Hell Yeah!: Cowboy Kinky (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Kinky Chronicles Book 4) Page 4

  “How do you know my brother?”

  Isaac scratched his jaw. “Might be best if you ask him yourself.”

  Ford appeared equally mystified by Isaac’s response, but he didn’t ask for an elaboration. Kind of disappointing, since she was in a nosy mood and all. She totally blamed it on the lingering glow from the wine.

  The arrival of the pastor put an instant damper on all further conversation. He corralled the wedding party and lined everyone up in their proper positions. She took the opportunity to cop a squat in one of the pews. Not because of the wine. Okay, maybe a little because of the wine. Mental note: never slam an entire glass in a single swallow again.

  She watched Mary and Jason take their places in front of the altar. A sappy and tipsy happiness spread through her pores as the pair joined hands. It wasn’t the real deal yet, but close enough. For sure she’d go through an entire package of tissues tomorrow, and likely resemble a raccoon with her smudged mascara. Shifting her focus to the other side of Jason, she locked gazes with Ford. He didn’t appear to be paying the slightest attention to what was going on up there. How could he when he was freakin’ staring at her the whole time? Jeez Louise, where was a damn firehose when you needed one? The devil was burning her alive with his bedroom eyes.

  Leaning forward, she snatched a leaflet from the bible rack and briskly fanned her face. Judging from Ford’s smirk, the son of a bitch knew he was the cause for the unfortunate overheating of her system.

  Four days. How in the world would she survive him? Working with him on a daily basis was tough enough. She’d never slept under the same roof with him. What if he walked around in the buff the whole time? The man possessed zero shame or modesty. Hell, if she hadn’t seen his PJs with her own eyes, she wouldn’t have believed he possessed clothes to sleep in, period. And she wouldn’t put it past the bastard to pull out all the stops in his bid to defeat her resistance to his seduction. That was all but guaranteed.

  She should have brought some damn chastity panties along with her, and thrown away the key, just to be on the safe side.

  The pastor ran through the rehearsal again before deeming everything as set as could be for Jason’s and Mary’s big day. Ford jogged down the steps toward Kait, his expression more determined than ever. She was grateful for the dinner ahead of them, and prayed it’d give her ample time to get her shit together. And for the love of God, no more wine. She couldn’t afford to get any tipsier and let down her guard. Because next thing she knew, her undies would be dropping right along with it—something she needed to avoid at all costs.

  Mary reached her before Ford did and she wrapped her in a one-armed hug. “I forgot to ask if you got checked in okay at the hotel.”

  Ford’s sheepish expression verified that he’d caught Mary’s question. Clearing his throat, he rerouted his course and joined Jason and Isaac.

  Shaking her head, she returned her attention to Mary. “Not exactly.”

  “Uh oh. What happened?”

  She quickly filled her friend in on the switcheroo Ford pulled. Rather than commiserating with her as expected, Mary grinned. “So he wants to spend time with you, huh?”

  “You can get that matchmaking gleam out of your eyes. We both know there’s nothing romantic between me and Ford.”

  “Oh?” A mischievous twinkle lit Mary’s gaze. “You might want to tell him that, because he’s barely taken his eyes off you in the last forty minutes.”

  Damn. She’d hoped no one else noticed. “It’s only because he’s horny. And has set his sights on me, for some strange, nefarious reason, I’m sure.”

  “It’s a well-documented fact that weddings are the perfect opportunity for a hot hookup.”

  She glared at her friend. “Whose side are you on?”

  “Both of yours. Which is why I fully endorse any sexy shenanigans the two of you might get up to while you’re here.”

  “How can you even suggest that?” Kait demanded, scandalized. “He’s my boss and the world’s biggest player. For God’s sake, the man has had sex on a horse. Possibly with a midget.” She made sure to whisper that part. She felt guilty enough talking about sex in a church. No need to make the lightning bolt target on her back any bigger than it already was.

  “Don’t pretend like that doesn’t intrigue you.”

  “What? It totally doesn’t.” She gusted a frustrated breath when Mary arched an eyebrow. “There are lots of things that intrigue me. Doesn’t mean I want—or should—do them. It’s called being a responsible adult.”

