Branded for You, page 21
It was probably only seconds but it seemed as though it carried on longer before she finally drew back her hand.
“Pretty name.” He looked like he wanted to touch her again to keep her from leaving but held himself back. She didn’t know why she thought he did, but she could almost feel the brush of his fingers against her cheek even though he hadn’t reached for her at all. He studied her and she felt warmth go through her at the intensity in her look. “I bet you’re told all of the time what gorgeous blue eyes you have. Such a brilliant blue,” he said.
“Is that a pick-up line?” She raised an eyebrow.
“You know it’s not.” He smiled. “It’s an observation.”
It was true that she got that all of the time. She and her four brothers had the same eye color and her aunt called them “Cameron blue”.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to two-step with me?” Creed gave a nod to the dance floor. “I haven’t had a chance to dance all night.”
She wanted to ask him why not when gorgeous women had surrounded him all night, or the other woman he’d been talking with, but she didn’t want him to know that he’d captured her attention tonight, more than once. Fortunately, she didn’t think he’d caught her at it.
Darryl came up to Creed’s side and he put his arm around Creed’s neck. “Do you know who you’re talkin’ to?” Darryl raised his beer bottle with his opposite hand. “You should be damned impressed. This is Creed McBride, two-time world bull riding champion.”
Creed looked uncomfortable and Danica’s lips twisted with amusement as she teased him. “I’m impressed by a lot of things, but riding an animal out to kill you isn’t one of them. I’m more impressed by the person.”
“Felt the heat on that one.” A slight grin curved the corner of Creed’s mouth, obviously knowing she was teasing, and he disengaged from Darryl. “Why don’t you go find that cute little blonde you’ve been with all night?” he said to Darryl.
Darryl turned his gaze on Danica and slowly looked her up and down. Disgust flowed through her at the blatant way he was undressing her with his gaze. “What about this sexy thing?” He grinned. “Danica, right?”
“Yes.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Best friend to Kelsey Richards. Where is she, by the way?”
Darryl jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “She’s waiting for me by the bar.”
Danica put her hands on her hips. “I think I might need to go have a talk with her.”
“Just havin’ a little fun.” Darryl straightened. “I best be getting back to Kelsey.”
Danica frowned, wondering if she should go have a talk with her friend. But then Danica wondered if maybe she was reading too much into the way he’d been looking at her.
Darryl touched the brim of his hat. “Ma’am,” he said politely, his demeanor completely changed. Darryl slapped Creed on the shoulder then turned and headed toward the bar where Danica caught a glimpse of Kelsey.
“Come on.” Creed indicated that dance floor with a nod. “Give this cowboy a dance.”
The only indecision that warred within her was the thought of getting to know him better, maybe even liking him, when she’d already decided that she wouldn’t want to date a bull rider. Not that dancing with him meant that he even wanted a relationship with her.
Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding. “All right.”
He flashed a smile at her and took her by the hand. She set her beer bottle on a table as they passed by and then they were on the dance floor.
It was a lively two-step and they fell into the dance as if they’d been doing it together forever. She’d been country-western dancing since she was a little girl and it was obvious he was plenty experienced, too.
When the one dance was over, another tune started right away and he swung her into a country waltz. She found herself laughing as they danced and then she realized her headache had vanished. Every touch of his hands sent warmth throughout her body. Or was that just the heat of her skin from dancing?
She was ready to walk off the dance floor the moment the next song struck up, a slow tune, but Creed took her by the hand then brought her into his arms, catching her off guard. She braced her palms on his shoulders to keep him from holding her too close. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.
His warm breath caused a shiver to run through her as he murmured, “Thank you for the dances.”
She swallowed, trying to not let his closeness affect her…the solidness of his body, his masculine scent, and the heat of his large hands at her waist. She cleared her throat but couldn’t get anything out.
“I’d like to see you again,” he said close to her ear.
