Secret-Santa Cowboy: The Buckskin Brotherhood Read online

  Garrett kept score better than Seth had, calling the points for direct hits, adding them up as he went. When he took guff, he didn’t argue back. Instead he stopped the action and blew the whistle continuously until the complaining party laughed and gave up.

  “Cow Patties twelve, Horse Apples eight!”

  Jake rose to his feet, left arm mounded with snowballs, right arm cocked. “Kamikaze! Cow Patties, cover me!”

  Rounding the bunker, he raced forward, firing as he went, taking snowballs in the face and chest but using his higher position to score more points than he lost.

  Leo loaded up and jumped to his feet. “Kamikaze! Horse Apples, cover me!”

  “Can’t, bro!” CJ shouted back. “Jake’s got us blocked!”

  Suicide mission time. “Dances with Wolves!” Ditching his snowballs, he extended his arms like Kevin Costner in the opening scene of the movie and managed to catch most of the ones coming his way. Whenever he shot them back, he got double points.

  A yell from CJ signaled that Jake had breached the Horse Apple fortress. Racing forward, Leo threw himself spread-eagled on the Cow Patty bunker, crushing it under his weight as Garrett’s whistle screeched.

  As soon as everyone was upright and had wiped the snow from their faces, the Brotherhood converged on Garrett.

  Jake took the lead. “Cow Patties won, right?”

  Garrett shook his head.

  “Horse Apples rule!” Nick punched a fist in the air.

  Garrett shook his head again. “It was a draw.”

  “That can’t be right.” Leo brushed off his coat. “I was a snowball-catching machine out there.”

  “You were good, but so was Jake.” Garrett regarded them calmly. “It’s a draw.”

  “Can’t be,” CJ said. “The Horse Apples have to maintain their streak.”

  Garrett folded his arms. “How long is this streak?”

  “Just one win, but still, we—”

  “It’s a draw.” Garrett stared him down.

  Jake shook the snow from his hat. “So we’re buying our own drinks at the Moose on Christmas Eve?”

  “That’s one way to look at it,” Garrett said. “The other way is to be glad you’re not buying drinks for the Horse Apples.”

  “Ha!” Nick pointed a finger at Jake. “And we’re not buying drinks for the Cow Patties, either.”

  Garrett smiled. “Win-win.”

  “Speaking of drinks,” Rafe said, “who’s ready for one? I might not agree with the verdict, but let’s hash it out over bottles of brew.”

  “Great idea, teammate.” Jake clapped him on the shoulder.

  As they all headed back to the bunkhouse, Leo fell into step beside Garrett. He lowered his voice. “Was it really a draw?”

  Garrett chuckled. “Couldn’t tell you. I lost count during that kamikaze, Dances with Wolves thing you guys did. Next time I’ll be prepared. Might bring a counter for each hand.”

  “We don’t always do those moves.”

  “You don’t?”

  “Sometimes we do other stuff.”

  “So I’ll learn on the job. What’s life without a challenge?”

  “Charley used to say that a lot.” Which emphasized why Garrett would be a worthy member of the Brotherhood.

  He’d be the first to be welcomed into the group since it was formed. Did Matt have an initiation ceremony in mind? And how long would it run?

  The second he asked himself that question, guilt pricked him hard. The ceremony would take as long as it needed to. If it cut into his time with Fiona, that was the breaks. The Brotherhood took priority.

  * * *

  The roads were clear, which made calculating the time needed to arrive at Fiona’s easy. He added a couple extra minutes to pick up the tree. She’d said eight, and he didn’t want to show up early. Or late.

  He’d called the nursery earlier in the day. Good thing the place had Sunday hours this week. The owner had agreed to sell him a display model, a decorated two-footer in a fancy pot. It would be waiting by the nursery gate since the place closed at five.

  He spotted it immediately when he pulled up to the curb. His high beams picked up colorful ornaments, red bows and a glittering star on top. Even without the lights on, it looked festive.

