A Cowboy's Honor (The McGavin Brothers #2) Read online

  “Huh.” Zane blew across the top of his coffee to cool it. “I could’ve sworn she replaced that starter a month ago.”

  “Maybe she got a faulty starter.” This story could unravel fast.

  Sure enough, his mom spoke up. “Didn’t you say she’d been expecting it to go and had a new one at home?”

  “I might have misunderstood. My mind was occupied with thoughts about pot roast.”

  “Understandable,” Zane said. “That was a fine meal, Mom. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but Faith deserves some of the credit. She helped me fix it.”

  “I met her dad today.” Might as well keep the topic going because now that it had been broached, he was occupied with the subject of Faith and her outrageous proposition. “Have any of you met him?”

  “I think you’re the first,” his mom said. “What’s he like?”

  “Friendly. Invited me for a beer, although I didn’t take him up on it. His name’s Jim. They have a nice place out there on Wagon Wheel Lane. Small, but well kept. Cozy, in a way.” He hesitated. “Faith offered to loan me her horse for my trip.”

  Zane shot him a look. “You mean Bert?”

  “So you know about Bert?”

  “Yep. She’s mentioned that she and her dad each have a horse, although her dad doesn’t ride anymore. That’s generous, bro, loaning you her horse for two months.”

  No kidding. “She said he and Ernie don’t get enough exercise, so if I take Bert on my trip, she can spend more time with Ernie.”

  Mandy started giggling. “I’m sorry, Cody, but I can’t keep hearing Bert and Ernie without thinking of those two characters on Sesame Street.”

  “The names sort of fit. Bert’s a little taller and Ernie’s on the chunky side.”

  “Faith must have watched the show,” Aunt Jo said.

  “Didn’t we all.” Mandy glanced fondly at Zane. “But it’s hard to imagine Faith sitting in front of a TV. Aunt Kendra, didn’t you say she lived in the bunkhouse with the cowhands when she was a kid?”

  “Yes, and she loved it. Unfortunately, when she went to school she couldn’t relate to the girls but the boys didn’t accept her, either.”

  Cody’s chest grew tight. Poor Faith, not fitting into either world. He couldn’t get that kiss out of his mind, either. He’d been into it until he’d realized she was holding her breath and might pass out on him.

  “I would love to do something about her wardrobe,” Mandy said. “I think she has a good figure under those baggy clothes, but I’m not going to say a word and risk embarrassing her.”

  “Yeah, I wouldn’t,” Aunt Jo said. “She might be perfectly happy with the way things are. We shouldn’t assume that everyone wants what we do.”

  Cody would have liked to agree with that statement, but he couldn’t. Faith wasn’t perfectly happy with the status quo. She knew there was something more and she wanted at least a taste of what she’d missed out on.

  She wasn’t looking to change herself or her life. She just wanted to experience one aspect of womanhood that intrigued her. He understood where she was coming from, but he wished like hell that she’d asked someone else to give her that experience.

  Later, as everyone stood out in the yard saying their goodbyes, Zane took him aside. “What’s up, bro?”

  He pretended ignorance. “What do you mean?”

  “She put a new starter in her truck last month. I remember that distinctly because it was cold as hell and she did it over by the barn so she could plug in a little space heater while she worked.”

  “Hm.”

  “Also, your voice sounded funny when you said it was the starter, like it does when you’re stretching the truth.”

  Cody blew out a breath. “I can’t talk about it.”

  “All right. I respect that. I will admit that if she loans you Bert, that would be a great solution to your horse problem.”

  “I know.”

  “Gonna take her up on it?”

  “Not sure.”

  “Because there’s a catch?”

  Cody gazed at him without speaking.

  Zane nodded. “There’s a catch. Like they say, there’s no such thing as a free horse.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.”

  “Just wanted you to know if you get in a snarl, I’m right here.”

  Some of the weight lifted off his shoulders. “Good to know.” Despite not being able to talk it out with Zane, he liked having his big brother nearby in case there was fallout.

