CHAPTER
THREE

 

 

 

“Redford Rodeo Contractor, Benedict Carson Redford, Owner.” Isabella smiled as she read the words. After spending a couple of hours studying the benefits of grass feeding beef, Isabella lay in bed, recalling every moment she’d spent with the handsome cowboy. “You came when I needed you,” she whispered for her ears only. “I enjoyed you so much.” Isabella touched her lips, remembering how his mouth had felt covering hers. She wished she could see him again, but Don Luis’s return would mean she’d have to stay at home for a while – and not just to appease him, but also to protect her position and the welfare of Terra Dura.

But…there was no reason she couldn’t call him as he’d requested.

Rolling to her side, she reached over a sleeping Lola to take her phone from the bedside table. Consulting the card, she entered the number. When the rings began, Isabella sat up in the bed, tugging on the end of her gown, her heart pitter-pattering at the prospect of hearing his voice.

…Back in town, Bull relaxed in bed, sipping on a bottle of water. He was attempting to study Terra Dura’s website and make notes of the animals he wanted to evaluate. “Ah, hell,” he slammed the lid of his laptop and tossed it to one side on the mattress, “I’m not in the mood. Who am I kidding?” He couldn’t get the beautiful lady bullfighter off his mind or the fact that she’d brought his body out of its sensual slumber. Making love to her had been incredible and his body craved hers like a drug. He’d known a lot of women in his time – buckle bunnies, cowgirls, barrel racers, even a few bull riders of the female persuasion – but none could match the beauty and bravery of La Diosa.

Since leaving her, he’d relived every moment, his cock remaining as hard as a brick. The way she’d responded to him had been unbelievable. How had he lived without someone like her in his life? Now that he’d tasted her sweetness, how could he let her go?

Even more than his desire for her, Bull couldn’t let go of his worry. She was in danger and not only from the bulls she faced. Somebody meant her harm. The very thought sent chills over his body. Leaning over, Bull took her shoe in hand. He hadn’t given it to her today, he supposed one shoe couldn’t do her any good, but he had every intention of returning it to her – because he had every intention of seeing her again. Bull refused to leave Mexico until they’d worked something out – what he didn’t know, but something.

The buzz of his phone caused Bull’s head to jerk around. “What the hell?” He wasn’t expecting a phone call. Picking it up, he saw the number was blocked. He almost laid it back down. Unlisted numbers were usually pesky sales people. But…what if? Quickly, he hit answer and brought the phone to his ear. “Bull Redford speaking.”

On her end, Isabella practically purred when she heard the deep, male voice in her ear. “Benedict?”

No further identification was necessary. No one else called him Benedict. “It’s you.” Bull knew the relief in his voice was evident. He didn’t care. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, I am fine. Are you well?”

“I am. Where are you?” He wanted to go to her so badly he ached.

“I am at home. In bed.”

Bull groaned. “Don’t tell me that, you’re killing me.”

Isabella smiled. “Do you miss me?”

“Oh, hell yeah. My whole body misses you. I can’t think of anything else but you.” He knew he was saying things to her he didn’t usually say to a woman. Bull wasn’t known as the romantic sort. This woman brought out a side of him he wasn’t familiar with. “When can I see you again? I don’t have much time. I’m going to have to return to Texas in a few days and I refuse to leave without talking to you again.”

“All you want to do is talk?” She was teasing both of them with her sensual banter, but it was so much fun.

“No, that’s not all I want to do,” Bull growled. “I want to be buried balls deep inside of you all the time.”

Isabella trembled. “Oh, you were wonderful. I can still feel the delicious chills you gave me.”

Bull groaned. “Let me come to you, just say the word. I’d love on you all night long.”

“I can’t, not tonight.”

“When?” Bull knew he was being impatient, but he wanted more of her – a lot more. “I’m not ready to let you go. I’ve never met another woman like you.”

Isabella couldn’t reply, she bit her lip and gasped.