She drew back and gave him a skeptical look. “You’re a bull rider. You don’t stay in one place for too long.”
“Long enough,” he said. “Where are you from?”
“I’m from southern Arizona, in the San Rafael Valley,” she said. “But I now live in San Diego.”
“There you go.” He gave her a little grin. “We do have something in common. I’m from just north of Phoenix, in Kirkland, between Prescott and Wickenburg.” He touched a lock of her long, dark hair. “What’s an Arizona country girl doing in San Diego?”
“I work as a research associate at the University of California,” she said. “In our department we do breeding maintenance, genotyping, cloning, and other related projects.”
“I’m impressed.” He continued to lightly play with her hair. “Did you go to the University of Arizona?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“I graduated from the U of A twelve years ago,” he said with a grin. “I’d bet you were at least eight years behind me.”
“Something like that.” She smiled. “What was your major?”
“Animal Sciences.”
The song ended, surprising her. The time had passed faster than she’d expected.
“I’d better go,” she said as they drew apart.
“Why?” He walked beside her as she left the dance floor.
“It’s getting late.” And she was becoming far too interested in this bull rider.
He caught her by her hand and drew her to a stop. “Sure I can’t talk you into a drink?”
“You already talked me into dancing with you.” She smiled. “But no, not a drink.”
“Give me your phone number,” he said. “I want to see you again.”
She shook her head. “I don’t date bull riders.”
With a laugh he said, “Why not?”
“It’s too dangerous a sport,” she said. “I’d be worried all the time.”
“You’d worry about me?” He had that sexy grin again.
Somehow she felt off-balance by his reply. “I suppose I would, if we were dating. Which isn’t a possibility because, like I said, I don’t date bull riders.”
“Why don’t you give me a chance?” he said. “I’ll show you that you don’t have to worry about me.”
She put her hands on her hips. “How many bones have you broken over the years? How many concussions have you had? How many times have you had to be stitched up?”
He winced.
“Or,” she went on, “maybe you should just tell me what bones you haven’t broken. Yet.”
He shook his head. “It’s not as bad as it sounds.”
“Oh?” She folded her arms across her chest. “How many times have you ridden even when you were injured rather than waiting for those bones and injuries to heal?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “More times than you can count, I’ll bet.”
He laughed and raised his hands. “Aw, come on, Danica. Just give me a chance.”
She liked the way he said her name. His voice had a raw, sensual quality about it. “I’m heading up to my room now,” she said. “It really was nice meeting you.”
“So you’re staying here,” he said as she turned away and he fell into step beside her.
She realized her mistake when she’d said “up to my room.” She paused mid-step and shook her head as she faced him. “Good night, Creed.”
“I know when I’m not wanted.” A smile was on his lips though when he said the words. “Good night, Danica.”
As she walked out of the bar and made her way to the elevators, she found it hard not to look over her shoulder. She could feel him watching her and if she looked, she might find herself turning around and going back.
# # #
Excerpt… Satin and Saddles
Cheyenne McCray
Carly braced her hands on the back of Mike’s chair as she watched the poker game with the Cameron men along a couple of their friends, including Mike. He was holding his own and it was down to him and Dillon who had the biggest pile of chips.
Throughout the game she’d had a hard time keeping her eyes off a Dillon and again he’d caught her at it. Like the other men, he’d taken off his western tux jacket leaving him in a shirt that was snug across his muscular chest and fit his broad shoulders just right. He had his shirtsleeves rolled up and she liked watching the way the muscles in his arms flexed when he dealt. Every now and then their gazes would meet and she’d feel a warm flush throughout her body.
She looked over Mike’s shoulder. He had a straight flush. He set his cards down and shoved most of his chips into the middle of the table.
Dillon studied Mike for a moment, then his cards. “I’m all in,” he said and pushed everything he had in.
Mike looked at the remainder of his chips then looked at Dillon.
“Have anything else you’d like to wager?” Dillon asked.