  He didn’t trust putting it in the truck bed, so he carefully tucked it on the floor of the back seat. It made the cab smell like Christmas. Now that he’d experienced the holidays at the Buckskin, he couldn’t imagine going without the fresh pine scent of a tree.

  He’d asked the nursery to include a waterproof saucer to put under the pot. Those original hardwood floors didn’t need to be ruined by water stains. And he didn’t want the lights to ruin the ambiance she treasured.

  If the door was unlocked, he could find a plug and test the lights before taking it up there. If they were too bright, he wouldn’t suggest turning them on. Not tonight, anyway.

  His heartbeat ramped up as he parked in front of Planet-Friendly Paper. The shop was dimly lit the way it had been last night before the blackout—security lights on plus the glow from the square filtering in.

  But her apartment was completely dark. His groin tightened. She was waiting for him, likely naked, in her bed.

  A small part of him chafed against this light restriction, but it had a certain appeal, too. In the dark, anything could happen. She’d spent time shopping at Racy Lace for items to surprise and tease him. She planned to seduce him and he was ready to be seduced.

  Pocketing his keys and his phone, he maneuvered the tree out of the back seat and picked up the saucer underneath. He needed to test the lights on the tree. Ignoring the persistent ache from his package, he reached for the door handle. Open.

  He slipped inside with the tree, closed the door and flipped the deadbolt. He’d tracked in some slush, so he took his boots off and left them by the door. Might as well prop his hat on top of them like he had before.

  She’d have plugs near the cash register so he headed in that direction, pulled out his phone and turned on the flashlight. There. A power strip with a vacant spot.

  He unwound the cord from the base of the pot, set the tree on the floor and crouched down to plug it in. Nice. Small, multi-colored lights created a soft glow. Maybe she wouldn’t mind the—

  “Oh, my goodness, that’s so pretty!”

  He stood, doused the flashlight app and turned, partially blocking the light and putting himself in shadow. The ambient glow touched her golden hair and revealed the color of her soft robe—Christmas red. “Not too bright?”

  “No.” Her voice softened as she moved toward him, bringing with her a tantalizing scent.

  “You’re wearing a different perfume.”

  “It’s called Tempting Fate.”

  “It’s tempting the heck out of me.” Did she just untie her sash?

  “That’s the idea. The tree’s lovely. Thank you for bringing it.”

  His breath caught as her robe parted. Her breasts, illuminated by the tree, quivered with each breath as she approached. Her bare feet made almost no noise. Taking a step forward, he reached for her.

  “I heard you open the door, but when you didn’t come upstairs—”

  “I was testing the tree.” His voice sounded like boots on gravel. Sliding his hands inside her robe, he pulled her close and groaned. She was on fire.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “So are you.” He kissed her and lost his mind.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Fiona had scripted a different start to the evening, but once Leo’s ravenous mouth captured hers, she abandoned her plan and went with his. It involved a lot of kissing, fondling, and getting him out of his jacket.

  During their uneven progress to the stairs, his jacket landed on the floor, giving her access to the snaps down the front of his shirt. At the foot of the staircase, he plunged his tongue into her mouth, cupped her bottom in both hands and pressed her aching cleft against the straining denim of his fly.

  If t
hat was an invitation, she was taking it. He’d skipped wearing a belt again. Smart man. She unfastened the button on his jeans and reached for the tab on his zipper.

  He lifted his head, gasping. “If you… open that—”

  “What?”

  “We’ll never… make it… to your bedroom.”

  “Don’t care.” She gulped as she struggled with the zipper. “Back off a bit.”

  Shifting his hips so she could open his fly, he dragged in a breath. “Ever done it on the stairs?”

  “Nope.”

  “You’re about to.” Edging them to the foot of the steps, he lifted her up and settled her above him. “Hold onto—” He cleared his throat and dug in his pocket. “My shoulders.”

  She gripped hard, needing the solid feel of his muscular body to keep from shaking herself right off her perch. At least her bathrobe would keep her from getting splinters in her tush. Never in a million years would she have—

  “Lean back.” He swallowed. “I’ve got you.”

