisy’s need began to build again. She started thrusting back harder and harder, at one point, almost knocking the cowboy off of his feet. She laughed over her shoulder at him. “You’d better hold on, buckaroo!”

He laughed back. “I ride two thousand pound bulls for fun, sweetheart. You’re not going to buck me off.”

So Daisy decided to try. She started moving faster and faster, letting the momentum build up. Her balance on the bed wasn’t super great, but Daisy managed to stay mostly upright. She let her forearms bend a bit, taking some of the weight off of her shoulders and angling her hips higher into the air, but the cowboy didn’t miss a trick. He stayed right there with her, one hand lightly gripping her hip while his cock kept sliding in and out, in and out.

“Is that the best you’ve got?” he asked.

Daisy tried harder. She planted her feet and straightened her knees as best she could, lifting the cowboy up off of the bed with her.  He stuck to her back like a burr, no matter what she did. Rolling her hips and dropping her shoulders all the way to the bed only made the cowboy laugh – and his fervor intensify.

“God damn,” he said. “If this is what you Boston girls are like, I’m gonna have to head up north.” He slapped her ass lightly. “Yankee pussy is pretty damn sweet.”

She laughed. “Yankee pussy?” Daisy gave a dramatic jump, and nearly dislodged the cowboy. “I’m from Boston, baby. That means the Red Sox.”

He lurched forward behind her, and Daisy found herself collapsing onto the bed with the cowboy’s weight on top of her. “Oh, shit,” she heard him whisper, just before he said, “Here it comes, pretty.” His need filled her up, hot and wet.

They lay tangled together for a few minutes. Daisy enjoyed having the solid weight of him on her back; it was like an embrace, but even better. Then he rolled off, onto his side, and looked at the ceiling for a long minute.

“You know what would be good?” he asked.

“What’s that?”

“If you told me your name,” the cowboy said, and laughed. “I wanted to say your name, you know…at the end there…and I realized I didn’t know it.”

“I should have you guess,” Daisy said.

The cowboy shook his head. “I’m a terrible guesser.”

“Try it.”

“Jennifer,” he said. “All the pretty girls seem to be named Jennifer.”

Daisy laughed. “That’s funny. My sister’s name is Jennifer.” She held out her hand, and introduced herself. “I’m Daisy.”

The cowboy smiled. “Daisy. That’s a really pretty name.” He looked her up and down again, taking his time to check out her large tits, rounded belly and full hips. A fine sheen of sweat still clung to Daisy’s skin, like a glistening coat of diamonds. “A pretty name for a pretty lady.”

“You’re sweet,” Daisy said. “And now you’re going to tell me your name.”

The cowboy sat up, and pulled the sheets up over his waist. “Man, I wish I never gave up smoking,” he said. “After that? A man wants a cigarette.”

Daisy grabbed her purse, and pulled out a pack of Marlboros. “Should I lead you into temptation?”

The cowboy smiled. “Ma’am, I think you’ve already done that.” He waved off the proffered cigarette. “Besides, it was tough enough quitting the first three times.”

“So,” Daisy said, after a pause. “Are you ever going to tell me your name?”

The cowboy looked sideways at her. “You really don’t know who I am?”

Daisy shook her head. “Not a clue.”

The cowboy smiled. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but that’s the best thing I’ve heard in a while.”

“You get off on being the mysterious stranger?” Daisy said, with a laugh. “Who was that masked man?” She traced her fingertips over the cowboy’s cheeks. He needed to shave; the very first traces of a very fine blond beard were beginning to appear. “But you forgot to wear your mask.”

The cowboy’s blue eyes were shining with an almost electric glow. “For as long as I can remember – my whole life, really – every time I got with a girl, it’s been after I started getting famous.” He blushed. “Well, not famous – you know – rodeo famous.”

“You can be rodeo famous?” Daisy asked, incredulous.

The cowboy laughed. “Well, maybe not in Boston. But back home – in Oklahoma? Rodeo’s a big deal. I’ve been competing since I was in middle school.”

“And you’re pretty good at it?”

“I do all right,” he said, blushing a little. “It can be a real pain in the ass. People always watching what you’re doing. Putting your business out there on the internet. I don’t like that.”

“I guess that’s the price you pay when you’re rodeo famous,” Daisy agreed. “So these girls, the girls you slept with, were your fans?”