  “Yes, and you’re very good at it. Sometimes too much so.” Mary squeezed Kait’s shoulder. “It’s okay to be crazy and stupid once in a while. That’s called living your life to the fullest. If I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone and asked Jason out the first time, he and I probably wouldn’t even be getting married tomorrow.”

  “That’s entirely different. You and Jason were clearly meant to be together.”

  “Maybe you and Ford are too.”

  She gaped at Mary. “Uh, have you been drinking?”

  “Yes. I’ve been chugging the holy elixir of life, happiness, love, and fabulous sex.” Mary winked. “I think it’s past time you took a hefty swallow.”

  Ford chose that moment to join them. Judging from his wicked smile, he’d overheard at least part of their conversation. “What’s this about swallowing?”

  She gave Mary a telling look. “I rest my case.”

  Her friend sighed. “Remember—what happens in Texas stays in Texas. Live a little and regret nothing.”

  If only that were true. But if she slept with Ford it’s not like the magnitude of that decision wouldn’t follow her home. It’d be a constant presence between them. Awkward enough having to deal with her inappropriate fantasies about him. At least he didn’t know anything about those. Sex had a nasty habit of changing everything. And that was without factoring in the additional complication of her potential bed partner being her boss. God, she could just see it. Instead of fielding desperate texts from one of his countless bimbos for him, she’d be faced with performing the task for herself. Sorry, Kait. Ford can’t talk right now. He’s currently busy ignoring your calls and likely in the middle of a blowjob from Miss. Friday. He’ll get back to you ASAP. Or not. Yeah, pretty much don’t count on it. Sincerely, Me.

  Ugh.

  The second Mary turned to say something to Jason, Ford scooted next to Kait’s side and ducked his head to whisper near her ear. “Don’t know about you, but all this talk of swallowing has me ravenous. What do ya say we skip the dinner and go back to the cabin?”

  “I thought you said you’re hungry.”

  “Not for food.”

  Damn. She stepped right into that one. “No, we’re not missing the dinner. And you’re going to act like a normal person who knows how to behave.”

  “Darlin’, think you’ve got me confused with someone else.”

  Doing her damn best to ignore his lusty chuckle, she nudged him toward the exit.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  He’d nearly forgotten the damn near orgasmic perfection of a Texas steak. Pushing his plate aside with a satisfied groan, he patted his belly and glanced at Kait, who appeared to be suffering the effects of her own food coma.

  She wedged her napkin beneath the edge of her dish. “I need to jog around the block a thousand times to stir up some energy now.”

  “I can think up some better ways to burn off a few calories.” He grunted at her narrow look. “I was good an entire hour. Holding the wickedness in was starting to burn.”

  “With anyone else I’d say it was indigestion. But with you I’m sure it was the devil trying to escape your body. Even he can only take so much of you.”

  “True that. Though I don’t think you’d have much problem taking me.”

  Judging from the rosy hue of her cheeks, she’d deciphered his innuendo with no problem. Clearing her throat, she pushed up from her seat and excused herself before bee-lining toward the restrooms, le
aving him to his lonesome. He only had a couple minutes to contend with that outcome before Jason dropped into the empty seat on the other side of him. Ford tipped his beer bottle toward his best friend, offering a salute. “Ready for the shackle affixin’ tomorrow?”

  “Hell, yeah. Been ready the last eight years for that woman to make an honest man outta me.”

  He grinned at his buddy’s earnest avowal. Truthfully, even though marriage wasn’t on his personal bucket list, he could see why Jason was anxious to settle down. Mary was a sweet girl. Again, not something he personally tended to be drawn to. Now, make the woman a tall, voluptuous raven-haired temptress with a razor tongue and he’d be putty at her feet. Pulling his thoughts from Kait, he sat his beer down. “I’m happy for you both. Couldn’t happen to a better man.”