  After everyone left, he helped his mom stack the dessert plates in the dishwasher and wipe down the counters. “Thanks for inviting them over.” He squeezed out the dishrag. “It was great catching up.”

  “I could tell. You were really into the conversation at dinner.” She put soap in the dishwasher and switched it on.

  “Zane and Mandy look so happy. Aunt Jo, too. To think she almost moved to New York City with Mandy.”

  “I know.” His mom leaned against the counter. “All’s well that ends well.” She gestured toward her cast. “Even this has some advantages. If I hadn’t broken my leg, we wouldn’t have hired Faith.”

  “I’ve been thinking about that. What happens when you’re back to work leading trail rides and working down at the barn?”

  “Are you afraid that we’ll let her go?”

  “You won’t need her like you do now.”

  His mom smiled. “Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to keep her on. For one thing, she’s an excellent riding teacher. We could offer more lessons and that alone might be enough to pay her salary.”

  “Good.” After seeing that tidy place Faith was so proud of, he didn’t want to think of her being suddenly out of work by next fall and potentially having money problems. She could probably find something else, but she loved it here. She fit in.

  “You like her, don’t you?”

  “Sure. Who wouldn’t?”

  “She must like you, too, if she’d trust you with her horse.”

  “Which is kind of amazing since she doesn’t really know me.”

  “Yes, she does. You know how moms are. I talk about my boys all the time.”

  “Yeah, but you’re prejudiced.” Then he remembered something Faith had said. “Did you tell her I was a little bit spoiled?”

  She looked amused. “I might have.”

  “Am I?”

  “Not much.” She came over and gave him a hug. “And if you are, it’s all my fault. You were my last baby, and I treasured you.”

  “Because of your folks.” She’d confessed one time when they were on the porch having a beer that she’d gotten pregnant soon after her parents died in a car accident. She’d wanted something joyful to think about.

  “I won’t deny that having you helped me through that, but I treasured you for your own self, too. You were an adorable baby. You had the chubbiest cheeks.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Mom.”

  “It’s true! Maybe next time we have people over I’ll get out the photo albums and prove it to you. There’s one of you on a furry rug—”

  “Exactly which cheeks are we talking about?”

  “Both sets, actually. I really should drag out some old pictures.”

  “Please don’t.”

  “We’ll see.” She gave him a mischievous smile that guaranteed those albums would be coming out. “Anyway, I think the next time we all get together I should invite Faith and her dad. What did you say his name was?”

  “Jim, but—”

  “Jim, right. I should have thought of this sooner. He’s new in town and probably doesn’t know many people. I’ll try to organize another dinner before you leave.”

  “Um, okay.”

  “You don’t sound very enthusiastic. Is there something about Jim you’re not telling me?”

  “No, no! He seems really nice.” What a trap. He didn’t know if he’d end up going along with Faith’s request or not, but either way he wouldn’t want to socialize with her father, for
God’s sake. But he had only himself to blame. He’d been the genius who’d mentioned Jim when they were all on the porch. “Inviting him over is a great idea.”

  “Then I’ll do it.” She smothered a yawn. “I’m ready to turn in. How about you?”

  “You know what? I’ve missed sitting on the porch. I’m gonna grab a beer and go back out there for a while.”

  “Sounds nice. If I weren’t exhausted I’d join you.” Her gaze was warm. “It’s good having you home, son.”

  “It’s good to be here. Sleep tight.” He watched her hobble out of the kitchen. Mostly she wore sweats because they accommodated her cast, but tonight she’d put on the jeans Mandy had created for her. They had rhinestone-studded zippers up both sides and more rhinestones on the back pockets. “You were stylin’ tonight, Mom!” he called after her.

  “Don’t you know it, sonny boy!”

  Laughing, Cody snagged a brewsky from the refrigerator and walked back out to the front porch. At twenty, he’d felt the need to leave the ranch and find a job miles away where no one knew the McGavin brothers. Not that he was ashamed of his family. He loved them all dearly.