“Some were,” the cowboy said. “And that was weird.” He shook his head. “You’re in bed with this girl, having a good time, and you realize that she doesn’t see you. I mean, she sees you, but not who you are – she sees who she thinks you are.”

“Your image,” Daisy nodded. “The big star.”

“Not such a big star,” the cowboy protested.

“But how many stars are in that sky?” Daisy asked. “If it’s dark all around you, a star doesn’t need to be that big to stand out.” Her eyes dropped to the cowboy’s sheet covered crotch, and she blushed. “Although you’re definitely big enough to stand out plenty.”

The cowboy laughed, leaned in and kissed her. “You’re a really sweet girl.”

Daisy kissed him back. “You’re just saying that because I don’t give a shit about the rodeo.” She let her gaze travel slowly over his naked body. “That hot body of yours, on the other hand…”

Clay blushed, a scarlet flush that started around his shoulders and traveled all the way up to his face. “The way you talk, girl. It really does something to me.”

“Something good?” she asked.

Clay took Daisy’s hand and guided it to his stiffening cock. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Daisy gave him a few strokes, squeezing gently as she went. “So are you going to tell me your name?” she asked, her voice a husky whisper. “Since I’m so sweet and all.”

“I’m not sure if I should,” he replied. He closed his eyes and shuddered at her touch. “It’s kind of nice, you not knowing.”

“Lie to me,” Daisy suggested. “It’s not like I’m ever going to know the difference.”

The cowboy grew suddenly serious. “Well, that wouldn’t be right,” he said, “not after everything we’ve done.” He moved to kiss Daisy again, stopping just before their lips touched to stare searchingly into her eyes. “My name is Clay.”

He watched her reaction closely, and seemed very pleased that no light of recognition went off in her eyes. Daisy wasn’t trying to be coy: the only Clay she’d ever heard of was the American Idol guy, and this big, beefy cowboy definitely wasn’t him.

“It’s nice to meet you, Clay,” Daisy whispered, savoring the feel of his name in her mouth. Then Clay was kissing her, an embrace that got more and more passionate until they were falling back into the bed.

“It’s nice to meet you too,” Clay said. He started sucking on one of Daisy’s sensitive nipples, using both hands to squeeze her behemoth breast into his mouth. “Very nice.”

“Oh, God,” Daisy groaned. She let her fingers slide over Clay’s close-cropped blond hair. The golden fuzz felt like velvet against her palms. “That feels so good.”

Clay switched his attentions to her other breast, using his fingertips to squeeze the nipple he’d just abandoned. Daisy, who’d thought she couldn’t possibly come any more than she already had, started squirming on the bed.

“Oh, yeah,” Clay said, rubbing his body up against hers. “Keep that up, pretty lady, and I’m going to have to get on board.”

Daisy spread her legs, giving Clay plenty of room to slide between her ample thighs. “What are you waiting for?”

For the second time that evening, Daisy felt the thick, broad tip of Clay’s cock pushing against the entranceway to her pussy. This time, the cowboy was moving a little slower. He eased his way in, pushing himself in only a few inches before holding still.

Daisy raised her legs and wrapped the cowboy’s back, urging him to go deeper. “What’s the holdup?”

Clay smiled at her. “I don’t want it to go too fast,” he said. “And your sweet pussy is so tight that I just might.”

Daisy wiggled her hips. “But you feel so good inside me,” she said, almost, but not quite, pouting. “I want you to fill me up.”

“Mmm,” Clay said. He actually pulled his cock out of Daisy a little bit, withdrawing as far as the very end of his cockhead, before sliding slowly back in. “I’m a gonna. Just not yet.”

“You’re trying to drive me crazy,” Daisy panted. She rocked her hips up to meet Clay’s slow, shallow thrusts, sighing heavily each time he pulled out of her. 

“Is it working?” Clay asked, before bending his head to suck on Daisy’s tit again. “Because I’ve got to say I’m really liking it.”

“Oh, god,” Daisy groaned, arching her back. She could feel her pleasure building; deep in her pussy there was an increasingly demanding hunger to be filled. “It’s definitely working.” Her blue eyes flew open to meet Clay’s. “Please don’t stop.”

“I’m not going to stop.” Clay shifted into a comfortable, slow rhythm. “Not for a long, long time.”

Daisy had time to really look at her lover, now that he was moving at a slower pace. His skin wasn’t the unmarked plain she’d imagined it to be. Instead, he was covered with a network of fine white scars, some nearly as thick as Daisy’s thumb.  Over his right pec, just below his collar bone, there was a large round pink scar, almost two inches across.