Mike glanced up at Carly then back to Dillon. “Got anything in mind?”
Dillon met Carly’s gaze. “The rest of the weekend with Carly if I win. If you win you can buy Rocket.”
Carly’s jaw dropped and the other men around the table hooted and laughed.
“That is one deal too good to miss,” Ty Sharpe, Mike’s cousin, said. “Mike’s been trying to buy that stallion off Dillon for the past year.”
“I think not,” she said.
“Come on, Carly.” Wayne, Dillon’s brother, grinned. “You’ll sweeten the pot.”
Zane nodded. “I’d like to see this.”
Mike glanced up at Carly.
She put her hands on her hips. “Are you serious, Mike Sharpe? You’d trade me in a poker game?”
“Anything else you’d take?” Mike looked sheepish as he asked Dillon the question.
Dillon shook his head. “Carly or nothing.”
Wayne laughed. “It’s all in good fun, Carly.”
She held back a smile. It was kind of funny—she’d never had men fight over her before—so to speak.
“Let me see your cards again, Mike.” She sat on his knee and looked at his cards. A straight flush, ace to five. “All right.” She glanced up at Dillon. “Do I have to sit in the middle of the table?”
The men chuckled.
“You’re fine right where you are.” Dillon leaned forward. “But when I win you have to come sit on my knee.”
Carly felt her cheeks flush. She tilted her chin up. “Daytime only if you win. But when you lose, Mike gets to buy that horse.”
“It’s a deal.” Dillon winked at her.
Mike laid down his cards. “Straight flush.”
Dillon’s eyes were totally on Carly as he laid down his own cards. “Royal flush.”
Carly’s eyes widened and this time she burned with heat all over. She had just been won in a poker game.
The men around the table were grinning and laughing. She tore her gaze from Dillon to Mike.
Mike wore a smile. “You know Dillon was just kidding.”
Dillon shook his head. “I wasn’t kidding.
She swallowed and met Dillon’s blue eyes again. He patted his knee and beckoned to her.
“You can’t be serious,” Mike said. “That was a joke.”
“Like I said, I wasn’t kidding.” Dillon looked at Carly. “You know I wasn’t.”
“You’re right..” She stood. “When you made the bet I knew you were serious.” She looked at Mike. “I guess I’m Dillon’s for tomorrow.”
“The deal was for the rest of the weekend,” Dillon said.
Saturday and Sunday. She took a deep breath and walked over to him, hoping she wasn’t blushing all over, and perched on his knee. He eased his arm around her waist and her whole body started tingling. Like earlier when she’d first talked to Dillon, she was at a loss for words at the moment, which was entirely unlike her.
She hadn’t been this close to him before and she hadn’t realized just how good he smelled. Of man and leather, a combination she loved.
Dillon stood, easing Carly to the floor and taking by the hand. “Time to cash out and head home.” He looked at her. “How did you get here?”
“Mike.” She glanced at Mike who had a bemused expression then she looked at Dillon. “He picked me up at my house.”
Dillon slid his fingers over the back of her waist. “I’ll get you home tonight and then in the morning, you’re mine.”
# # #
Excerpt… Champagne and Chaps
Cheyenne McCray
“That cowboy you just smiled at is on his way over.” Carly’s startling lavender eyes met Sabrina’s gaze. “I knew you’d be flirting from the moment you walked in.”
“I was not flirting.” Sabrina’s heart beat a little faster. “And you know I’m not ready to meet any guys.”
Carly combed her fingers through her dark hair. “You’re plenty ready. It’s been seven months since you and the idiot broke up.”
Idiot was right. Stephen was definitely one of those not-so-rare breeds.
Sabrina shook her head. “That’s not all. You know what I mean.”
“No, I don’t know,” Carly said. “There’s no reason you can’t get out and start living now.”
