Consent To The Cowboy Read online

  “Why are you so quiet? Did one of the men bother you?” Ana tossed the dirty rag in the suds bucket under the table. “I mean, more than usual.”

  “No, I’m fine.” She stepped closer to her friend. “Do you remember the guy from the bronc ride, Will Hanson?”

  “Hell yeah, how could I forget that luscious man candy? Just the vision of him with his thighs clenched over a saddle can fill a whole night of dreaming.” Ana laughed. “Why?”

  Daphne shrugged. “He asked me to meet him after work.” She turned and put the rest of the unused plastic cups back into the box.

  “Get outta town!” Ana stepped over to her side, grabbed her arm. “Spill. Now. Every damn detail.”

  “There’s nothing to tell you. He asked, I said no. He laughed and walked away.” She snorted. “You know what I think about the men in this town. They’re all wanna-be-cowboys still nursing off their momma’s tit.”

  “He’s from Columbia County, not buttfuck Egypt.” Ana leaned in and whispered, “Plus he’s richer than shit. I hear he’s got real freaking diamonds on his belt buckle.” She sniffed. “Not that I’ve got that close to inspect it, but trust me, girlfriend, I’d give the guy a blow job just to find out if the rumor had any speck of truth in it.”

  Daphne laughed. “You would.”

  Ana wagged her head and frowned. “You aren’t the least bit curious to know what he wants?”

  “I know what he wants. The same as any man around here wants. I’m not interested.” The lights flickered out and Daphne jumped. “Besides, money or not, he’s the same kind of man I swore never to get involved with. A lowlife cowboy, reaching for the golden purse at the end of the rodeo. He’ll use you, cheat on you and the next thing you know, you’re sitting at home crying and caring for a passel of kids. No thank you.”

  Ana sighed. “I know, hon. I’m sorry.” She picked up the cash box they used tonight and locked it up. “Will you do me a favor?”

  “Sure, hon.” Daphne grabbed her purse from behind one of the kegs where she kept it hidden.

  “Walk me out to my car. It makes me nervous walking out there in the dark with the cash.” Ana snickered. “It always starts to feel like a scene from Scary Movie.”

  “No problem. Where’d you park?” Daphne looped her arm around Ana’s elbow.

  “Behind the grandstand.”

  Daphne groaned. “Come on. Let’s get you tucked safe in your car, scaredy-cat.”

  “What would I do without you?” Ana smiled.

  “Fall for any sleazy hustler that wandered into the bar wearing cheap cologne and flashy belt buckles.” Daphne inhaled a big breath. “Wear that atrocious lavender dress Chum’s wife gave you. Have fifty percent less shoes in your closet. Work for Chum’s for minimum wage—”

  “Okay! Okay! I get it.” Ana laughed. “There’s my car.” She pointed. “Butt ugly isn’t it?”

  “Yeah, but it doesn’t matter. Some day you’ll drive around town in a pearly-white convertible with the top down, laughing about the first car you ever owned.” Daphne waited for Ana to set the cash box on the seat before dragging her friend in for a hug. “See ya tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Daph.” Ana sat down inside the car. “Hey, while you’re in the area, why not find that cowboy and just see what he wants? You never know, he might be the one who surprises you.”

  She shook her head and scrunched up her face. “Night, Ana. Sweet dreams.”

  Daphne stood next to the car, waved goodbye and smiled at the fun times they’d shared. They’d only known each other for nine months, but working beside each other every night had helped bond the unlikely pair. For how guarded and private Daphne kept herself, Ana must be her polar opposite with her spontaneous actions and carefree ways.

  With her purse hung over her shoulder, Daphne crossed her arms against the chill of the night and headed back in the direction of the rear parking lot where she’d parked her car. This side of the fairground became packed early, and she’d arrived too late to grab a spot.

  She picked up her pace. The memory of Ana’s Scary Movie comment sent chills down her back. Get a grip, Daph. You grew up in this town. Nothing happens outside of a bar fight and the local teenagers getting busted for weed.