“What happened here?”

“A really bad day,” Clay replied, shaking his head. He traced his fingertips over a small, moon shaped scar on Daisy’s forehead. “What happened here?”

Daisy laughed. “I rode my bicycle into a clothesline when I was six.”

“Ouch!” Clay said. “That must have hurt.”

“There’s a reason I don’t exercise,” Daisy said. “Something bad always happens when I do.”

“I don’t know,” Clay said. He started moving a little faster, smiling when he saw a flush of arousal creeping up in Daisy’s cheeks. “You’re getting a hell of a workout tonight.”

“So are you,” Daisy said. “Doesn’t that rodeo thing only last eight seconds?”

“If you’re lucky,” Clay said. “Sometimes it goes a whole lot faster than that.”

Daisy ran her hands over Clay’s chest, taking note of how his reactions changed when she brushed over his pink nipples with her fingertips. He liked it when she grabbed hold of his ass, and when she gave him a tentative smack and said “Let’s pick up the pace, cowboy”, she felt his cock flex deep inside her.

“Oh,” she said, looking into his blue eyes. “You like that?”

He blushed. “Maybe.”

Daisy spanked Clay again, a little harder this time. “Maybe?”

“Yes, Ma’am.” Clay’s face was scarlet, and his cock felt even bigger inside of Daisy. “I do like that.”

She swatted his other cheek. “Show me how much you like it.”

Clay responded by plunging faster and deeper into Daisy’s dripping pussy. “I’m not going to be able to hold back if you keep doing that…” he warned.

“I don’t care,” Daisy said. Her next smack on Clay’s firm butt was the hardest yet; it landed with a crack that echoed off the inn’s walls. “I want you to come for me.” She spanked his other cheek, just as hard. “Right now!”

With a mingled Midwestern mix of curses and prayers, Clay did. After, he collapsed on top of Daisy. This time, she wrapped her arms around him and held him close. He nestled his head against her chest and let his eyes closed. Daisy lay there for a moment, listening to his breath deepen and then change into a steady stream of soft snores.

“I  bet you don’t get to do that very often,” she murmured, and kissed the top of Clay’s head. “Big tough cowboy’s always got to be on top. And that means no spankings for you.” She squeezed him again, and then snuggled back against the pillow.

Two seconds after she closed her eyes, Daisy was asleep.

Daisy woke up to her phone ringing. She was alone in the bed, alone in the hotel room; Clay must have shown himself out. It was early still. Through the hotel window she could see the sun just starting to push its way up over the horizon.

“Yeah?” she said, trying to blink the sleep from her eyes. Her head was pounding. Clearly Daisy had way more to drink than she’d realized. Going back to bed seemed like a very good idea.

“Are you all right?” It was Maggie. “Do you need me to come get you?”

“I’m fine,” Daisy said. “I’m right here in my hotel room, where I’m supposed to be.” Her tone sharpened. “Where are you?”

Maggie didn’t answer the question. “What happened with your big blond cowboy?”

“Don’t worry about my cowboy, what about yours?” Daisy asked. “I thought he was going to strip you out of your clothes right on the dance floor.”

Maggie laughed. “He definitely tried.  Things got better after I got him to slow down a little bit.” She paused, leaving a pregnant silence hanging on the line between them. “But what about your guy?”

There was an odd tone in Maggie’s voice that made Daisy pause. She suddenly felt protective of Clay, and didn’t want to say too much. “A lady doesn’t kiss and tell.”

“A lady doesn’t go get drunk and go home with strange cowboys,” Maggie shot back. “Do you know who he is?”

“Why don’t you tell me,” Daisy said.

“You don’t know?”

“Maybe we didn’t do a whole lot of talking,” Daisy snapped. “I haven’t even had coffee, Maggie. I’m not in the mood.”

“Clay Lee is one of the PBR’s top riders, Daisy,” Maggie said. “The guy’s worth like a million bucks.”

“You’re shitting me,” Daisy said.

“No, I’m not!” Maggie protested. “Apparently they’re having a big rodeo here. It’s why none of us could get a decent hotel room.”

“That may be,” Daisy said, “but there’s no way my cowboy was that guy.” She wrote down his name on a hotel message pad, underlining it twice. “Clay Lee. Whatever.”

“I’m pretty sure he was,” Maggie said.

