CHAPTER
SIX

 

 

 

Bull brushed the dust off his jeans with a swat of his Stetson, a habit he’d picked up years ago and one that wreaked havoc with his headwear. Somewhere along the way, his gloves had fallen out of his back pocket and he’d spent the morning working barehanded. He didn’t care how long a man had been cowboying, your hands never built up skin tough enough to resist the sharp edges of a piece of barb wire. Stopping at a watering trough, he dunked his hands in and scrubbed the dirt and grime away from the little nicks he’d gotten this morning.

“Damn it all,” he quipped when he pulled his hands out and realized he had nothing to dry them with. If he had a wife, maybe she’d help him keep a bandana or something in his pocket for such an occasion. He wondered if Carmen would be the type to take care of those little things for him or would she be like Carol and make him do his own laundry? Somehow, he couldn’t see Carol and Carmen having anything in common.

Wiping his hands on his thighs, Bull saw a smear of blood spread out on the side of his pants. “Goddamn it. I just got these.” He was notoriously hard on his wardrobe, always had been. Concern over his clothes just wasn’t a high priority for him. Unlike his ex-wife, whose appearance was far more important to her than he ever was. She always made sure she had the newest Guess purse on her arm and the newest Gucci shoes on her feet, even if Bull was the one who had to work for it and stress over the money. Instead of trying to get blood off his clothes, no matter how small the stain, Carol would’ve much rather tossed them and bought another pair, cost was never an object to her.

He wiped the rest of the water from his hands on his shirt, hopefully the red plaid would hide the stain. Looking out toward the entrance to the ranch, he saw a shiny black car coming his way. Someone from Terra Dura would be delivering his breeding stock today, but he had no idea who this visitor could be.

The black sedan, with its heavily tinted windows, pulled up to the front of his cabin and a driver exited the vehicle. Moving to the rear door, he opened it and Bull saw a modest white shoe appear a moment before a long, tanned leg stretched out to find the ground.

“Oh, crap,” he muttered. Bull would know that sexy leg anywhere.

Isabella’s firm, smooth thigh appeared slowly and Bull swallowed hard. He watched as she took the hand of the driver, then stepped out wearing a billowy blue and white striped dress that molded every curve to perfection. Bull had to physically push his jaw closed. He was standing near the barn under a big tree and chances were, she hadn’t seen him yet. He was glad for it, because the girl looked as sexy as sin itself and he was enjoying the view.

As soon as he had the thought, Bull felt guilty.

“Damn, damn, damn.”

What in the hell was she doing here? Wouldn’t it be just his luck for Carmen to arrive while Isabella was here?

The beautiful Miss Cortez stood at the back of the car while the driver retrieved her bag from the trunk. “Oh, Christ, she’s packed for a visit.”

There was no doubt in his mind, this young woman was a force to be reckoned with. Not only was she an astute cattlewoman, her beauty was heart-stopping. He wondered how she’d talked her uncle into letting her be the one to take his place. Bull couldn’t ask her to leave outright, not after the gracious gesture of his plane ticket home. He’d added the fee to his check for the cattle, but repaying her in kind didn’t negate the need for civility. Insulting her needlessly would only offend Don Luis. No, there was no winning this one. Bull knew what she was up to, he just didn’t understand why. Either way, he had no intention of playing her game.  

Bull watched her stop the driver when he started to carry her bag towards the steps. “Is the princess going to carry her own luggage?” Bull pondered aloud. Isabella paid the driver with money from her purse, but the man wasn’t in a hurry to leave. He put a hand on the roof of his car and tried to engage her in conversation. Bull couldn’t blame him, the girl looked damn fine. Snorting, he chuckled. “Good luck, fella. She looks damn hot all right, but it’s all for me.”

Jesus. Had he just admitted that out loud? Fuck!

As he witnessed the young driver’s familiar attitude, Bull felt jealousy flare within him. This wasn’t good, it wasn’t good at all.