  But he’d objected to constantly being lumped in with the other four boys. Maybe it was human nature to compare five brothers who looked so much alike. He’d become sick of it.

  He wasn’t sick of it anymore. He liked that Zane was paying attention and had his back. Ryker would be home in August and he couldn’t wait to see the guy. Bryce and Trevor were down in Texas wrangling cattle for some bigwig, but they’d be back eventually and Cody would like to be on hand when they returned.

  He had an excellent job at the Triangle V, though, with good benefits and an understanding boss. Not every employer would have given him the summer off to go gallivanting around the countryside taking videos. He’d promised to do a few video presentations when he went back in September. His boss thought the adventures of a traveling cowboy might be a nice extra to offer guests.

  But he wasn’t out here to think about his family or his job. If he didn’t make a decision about Faith before he hit the sack, he’d toss and turn all night. Leaning back in his chair, he sipped his beer.

  He wished now he hadn’t kissed her. But she’d looked up at him with those big green eyes and he hadn’t been able to think of a graceful way out of doing it. Oh, hell, he might as well admit that he’d wanted to.

  The open door had given him just enough light to make out her delicate features and the freckles splashed across her cute little nose. Her mouth, pale pink and perfectly shaped, had drawn him closer. At the time, he’d told himself it was only curiosity prodding him to kiss her, but tonight he had to be brutally honest. He’d looked at her and his body had reacted.

  And there it was, the naked truth. He’d had time to think about having sex with Faith and it no longer sounded like the worst idea in the world. Mandy had said tonight she thought Faith had a good figure under those baggy clothes. Damn it all, now he wanted to find out.

  Then he had to laugh at himself. He’d planned this trip hoping to explore uncharted territory. Faith was uncharted territory. That concept drew him, too, along with the obvious tug of his libido.

  He finished his beer and put the bottle next to his feet. Crickets chirped in the bushes behind the house and somewhere nearby an owl hooted. Despite its name, Wild Creek Ranch provided an atmosphere of calm, of peace. If he agreed to become sexually involved with Faith, a woman with no experience and an employee besides, he could jeopardize that.

  Faith might think no one would ever find out, but eventually they would. His mom and her dad might not be so pleased with his actions. Although he wouldn’t be around much because of his job, he’d come home periodically and Faith would be here. Or not. If the secret came out, she might be too embarrassed to stay.

  She would be disappointed when he told her no and he hated that. He’d do his best to explain the reasons so she wouldn’t get her feelings hurt. He’d emphasize that his decision wasn’t because he didn’t want her. Now that she’d put the thought in his mind, he’d probably spend the rest of his visit in a state of semi-arousal.

  He was already battling that problem. Her mouth had been so soft, so willing. He’d fought the urge to thrust his tongue inside. If he hadn’t figured out she was holding her breath, he might have done it. He still wanted to, and now she understood that she was supposed to breathe…

  Okay, enough. He would carefully explain why he wasn’t going to do as she’d asked. He’d made his decision.

  * * *

  Cody timed his arrival at Faith’s house for exactly seven, although he’d bet she’d been ready long before that. He had.

  The minute he drove up, she hurried out the front door dressed in her usual ensemble—old boots, baggy jeans and a loose plaid shirt. Her hat was pulled down over her eyes. That was a good thing. Those eyes were more powerful than he’d originally given them credit for.

  He tried to make it around to the passenger door before she did, but he failed.

  “Thanks anyway.” She gave him that gap-toothed smile as she closed the door and buckled her seat belt. She was nervous, though. Her cheeks were much pinker than normal, which made her freckles fade a little.

  He liked those freckles. Did she have them on any other part of her body? Then he swore under his breath as he rounded the truck and got behind the wheel. That kind of thinking would get him in big trouble and he would cut it out now.