“Honey, you were really drunk.” Daisy rolled her eyes. “How good of a look did you get at the guy you slept with, never no mind mine?” She gave her friend a moment to sputter indignantly before continuing. “Anyway, I’m looking at this Clay Lee guy on the internet right now, and I’m telling you, it’s not him.”

“You’re sure?”

“Absolutely.” Daisy was staring at a picture of what was without a doubt the man she’d spent last night with. “That’s not my cowboy.”

“Oh, bummer,” Maggie said. “That would have been a hell of a story.”

“Maggie.” Daisy let herself sound very irritated. “A famous guy like that could have any girl he wanted. All the Rodeo Queens. He’s not going to be hooking up with me at some sorry ass honky tonk.”

“You never know,” Maggie said.

“I know,” Daisy said, and then she hung up. When Maggie rang right back, Daisy ignored the phone. She was in no mood to continue the conversation.

Her mind was racing. Clay had been nothing but honest with her, and she’d been totally honest with him: they’d gone to bed together without Daisy ever having an idea that Clay was a rich, famous athlete. Now that she knew he was a superstar, did that change anything?

After some time, Daisy decided that it didn’t. A one-night stand – even one as amazing as the night she and Clay had shared – was never meant to be anything more. Daisy hadn’t been looking for anything but a good time when she’d started dancing with the tall, blond cowboy – and he’d certainly delivered everything she was looking for and more.

The fact that she’d really, really like to see him again? Was irrelevant, Daisy decided. Clay hadn’t been looking for anything long-lasting, and neither had she. It wasn’t fair of her to change the deal after the fact – and if she tried, she suspected that Clay would just think it was because she’d discovered exactly how rodeo famous he really was.

She resolved to put Clay right out of her mind. After one last round of goodbyes with everyone who’d traveled to Vegas for the wedding, Daisy caught a flight back to Boston. She plunged right back into her job, managing the customer service department for a health insurance company.

Life returned to normal – with one major change: every now and then – not too often, of course, but on the occasional Friday night, when it was late and she was alone in her bed – Daisy would go online and visit all the professional rodeo websites she could find.

Clay’s picture was on nearly every one. Daisy spent hours checking out her one-time lover. There were lots of shots of him in the ring, clinging to the back of what appeared to be the craziest bulls Daisy had ever seen. Video footage taught her that eight seconds was longer than she ever imagined possible; while other bull riders had a hard time staying on that long, Clay appeared to have mastered staying on there more often than most.

She even learned exactly how Clay had gotten that large pink scar in his shoulder. Five years ago, Clay had been in the running for the PBR championship. There’d been a lot of buzz around how it was a sure thing he was going to win; judging from the photos taken at that time, Clay hadn’t been kidding when he’d said he had female fans.  The stands were packed to overflowing with skinny women with big hair and bigger hats: more than half of them were holding up signs that read I <3 You Clay! or Marry Me Clay!

The night of the championship, Clay had made it through the short round with no difficulty. His second bull, however, was a nightmare. Called Bonewrecker, the giant bull was in running for Bucking Bull of the Year; over a dozen cowboys had attempted to ride him, but none had succeeded.

The commentators called it the clash of the titans: rodeo’s hottest star facing off against the bull that couldn’t be ridden. The stock contractor was so confident that he said if Clay managed to last eight seconds, he’d throw another million dollars into the prize pot – he was that sure Bonewrecker couldn’t be ridden.

Things started to go badly right from the first minutes Clay and Bonewrecker were in the chute. Most high caliber bulls would stand patiently in place while the rider got into position. Not so with Bonewrecker. He was shifting and jumping right from the start, doing his best to slam Clay’s legs up against the gate.

Clay stayed light on Bonewrecker’s back, doing his best to get a good grip on the rope that would serve as his only connection point to the two-thousand pound animal. Daisy watched this part of the YouTube video over and over again, peering at how her lover had looped the rope around his leather-gloved hand. It all looked all right to her – but the minute the chute opened up, it was clear that there was something really wrong with Clay’s ride.

Bonewrecker came out of the chute turning toward the left. He spun around rapidly, getting all four of his massive hooves off of the sandy ground. Then, abruptly, he stopped, and did something Daisy had seen no other bull do: he reared up onto his back legs, standing proudly upright for a moment while the commentators exclaimed in horror.