  Headlights flashed in her eyes. She gasped and froze in place. Her hands covering the glare, she peered into the dark. Oh, shit.

  Chapter Three

  “It almost appeared as if you were going to walk right on by my truck.” A deep voice she recognized sent a different kind of shiver throughout her body.

  Will Hanson turned off his headlights, stepped out of his truck and slammed the door. Relief over finding it wasn’t a serial killer, but a sexier-than-anyone-should-be cowboy, infuriated her and she stomped her foot.

  “I was.” Great, why don’t I really try to show him how pathetic I am?

  “Why?” He stood beside her in front of his truck, his hands hooked in the front pockets of his jeans.

  “Does it really matter?” She crossed her arms. “Look, it’s cold out here, my feet are killing me, and I’m not up to playing your mind game. So, if you have something to say to me, or you want to ask me out on a date…go for it. I’m all ears.”

  “Another time, maybe.” He leaned in close enough she smelled peppermint on his breath. He must have popped a mint after consuming the beer earlier. Afraid to breathe in case he kissed her, she didn’t move.

  “Go home, go to sleep and dream away, sweetheart.” He backed away.

  He climbed into his truck, started the engine and sat in the driver’s seat, watching her continue to her car. Daphne sucked in a big breath and laid her hand on her chest. Her heart beat a mile a minute. He was going to kiss her, but he teased her instead.

  “Damn that man.” She stomped off, frustrated and intrigued despite her temper.

  “Your cowboy is here, again.” Ana sidled up beside Daphne in front of the bar. “Table seven.”

  Daphne picked up the tray of drinks, her hands shook and she set the order back down. Damn him. She’d thought he’d left town after the fair, and then, last night he showed up at Chum’s. Alone, he’d ordered a beer, asked how she’d been and left. Now he’s back again.

  With a steady breath, she picked the tray back up and headed across the room to deliver the drinks, keeping her gaze away from the corner table. She didn’t understand why he’d come. He hadn’t made a move on her at the fairgrounds and last night he’d hardly said two words.

  The smile she gave the patrons of the table shined overly bright with the new knowledge that Will watched from the back of the bar. “Need anything else, just let me know.”

  She stepped over a couple tables. “How you doing, Butch? Need another long-neck?”

  He held up his full bottle of beer and shook his head. Not able to ignore Will’s table any longer, she tucked the empty tray under her arm and headed over. Be cool…

  “What can I get you?” She stared at his chest, unwilling to face those green eyes. Any contact sent her stomach into a tailspin.

  “Look at me, sweetheart.” He issued a soft order but one that left her struggling for breath.

  Why did he order her to do things in such a way that she wanted to do anything he asked? She debated whether to deny him the pleasure but in the end, her body cried out for her to do what he asked. She raised her gaze, her lower lip trembled and she caught it between her teeth.

  “Aw, there’s your pretty face.” He lifted the corner of his mouth. His eyes narrowed in amusement. Lines crinkled at the corners and she melted. “I’ll start with a beer.”

  She moved her head in a tight nod to let him know she heard and turned to go get the drink.

  “Sweetheart?”

  She stopped, turned and raised her eyebrows.

  He leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “Do you work tomorrow?”

  She shook her head.

  “Good.” He leaned back. “What time do you get off tonight?”

  “Seven. I worked a
short shift.” She glanced down at her watch. Only thirty minutes remained and she’d have the next three days off.

  “You’ll meet me out at my truck?” He raised one eyebrow, challenging her to say no.

  No. “Yes.” She turned this time to escape the satisfied smile gracing his handsome face and to hide the evidence of her excitement. Oh sweet Pete, I’m caving.

  She didn’t stop at the bar to pick up his order. Instead, she pushed through the swinging doors into the back of the bar where she hid from the truth. Her body warmed and her insides trembled at the thought of what tonight meant to Will. Did he want to sleep with her? What if he ordered her to fuck him?

  The doors swung open and she jumped back. She blew out a breath. Ana must have watched the whole exchange between her and Will.

  “Well?”