“Are you still there?” Bull hoped he hadn’t scared her off.

“Yes, I’m here.” She took a deep breath. “You saved me twice and you…touched my heart. I don’t know what that means, but I don’t want you to disappear from my life.”

Bull swallowed hard. “I don’t intend to. Tell me your name. I want to know. You don’t need to hide anything from me, I want a name to whisper when I’m dreaming about you tonight.”

Isabella’s heart lurched. She thought she could trust him…she was almost certain, but her past made her question everything. “Carmen,” she said quickly, giving him her first name. No one called her Carmen, she used it only for legal purposes.

“Carmen.”

The way he said her name made Isabella quiver. “Si.”

“I love it. Carmen is a beautiful name, it suits you.”

“Thank you,” Isabella smiled, thrilled to be lying in bed speaking to Benedict Redford. This was not something she’d ever done before. “You are a Texas cowboy?”

Bull turned on his side, propped up on the pillow and tried to imagine how Carmen looked as she talked to him. “Yea, I guess you could say that. I’m a broken down ex-rodeo cowboy with a handkerchief size ranch. Not much to brag about. My prime business is providing stock for rodeos now. I run a few cows and horses, mostly because I enjoy having them around.”

“You used to ride rodeo? I am so impressed. Did you bust broncs? Is that how you say that?” She rolled on her tummy and bent her legs, lifting her feet in the air and crossing them. Isabella hadn’t had this much fun in a long time.

“No, I rode bulls.”

“Oh, we have so much in common!” Isabella purred.

Her comment brought home what he’d seen today at the bullfight. He’d been blown away by her talent, but couldn’t deny that his heart had been in his throat the whole time. “When you belong to me, you won’t be putting your pretty little self in danger like that. I could barely sit still in the stands when that animal would come charging across the ring toward you.”

When she belonged to him? Her heart raced with excitement. Isabella laid her face on the pillow with a wistful sigh. “You wanted to come to my rescue, cowboy?”

“I wanted to step in front of you and hide you behind my back, yeah. And why would that guy try to attack you the way he did? Even if it was a paint gun, he had malice in his eyes. What was that all about? Why don’t you have a bodyguard or something?”

His questions didn’t anger Isabella, they warmed her heart. “Many in the bullfighting world dislike what I’m doing. Bullfighting is an ancient symbol of my people, it’s more than a sport, it’s a celebration – a ritual, almost a sacred act.”

“If you feel that way, why do you do it? Not that I approve of you putting yourself in danger in any manner, but there are lady bullfighters who face the bulls with a sword and lances, why don’t you do the same?”

Isabella paused, not sure what to say. Almost, she told him about her father. Almost, she disclosed her true identity. But that was something she’d rather do face to face, not over the phone. “I understand my culture and how they feel about bullfighting, I didn’t say I agreed with it, personally. I abhor the idea of rewarding a bull’s bravery with his death. My quest is to show that the battle of wills can be fought without the shedding of blood.”

“Unless the blood is yours, Carmen. Do you know how close you came to being gored today?” His voice grew harsh with emotion. “I died a thousand times witnessing you flirt with death. No, you may have withheld your name from me – but you didn’t withhold your body. I know the taste of your kiss. I’ve held you in my arms and made love to you. You aren’t a damn stranger to me!”

Isabella wiped a tear from her cheek. “Benedict Redford, you make my heart pound in my chest. I have never met a man like you before.”

“And I have never met a woman like you, Carmen. Tell me where you are. Let me come to you. Now!”

A powerful wave of longing swept over Isabella. “I wish I could, I would welcome you with open arms. My…my situation is…complicated.”

“You said that before. Are you married, Carmen? Do you have a man? Is that what you’re telling me?” Bull was almost paralyzed by jealousy.

“No. No. There is no one else. My situation is tenuous in other ways.” She was about to cry. “I have to go, but I will think about the bodyguards. For you.”