Daisy could feel her heart stop in her chest, just watching the moment. Bulls weren’t meant to stand that way – they just weren’t built right. Before too long, Bonewrecker caught on to the fact that he shouldn’t be doing what he was doing, but instead of falling back forward onto his hooves, he went over backwards, pinning Clay underneath his bulk for a split second before rolling back onto his feet.

It was at this point that Daisy learned that there was something very wrong with Clay’s rope. Instead of allowing his hand to come free easily, the rope had cinched tighter, keeping Clay anchored to the very angry bull. He had had the wind knocked out of him and was in obvious pain. When Bonewrecker started spinning around again, Clay went flying through the air like a rag doll – and when he landing, the bull chased him down, as if the whole incident was Clay’s fault.

The rodeo clowns did their best to protect Clay. One even had his leg broken in the process, as Bonewrecker ran directly over him. The bull was angry and determined. He scooped Clay up on his horn and tossed him through the air; when the cowboy landed, Daisy could see the blood gushing from his chest.

After that, Clay was out of action for over a year. When he returned, Daisy saw, he received a hero’s welcome from the loyal fans, but things just weren’t the same. While Clay was still a top notch bull rider, even her novice eyes could see that he wasn’t riding the bulls with quite the same fearlessness that he’d used to. Being gored put fear into Clay; according to the rodeo’s verbose commentators, it would take years and years for the cowboy to work that out of his system – if he ever could.

After that, Daisy did enough digging to discover that Clay had a website and a Facebook page, but neither one was updated particularly often. She was kind of glad of that. The fact that there wasn’t much to look at kept her from checking it too often – and that made it easier for her to file her night with the cowboy in the back of her mind, something fun that happened and that was it.

And for a month or so, this worked out pretty well. Then Daisy started noticing that she was more tired than usual. Normally, she was a get-up and go sort of girl; now, her bed seemed more appealing than ever. She had some kind of stomach bug that left her feeling nauseous all of the time – after a few days of vomiting, she was reduced to eating Saltine crackers for her lunch.

Her boss, Mr. Withers, noticed this and stopped in front of her desk. “Daisy, you’re not pregnant, are you?” he said.  Then he waved his hands at her face. “Wait. Stop! Don’t answer that. I’m not supposed to ask you things like that.” Mr. Withers was an older man, and easily flustered by the many new rules HR told him he needed to follow. “I mean, if you want to share the news with us that’s great, and congratulations. But if you’re not, that’s great to. Whatever makes you happy.” He seemed to realize he was babbling, and nodded toward the crackers. “It’s just that the only time I’ve seen my wife eat those was when we had a baby on the way.” He laughed and started walking away, grateful to extricate himself from the awkward situation. “With six kids, you start to recognize a pattern.”

“Pregnant?” Daisy whispered to herself. She pulled out her phone and checked her period tracking app. It had been six weeks since she’d made an entry. She counted backwards on her fingers and realized that six weeks ago, she’d been in Vegas.

Six weeks ago, she’d been having the time of her life in bed with Clay Lee.

Six weeks ago, she hadn’t thought about birth control or safe sex or anything but how much she’d wanted the tall blond cowboy.

“Jesus Christ,” she said, softly. “I am in so much trouble.”

For half a moment, Daisy thought that perhaps Mr. Withers was just wrong. “This could be the stomach flu,” she told herself. “Lots of people get the flu.” But then she looked up pregnancy symptoms on WebMD. Setting aside the missed period, which was the top signal of a potential pregnancy, Daisy recognized her own sudden lack of energy, nausea, and swollen, tender breasts.

“Oh man.” Daisy pushed her chair back from her desk, grabbed her purse, and walked right out of the office without telling anyone she was leaving. The Boston air was crisp and cool; feeling it against her face helped keep her from bursting into tears.

Suddenly, she was ridiculously hungry. Daisy knew she had to buy a pregnancy test to find out what was really going on, but at the same time, she didn’t want the confirmation. So she took a detour that brought her by Quincy Market, where food vendors from all around the world sold their wares.

She walked by their stalls in a daze, trying to decide what she wanted to eat. It was hard to make a choice with her mind whirling about the baby. Daisy knew there was a baby, even if she didn’t have absolute confirmation yet; between Mr. Withers and WebMD, she’d convinced herself.

What did that mean for her future? Daisy had never really pictured herself with children; not because she didn’t like kids but because she had no one in her life to have children with. Her own Mom was a single mother. Having watched that struggle up close and personal, Daisy wasn’t in a big hurry to do the same thing.