“I don’t think anyone’s home,” Bull called from his spot by the trough. He’d had enough of the driver trying to chat his visitor up. As he replaced his Stetson and strolled toward the car, Isabella and the driver both turned in his direction.

A smile came on Isabella’s face bright enough to rival the sun. She lifted a small hand in greeting. “Buenas tardes, Mr. Redford.”

Bull nodded a greeting, tipped his hat, and moved close enough to size up the driver. He was just a kid, probably no more than twenty-five. Bull couldn’t blame the guy for taking a run at Isabella, she was Prime Grade A. Sorry fella, he smirked to himself, you’re a little too young for her. She prefers a man, not a boy.

Again, he caught himself in a moment of jealousy that he didn’t feel comfortable with at all.

Carmen. Carmen. Don’t forget Carmen.

“Could you excuse us a minute?” he asked the driver, taking Isabella’s arm to move her to one side so they could talk.

“Chatty fella,” Bull commented as he and his unexpected guest stood in the driveway. “What are you doing here, exactly?” It was best if she didn’t realize exactly how glad he was to see her.

Isabella recoiled a bit at the gruff question. “I see the custom of greeting a guest is different here in America.”

“And I see the custom of phoning ahead to announce one’s arrival is different in Mexico.”

Already they were butting heads.

While they stared daggers at one another, a truck and trailer came rumbling up the road. “Ah, there they are,” she said, pointing to the approaching rig. Isabella was surprised, yet relieved by their fortuitous arrival. She’d expected Juan to beat her to the ranch due to her side trip to Veracruz. Perhaps he’d been delayed in customs longer than expected. “Perfect timing.” Seeing the frown on Bull’s face, she attempted to quell his displeasure. “I told you someone would accompany the delivery. These animals must be handled with great care. They were sedated for the airline trip and I wanted to be here to insure their good health.”

The one-ton truck pulling a gooseneck trailer backed up to the barn and Dax ran out to meet them. Bull was glad, because he had his hands full with Miss Cortez. “I appreciate that, Isabella, I just had no idea you’d be the rep.”

“Don Luis was otherwise occupied and I’ve always wanted to see Texas. You may treat me just as you would my uncle.” She didn’t bother to tell him about the argument they’d had over her coming, this was not the time.

Soon, she would explain everything.

“Fat chance.” The inner dialogue just slipped out of his mouth.

“Pardon me?”

“Nothing.” Bull couldn’t envision a time when he would ever feel the desire to put Don Luis over his knee and spank his ass like he wanted to do to Isabella. “You look nice, by the way.”

Isabella’s heart swelled. “Why, thank you, Mr. Redford.”

“I think that’s the most clothing I’ve ever seen you wear at one time.” Again, she needed to be kept at a distance.

The smile dropped from Isabella’s face. “Am I catching you at a bad time, Mr. Redford?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“Well it appears you have been in a scuffle. I presume you prevailed?”

Bull looked down at his pants with their streaks of blood. “Oh yeah. You should see the other guy.”

“Let us go welcome your newest acquisitions.” Before he could move, she started off toward the barn. “They made the journey with no problems. I would advise having a veterinarian check them out, just to be sure. If you do, I’ll gladly pay the fee. Terra Dura stock is guaranteed.”

Bull fell in step beside her. “All right. I’ll have Dax call our local vet.”

“How is Luke?” she asked with sincere concern in her voice.

“He’s good as new.” A noise behind them alerted Bull to the fact that Isabella’s driver was leaving without so much as a goodbye. Oh well, she had a ride with her employee to…wherever. Her plans were none of his business.

“I’m glad.”

By the time they walked the short distance, the bulls were unloaded and his foreman was having an animated conversation with the man Bull remembered as Juan. “What are they saying?”

Isabella laughed. “Your man is giving Juan recommendations for the best place to find Texas BBQ.”

Bull bypassed the duo to check out his expensive purchase. “My, my, these are fine specimens.” He admired the bulls as they drank from a large tub. “I have your check already cut and I added in enough to cover the plane ticket.”

