Page 5 of Cowboy Bodyguard
“I’m both right now. Being a stewardess pays the rent, but writing is my passion. I’ve been published a couple of times. I eventually want to write all the time. Making a living at it is difficult, though.”
He nods like he understands, then says, “Yep, I know what you mean. I’ve had several jobs at once in order to pay my way. I still take assignments to keep this place in the black. However, the day will come when that ends. At least, I hope it does.”
“When can you take me to these places?” I ask because I want to spend time with him.
“You need rest, so tomorrow we can explore close to the house. You’ll need to learn to ride a horse before we go too far,” he announces with a smug smile.
“I can ride a damn horse,” I angrily spout, although I’ve never been on one. “And, I’m past the point of exhaustion and into my second wind, so let’s start today.”
“If you say so, pretty lady. I was going to check the fences in the nearest pasture for broken places anyway. I suppose you can come along. Just don’t blame me if that sexy ass hurts after being in the saddle, unless you want me to rub it, and take the pain away.” He says with a laugh.
I imagine his big hands on my ass, and I heat up inside. Moisture fills my thong. Dear lord, this is getting heavy fast. I glance at Jack’s crotch, and he’s still as hard a steel rod beneath those skintight jeans.
***
I’m terrified of the big horse. It snorts, and shakes it’s big head up and down. I start to back away, and want to say I’ve changed my mind. Then, a dog runs between the horse’s feet. I’m shocked to see it doesn’t upset the huge beast at all. The dog stops at the horse’s head, and their noses meet in greeting.
My fear evaporates. If the horse is that gentle with a dog, then he won’t hurt me either. I rub his head, and say, “Hey, big fellow. You’ll play nice for me, right?”
Jack snorts, and admonishes, “That’s a mare. You know, a girl. Blaze is the gentlest horse I’ve got. She knows how to take care of the rider, so you’ll be fine. All you have to do is hang on to the saddle horn, and she’ll follow my horse. The dog’s name is Remmy.”
“I told you, I know how to ride.”
“You said it, but I know it’s a lie. I’m an ex-military man, a decorated ranger, and a U.S Marshall. I can see lies a mile away, so stop trying to fool me. Just stay sexy, and forget the bravado. We’ll get along fine,” Jack declares.
Ignoring my protests, he places his hands on my waist, and lifts me into the saddle. My chest brushes his as I rise into the air, and flames seem to cover my body. When I look down at Jack, his eyes are no longer gray. They are almost black, and burning with desire. He abruptly removes his hands, and jumps onto his horse without using the stirrups.
I decide not to argue, or address his sarcastic remarks. He’s right, Blaze follows him without me doing a thing. Remmy runs ahead of us, sniffing the ground. Once I get used to the horse’s gait, I relax and look around me. Wide open spaces, blue skies, mountains in the distance, and the sound of a stream that I can see bring me joy. I love it here. Maybe, too much.
We stop at a fence, and even I can see that it requires some repairs. Jack gets off his horse, which is far larger than my own, and is all black except for a white streak down its face. I vaguely remember him calling it Thunder. It fits.
Jack reaches up for me, but I pull back. “I’ll wait up here,” I mumble.
“I have to get the post back in the ground deep enough to hold until it can be replaced. It’ll get done before nightfall, but I don’t want to chance a cow running off. I could use your help. You’ve got the spare set of hands to hold the post up while I bury the bottom of it.”
What he says sounds reasonable, so I let him take me to the ground. I slide down his chest, and our thighs are still touching when I let out a scream. He hears the rattle, too. He smoothly whips a gun out of his waistband, and shoots the snake that’s only a foot away, and ready to strike.
I must still be screaming, because Jack wraps me in his arms, and holds me close to his strong, warm body. He soothes me, “It’s okay, baby. It’s dead. It can’t hurt you anymore. I swear, you’re safe with me. I’ll protect you with my own life.”
Snakes are one of my worst fears, yet I feel secure in Jack’s arms. In fact, I melt against him, and forget the snake ever threatened me.
Chapter 7~Jack
A week is gone, and I’m in a tailspin over Lizzie. Ever since she melted against me because of the snake, I can’t think of anything I want more than to have her naked body under mine. I’m like a horny teenager these days.
Lizzie is learning quickly. She rides Blaze all the time now. She’s made friends with Remmy. In fact, he appears more attached to her than me, the little traitor. Lizzie helps me out on the ranch, too. She brushes the horses, and cooks us supper. She even feeds the chickens, though I laughed so hard the first time a rooster chased her she didn’t talk to me for hours. I like having her around. Maybe, too much.
At breakfast, I tell her, “We’re going on a long ride today. Wear your softest jeans so your legs don’t get rubbed raw, and long sleeves to keep from getting sunburned. Are mom’s old boots working okay for you?”
“They’re a perfect fit, and worn in just right. I feel much better knowing they’re between me and a snake bite. Where are we going?” she asks, sipping her morning coffee. She eats little, but has to have her coffee, I’ve learned.
“We’re herding cows, sweet thing. We’re going on a small version of a trail ride. There are a few cows in a meadow where they don’t belong, and I need to bring them back. Normally, I’d send some of the ranch hands, but I figured that you’d enjoy it, and with Remmy’s help we can get it done without interrupting the men’s duties. Are you up for it?” I tease.
“I can’t wait!” She excitedly replies.
***
So far, Lizzie’s keeping up with me. She’s laughing as she races her horse over the field, and uses her hat to urge the calf back to the group of cows we’ve herded to the gate. Damn, she’s adorable, and so hot I stay hard all the time.