  Supported by his arm and holding onto his shoulders for dear life, she did as he asked. Using his other arm for balance, he knelt on the step below her and moved between her thighs. “Ah, Fiona.” With a low moan of relief, he firmly claimed his place inside her quivering body.

  Her core muscles clenched and she dug her fingers into his shoulders. “Missed you.”

  “I can tell.” His voice was strained. “Nice welcome.”

  “Thought about this… all day.”

  “Me, too.” His cock twitched.

  “Didn’t expect stair sex.”

  His chuckle sounded breathless. “Nobody would. You okay?”

  “Never better. Gonna move?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He eased back and pushed deep.

  Her stair creaked. “This one—”

  “Let’s make some music.” He stroked slowly at first, then picked up the pace.

  The wooden step responded with a rhythmic chirp that made her giggle. But soon her laughter became incoherent cries. Planting her bare feet on the smooth wood, she gave herself up to his sweet assault as he coaxed her to the brink and hurled her into a whirlpool of glorious release.

  Swearing softly, he shoved home one more time and came, his body shuddering as he pinned her to the stairway. Anchored by the instrument of her pleasure, she wrapped him in her arms. His shirt clung to his sweaty body and she clung to him. If she never had to move, that would be okay.

  Moments later, his warm breath tickled her ear. “You were wonderful.”

  “You, too. It’s a fun idea.” She arched her neck as he nuzzled her there. “Great first experience for me.”

  “For me, too.”

  “You’ve never done this before?”

  “No, ma’am. But, I figured we could handle it.”

  “You acted like you were an old hand.”

  “I acted like a man who couldn’t wait another second to be deep inside you.”

  She smiled. “Must have been my new perfume.”

  “Oh, it was a factor, but when you walked toward me with your robe undone, I was toast, with or without the new perfume.”

  “I’m not sure what came over me. I just… wanted to do that and see what happened.”

  “This happened.”

  “I’m not sorry. Don’t you think the creaking stair made it sexier?”

  “Definitely. Especially when it was added to the hoarse cries of a woman enjoying the heck out of coming.”

  “I did enjoy the heck out of it.”

  “So did I. But we have to move.”

  “Don’t wanna.”

  “Got to. Will I have to climb the stairs to take care of—”

  “There’s a bathroom down here.”

  “Good. Directions, please.”

  “The door’s under this stairway.”

  “I think I can find that.” He eased away from her and stood. “Wait here, please.”

  “No, thank you. I’m going upstairs.”

  “Without me?”

  “Exactly.” She pulled her robe together. “I loved this detour we just took, but now I can proceed with my original plan. I’ll be waiting for you in my bedroom. Want me to take the tree upstairs?”

  He laughed. “I’d like to do that.”

  “Then I’ll see you soon.” She caught herself. “I mean—”

  “I know what you mean.” His tone was gentle. “I’ll be up there in a couple of minutes.”

  “Okay.” She grabbed the railing and pulled herself up. An epic orgasm could leave a girl a little weak in the knees. Any contact with Leo Marston could leave a girl weak in the knees.

  Then again, she’d brought him to his knees, literally. He’d been so overcome he’d made love to her on the stairs. The perfume Beth had recommended probably helped, but that sexy walk with her robe hanging open had likely clinched the deal.

  When he’d turned with his back to the light, he’d set up the perfect scenario. He was a faceless silhouette but hadn’t blocked all the light from the tree. Any that had bypassed his broad shoulders and wide chest had landed on her.

  She’d been able to give him the visual stimulation Beth said was the nuclear option with guys. She insisted the sight of their lover’s body aroused them more than anything else. Evidently so. Couldn’t argue with Leo’s response to it.

  Taking a deep breath, she hurried up the stairs. They’d need some snuggling time to recover from stair sex, but then… she was eager to try out one or two of her purchases.

