Cowboy Unwrapped Read online

  He gasped. “I might lose my mind.”

  She lifted her head. “Are you saying you want me to stop?”

  “God, no.”

  “That’s what I thought.” She loved making him come this way. He lost his cool whenever he had sex with her, but oral sex seemed to bring out his most primitive instincts. So she threw herself into it, licking and sucking until he thrashed against the mattress, panting and desperate.

  “Tell me what you want,” she murmured as she blew against the damp underside of his cock.

  He groaned. “Finish this before I go insane.”

  “I can do that.” And she did, pleasuring him until his hips bucked and he erupted. She swallowed all he had to give.

  When it was over, he pulled her up so that he could kiss her. Despite everything, he still had the strength for that. “You’ve said you drop your armor for me,” he murmured.

  “Because I do.” She snuggled against his warm body and held his gaze as she traced the sculpted line of his cheekbones.

  “I’ve dropped mine, too.”

  Her heart turned over at the vulnerability revealed by that statement and the trust glowing in his green eyes. “I can tell.”

  “The feeling’s new for me, but I like it.”

  “Good. It suits you.” She kept her tone light, but the conversation tore her apart. He’d offered her a precious gift, one he hadn’t possessed years ago. Much as she’d wanted him back then, they wouldn’t have been happy together. But now he’d evolved into a man capable of loving her. And the kindest thing she could do was walk away.

  11

  JAKE HAD EVERY intention of returning the favor Amethyst had granted him, but she snuggled close and talked him out of it. Her argument was perfectly reasonable. The next day she’d be spending Christmas with her folks and he’d be out at the ranch with his foster family. If they didn’t sleep for a few hours, they’d both be zombies, not to mention they’d be too worn out to enjoy each other later on.

  But curling up with a naked Amethyst and then trying to sleep was more of a challenge than he’d figured on. Although she drifted right off, he lay in the darkness mulling over a couple of nagging problems. Interestingly enough, arousal wasn’t the more troublesome of the two. He’d dealt with that before and knew that by focusing on what she needed, namely sleep, he’d reduce the urgency to a manageable level.

  Once he’d accomplished that he was free to deal with the second issue. He knew he had to stand by and watch her leave for LA. Yet imagining the terrible things that could happen to her had already driven him crazy and she wasn’t even there yet.

  A self-defense course was a good idea but not adequate, at least in his view. He started entertaining wild ideas, like going with her. Then what? Would she even let him do that—leave his family and job for her?

  Ironically, if she hadn’t told him that her sexy persona wasn’t the real Amethyst, he might not be as worried. Until she’d admitted that today, he’d thought of her as fearless and bold, even a little intimidating.

  Until she’d talked with Chelsea and had become inspired by Finn’s migration to Seattle and Matt’s struggles in Hollywood, she’d apparently been content to stay in Wyoming and see whether some talent scout found her.

  In the meantime she’d put great effort into building a studio in a renovated Victorian that she loved. That implied that she expected to stay awhile. She hadn’t been poised for flight. Instead she’d been feathering her nest in Sheridan and making forays around the state to give performances in familiar venues.

  While they’d sat having drinks and flirting in the resort’s bar last August, she’d described her life. She hadn’t sounded frustrated by her lack of fame and fortune. She’d seemed to be having fun while she waited patiently to see whether something more would happen.

  What if she was heading to LA because she thought that was the expected thing, the intelligent thing, instead of going because she couldn’t help herself? Jake had seen Finn’s single-mindedness firsthand. The guy had settled on opening a microbrewery in Seattle and couldn’t be dissuaded. Rosie had tried.

  Jake hadn’t been around when Matt had announced he was leaving to become a Hollywood star, but no doubt the same dynamic had been at work. It sure didn’t seem like Amethyst was driven to succeed at that level or she wouldn’t be building herself a studio and taking in students. But he didn’t think she’d appreciate having him say so. Matter of fact, she’d probably hate it.

  Even worse, she might think he’d concocted his theory out of a misguided attempt to keep her safe. He’d always walked a thin line between being protective and overprotective. She’d likely accuse him of crossing it.

  So he couldn’t talk to her about this. He could only be there for her, love the daylights out of her, and hope that a solution would present itself before she made what could be the biggest mistake of her life.

  Exhausted from the intensity of their lovemaking and the hamster wheel his thoughts had been running on, he fell into a restless sleep. Nightmares involving Amethyst being pursued by burly guys through dark streets tortured him until morning light edged through a break in the curtains.

  He’d been an early riser ever since he could remember. As a kid seeking refuge in various hidey-holes each night, he’d had to wake up and get out before someone discovered him. The habit of becoming instantly awake at dawn had stuck with him even when he’d tried to break it.

  Amethyst had really conked out. He managed to get out of bed without seeing even an eyelash flutter. He was happy to let her sleep. It was bad enough that she might have aches and pains today from all their extracurricular activity, but at least she’d be a little bit rested.

  He hadn’t thought that through very well, not this time or back in August. Sending her out on the road last summer after very little sleep could have resulted in a tragedy. When she came to Jackson Hole over New Year’s he’d make sure she didn’t drive away until she’d had a decent night’s rest. Just because he’d learned to function on a few hours in the sack didn’t mean he should expect her to.