  It was the God’s honest truth. When he’d been going through his rough patch after moving out of the Beckett homestead, he’d found a much-needed friend and support system in Jason. Oh, he’d still remained close with his brothers and Nora, but they hadn’t understood his need to fly the coop and distance himself from the never-ending expectations of the old man. Jason had been a neutral third party who had no horse in that particular race. And when Ford pulled up his stakes for California and eventually got into the adult film industry, Jason hadn’t judged. Unlike some folks, who undoubtedly still held his choices against him to this day.

  Refusing to dwell on his past or his dad, Ford reached for his beer and took a hefty swig. After this one he’d have to go easy. Still had the drive home. And some seducing to do. Recalling the recipient of that seduction, he frowned and peered toward the rear of the restaurant. What was she doing? Homesteading the john?

  “So when are you intending to get fit for the shackle?”

  He veered his focus back to Jason so fast it was a damn miracle he didn’t get whiplash. “The day after never.”

  “Famous last words.” Jason’s expression turned cagey. “Mary and I are taking bets on who’s going to make the move first. You or Kait.”

  “Yeah? And who’d you pick?”

  “Kait.”

  “Hell, hope you didn’t lay down too much money.” Tossing Jason a scowl, he stacked his arms over his chest. “Can’t even believe you didn’t bet on me. It’s like I don’t even know ya anymore. And for your information, I did the kissing first. Two fucking months ago, so there you go.”

  Jason tipped his head back and laughed. Ford narrowed his eyes. “Don’t believe me, you can ask Kait yourself.”

  “I’m sure that’d be an interestin’ conversation,” Jason countered, the humor still doing a boot scootin' boogie in his tone. “But the bet wasn’t about kissin’.”

  “What do you mean? You said the first one of us to make a move. Kissin’ clearly qualifies.”

  Jason shook his head. “If you’d been paying attention, you’d recall that I specifically asked when you’d be gettin’ shackled.”

  Replaying his friend’s words, Ford grimaced. “Jesus Christ, that’s what you’re putting money on? Which of us would pop the question first? You’re both gonna lose that fool’s bet.”

  “I’ll say it again. Famous last words.”

  Like hell. There’d be no ball and chain in his future. His only intentions where Kait was concerned was getting her naked and giving her as many orgasms as she could take before passing out. Maybe they’d cuddle afterwards. Usually he wasn’t so much into that, mostly because the woman tended to see it as a prelude to spending the rest of her life in his bed, and he didn’t want to fill her with false hope. But he could strangely see himself doing it with Kait. Cuddling, that is. Not spending the rest of their lives in the same bed together.

  Although, now he thought about it, maybe having a semi-permanent arrangement wouldn’t be a terrible thing. No hard commitment, because that was plain crazy talk. But realistically, he might not burn her out of his system in one shot. Possibly it’d even take more than a week. Best to have a backup plan, just in case.

  Isaac joined them. “Me and the missus are gonna scoot on out. She’s gotta hit that book deadline and I’m gonna lend a hand with some of her research.” According to his expression, he evidently looked forward to whatever that research entailed. “Mosey on over to Hardbodies after everything’s wrapped up here. I’ll put word in at the bar to expect y’all. First round’s on the house.”

  “Mighty generous of ya,” Jason accepted with a nod.

  Ford offered his own thanks as he snuffed a groan. Damn. And here he’d been hoping to finally get to work on his seduction of Kait. Still, he was the best man and he’d look like a rude ass if he didn’t go. Besides, Kait would probably enjoy getting to spend more time with Mary. But as soon as the newlyweds took off on their honeymoon? Kait would be his. Shit, he had the necessary supplies to cuff or tie her to the bed for the next few days. No problem there.

  As if his determined musing had summoned her, Kait returned to the table. He raised his eyebrows. “Was about to send a search posse after you.”

  Rolling her eyes, she dropped her purse on the edge of the table just as Mary appeared and wrapped her fiancé’s middle in a tight squeeze. “Did Isaac let you know that we’re all invited over to Hardbodies?”

  Kait frowned. “Hardbodies?”

  “It’s the cowboy and biker bar Isaac owns,” Mary explained. “It’s just down the street. I think we should walk. Especially after that meal. Woo boy.” She rubbed her belly.