  “I’m meeting him after work.” She grabbed Ana’s hands and squeezed. “What the hell did I agree to? I know nothing about him.”

  “Relax. Breathe in.” Ana imitated a Lamaze coach. “Out. Good. Go with the flow. Maybe he wants a few dates. He could also be looking for a wife. Who knows, but you’ll never cure your curiosity if he shows up all the time asking for a little time with you and you keep saying no.”

  She nodded. “You’re right. I can do this. It’s not as if I have to have a relationship with him. I’ll meet him, find out how horribly right I was, and that will be that. We’ll go our separate ways.”

  “Thatta girl!” Ana pushed her toward the doors. “Now, go serve drinks, and skip out of here five minutes early and tidy yourself up.”

  She swung back around. “Oh God, do I look terrible?”

  Ana laughed. “No, but a spritz here or there will disguise the beer and smoke scent. Although, sweetie, if anyone’s going to make that the scent of the year, it’ll be you.” She grinned. “Can you see women in New York trying to bottle that?”

  Daphne groaned and curled her lip. “I am a barmaid.”

  “Exactly!”

  They exited the back room together. Each woman headed to opposite sides of the bar to cover the tables under their watch. Daphne delivered Will’s beer and hustled to refill drinks for the other patrons. Nervous energy kicked her pace in gear and she finished her rounds before her shift ended.

  She used the employee bathroom to remove the barrette keeping her hair back off her face and brushed her hair. A wad of wet paper towels, clutched in her hand and ran over her body, freshened her up. She called it good after a couple squirts of perfume. That’d have to do. Without going home, taking a full shower and applying makeup, there really was only so much prepping a woman could do in the bar’s tiny bathroom.

  On the way out of the bar, she glanced over at Will’s table, but he’d already left. She waved at Ana and pushed her way out the front door. She stopped to scan for the green truck, spotted it and turned left to walk across the street to Will.

  Halfway across the street, Will stepped down from the truck and walked around to open the passenger door. He removed his cowboy hat without saying a word, buckled her seatbelt and shut the door. Never had a man taken control of her every move. She didn’t know whether to be appalled or delighted.

  Most men she’d dated had charmed, wheeled and dealed, and tried their best at applying every game plan they could think of to get her to sleep with them. She always knew what they sought and how she’d react to their obvious moves.

  Will left her confused and unsure, not knowing what he planned or where he wanted to go. Yet, her girly bits throbbed at the way she sat at his mercy.

  Will returned to the driver’s side of the truck, started the engine and drove down Main Street. He remained quiet, his gaze on the road. A secret thrill of mystery peaked Daphne’s nipples. Her brain whispered for her to wise up, pay attention and be on her toes to run.

  She gnawed at the sensitive skin on the inside of her cheek. The outside-city-limits sign flew past her window and she swallowed. What did she really know about him? Even Ana didn’t know where Will planned to take her tonight. What if he intended to fuck her, leave her or decided to dump her out in the backcountry for the coyotes to finish off? Sweet Jesus, I should never have agreed to meet him.

  Chapter Four

  Five miles out of town on a straight two-lane road, Daphne’s leg jumped uncontrollably against the seat of the truck. She clamped her lips tight in an attempt not to break the silence that enveloped the cab.

  Will exchanged no words with her the entire way, and she took the silence for the challenge he presented. She’d be damned if she caved in and let her curiosity over their destination leave her mouth.

  She questioned herself why it mattered who won the standoff. If it were any other man, she’d have put her foot down and demanded he take her back home…pronto. She didn’t enjoy someone having the upper hand and leaving her vulnerable.

  Out of her peripheral vision, she studied the way Will’s hands held on to the steering wheel. One hand lay limp over the top and the other controlled the wheel with the tips of his fingers, his elbow propped up in the open window. He didn’t appear nervous over their first time together, nor did he show any sign of being uncomfortable in the silence.

  “Where are we going?” Dammit! So much for self control, loser.

  She turned her head to look him full in the face. If she lost the battle of wills, she might as well find out if he’d show any defeat and answer her question.