Bull clutched the phone. “I don’t want you to go. When can I talk to you? Will you call again?”

“I will try to call you again, Si. Gracias for caring about me, Benedict Redford. Please sleep well.” Isabella pressed the END button before she could change her mind.

On the other end of the phone call, Bull clutched his phone so tightly he heard the case crack. “Fuck!” He threw it against the wall. Flinging himself to his back on the bed, Bull stared up at the ceiling. His arms had never felt so empty.

 

 

 Bright and early the next morning, Bull made his way to Terra Dura for the meeting with Don Luis Cortez. When he first agreed to the visit, he’d been excited at the prospect of adding new bloodlines to his herd. Forging a deal with Cortez would be a major coup. While he was still pleased by the opportunity, his attention was now split. Thoughts of Carmen, his La Diosa, were paramount in his mind.

Where was she? What was she doing? When would he hear from her again?

His brain was so distracted by everything that had transpired, he ran off the road, scattering a flock of chickens. “Dammit!” he exclaimed, pulling the rental car back on the narrow pavement. The vehicle was too small for his large form, but he hadn’t had much choice in the matter. Pressing his Stetson down harder on his head, Bull struggled to pay more attention to the passing countryside. He didn’t want to miss the turnoff to the ranch.

When he saw the sign for Terra Dura, he let out a breath of relief. He was cutting it close. As Bull drew nearer, he realized this wasn’t a mere ranch, this was a damn empire! As far as the eye could see, there were fences and cross fences, immaculate fields and lush pastures. The old scripture, ‘the cattle of a thousand hills’, seemed to have been written to describe Terra Dura. Oddly, he noticed a wrought iron gate framing the main entrance, which depicted the familiar figure of a matador and a fighting bull. The obsession with the sport in Mexico was more widespread than he’d known. He knew he sure was obsessed with one lady bullfighter. Patting his pocket, Bull made sure he had his slightly cracked phone close at hand. If Carmen called, he wanted to make sure he answered.

After traveling along the winding drive, Bull’s mouth opened in amazement at the palatial hacienda. Bright white stucco contrasted with rust-red clay shingles. The large home was a study in arches and angles, the wide front yard lush with green grass and adorned with sparkling fountains. “Damn, Cortez is a fuckin’ rich man.” Suddenly, Bull felt a little too country to mix with such an individual. He’d no sooner brought the small car to a halt than a man in western clothing came to meet him. “Bienvenido, Senor.”

“Gracias,” Bull assumed he was being welcomed. “I’m here to see Senor Cortez.” He spoke the words slowly, knowing as he did how foolish it must seem. Speaking English slowly to someone who didn’t understand it, didn’t really help.

“Very good. Allow me. If you’ll step inside, I’ll inform Senor Cortez, and also take care of your car, Sir.”

The man’s mastery of two languages shamed Bull. “Thank you,” he muttered in English, halting his butchery of the Spanish language.

Once inside the grand home, he let his eyes wander freely, taking in the marble floors, the fine leather furniture and the dark wood. There was a magnificent inner courtyard paved with terracotta tile, which featured a beautiful jewel of a pool and full-size trees that looked as if they’d been there for years. This place was much grander than the hotel where he was staying. Hell, this place was bigger and fancier than even the McCoy’s home at Tebow Ranch. Bull hadn’t frequented very many fancy places in his time.

“Senor Redford! Welcome!”

Bull turned to see a middle-aged man coming forward, dressed in a white linen suit, carrying a dapper gold-handled cane. Taking off his Stetson, he held in at his side. “Don Luis?”

“Si.” The genteel Mexican extended his hand. “I am indeed glad to have you in my hacienda.” Don Luis made an expansive gesture. “I hope you find Terra Dura comfortable during your visit. I look forward to taking you on a tour of the ranch and showing you our fine animals.”

“I can’t wait to see. I’m sure they’re outstanding.”

“Come into my office and let’s celebrate your arrival with a drink.”