  Once he’d exited the bedroom without waking her, he quietly shut the door. Her razor gave him a halfway decent shave and he went downstairs to get the smoke alarm and his shirt. He put it on to ward off the slight chill in the house but left the tails hanging out.

  He started to turn off the Christmas tree lights they’d left on the night before but decided against it because she might enjoy looking at them when she came down. Besides, they were LEDs. With luck he could install the alarm without making a lot of noise. Since he’d be installing it without a power drill that shouldn’t be difficult.

  She was still snoozing away when he finished, so he went downstairs, made coffee and took a cup into the living room. He wished he had another gift for her that he could tuck under the tree since this was Christmas morning, but he didn’t. He sank onto the sofa to drink his coffee and dream of what life could be like if he came back to Sheridan and Amethyst didn’t leave. A lot of ifs in that dream scenario.

  Her bare feet on the stairs made his heart click into high gear. Turning, he watched her come down in her red sleep shirt. Whatever makeup she’d been wearing yesterday was gone and her hair was a tangled mess. He’d never seen a more beautiful woman.

  She paused on the bottom step. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas to you, too.” He wanted to go to her and sweep her up in his arms, but he could tell she wasn’t quite awake and that might startle her.

  “You installed the alarm.”

  “Tried to be quiet about it.”

  “You were. I didn’t hear a thing. I woke up when I smelled coffee.”

  He rose. “Come sit and I’ll get you some.”

  “No, you stay there. I’ll get my own. I have a package of chocolate doughnuts in the pantry. They’re full
of preservatives and not the least bit good for us. Want some?”

  “Absolutely.” He waited until she came back with her coffee and the doughnuts. “Firehouse favorite.”

  She smiled and sat next to him, her thigh touching his. “My folks cook an elaborate Christmas breakfast, but I like to start with these.” She popped open the lid and held out the narrow box.

  “Thanks.” He took one. “Rosie makes a big breakfast, too, but there’s nothing wrong with a few chocolate doughnuts as an appetizer.”

  “How soon should you be there?”

  He glanced at an old-fashioned pendulum clock that hung on the wall. “Soon. Ranch people get up early to feed the animals. But we can have another cup of coffee and a couple more doughnuts before I leave.”

  “My family won’t expect me until a little later.” She settled back against the sofa. “Is it terrible of me to wish we didn’t have to go somewhere today?”

  That comment warmed his heart more than she could know. “If it is, then I’m terrible, too.”

  “You wouldn’t get the holiday feast if you stayed here with me.”

  He took another doughnut. “What would I get?”

  “Tomato soup. Toasted cheese. Lots of sex.”

  “Sold.”

  She glanced at him and sighed. “But you drove here so you could hang out with your family for Christmas. I’ve always made it a point to be around for Christmas with my folks, and this year it’s more important because Sapphire is there and I don’t see her all the time like I used to.”

  “Does she know about your plan to move to LA?” He was trolling for allies and thought Sapphire might be one.

  “I’m not sure. She might not have been around when I was discussing it with Chelsea. I’ll talk to everybody about it today. Grady’s been a few times for gallery openings. He might have some useful info for me.”

  “He might. Good idea.” He wished that some of her contacts had knowledge of the LA entertainment scene. A roommate who was a street-smart woman who’d lived there for years would be an even greater blessing. “You know what? I should go. If I don’t, I’ll make love to you again, and God knows when we’ll leave this house.”

  That made her laugh. “I hate to admit it, but you’re right. I’m sitting here thinking about how many condoms you have left in your jeans’ pocket.”

  “Three, but we’re not using them until tonight.” Setting down his empty coffee mug, he leaned toward her. “Do we have a plan? What time can you get away?”

  She cradled his face in both hands. “You shaved.”

  “With your razor. Tell me when to show up here because at the moment that’s all that I care about, when I’ll be able to hold you again.”

  “Let’s say eight. Everything should have wound down by then.”

  “I’ll be here.”

  “Me, too.” Bending toward him, she gave him a soulful kiss that didn’t last nearly long enough. “Until then.”

  “Until then.”

  She scurried up the stairs. He took their coffee cups into the kitchen, rinsed them and unplugged the pot. Then he walked back into the quiet living room and put on his coat, hat and gloves. He heard the shower come on upstairs and fantasized going up there.

  Shaking his head, he discarded the idea. For one thing, he’d probably scare her to death. For another, leaving wouldn’t be any easier after he’d made love to her again, so he might as well locate his keys and vamoose.

  His keys were AWOL, naturally. When he’d searched the living room, he concluded they were quite likely dangling from the ignition. He’d been out of his ever-lovin’ mind last night.

  He’d managed to calm down after having a lot of sex and some good conversation. They’d actually slept together for a little while. If he could stay here for the day, they might settle into a less frantic pace. He’d like that.

  But she had her obligations and he had his. The word obligations didn’t fit, though. He loved his family and she obviously loved hers, so there was no resentment involved, only sadness that they couldn’t be together.

