Six Degrees of Desperation (Dirty Tricks) Read online

  The cowboy reached out and steadied her, his hand going around her waist, warm and rough.

  With her mouth open to ask him if he was her lover, Charli didn’t get out the words before Sadie Watkins burst from the drugstore, waving a bag. “Mr. Sanders, you forgot your wife’s medication!”

  “Are you all right?” The tall, dark and married cowboy still held her elbow.

  Heat rose up Charli’s neck and into her cheeks as she thanked the heavens she hadn’t blurted out what had been poised on her lips. “I’m fine, just clumsy.” She stepped away, until his hand fell to his side. “Thanks.”

  The man tipped his hat and smiled at Sadie. “Thanks, miss. Julia would skin me alive if I came back empty handed.” He tipped his hat at Sadie, smiled at Charli and strode toward a very large pickup truck.

  Not until he got in and backed away from the curb did Charli gather her senses and dive into the drugstore. Sadie waved, a grin spreading across her face. “Mister Sanders has a way of making a girl’s knees weak, doesn’t he?” She sighed. “Why are all the good ones taken?”

  “I don’t know. But seems there are a bunch of them out on the streets today.”

  Sadie rolled her eyes. “Rodeo clowns all of them. A girl in every town, and probably the STD’s to go with them. What can I do for you? Your hair looks fabulous, by the way.”

  For the second time in as many minutes, Charli’s face flushed with heat. “Thanks, Sadie. I had a few things I needed to get.” She hurried toward the shelf full of condoms and tubes of lubricating jellies and stood for a long time, searching for those “things”. She wondered if her mystery cowboy had arrived early in Temptation to prepare for the rodeo. And why were there so many kinds of condoms, and which ones should she choose? The selection seemed endless.

  Sadie appeared at her side. “Crazy choices, aren’t there? I have troubles deciding as well. It really depends on what your man likes. Does he have a preference?”

  Having already spilled her guts to two of her friends about her sexual exploits, Charli couldn’t tell another soul. Sadie was nice enough, but if word got out to the town gossips, the news would be all over Temptation that Charli Sutton was a slut, sleeping with multiple partners. If that got to Connor before she had a chance to explain…Holy crap.

  “I’m getting these for a friend,” Charli lied.

  Sadie smiled, nodding, as if to say yeah, sure, that’s what they all say. “If you’re not certain, try these.” She plucked a box off the shelf. “They’re ribbed to give the woman a little more thrill, and they fit comfortably for the man of a larger size, if you know what I mean.” Sadie winked.

  “Thanks.” Charli snatched the box from Sadie’s hands. “I’m sure she’ll like it.”

  “Like them or not, at least you’ll be protected.”

  Charli started to reiterate that the condoms weren’t for her, but decided against it, figuring Sadie got that response a lot, and who cared? Charli was getting some after a long dry spell. She should consider that fact cause to celebrate.

  Sadie turned toward the checkout stand. “I can take you at register one whenever you’re ready. Take your time.”

  Charli selected a lubricating jelly and wandered into the makeup department for new eyeliner and eye shadow to go with her costume and mask for the Cowboy Masquerade Ball. At the counter, she laid out her selections.

  Sadie scanned the items without commenting on any of them.

  With a sigh, Charli relaxed. Everything would work out all right. As soon as she saw Connor tonight, she’d tell him about her sexual exploits and assure him that they were over. Not having heard from Original Sin in what was going on six days now, what were the chances he’d show up in her life tonight of all nights?

  Sadie slid her purchases into a plastic bag and handed back her credit card . “I’ll see you at the ball, tonight?”

  With a smile, Charli nodded. “I’m working it. Look for the harried saloon girl slinging drinks.”

  “Watch for me, I’m coming as Belle Starr. Even found a plastic Colt revolver and holster to wear with my dress.”

  “You’ll be beautiful, but you might get frisked at the door, especially if you’re packing.”

  Sadie grinned. “Oooh, you really think so? That would be fine with me as long as it’s not Greta Sue. Give me one of the hunks and I’m all for a little foreplay.” The clerk’s laughter followed Charli out the door.

  Her steps lighter, Charli hurried toward her car, ready to get home, take a nap and rinse off before she reported for bartending duty at the Ugly Stick this evening. They’d be open extra late with the festivities of the ball, so a little rest wouldn’t hurt. And if Connor stayed late as well…She hugged the bag of condoms and lubricant close.

  A brightly painted SUV stood in front of her little cottage with the words Sweet Temptation’s Florist painted in hot-pink scrolling letters.

  Charli pulled into her driveway and got out, tucking her bag of purchases close to her side.

  “Hey, Charli.” Bunny Leigh bounced out of the driver’s seat and waved. Then she rounded to the rear hatch, opened it and retrieved a large bouquet of yellow roses mixed with happy white daisies. “These are for you.”

  Charli stopped, her empty hand going to her chest. “For me? Who sent them?”

  “Don’t know. Whoever purchased them called in the order while I was in the back. The name might be on the card.” Bunny extended the bouquet. “Careful, they’re heavy. It’s one of my favorite bouquets, yet.”

  “It’s lovely.” Charli’s eyes filled with tears. She’d never received such a beautiful array of posies. “You’re really good, Bunny. Thanks.” Anxious to get inside and tear into the little yellow envelope sticking out of the middle of the arrangement, Charli hurried up the steps. She set the flowers on the porch and unlocked the door, scooping the flowers up into her arm and rushing inside.

  Once in the kitchen, she dropped the bag and the vase on the counter and ripped the envelope from the plastic holder. Inside was a single flat card with words written in bold print.

  Love you naked.