The hour was a little early, but Bull wasn’t about to question the judgment of his host. “I am a bit parched.”

As he followed Don Luis across the expansive foyer, Bull was surprised to hear a commotion. To his shock, a small wiener dog dashed in front of him, apparently fleeing some horrible fate.

“Come back here, Lola. We’re in the middle of your bath!”

Bull stopped in his tracks, his attention completely captured by the vision before him. A beautiful young woman was chasing the dripping wet dog. Dressed in knee-length shorts and a white tee, damp enough to qualify her for the world’s finals wet T-shirt contest, she was femininity personified. His jaw almost dropped to the floor and his mouth began to water. Temptation, thy name is woman. Bull tried to contain his reaction, especially in front of his host, but it was hard - literally, he was damn hard.

For the second time in a matter of days, Bull had met a woman who proved his worst fears wrong. There wasn’t a damn thing wrong with his cock. He removed his hat and held it in front of his erection. How could he be so attracted to this woman after what he and Carmen had shared? Hell – maybe he could blame his overactive libido on the months and months of abstinence he’d endured.  

“Isabella! Return to your quarters this instant! You are not dressed to entertain!”

Oh, Bull begged to differ, he felt very entertained. And at the same time, he felt…guilty. Even though he wasn’t committed to Carmen, he’d like to be. Still, he couldn’t have kept his eyes off this delicate confection to save his life.

Isabella was so engrossed in her chase to recapture Lola, that it took her a few heartbeats to realize she was standing in front of Benedict Redford.

Her Benedict Redford.

Despite the unexpected circumstances, Isabella’s face broke out in a radiant, welcoming smile. “Hello,” she offered, her voice trembling with excitement, “I’m so glad to see you! I didn’t expect…”

“Isabella!” Don Luis came toward her. “Did I not request that you return to your room? When you are more respectable, I’ll introduce you to our guest.”

Crossing her arms over her breasts, she had to hold herself back from running into Benedict’s arms. Isabella could hear her uncle speaking, but she wasn’t comprehending his directive. She was too surprised and elated to be standing in front of her cowboy to think straight. “How did you find…the ranch?” she stumbled, not really knowing how to proceed without giving herself away to Don Luis.

“How do you do?” He returned the lady’s greeting, albeit a young lady. “Senor Cortez gave me good directions.” After getting a better look at her, the girl was probably no more than eighteen, if she was that old. Despite her killer curves, she had the fresh-faced look of an innocent. Couple the girl’s apparent youth with her relationship to the man he was trying to impress, made this young lady strictly off-limits.

In other words, taboo.

“Since you’re refusing to comply with the simplest of requests, let me do the honors.” Don Luis stepped between them. “Mr. Redford, meet my niece, Isabella Cortez. Isabella, this is Mr. Bull Redford, a man who’s come to view the best Terra Dura has to offer.”

Bowing his head a slight bit, Bull acknowledged the young woman’s rapt stare. He couldn’t help but note Cortez’s comment, Bull knew he was viewing the very best Terra Dura had to offer – right in front of him. “Nice to meet you, Miss Isabella.”

She gazed right into his eyes, searching for some hint of recognition. At first, Isabella thought he might be joking. Surely, he recognized her. She knew there were differences, no makeup to speak of and her hair was a mess, not to mention her casual clothes. Oh, and lack of a mask, that could be a big factor. “Ben…?” she began to venture a query, but was abruptly interrupted by her uncle shouting her name.

“Isabella!”

“I guess you ought to do as your uncle asks and leave us grown-ups to take care of some business,” Bull whispered to his young admirer.

There was no way Isabella could miss the faintly condescending tone on his part. A dart of pain sliced through her. What was going on? He might not recognize her, but he seemed like a different man. “Fine. Excuse me. I did not intend to interrupt such an important discussion.” Ducking her head, she murmured to Lola who was hiding behind a big potted plant. “Come on, girl, let’s go upstairs.”