“That wasn’t necessary, but thank you.” She joined him, running a concerned hand down Feroz’s back. “You will be happy here. Mr. Redford will be kind.”

While Isabella inspected her charges, Bull gave Dax instructions on the vet and where he wanted the bulls housed for the night. “After they’re acclimated, we’ll turn them out in their respective pastures.”

Isabella took a moment to converse with Juan, taking some papers from him. Once she was through, she approached Bull. “Could I possibly freshen up, Mr. Redford?”

“Of course, right this way.” When he witnessed Isabella’s employee climbing in his truck to leave, a truth which should have been obvious hit him square between the eyes. “You think you’re staying here? With me?” He’d assumed she was here to supervise the delivery, then off to Neiman Marcus or wherever rich women go when they visit Texas.

“Why, yes, I am.” Isabella mentally crossed her fingers, hoping he wouldn’t send her back where she came from so soon. “The price you were given for the animals was a discounted one, due to the promotion you offered Terra Dura. I am here to help plan that program to my satisfaction. This deal hinges on your cooperation, Mr. Redford.” She gave him a saccharine sweet smile. “We’ll have fun, si?” Without waiting for his response, Isabella picked her suitcase up and started up the steps to his small house.

Well, fuck. Talk about being between a rock and hard place. Shit. Bull grabbed her luggage with a grumble. “I’ll carry that.” She looked at him questioningly. “You’re a guest in my house.” Albeit uninvited and unwelcome. He held out a hand in gesture. “After you, Senorita.”

“Such a gentleman.” This time it was Bull’s heart that swelled at her compliment. “When did that happen?”

The smile dropped from his face. She may have gotten her shot in, but in the end, he’d won, because she was the one walking in front of him and he was able to enjoy the view as she climbed the steps.

The front door was wide open. “I see you are very trusting.”

Bull placed her bag down on the floor. “True. This is rural Texas ma’am, nobody locks their doors. Anyone foolish enough to break in would be met with an unpleasant surprise. Everybody is locked and loaded in the Lone Star state.”

Isabella gazed around the front foyer. The house was clean, but modest.

Bull watched her face closely. “Not to your liking?”

“It’s very nice.”

“Nothing like Terra Dura.”

“No, nothing like Terra Dura,” she agreed simply. “Much smaller. Not as lavish.”

The hurt was visible on his face. “I’m so sorry my home doesn’t come up to your standards. If you’d prefer to leave, I can have you at an airport within the hour.” No, he didn’t own Southfork Ranch, but Bull thought he lived a damn good life.

Isabella shook her head. “I prefer to stay. I’m much more interested in the man than what he owns.”

Her response took him by surprise and her next words shocked the hell out of him.

“Now, take your pants off.”

“What? Jesus, lady.” Her suggestion both unnerved and excited him. He shook his head and took a few steps further into the house. “You’ve been pretty brazen so far, but this is damn ballsy.”

Isabella continued across the foyer. “Oh, don’t flatter yourself, cowboy. Your virtue is safe with me.” At least for now. Although, she had to admit the thought of Benedict naked made her tingle.

“Well, why in the hell do you want me to take my jeans off?”

“The stain.” She pointed to his crotch. “Blood. It looks fresh. Better to deal with it right away or it’ll never come out.” Isabella stuck out her hand, palm up. “Hand them over, Mr. Redford.”

Bull balked, surprised and confused. This woman was tying him up in a knot. “What would a pampered girl like you know about doing laundry?”

Isabella brushed her long dark hair off one shoulder. “You try keeping a flamenco dress clean.” She snapped the fingers on her right hand. “Let’s go. You can run to the little boy’s room if you’re shy. Which way to the kitchen?”

Bull let the little dig get his goat. “Fine.” He unfastened the buckle of his belt, then proceeded to undo his jeans and pull down the zipper. If this little sweetie wanted his pants off, he’d take them off for her. secret she was hot for him and he could damn sure be just as big of a tease as she could.