  Kait appeared distinctly relieved at the news of them not calling it a night. Like she was out of the danger zone, silly woman. Ford slipped his hand to the small of her back, stalling her for a second as the others journeyed toward the front of the restaurant. “You’re probably disappointed, being deprived of my hard body for another hour.”

  “Seriously, we’re going to have to look into medication for these delusions of yours.”

  Grinning, he escorted her outside. They eventually caught up with the others and made it to the bar in under five minutes. Holding the door for Kait, he waited for her to venture inside before stepping in behind her.

  The joint was already hopping and rowdy at just a few minutes past seven PM. An interesting mix of characters occupied the long bar and the small dance floor set before the stage, where a live band was entertaining the crowd with their cover of a Toby Keith tune. There seemed to be an even divide between studded boots, and leather vests and chaps, and Stetsons and faded Wranglers. He felt right at home in his jeans and cowboy boots. Hell, he was half tempted to give the motorized bull in the corner a spin. Kait was taking the entire scene in with wide eyes and her mouth hanging open. He tickled her bare shoulder. “Might want to close your lips. Some of us could interpret that as an invitation.”

  She wisely took his suggestion to heart. “I’ve never seen so many cowboys in one place. Or any place, come to think of it.”

  “Sugar, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’ve got a hankerin’ for cowboys.” Duly noted.

  She flushed. “Don’t be ridiculous. Plaid and tight jeans do absolutely nothing for me.”

  “Uh huh.” Note to self: wear plaid and tight jeans from here on out. Keeping his hand tucked in plain sight on her hip, he led the way to the bar. Yeah, it was very much an intentional marking of his territory. Always best to let the competition know where they stood. Or more accurately, how quick their asses would connect with the floor if they tried anything funny.

  Mary and Jason had left an opening next to them and he steered Kait into the vacant spot. Taking up his post behind her, he tucked his thumb in her belt loop. She peered down at his hand before giving him a droll look. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

  “Wrong, darlin’. You most certainly do. And I fully intend to guard your delicious body all night long.”

  She gave him an exasperated look. “Were you like this with your other PAs?”

  “Nope.”

  “Puh-lease. I find that hard to believe.”

  It was the God’s honest truth
. He’d never been remotely tempted before Kait came along. And he sure as hell wouldn’t have risked a sexual harassment lawsuit. But he was throwing caution way into the wind with her. It was either make a move or continue torturing himself. He couldn’t very well share that with her though, so he lightened the mood with some much needed humor. “Well, Mike was a fucking stud. But seeing how I don’t swing that direction, he was safe from my lecherous ways.”

  “Lucky bastard.”

  Chuckling, he nuzzled the side of her face. “Aw, sugar. Admit it. This chemistry isn’t one-sided. You and I have been circling each other, sniffing the possibilities. You’re just as hungry for it as I am.”

  “You’re insane.”

  “Yeah? Maybe. But I’m not blind. And right now your pretty nipples are making it crystal clear that I’m not blowing smoke up my own ass.”

  She jerked her gaze down toward the stiffened buds currently owning his entire focus. He was a bonafide breast man, and those luscious mounds were making his fingers itch. More than anything, he longed to slide his hand up under her shirt and appease his curiosity of whether she’d forgone a bra or wore an incredibly thin one that allowed her nipples to stand at such enticing attention.

  Her shoulders slumping slightly, Kait raised her head. “Damn it.”

  It was a struggle not to grin. There wasn’t one damn thing about this woman that didn’t completely do it for him. Even her grumpiness was a massive turn on. Shit, she was likely right about him needing that medication. Only not for delusions, but getting his head on straight where she was concerned. He’d invest in a whole warehouse of the pills if it’d help him kick this fascination with her. “I don’t believe in beating around the bush, darlin’.” He stalled, replaying that statement in his mind. “Actually, strike that. I could definitely get behind beating around your bush. Specifically, slapping your pussy with my big ole cock before sinking inside you, nice and deep.”

  A shudder coursed through her. He’d lay bets it wasn’t out of distaste or fury over his admission. “Ford.”