The truth hit Isabella like a bolt from the blue. Benedict not only didn’t recognize her, he’d just dismissed her as if she were a pesky fly. 

Well, she’d just see about that!

 

 

 “Ah, pardon my young niece, she is a little hard to handle at times,” Don Luis gestured broadly for Bull to follow him to the patio.

If she weren’t jail-bait and there was no Carmen, of course, he’d damn sure like to give handling her a try. “Kids, they’re something else.” Bull felt extremely uncomfortable.

“Do you have any children, Mr. Redford?” Don Luis asked the question while he punched a few numbers into his phone.

“A little boy, Luke, he’s three.” He hadn’t reached the point where he stopped thinking of Luke as his baby, he probably never would.

Don Luis held up his hand to indicate he needed to speak on the phone. “Ready two horses. We’ll be down to the barn momentarily.”

“I can’t wait to see your ranch. This is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.” Bull wasn’t buttering the rancher up, the little he’d seen of Terra Dura was breathtaking.

“All in good time.” Don Luis smiled at his guest. “For now, let’s ride around the grounds surrounding the hacienda and I’ll show you my pride and joy.”

Over the next hour, Bull was shown an operation unlike anything he’d ever seen. No expense was spared, yet there was a historical feel to the place. He almost felt like he’d stepped back in time.

“I have many fine animals I want you to see.” Don Luis urged his horse up on a high ridge, overlooking a lazy river winding its way across a verdant valley.

“I’m ready to see them, I’ve been renting the use of one of your bulls from a neighbor, I’d like to own one just like him.”

“Who possesses this bull you covet so much?”

“A man named Esteban, he owns a ranch about seventy miles east of mine. Remember him?”

An odd expression crossed Cortez’s face. “I’m not sure, I’ve sold many animals.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Tomorrow, you shall see some of them.”

“Tomorrow?” Bull had been hoping he could see them today.

“Yes, manana.” He pulled his horse up abruptly and the stallion reared. “For now, let’s go back, have a meal and get to know one another.”

 

 

From her bedroom balcony, Isabella watched her uncle and Benedict come riding toward the hacienda. Her cowboy looked amazing on a horse. She kept her eyes on their progress, her heart and mind in turmoil over the unexpected encounter with the man who’d so captured her imagination…and her body. At first, she thought he might be protecting her by pretending he didn’t recognize her and not mentioning La Diosa, then she realized he truly didn’t know. Apparently, her disguise was much more effective than she’d hoped.

The serendipity of her two-time savior being a possible buyer for their stock was not lost on Isabella. Releasing a pent-up sigh, she admitted to herself how much she wanted to believe in the romantic notion that their paths crossing like this was a sign of fate.

 When they returned to the stables, Isabella waited and watched until they emerged. She kept her eye on them until the men came toward the hacienda, then she slipped off her shoes and padded to the second-floor landing so she could see what they were up to. Their voices carried, so she could trace their progress through the house.

“Make yourself comfortable in the den, Mr. Redford. My attention is required for a couple of business matters. I’ll have Magdalena prepare us some lunch and we shall discuss our common interests before the afternoon siesta.”

“Whatever you say.” He wasn’t about to argue. From what he’d heard, the Mexican was persnickety about who he did business with and Bull didn’t want to do anything that might discourage Cortez from selling him some of his fine breeding stock. Finding himself alone, Bull eased down into an oversize leather chair facing an ornate fireplace. The temperature wasn’t cool enough to warrant a fire, but he could see from the worn places on the hearth that it had been well used.

A few dozen steps away, Isabella plotted her next move. “Stay here, Lola, desperate times call for desperate measures. I’m heading for my lookout position.” The dachshund kept her adoring gaze on her mistress as Isabella tripped down the stairs and out into the courtyard. There was one particular tree she’d been climbing since she could walk. Up in the comfortable branches, there was a generous fork where she could rest and observe most of what went on through the interior glass windows facing the den and living room. This used to be her hideout when she was small and wanted to evade nap-time, now she used the spot as her sanctuary when the absence of her beloved parents became too great to bear. Today, however, this would be her vantage point to keep an eye on Benedict and to ensure he was alone while he received a very important phone call from La Diosa.