Isabella couldn’t look away, she hadn’t known he would strip in front of her. She pressed her lips together as his jeans slid down his legs to pool around his boots. So far, her little trip was a success. “Nice legs.”

“Thanks, comes from busting broncs, especially the feisty fillies. Here you go,” he said with a sly grin. Holding his jeans out to her, he made a show of adjusting his cock in his briefs.

Isabella’s pupils swelled at the sight. She couldn’t deny that she was enjoying the show. “Mucho grande,” she whispered. Although she knew intimately how good he felt deep inside of her, she hadn’t been granted much opportunity to check him out. The way Bull’s snug underwear clung to his groin, she could see every inch of his considerable endowment.

That’s right baby. Bull thought to himself. You wanna play around, I’ll be glad to show you what you’re missing You don’t mess with the Bull.

The moment grew heavy between them. The raven-haired senorita wasn’t the only one who was having lusty thoughts. No one had given him head in years. Carol had been too stingy, claiming he was too big for her to handle. He had visions of Isabella on her knees in front of him, something told him she’d be more than glad to give him pleasure.

The thought made him crazy.

Carmen. Remember Carmen!

He was trying hard to hold onto thoughts of the lovely matador, but this vixen was testing his resolve.

“Where’s the meat tenderizer?”

Her question surprised him. “What?”

“Meat tenderizer. To remove the stain.” She held up the bloodstained jeans in her hand.

Suddenly Bull felt exposed standing there in his skivvies. “Oh, yeah.” An awkwardness settled in between them. “I forgot. Uhhhh. Kitchen is this way. After you.”

Isabella stepped out in front of him. Bull wasn’t sure anymore if the way she walked was all for his benefit, or if her graceful seductiveness just came naturally. All he knew was that the sway of those hips was something he would never get tired of seeing. He showed her to the cabinet with all the spices. “I’m gonna go put on another pair of jeans. I’ll be right back.”

Damn! She’d been enjoying the view. “Okay. I’ll see what I can do.” Isabella had to admit she was feeling a bit guilty. His allegiance was to La Diosa. Since she was Carmen, their teasing didn’t seem wrong to her. To Benedict, it would be another matter.

She’d have to tell him soon. At just the right time.

When Bull returned a moment later wearing a fresh pair of jeans, he found Isabella standing at the kitchen island. She was stirring something in a glass bowl. “What are you doing?”

“Adding the meat tenderizer to a small amount of water.” She glanced at him, the sight of the big cowboy always made her feel weak. “I hope you don’t mind, I needed a bowl to make the cleaner.”

“No, of course I don’t mind.” Actually, he was mesmerized by the sight of her in his kitchen. She didn’t seem to mind the lack of luxury at all.

“My mother taught me this trick.” She mixed the water and tenderizer together into a paste. “Too much water and it becomes useless. Too little water and the blood won’t absorb it.” She gave it one final stir and then lifted the fork out of the bowl. They both watched the white concoction fall off the end of the fork’s prongs and into the bowl. “There.” She smiled at him. “Perfect.”

Just like those big brown eyes of yours, Bull thought to himself. He was fascinated by what she was doing.

Isabella dipped a finger into the bowl and coated it with the mix. Taking the jeans in hand, she dabbed at the stain, making sure to cover it from edge to edge, rubbing her finger in a circle.

“And this works?” Bull asked.

“Oh yes, of course it does. The meat tenderizer breaks down the protein in the blood.” Suddenly, she felt silly. Benedict lived on a ranch, this was probably nothing new to him. “I’m sure you know all of this.”

“No, I didn’t. It makes sense, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone do it. What’s next?”

She couldn’t help but feel a bit of pride. Somehow, she’d impressed him with this small thing. Isabella, literally, bounced up on the balls of her feet a bit. “We leave it for about half an hour, then rinse the spot with cold water and run the jeans through the laundry on their own. If the stain is still there after it comes out of the wash, we can try more tenderizer.”