  Despite feeling bonded with her, he wasn’t on track to become a permanent part of her life. Climbing into his very cold truck, he started the engine and the music came on. He sat there listening to her sing to him and fought the urge to go back in there. Damn it, leaving her seemed wrong. But he pulled out of her drive and drove away.

  His funky mood lasted until he turned onto the ranch road. The hand-carved hanging sign for Thunder Mountain Academy always gave him a lift. Damon and Phil had made it with some design advice from their saddle maker friend Ben Radcliffe. Rosie had decorated the sign with a fresh pine wreath.

  Yeah, he needed to be here today with the two people who’d literally saved his life. At the time he’d been hiding out in vacant houses and storage sheds every night. He hadn’t realized how dangerous it was.

  When he pulled into the circular drive in front of the ranch house, the Christmas lights were all on. He wouldn’t have been able to see that if the sun had been shining, but heavy clouds had moved in. He vaguely remembered that someone had mentioned snow in the forecast.

  Herb and Rosie would have a big electric bill but not as big as it could have been if he hadn’t arrived in the nick of time. He pictured himself moving back to Sheridan and supervising the Christmas lights project every year. Right there was another excellent reason to check into job openings. He might drive over to the fire department tomorrow morning before he left town.

  As he climbed out of the truck he took a deep breath and savored wood smoke combined with cinnamon rolls baking and bacon frying. Christmas morning at Thunder Mountain Ranch. Rosie and Herb would have been up for a couple of hours already, but Rosie always delayed Christmas morning breakfast until after the chores were done. That way everyone could sit around the table, drink coffee and have an extra cinnamon roll instead of rushing off to feed and water.

  He spotted a car he didn’t recognize and wondered who was joining them for Christmas breakfast.

  About that time Cade came out onto the front porch, a mug of coffee in one hand. He was wearing a sheepskin vest that looked new. “Thought I heard you drive up! Was a little worried you’d bail on us this morning. Having other activities on your schedule and all.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  Cade grinned. “I’m guessing she kicked you out ’cause she had better things to do today.”

  “Something like that.” Jake climbed the steps. “Nice vest.”

  “Christmas present from the in-laws, or soon to be in-laws. They came for breakfast. Lexi was afraid to let ’em come last night because that would have tipped me off for sure.”

  “So that’s who the car belongs to.”

  “Yep. Listen, we need to get inside before I freeze my tokus, but is everything okay?”

  “So far.”

  “Still just fun and games, right?”

  Jake hesitated a beat too long.

  “Oh, buddy, you don’t want to fall for her. That’s a heartache waiting to happen.”

  “Probably, but I’ll see it through.”

  “I hate hearing you say that. Even Mom thinks she’s not right for you.”

  “That’s because she doesn’t know Amethyst like I do.”

  “Well, I should hope not!” Cade slapped him on the back. “Come in and have some chow. Then we’ll shoot some pool while I talk you out of this self-destructive path you’re heading down.”

  Jake followed him into the house. Cade was right that falling for Amethyst would likely put him in a world of hurt. But it was too late now.

  12

  AFTER GOING THROUGH the opening of presents and an elaborate brunch with no mention of the LA move, Amethyst concluded that Sapphire and Grady hadn’t heard about it at the party the night before
and therefore hadn’t mentioned it to her parents. She took a deep breath. “Since we’re all here, it’s the perfect time for me to announce my plan for the New Year. I’ve decided to move to LA.”

  She was greeted with stunned silence. “Surely it’s not a surprise,” she said. “I’ve been rattling around in Wyoming and no talent scout has shown up. I’ve sent out demos but nobody’s come knocking on my door. After talking with Chelsea yesterday—she’s Finn O’Roarke’s fiancée and a marketing whiz—I decided to become more proactive.”

  “Wow.” Sapphire was the first one to speak. “I guess it’s not a total surprise, but I thought you’d decided to stay here where the cost of living was cheaper until you’d made something happen.”

  “That was the plan, but I’m convinced I can’t make something happen from here. I might have an amazing stroke of luck and be discovered at some Wyoming venue, but it hasn’t happened yet and I’ve been doing this for three-plus years.”

  “It’s a very exciting idea.” Her mother’s tone was cautious. “You know how much I believe in you.”

  “Same here,” her father said. He normally wore black turtlenecks and jeans but in honor of Christmas he’d added a sweatshirt with Santa playing a sax. “You have a boatload of talent. The competition’s tough over there, but you can handle it. You’ll knock ’em dead.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “You will for sure.” Her mom looked especially regal in a dark green outfit that had been a gift from Sapphire. “I’m not the least bit worried about that. I’m thinking of the stuff moms always imagine, like whether you’ll get mixed up on the freeway and wind up in a terrible neighborhood, or whether you’ll move in next door to a drug dealer.”

  Amethyst laughed. “Oh, Mom. Have a little faith. You sound just like—” She caught herself before saying his name. “A typical mom. I’ll be fine.” She avoided looking at Sapphire who’d probably known whose name she’d bleeped out.

  “And I’m a typical dad,” her father said. “Do you have any friends over there? People you went to college with?”