Bull didn’t know how long he was supposed to wait, he just hated to sit and twiddle his thumbs. Glancing around, he saw a magazine with some cattle on the cover. He reached for the periodical, then realized it was written in Spanish. “Forget it,” he muttered. Fixing his gaze on a lizard scooting across the outside window ledge, he let his mind wander. Naturally, the first thought in his head was of Carmen.

Buzz! Buzz!

“Diosa?” Bull murmured, seeing the ‘blocked call’ designation again. He tapped the ‘accept’ button so hard he almost put a dent in the phone. “Carmen? God, it’s good to hear from you. Where are you?”

Up a tree. “I’m at my home. Where are you?” She was careful to use her La Diosa voice.

“I’m at some rich man’s house, trying to buy a bull. When can I see you?”

“Do you want to see me, cowboy?” Even though she was filled with uncertainty, Isabella tried to sound flirtatious.

“Hell, yes. I haven’t been able to think of anything else. Only you.”

Feeling torn, Isabella pulled on one of the broad leaves. “I miss you.”

“You don’t have to miss me. As soon as I get away from here, I’ll call you. Can I have your number?”

From Isabella’s perch, she peered at him through the leaves. “Maybe. Are the people you’re visiting being nice to you?”

Bull shrugged. “Sure, yea, I guess so.” He chuckled. “Cortez has this young niece who seems like a little hellion.”

Isabella gasped, a little affronted. “What do you mean?”

Bull realized he was treading on thin ice. No woman wanted to hear about another one, even if there was nothing to be jealous about. “Oh, nothing. She just seemed a bit spirited, trying to come across as older than she is.”

“What did she do?” Isabella couldn’t remember anything she’d done to warrant his reaction. As far as she could remember, all she’d done was speak and smile at him. “Did she flirt with you?”

Bull thought back, reviewing his interaction with the little Lolita. No, she hadn’t done anything especially forward. She’d appeared to be glad to meet him, that was her only crime. If anything had been improper about their interaction, it had been in his thoughts, not her actions. “No, she didn’t flirt. She’s a cute kid. Why you should’ve seen her racing through the house after a dog that escaped from its bath.” He chuckled. “I’m not sure who was wetter.” The memory of Isabella’s delectable shape in the wet T-shirt caused Bull to shift in his seat.

“I see.” Isabella didn’t know what to think. One thing was crystal clear, Benedict might be attracted to the mysterious La Diosa, but he viewed the real Isabella as nothing more than an irritating child. Suddenly, her self-confidence plummeted. Without the makeup, the fancy clothes…not to mention the mask that hid her features, she didn’t appeal to Benedict Redford.

“Enough about that girl, she’s not important. Can I call you when this is over and meet you somewhere?” Bull held his breath, he needed more time with this woman. Returning to Texas without seeing her again didn’t bear thinking about. As he waited for her to give him some hope, his attention was snared by a movement in the courtyard. The branches of a tree seemed to be moving.

Doubt rose in Isabella’s heart. What should she do? There was more at stake here than just a romantic liaison. She couldn’t afford her actions in the bullring to be exposed to her uncle. Yet, ending things with Benedict at this point was not something her heart would allow. Could he be attracted to plain Isabella Cortez or was he only drawn to the power and mystery of La Diosa?

Carmen Isabella Mercedes Cortez intended to find out. She needed to know.

“I’m sorry, Benedict. I can’t get away to meet you right now. Uh…my family has a guest.”

Damn. “Just let me call you. We’ll work something else out later.”

“Yes, Benedict, call me when you are free.” She gave him her number.