“Amazing.” She blushed at the wonder in his voice and Bull reached a hand across and placed it on top of hers. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I guess there’s a lot I don’t know. Sometimes, I’m like a big kid. Cowboys never grow up, do they?”

“You look very grown up to me.”

“Ummmmm,” he mumbled. Isabella had claimed the upper hand again. “Why don’t I show you to your room?”

He gave her a quick tour of his home, nothing too extensive, just letting her know where the important stuff was located. He knew his humble abode must seem tiny compared to the hacienda she called home. “And here is where you’ll sleep.”

He opened the door to reveal a queen size bed sitting in the middle of a room with white wainscoting on the bottom half of the walls and flowery pink wallpaper above it.

“It’s very nice.” Isabella said, taking it all in.

“I guess. Trust me, this isn’t my style. I just didn’t feel like arguing with the person who decorated it.” Carol had gone through a period where she was obsessed with everything French and she’d done the room up in her version of Parisian-chic. Bull had removed the old bicycle and the wrought iron bistro set that she’d bought at a flea market for way more than anyone should ever pay. He remembered well the fight they’d had that day. He’d fussed about the money and Carol had argued how French style was all the rage, so he’d just given in to keep her happy. “I apologize for the room, but it’s the only guest room I have.” There was Luke’s room, but Bull hadn’t touched it, leaving his space exactly how the little boy had left it. He wanted it to be ready for him when he came back, toy soldiers spread out over the floor and all.

Bull placed her luggage on the floor by the dresser. “Ignore all those frilly pillows on the bed, it’s actually pretty comfortable.” He took a seat and the bed springs squeaked. “A bit noisy, aren’t they?”

Isabella opened her mouth to reply, but was struck dumb when she saw the look on Bull’s face. Just like her, he was thinking about fucking her on the bed, imagining the rusty squeal of those springs as he laid on top of her and pounded until the bed broke.

The sexual tension was so thick you could’ve cut it with a chainsaw and Bull needed to get out while he still could. “Well. I guess I’ll leave you to get settled.”

“Thank you, Mr. Redford. I’d like to have a quick shower and freshen up, if you don’t mind.”

“Make yourself at home, you know where the bathroom and towels are. I’ve got some paperwork to do and I’ll start setting up that tour for you. Do whatever you need to do and I’ll meet you downstairs when you’ve finished.”

“Very well.” She nodded her head. “I’d like to thank you for your hospitality. I know you were expecting my uncle. I hope my coming did not disturb you too greatly.”

“Not at all, Miss Cortez.” A lie. She did disturb him. Greatly. “Enjoy your shower.” With that, he rose and left her.

Needing some distance, but feeling compelled to stay close by, Bull gathered several folders from his office and set up a makeshift work area in the living room. Sitting on the couch with his papers spread over the coffee table, he tried his best to concentrate on business - anything to get his mind off the thought of Isabella as she bathed. He found the check he’d written Terra Dura, then tried to focus on the papers in his hands. Invoices. Stock inventory. Blah. Blah. Blah. None of it made sense, all he could see in his mind’s eye was the beautiful woman who was, even now, slick with soap in his shower. When he heard the noise of Isabella leaving the bathroom, he made his escape to the kitchen to wait for her.

A few minutes later, Isabella came bounding down the steps. The shower seemed to have done her a world of good. “Is it working?” Isabella asked enthusiastically when she was in the kitchen.

Bull had been studying the stain on his jeans. “It seems to be. Here’s the payment for Valiente and Feroz, plus the airfare.” He handed her a check.

“Thank you.” Without looking at it, Isabella slipped it into the pocket of the pants she was wearing, a pair of dark, denim jeans that appeared to be painted on her skin.

“Ye gods.” Bull’s tongue nearly fell out of his mouth. This girl had to go before he lost control. If he was smart, he’d show her the door right now. The only thing holding him back was messing up the deal with Don Luis. “Look, Isabella, I got a call while you were in the shower.” It was a total lie, but he needed to get away from her for a while. “I have to tend to some more business.”