  Closing his door, he reached for the seat belt. Something was different about her but it took him a few seconds to figure out what it was. She smelled wonderful. His hand on the ignition, he glanced over at her. “What’s that perfume?”

  “Do you like it?”

  “I do. What’s it called?”

  “It’s not perfume.”

  “That’s the name of it?”

  “No, that’s my answer. It’s not perfume. It’s vanilla.”

  “Oh.” He breathed it in. Then he leaned closer to get another whiff. Whoops. Shouldn’t be doing that. He immediately backed off and cleared his throat. “You mean like vanilla scented body lotion?”

  “No, I mean vanilla, like you use when you’re baking cookies.” She nudged back her hat and looked at him. “I dabbed it on in a few places.”

  He gazed into those big green eyes and was done for. He’d never be able to find the words to tell her that he couldn’t be her lover. He’d dare any decent man with a soft heart to say such a hurtful thing to her. She had no clue how to seduce him, but she’d hoped that a few dabs of vanilla might do the trick. It did.

  Chapter Four

  Judging from Cody’s expression, he liked the vanilla. Faith congratulated herself on having the foresight to ask her father that important question. “So have you decided whether you’re willing to deflower me?”

  “That word grates on my nerves like sandpaper.” He turned the key and started his truck.

  “It’s in a lot of my books. What sounds better? Unvirgin me?” She noticed his jaw muscles tightening and decided maybe she should shut up before she ruined the effect of the vanilla.

  “In an ideal world, when a woman chooses to be with a man for the first time, she’s gifting him with her virginity.” He drove away from her house.

  “You think of my virginity as a gift to you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does that mean you’re willing to do it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Woo-hoo! Awesome possum!” She lifted both arms and did a little lap dance on the passenger seat because she couldn’t help herself. The vanilla had been the key to unlocking his heart, or more accurately, removing his pants. Eventually. “Can we do it tonight?”

  “Uh…tonight?”

  “You betcha! The clock is ticking.” And the sooner they got through the first experience, the less time she’d have to endure the jitters. Celebrating her victory was the easy part. Doing the actual deed would take courage, but she was determined. She’d never have a better setup or a m
ore beautiful man.

  “Do you have a plan? Because the ranch house is out since my mom’s there and you’re living with your dad.”

  “Of course I have a plan. Like I said, I’ve been thinking about this for two months.”

  “You did say that.”

  She settled back in the seat, although her adrenaline level was off the charts and she had the pulse rate to prove it. “Are you taking Bert on your trip?”

  “Probably, although it feels weird to be taking a horse in exchange for…for…”

  “A deflowering. See, there’s no good word for it in our modern language. In the books the hero sometimes refers to the woman’s feminine parts as being like the petals of a flower, so I think deflowering works. I like it.”

  “I don’t. It sounds destructive, almost violent.”

  “Not to me, but we’re getting off track. You wanted to know my plan.”

  He nodded. “I do, especially if you have visions of starting tonight.”

  “I want to. You may not believe this, but I’m a wee bit nervous.”

  “I’d be worried if you weren’t.”

  She glanced at him. “Are you nervous?”

  “Of course I’m nervous! So much could go wrong.”

  “But it won’t, because I’ve figured out all the details. If you’re going to take Bert on your trip, then you need to become acquainted with him. You said that yourself.”

  “Absolutely.” He slowed down as they drove through town. “I’m sure he’s a great horse since you’ve trained him, but he might take a dislike to me for some reason.”

  “He won’t. Bert likes everybody. But getting to know Bert is how you and I will arrange our rendezvous every evening. After I’m finished with my work at the ranch, you’ll follow me home so we can take a ride into the country. Our property borders on state rangeland. Nobody but us and the cows.”

  “You want to do it outside?” He seemed startled by that idea.

  “It sounds wonderful in the books. You’ve never done it outside?”

  He shrugged. “A couple of times when I was a teenager. I’m warning you that the ground’s not as comfortable and it’s not like we can haul an innerspring mattress along on our evening rides.”