“Perfect.” Bull felt a weight lift from his chest as he entered her name into his contacts. “I can’t wait to see you again, Beauty.”

“Nor I you.” Although, Benedict would be seeing her far sooner than he suspected. “Be good, my cowboy. I’ll be waiting to hear from you.”

“Give me the chance, Diosa, I’ll be good to you. I want to give you another one of those earth-shattering orgasms we shared,” Bull whispered into the phone. At the same time as he heard a gasp in the phone, Don Luis’s voice sounded in the hall.

“Bring a bottle of my best tequila, Magdalena!”

“I have to go, Benedict. Goodbye.”

Bull didn’t get a chance to respond before she was gone. As he stood at the approach of his host, he noticed a commotion outside the courtyard window. To his amazement, right before his eyes, Don Luis’s niece came tumbling down from the branches of a large flowering tree. “Oh, my Lord.” He started for the double French doors, intent on going to her aid. Before he could take two steps, she was on her feet, looking flustered, her cheeks ablaze. Their eyes met and Bull felt an electric attraction arc between them.

“Are you hungry, my friend?”

Bull tore his gaze from Isabella to greet Don Luis. “Famished.” When he glanced back, the little spy was gone.

 “Ow, ow, ow.” Isabella dusted herself off as she made herself scarce. She couldn’t believe he’d seen her fall out of the tree. That sure wasn’t a La Diosa move. Hurrying up the stairs, she managed to get back in her room before Don Luis spotted her. One thing was for sure, she wasn’t ready to give up on her cowboy. Competing with herself seemed foolish, but she needed to know if he could be attracted to the real Isabella.

 

 

 “Thank you, Magdalena.” Don Luis took a crystal glass from the copper tray and handed it to his visitor. “Siesta is my favorite time of the day.”

Bull accepted the tall drink. “I’ve gotta say, Don Luis. I haven’t been in Mexico long, but I do like the way you do things down here. I’d love to give my ranch hands a break in the middle of the day. Hell, I’d even join them and down a few drinks myself, but I know we’d never get back to business. We’d work five hour days and all be drunk by noon.” He took another sip and licked his lips. “Damn, I don’t know what the hell this is I’m drinking, but it tastes incredible.”

Despite her uncle’s objections, Isabella was sitting with the men on the wide galleria, one of her favorite parts of the house. With its travertine floor and broad arches, it provided a cool place to rest in the heat of the day. She pretended to read a book, but really, she was just watching Benedict. “The drink is a Paloma, Mr. Redford, the true cocktail of Mexico.”

“I always thought that designation was reserved for the margarita,” Bull muttered, trying not to stare at the sexy, nubile, young woman. God help, they sure knew how to grow them beautiful south of the border. She looked absolutely ripe for the picking. He bit the inside of his jaw, forced himself to look away, and said a silent apology to La Diosa. In spite of what he’d told Joseph, Bull had always loved women. He loved looking at them, he loved thinking about them, and he’d loved having sex with them too - until Carol. But in all his adult years, Bull could truthfully say he’d never met two women who attracted him more than Carmen and Isabella. 

Isabella held the glass up. “Grapefruit juice, lime juice, sugar and a splash of club soda. And of course, never forget the tequila.”

“Tequila?” No wonder the bitter tinge had been familiar on his taste buds. “Young lady, you are talking my language.”

“And don’t forget, you must always lick the salt from the rim.” The tip of her tongue came out of Isabella’s mouth and swirled around the rim of her glass. Not even for a millisecond did she break eye contact with the man she’d set her sights on. He looked so sexy in his form-fitting western clothes. Remembering how he’d nailed her to the wall made her cheeks pinken with excitement.

Good God Almighty, Bull felt another stirring in his jeans. For the longest time he’d been unable to get an erection and now he couldn’t seem to get rid of one. On the rodeo circuit, he’d run with a money-laden crowd and he knew these rich girls could get bored and sometimes they did stuff like this for kicks. He’d been lucky Don Luis was speaking on his phone, or he might have castrated Bull for watching such a brazen act being performed for him by his teenage niece.