“May I join you? If we’re going to be partners, I’d like to see everything.”

“No, no. This is nothing about the stock operation…it’s personal.”

Isabella’s face fell. “I see.”

“Take one of the ranch trucks and go shopping in Austin, if you’d like. They’ve got some great shops on Congress that I’m sure you’ll love.”

He was ditching her. “I didn’t come all this way to go shopping, Mr. Redford.”

Bull steeled himself to resist her. “Miss Cortez, I didn’t even know you were coming, so you can’t expect me to drop everything to entertain you. I’ll make sure you have the information you need before you go. Dax will be glad to show you around.”

“Dax? You’d foist me off on your foreman?”

“Here.” He handed her the television remote. “Watch some TV.” Bull headed out of the room with a stack of papers in his hand. He didn’t have anywhere he needed to be, he just needed to not be around her.

“This isn’t how a good host treats a guest,” Isabella yelled down the hallway after him. Frustrated, she flopped down on the couch. Isabella had worn the tightest pair of jeans she owned and left her bra in her bag. She’d been so sure they’d shared a moment in the kitchen and she wanted to regain it, but Bull had run, leaving her by herself. “Screw this.” She tossed the remote down on the couch beside her.

How could Isabella get Bull to see her as a desirable woman, a woman as desirable as La Diosa, if she couldn’t get him to stay in the same room with her?

Dang it!

If he wasn’t going to entertain her, Isabella would entertain herself.

From the very first, she’d longed to learn everything there was to know about Benedict Redford. Since she was here in his home, this was the perfect opportunity to do so. Rising from the couch, she set out to investigate her surroundings.

The living room was like the rest of the house she’d seen so far, quaint. Large built-in cabinets adorned the walls, made of oak and stained dark brown. Isabella thought the color too dark for a house this size, but they were unmistakably masculine and suited Bull to a T. If she’d ever doubted his claims of former rodeo glory, Isabella only needed to look at the many photos and trophies that filled the shelves of those bookshelves to be convinced. There were numerous tall trophies with bucking bulls on top and the word Winner or Champion etched on the plate, right next to his name.

There were also some candid photos of him riding a bull, his arm held high in the air. Another photo showed him being carried off on a stretcher, blood clearly covering his white shirt. Her heart pounded at the sight. Yet another photo pictured him with a small boy. “Luke,” she whispered, the look of love on Bull’s face was unmistakable.

Among the trophies and personal memorabilia, there were also accolades for his generosity to several organizations. Cancer research. Rascal Rodeo. Angel House Homeless Shelter. He was certainly a valued member of his community and these awards attested to his worth.

 “What’s this?” she murmured. Tucked behind a photograph of Bull riding in a rodeo parade, she found a silver frame. In her mind, placing a picture in front of another was the male equivalent to throwing it out. When she brought it into view, what she saw told her volumes.

A wedding portrait.

The groom was her Benedict, looking as happy as she’d ever seen him. Cradled in his arms was a woman with pale hair, sharp facial features, and what Isabella would call a fake smile on her face. Despite her harsh critique, the woman was undoubtedly beautiful. Fair skinned with golden hair. She knew they were no longer together, but that fact didn’t help her feelings. This was the woman Benedict had chosen to marry. Jealousy reared its ugly head and Isabella’s heart sank.  

Placing the picture back where she’d found it, Isabella hoped Bull wouldn’t notice it had been moved. “I’m not doing this to myself. I came here to find out if we belong together and I’m going to do it.”

Needing something to distract her from the old wedding portrait, Isabella wandered into the kitchen to look around. The refrigerator was rather barren except for a few staples. Milk and butter. There was also some type of leftover takeout. When she pulled back the top and looked inside, she shut it quickly. “Dios!” This might not be her house, but Isabella made the executive decision to throw it out. “I may have saved his life,” she muttered.