Quincy Market was full of kids. There must have been a school group there: everywhere Daisy looked, there were pairs of kindergarten aged children holding hands. Her gaze fell on a chunky little blond headed boy, and she smiled. That’s what Clay’s son would likely look like, she thought.

“Oh, man,” she said out loud, and folded her hands over her stomach. There was a miraculously empty bench open, and Daisy sank onto it. She must have looked really pale, because a passer-by actually paused and said, “Miss, are you okay?”

Daisy looked up at this total stranger – a short woman, in a blue coat, with long curly hair and concern in her eyes – and blurted out, “I’ve just found out I’m pregnant.”

The lady beamed. “Congratulations! That is wonderful news.”

Daisy shook her head. “I’m not sure I’m ready for a baby.”

“No one is ever ready for a baby.” The lady looked over Daisy’s rounded form. “But you have at least some time to get used to the idea.” She patted Daisy on the arm. “You’re going to do fine. I know it’s overwhelming, but you can do this.”

“But I’m all on my own,” Daisy said. She patted her stomach. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

The lady nodded. “Sometimes that happens. It can be hard.” She raised an eyebrow. “How does the baby’s father feel about things?”

“He doesn’t even know,” Daisy said. “I mean, I just found out, and it’s not like we’re together or anything…”

“Is he married?” the lady asked. Her expression, it seemed to Daisy, had hardened just a little.

“No,” Daisy said, shaking her head. “I mean, I know this isn’t a great situation, but I’m not like that.”

“Then you should tell him,” the lady said. “Let him make up his own mind how he feels about things. But he does have a right to know.” She smiled. “You never know.  He could be looking for a miracle.” Her cell phone rang, and she looked at it. “I’m sorry, I’ve absolutely got to take this. But you’re going to be fine.” She patted Daisy’s arm one more time. “You really are.”

She left, and Daisy was alone in the crowd. Her stomach growled, so she stood up to find some food. “What do I want to eat?” she asked. She spun on her heel, only to find herself face to face with a booth promising the very best in Texas barbecue.

Daisy laughed out loud. “If that’s not a sign, I don’t know what is.” She walked over and ordered some brisket and cole slaw. The guy behind the counter heaped her plate full. “You look like a girl with a good healthy appetite,” he said.

“And I’m eating for two,” Daisy said with a smile. She felt a warm glow of happiness fill her body when she said that, a tingling feeling that felt like an all-over hug.

“Hey, congratulations!” the counter guy said. “Kids are wicked awesome. I’ve got two girls myself. Best thing in the world, having kids.”

“Thank you,” Daisy said. The guy may have thought she was talking about the food, but she’d really valued his reassurance. She took her food back to a table, and after a few delicious bites, took out her phone and took a deep breath.

Clay’s Facebook page hadn’t been updated since the last time she’d looked at it. No one had been posting or leaving comments on it.

“This is probably a huge waste of time,” Daisy murmured. She swallowed hard and sent Clay a friend request. Then she set the phone down to pick up her sandwich. Before she could even take a bite, her phone buzzed.

Clay had accepted her friend request, and sent her a message in return.

“Hey glad you got in touch. I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Daisy blushed scarlet. Then she sent him a smiley face and typed, “That’s really good to hear.”

“I’ve been thinking about coming up to Boston to try to find you,” Clay’s next message read. “If you want to see me?”

“I do,” she wrote back. For half a moment, Daisy thought about telling Clay about the baby, but she decided to hold back. That conversation didn’t need to happen this exact minute. Spending some time with Clay would help her figure out exactly what she needed to do, both now and in the long term. “Come anytime.”

“On my way.” Clay said. “I can be there this time tomorrow.”

Daisy wrinkled her forehead. That didn’t sound right. She wasn’t rock solid on her geography, but Oklahoma was a good distance away. Google maps told her it was a 25 hour drive.  She texted back, “You’re going to need to take a break – not safe to drive that far all at once!” Then she laughed. The man rode bulls for a living, one of the most dangerous things anyone, anywhere, could ever do, and here she was, telling him to be careful.

His reply shocked her. “I’m already in Ohio,” Clay wrote. There was a pause of perhaps five seconds, and then he sent another message. “I started out on finding you yesterday.”

“Really?!!” Daisy wrote back. “Why?”

“Because you don’t give a damn about the rodeo,” came his reply. “And I can’t get you out of my mind.”

Daisy sent him her address. “Come on then,” she said. “I’ll be waiting.”

THE END