“Aren’t you a little young to be drinking liquor, Senorita?” he asked, licking the salt from his own lips and wishing he could lick it from hers.

“I’m old enough for anything you have in mind.” She gave him a wink.

Bull almost swallowed his tongue, biting back a groan.

Hanging up his phone, Don Luis took a long haul off the cigar in his mouth. “Really, my friend, it should be a nap we are enjoying, but the idea just never seemed to suit men like us. We work hard, Mr. Redford. Vaqueros enjoy getting their hands dirty. We sleep better after a hard day’s work.” He rose and strolled to the edge of the patio and gazed out onto the property.

Bull joined him at the railing with his Paloma in hand. “I have no problems sleeping, that’s for sure. A tall glass of cold milk, three Oreo cookies, a hot bath, and I’m out like a light.”

Isabella couldn’t help but smile at the thought of him eating cookies and drinking milk before bedtime. Her cowboy had a little boy’s heart.

“If you care for a dip, this land is dotted with hot springs, Mr. Redford,” Don Luis offered, his eyes staring into the distance.

“I didn’t bring any trunks, but I’d sure love to see one of those springs when we go check the stock this afternoon.”

Don Luis refilled both his and Bull’s glass from a pitcher on the tray. “Regretfully, I must be a poor host. I have business to attend to and our viewing of the stock will wait until the morning.”

Isabella’s ears perked up at the conversation. She knew her uncle’s business was more than likely a horse race. Opportunity was knocking. “I could accompany you to the springs, Mr. Redford. I can talk business with you while we pass the time. I’m as familiar with the stock as my uncle.” More so.

“Nonsense.” Don Luis frowned at Isabella. “Mr. Redford is welcome to explore on his own. There’s no need for you to venture out without a chaperone, Isabella.”

“I haven’t required a chaperone in years, Uncle Luis.” Isabella reminded him.

Ignoring his niece to face Bull, Cortez held up his glass. “I’ve instructed Manuel to have the bulls brought in from their pastures first thing tomorrow. He will assist me in telling you the story of each champion.”

Isabella fumed. Obviously, Don Luis did not want her showing up his limited knowledge of the stock and their bloodlines.

Bull frowned, not sure how to proceed. “If you’re leaving, Don Luis, and we’re not going to look at stock until the morning, I should go back to my hotel.”

“Absolutely not.” Don Luis made an expansive movement with his arms. “I asked you to come to Mexico. No guest of mine will stay in a hotel. You will remain here on Terra Dura and enjoy the bounty of my home. Tonight, we feast!” To Isabella’s surprise, he turned to her. “Niece, you will see that Magdalena prepares a banquet fit for the occasion.”

For once, Isabella was grateful for her uncle’s grandiose gestures. “Very well. I’ll see to Mr. Redford’s needs with pleasure.”

Bull cut her a glance and saw the young woman’s hungry expression. Fuck him – he was in trouble.  

“Uh…thank you, Don Luis. I guess I’ll wander around a little on my own, try to find these springs. I look forward to seeing your fine animals tomorrow.” The men clinked their glasses again and drank the Paloma down.

Don Luis consulted his watch. “I should be going soon. Ask Juan for directions to the springs, he’ll help you.” He topped off Bull’s drink one more time. “Finish your siesta, Mr. Redford. I shall call down to the stables and have my finest horse saddled for you.”

A smile played on Isabella’s lips. “Excuse me.” She rose to her feet.

“Where are you off to, Isabella?” Don Luis asked when she headed toward the hacienda.

Standing at the edge of the French doors, she ventured a look at Benedict. “I have studying to do, Uncle.” Today, the topic wasn’t animal husbandry. Today, the topic was human attraction. A cool dip in a warm pool sounded like the perfect idea.