The cupboards were a bit fuller. She found plenty of spices, some canned goods and a few more staples, but that was about it. There was a slight possibility that a meal could be made from the contents of the kitchen, but the cook would have to be very creative. Unless Bull had a stockpile of canned beans out in the barn, Isabella wasn’t sure how such a big man could survive with nothing to eat in the house.

Standing at the sink, Isabella tapped her finger on her bottom lip. “Surely a cowboy has some beef in the house.”

With a little more exploring, she found a chest type freezer in the laundry room behind the kitchen. Upon raising the lid, she found several half-full bags of green peas and a few nearly-empty ice cream containers. Apparently, Bull was a sucker for Neapolitan ice cream. Isabella couldn’t believe how many ice cream containers there were. When she opened one she noticed there was still a big chunk of pink left in it. All the others contained similar remnants. “Not a strawberry fan, I guess.” Pushing aside a bag of frozen spinach with about an inch of ice on it, she found what she was looking for. “Exito!”

Taking a large beef steak, enclosed in a Ziploc bag, Isabella placed it in a bowl of water to thaw. “He can’t just have meat for dinner. What else?” She’d seen lots of frozen vegetables in the freezer and a few cans of corn and peas in the cupboards, but if she were going to cook for this man, Isabella wanted to do something a bit more impressive then dump a can into a pot and season it with salt and pepper.

With fingers crossed, she left by the back door to do a little more exploring. Just as she suspected, Benedict kept a small vegetable garden behind a tall wire fence. The plants were scruffy and a bit unkempt, but she found tomatoes, potatoes, and green peppers aplenty.

Back in the kitchen, she stood at the sink and scrubbed the dirt off the potatoes she’d dug out of the ground with her hands. The picture of the blonde woman she’d found earlier wouldn’t leave her head. She wondered if his ex-wife ever cooked for him? With her competitive juices flowing, Isabella was determined to make a meal that would impress him if it was the last thing she did.

An hour later, Bull pulled into his driveway. He’d driven over to Canyon’s and talked the poor man’s ear off, doing what he could to calm himself and get Isabella off his mind.

“What’s all this?”

Isabella looked away from the stove. “Great. You’re just in time.”

“For what?”

“Dinner. Please sit down.”

The kitchen table was set for two. Somewhere, Isabella had found some fancy white napkins Carol had bought but never used, she’d even found the silver napkin rings. All in all, the table looked nice. “You sure make yourself right at home, don’t you Miss Cortez?”

Isabella came to the table and placed a cold beer can on a coaster in front of him. She wore an apron Canyon had given him for the gift exchange at the Tebow Christmas party. The apron was white with the words Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy emblazoned across the front in bold brown letters. He didn’t know if she’d put it on to keep her clothes clean, or if she wanted him to think about her riding him in bed.

Guess what he was thinking about?

Isabella rearranged the cutlery at his place setting. “I wasn’t sure when you were coming back, but your timing is perfect.”

Bull cracked the tab on his can. “I finished with my business a little early.”

Isabella opened the stove. “How did it go?”

“Good.” He didn’t know what she’d made for dinner, but the aroma was incredible and Bull found himself to be starving. “What are we having?”

Isabella looked over her shoulder and gave him a wink. “That’s a secret.” She fussed around for a few more minutes and it wasn’t lost on Bull how good she looked in his kitchen. “It’s almost ready,” she said, coming over to him. “Do you need another drink?”

Bull put a hand over the top of his can. “No, I’m good, thanks.” He’d need to keep his wits intact with this temptress around. “Can I do anything to help?”

“You just sit and rest. I’ll take care of everything.”

She opened the oven and pulled out two large casserole dishes, one contained a simmering, succulent, piece of beef surrounded by sautéed peppers, onions, and tomatoes. The other casserole dish held two large baking potatoes. “I’ll fix you a plate.”

When she placed his dinner in front of him, he saw a plate full of steak and vegetables, accompanied by a generous sized potato, sliced down the middle and filled with sour cream and shredded cheese. His mouth watered just looking at it and the aromas made his stomach growl.