Sabrina held one palm to her belly. “I don’t know. I think it’s too soon—”
“That is one incredibly fine cowboy,” Carly interrupted. “Fine, fine, fine.”
That was so true, Sabrina thought as she watched the man’s easy approach from the corner of her eye.
He was tall and had a cowboy’s build with broad shoulders and lean hips. He wore a white dress shirt and a white Stetson along with Wrangler jeans. The shirt in no way disguised his muscular chest and arms.
Yummy.
Sabrina’s stomach flipped as the cowboy held her gaze and walked up to their table. He touched the brim of his hat as he looked from Sabrina to Carly.
“I’m Wyatt Cameron,” he said with a sexy smile that made her stomach drop to her toes.
Carly extended her hand. “Carly Abbot.”
Sabrina jumped when Carly elbowed her. Sabrina cleared her throat and offered her own hand. “Sabrina Holliday.”
His touch was warm as he gripped her hand for a few moments and held her gaze. A shiver ran down her spine as she met his gorgeous brilliant blue eyes.
“Are you part of the Cameron crew that I hear so much about over in the San Rafael Valley?” Carly tilted her head to the side. “You have a bunch of brothers.”
“That would be me.” Wyatt had a spark of amusement in his eyes as he released Sabrina’s hand. “Three brothers and a sister.”
Carly smiled. “I figured.”
“Mind if my friend and I sit with you?” Wyatt nodded in the direction of another good-looking cowboy who was leaning up against the bar.
“We don’t mind at all,” Carly said.
Sabrina felt mute. Wyatt Cameron had all the makings of a man she could really enjoy being around. But she didn’t want that… Didn’t want to get close to any man. She was all for Carly’s determination that tonight was all about flirting and fun.
Wyatt took a seat at the high top and gave a signal to the other cowboy who started coming their way. When the cowboy arrived, Wyatt made introductions.
“Mike, this is Sabrina and Carly.” He gestured to each of them. “Sabrina and Carly, this is Mike Sharpe who’s also from the valley.”
“A pleasure.” Mike smiled and shook each of their hands.
Carly gave a slow nod. “I think I’ve heard of your family, too,” she said to Mike. “You own Sharpe Feed and Tack in Patagonia?”
“My cousin, Ty Sharpe, owns the feed store,” Mike said. “I have a ranch on the other side of Wyatt’s.”
“The Sharpe family owns this bar, too, don’t they?” Carly asked. “A friend mentioned it the last time I was here.”
“That would be another cousin who owns Stampede.” Mike glanced around the room. “Brady’s probably around here somewhere.”
“Where are you ladies from?” Wyatt’s gaze settled on Sabrina.
Her cheeks warmed at the intense look of interest in his eyes. “Tucson.”
“What part of town?” he asked.
She cleared her throat. “The foothills.”
His gaze slid to Carly. “Whereabouts are you? Tucson, too?”
Carly shook her head. “Patagonia.” She glanced at Sabrina. “Sabrina is staying with me for the summer.”
Sabrina wanted to kick Carly under the table but she was afraid she would kick one of the men. She really didn’t want these cowboys to know she’d be a lot closer to them than Tucson. This Wyatt might think she’d be interested in seeing him more, and all she wanted was a little fun.
But then again, she might be thinking too much into this. She’d barely met the guy. Still, she really didn’t want to seem accessible to anyone. That was part of the reason why she’d let Carly talk her into staying for the summer. She needed time alone.
Wyatt’s smile made Sabrina’s toes curls. Damn, he was hot.
“Dance?” he asked and gestured to the floor as a new tune started.
Carly was busy chatting with Mike when Sabrina looked over at her friend.
I should just let loose just like we planned, Sabrina thought. She missed her old self. There was a time when she would have been flirting like Carly and just having fun without worrying about the possibility that the guy would want to get into a relationship. She needed that again. She needed to let her hair down and just have fun.
With a smile she looked back at Wyatt. “Sure.”