  “To my house.”

  Okay. His house. Why didn’t that make her feel the tide had turned and she now controlled the situation?

  “This might seem like a silly question, but what exactly do you plan to do at your house? I mean, this is a little bizarre, no? I thought we’d go someplace and talk, get to know each other, that kind of thing…”

  She waited for him to confess to some great plan, but he stared at the road ahead of him, his hand still thrown over the steering wheel.

  Fine. She emitted a huge sigh, crossed her arms and turned to gaze out the side window.

  “I want to talk with you at my home.” He broke his string of silence.

  She turned back to him. “No shit, Sherlock. Tell me something I don’t know.”

  He turned his head. The corner of that gorgeous mouth of his lifted and the playfulness came out around his eyes. She grinned back at him. The hand he so leisurely laid on the steering wheel came across the seat and grasped her hand.

  His thumb strummed the back of her hand and a flood of heat rushed to her cheeks. Tingles spiraled inside her belly. His hand was so much bigger, rougher than her own, she marveled at the strength of such a simple body part.

  This is the kind of man I find attractive. She wasn’t turned on by the bumbling fool who tried to coax a woman with sweet-talk and showed his pathetic side. No, Will Hanson emitted power and control over every aspect of his life, whether he rode a bronc, sat alone in a bar or drove a lone road with a woman.

  Sick of men who burrowed into a routine of working a fly-by-night job, spending their nights at the bar and bitching about their old lady, Daphne wanted a man secure and in control of his life. A man stronger than her…like Will.

  Even her father had rode the same horse as the washed-up cowboys. He’d used her mom, pretended to care about family and left her when she needed him most. The day she’d put her mom in the ground all alone, she swore she’d never spend another second with a man who’d treat her the way her dad treated his wife.

  Will squeezed her hand and she smiled out the window. He had no idea what kind of woman he had asked out tonight.

  Am I just dreaming that he could be the one?

  Everything Will had done showed her so far he fit the bill. She fidgeted in her seat. What if he possessed the skills to dominate her? Could she go through with her fantasy of being his submissive woman? Did she want to set herself up for disappointment if he turned into a pansy-assed cowboy like the rest of the boys in town? She wasn’t sure if she could allow herself to trust someone that much. It put her in an a
wful vulnerable position.

  “Here we are.” Will slowed and turned down a gravel road.

  Grassland lined the narrow country road. The truck bounced over the rocks in a gentle sway and in the distance, she spied black and brown cows munching grass in the field. She turned left and right in search of a house.

  “It takes about ten minutes for my place to come into view. Once we drove off the asphalt, you entered Hanson land.” Will pulled her clutched hand over and kissed the back of her knuckles. “Sometime soon I’d love to take a day and show you the land. It’s beautiful, and I think you’d enjoy the scenery.”

  At the brush of his lips, heat traveled to her pussy and the muscles buried deep inside of her clenched. She crossed her legs. The added pressure on her clit from the seam on her jeans created more delicious spasms and filled her pelvic area with intoxicating pleasure. She closed her eyes, swallowed, wanting more but reluctant to set off on an orgasm inside the truck with Will. God, it would be so easy to ride this out…

  The truck engine shut off and Will’s door clicked shut. She flinched. Shocked that she’d lost herself in a simple touch and missed pulling up to his home.

  Will moved around the front of the truck. She pulled on the door handle. His hand came out to hold the door from opening wide enough for her to exit the truck. “Stop. From now on when you’re with me, you never open your own door.”

  She cocked a brow. “I think that died out about the time women burnt their bras and began to have sex out in the open.”

  “I’ll repeat it once more. Never open your own door when I’m with you.” He pulled the door open, held out his hand and helped her step down from the truck. He gazed into her eyes. “It’s a simple request, okay?”

  She stood in front of him, her face mere inches from his mouth. His hat shaded his face from the sun setting in the distance, but she recognized the seriousness etched into his brow.

  “Okay.”

  His lips curled up. He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “That’s my good girl.”