“What are you doing?” Isabella asked Bull when she returned with her own plate.

He was standing at the pantry with the door open. “I’m just gonna grab the steak sauce and some salt and pepper.”

The emotional shift was visible on her face. “You most certainly will not.”

“I won’t?”

“I cooked this meal for you, Mr. Redford. I have personally seen to the seasoning and flavors of the food and I can assure you that neither steak sauce, nor salt and pepper are required.” She pointed to his spot. “Now kindly take your seat and eat your dinner.”

He was taken aback by her attitude. “I apologize, ma’am,” Bull said as he took his seat.

Isabella cut a large piece of pepper on her plate. “And take your hat off at the table. Were you raised in a barn?”

“No, ma’am.” Bull did as he was told, placing his hat on the bench under the window behind him. “Well, not officially, but I did spend more time in a barn than I did in a classroom.’

Isabella looked at him. “Eat.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

To say he was shocked that she’d cooked for him was an understatement. Bull knew his kitchen wasn’t exactly stocked with food. “Where’s your steak?” He’d taken a few bites of his own food before he realized her meal was incomplete.

“There was only one steak in your freezer. I’m fine, though. The potatoes are quite large.”

Bull cut a large chunk off his own steak and speared a piece with his fork. “Here, take some of mine.”

“Oh, no, thank you.”

“Oh, don’t be pullin’ that girly crap with me.” He took the plate from in front of her and placed the beef on it. “That’s the finest beef you can get, little lady. You want the full Texas experience? Well, this is it.” Bull put the plate back in front of Isabella. “One hundred percent, grade A, American beef.”

Isabella was smiling back at him. “Just like you.”

Whoa! His cock twitched between his legs. Wanting to change the subject, Bull stuck a forkful of potatoes in his mouth and complimented her on the meal. “Did this all come from my garden?”

“Yes, but your garden is in much need of some tender loving care.”

Bull sipped his beer. “You are absolutely correct. There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.”

“I’ll be glad to tend your garden while I’m here, Mr. Redford. Maybe you could do something for me?”

At that very moment, Bull felt something slide down his leg under the table. Since they were the only two present, it could only be Isabella’s foot. He took another sip of beer. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Isabella looked at him with a mischievous grin. “What?”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

“Oh, Benedict, don’t be such a stick in the mud. No one is around.”

“How did you know my name?” Hearing her say it, reminded him of Carmen.

Isabella’s eyes widened and she had to think fast. She wasn’t ready to reveal her secret. “It’s on your check.”

“This is not why you came here, Isabella.” He pushed back from the table and crossed his arms.

“You are right.” Isabella placed her utensils on her plate. “I have misbehaved. You better spank me, Mr. Redford.”

Bull didn’t know how to respond. She was right, she did need a spanking, right on that tight, heart-shaped ass of hers.

Suddenly, the phone rang in his study upstairs. If not for the stone-cold silence between them after her outrageous comment, he never would’ve heard it. Bull used the convenient call as an escape. “I have to get that.” He hurried from the table and up the steps, leaving Isabella at the table to pout.

She finished her meal and took his plate up the steps so it wouldn’t get cold. Knocking on his door, Isabella was uncertain how he’d respond.

“Come in,” Bull called.

When she opened it, he was on the phone at his desk. “I brought this for you to finish.”

Bull put his hand over the receiver. “Thank you. I’ll finish it when I get a chance. Set it down on the coffee table.” He’d been so close to taking her up on her playful suggestion to spank her that Bull was grateful Rodrigo Esteban had called him. “Miss Cortez?”

Isabella turned, hoping he was going to ask her to have a seat and wait for him. “Yes?”

“Thank you for dinner. It was delicious. I need to tend to things here. Please feel free to watch television or find something to do. You may retire when you’re ready.”

Isabella slammed the door on her way out.

Bull breathed a sigh of relief. “That was close.”