  She wouldn’t blow through her entire stash, though. Beth had taught her that making love in the dark wasn’t a man’s natural preference. They enjoyed light and plenty of it.

  Thanks to Beth’s helpful consultation this afternoon, she understood the male psyche better than she ever had. She was working against Leo’s inclinations, which meant she had to keep sessions in the dark interesting if she wanted to make this adventure last a while.

  Slipping out of her robe, she hung it on a hook on the back of her bedroom door and climbed into bed

  The creaky step announced that Leo was on his way. Her security lights in the shop plus a glow from the square would allow him to see his path up the stairs far better than he had the night before. After that he’d be surrounded by darkness.

  She called out to him. “Need any help finding your way?”

  “Thanks. I’ve got it.”

  His muted footsteps and the scent of fresh pine signaled he was almost to her door. “Where do you want the tree?”

  “In the left corner, please. Think you can find it?”

  “I know I can. I have a map in my head. Hazards noted.”

  “FYI, I took the horseshoe lamp out of here.”

  He chuckled. “Appreciate it. When I’m going for a condom, I could forget all about that thing.”

  “The tree smells terrific.” It blended nicely with his cologne.

  “Sure does.” The rhythm of his breathing and the movement of air indicated he was passing by the end of the bed.

  She shivered with excitement. The stairway adventure had been fun, but she preferred naked, skin-to-skin contact. It was only moments away.

  “I brought a waterproof saucer to put under the pot.” Rustling noises followed as he set it down in the corner and positioned the pot inside it.

  “Good idea. There’s a plug on the window wall.” And she’d just had a good idea of her own.

  “Close your eyes. I’m using my phone flashlight to find the plug.”

  “That’s fine.” She closed her eyes and waited, pulse racing.

  “Found the plug. Ready for me to turn it on?”

  “Ready.” She rolled to her side facing the tree and Leo.

  The jewel-toned lights winked on, soft and atmospheric. Crouching in front of it, he straightened the star on top. “What do you think?”

  “Very nice.” His movements stretched his dark-toned shirt, pulling it taut across his muscular back. He hadn’t worn one of his ugly ones this time. Silve
r piping outlined the yoke, emphasizing his broad shoulders.

  “Want me to leave it on?”

  She swallowed. “Yes, please.”

  “I’m glad.” He stood and slowly turned in her direction, his face in shadow. “Because I really like—” He froze.

  His sharp inhale was exactly what she’d been going for. “You didn’t finish your thought.” She stroked her hand over her hip and took a deep breath, expanding her chest. “What is it that you really like, cowboy?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Leo drank in the longed-for sight of Fiona stretched out naked on the bed, her golden hair spilling over her shoulder in soft waves and curling against her ivory skin. He looked his fill, his heartbeat thudding in his ears as it pumped his blood south.

  She blushed, adding sparkle to her green eyes. The blush spread to her plump breasts, which quivered when she took another breath. As her nipples puckered, saliva pooled in his mouth. He swallowed. “You’re incredible.”

  “I love it when you get that rough note in your voice.”

  “It’s a wonder I can speak.” His fingers trembled as he finished undoing the snaps on his shirt. “I didn’t think… you said you wanted…”

  “Darkness. I know. I feel bold and daring in the dark.”

  “Then why…” His brain stalled as she cupped her breast and toyed with her nipple.

  “Because I just found out how much you like the light.”

  “I sure do.” He stripped off his shirt, dropped it on the floor and reached for the button on his jeans.

  “I think I stunned you a little bit just now.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He fumbled with his zipper. “I’m shaking, Fi.”

  “Want some help?”

  “I want you.” He wrestled the zipper down, grabbed a condom from his pocket and put it between his teeth so he could shove his jeans and briefs to the floor. Stepping out of them, he made quick work of putting on the condom.

  Damn, he was breathing like a freight train. And ready to come. Even after the episode on the stairs, he was frantic to bury himself in her hot body. He put a knee on the bed and she moved over to make room. “I feel like...” He paused to suck in air. “A sex-starved teenager.”