  Charli flipped over the card, searching for a signature, initials, anything that would indicate who had sent them. Panic made her turn over the card several more times until she gave up and told herself the sender had to be Connor. He was the last man to see her naked.

  “Hey, beautiful.” A deep rumbling voice sounded behind Charli.

  She spun, the hand clutching the card pressed against her chest. “Oh, Connor! You scared the crap out of me.”

  He smiled.

  His blue eyes melted Charli’s knees.

  “The front door was open, and when I knocked on the frame, no answer, so here I am.” He held out a bunch of pretty red roses. “These are for you.”

  Charli reached for them, the card still in her clenched fist, too many thoughts winging through her head to make sense. “Th-thank you.”

  Connor’s gaze moved past her to the flowers on the counter, a frown pulling his brows together. “Nice.” He glanced her way. “Should I be jealous?”

  Charli swallowed hard, the lump in her throat settling into her belly. “Uh, no. No, not at all.” She thought quickly. “I have a friend at the florist.” True, but not the whole truth, unless Bunny had swung the other way and loved her naked.

  “Oh, well. In that case…” Connor hooked her elbow and dragged her into his arms, crushing the flowers and the note card between them. “I’m on an errand in town and, since I didn’t get to give you a proper good morning kiss, I thought I’d stop by.”

  His lips descended over Charli’s, warm, sensuous and oh, so wonderful. She melted into his arms, losing herself in his embrace, heat building low in her belly, her pussy dampening as his tongue slid between her teeth and claimed hers.

  When he lifted his head, Connor gave a husky laugh. “I should have known a kiss wouldn’t be enough.” He set her away from his body and stared down at the bulge in his jeans. “You make me crazy.”
/>   Still clutching the flowers, Charli forced a laugh past her kiss-swollen lips. “Not nearly as much as you make me.”

  “I should go.” He held out his hand for hers.

  Charli reached for him with the hand still holding the card.

  “What’s this?” Connor touched the paper lodged between her fingers.

  Charli’s heartbeat fluttered against her ribs, and she jerked her hand behind her back. “Just a note to myself.” She fought to keep from freaking out. What if he demanded to see the note? Obviously, he hadn’t sent the flowers, leaving Original Sin as the mystery sender and penman of the Love you naked note.

  “Let me see.” Connor held out his hand.

  Her first instinct was to shove the note into her mouth and swallow it to keep Connor from discovering her secret. But sure as she tried, she’d choke on it, he’d have to save her, she’d be embarrassed and he’d see the note all nasty and damp anyway.

  Charli reached out with her empty hand and pulled Connor close. “I missed you, too.” She slipped her hand behind him, sliding it into his back jeans pocket, tugging him closer until the ridge of his fly dug into her belly. “Any chance your lunch break is long enough to take up where we left off?” She wiggled her hips, rubbing him suggestively.

  His fingers curled around her waist and he held her still. “Don’t, unless you mean it.”

  What had started as a ploy to distract his attention from the note had blown into full-fledged lust. Charli’s body burned so hot she feared her clothes would catch fire. Suddenly she couldn’t wait to get out of them and strip Connor naked. “I mean it. Can you tell me that you can wait until three or four o’clock in the morning to do this?” Charli stepped back, her fingers going to the buttons on her shirt, flicking them open one at a time. She led him toward her bedroom, her shirt falling to the floor.

  “I really should get back to work. I have a lot to do…” Connor’s voice faced off as Charli’s fingers closed around the rivet at the waistband of her jeans. “Then again…” He took one step forward.

  Charli’s smile broadened and she flipped free the rivet. “Fifteen minutes, that’s all I’m asking. Otherwise it’ll be the tiny hours of tomorrow morning before you see me like this again.”

  Connor’s gaze rested on Charli’s fingers as she slid down the zipper, exposing the black lace thong beneath. His Adam’s apple rose and fell as he swallowed hard. “I guess I could spare fifteen minutes.” He took another step, then another.

  “You have to catch me first.” Charli shimmied out of her jeans, turned and ran for the bedroom, excitement bubbling up in her veins, a giggle rising from her throat.

  “Game on,” Connor said behind her, a thud of a boot hitting the floor followed by another before socked feet pounded down the hallway after her.

  He caught her at the foot of her bed, lifted her in the air, kissed her soundly, and then tossed her on the mattress.

  Charli squealed as she landed then assumed what she hoped was a sexy pose, wearing nothing but the black thong and her best black lace bra. “Is that all you have, cowboy?”

  Fingers slipping the buttons free on his shirt, Connor stalked around the side of the bed. “There’s more…so much more.” He shed his shirt, letting it fall to the floor. In the next second, he was on the bed, lying beside her, kissing her, his tongue thrusting between her teeth, teasing hers, sliding along its length.

  It wasn’t enough. She wanted him inside her, thrusting his cock in the same motion as his tongue. Her blood pounded through her veins, her breath catching in her throat.

  His mouth left hers, traveling down the edge of her jaw, following the line of her throat, kissing and nipping at the sensitized skin until he found the puckered nipples pressing against the silken, lacey fabric of her bra. He bit through the lace, capturing a nipple below, rolling it between his teeth.

  Charli’s back arched off the mattress, a moan escaping past her vocal cords. “More. Please, more.”

  “For you…anything.” He pushed her bra over her breasts, then sucked a nipple deep into his mouth, pulling hard.

  Her feet digging into the mattress, Charli pressed upward, her hands capturing his head, holding him close as wave after wave of sensation washed over her.

  Connor’s other hand tweaked the tip of her other nipple, then slid across her ribs and downward.

  “Oh, Connor, hurry, before I come apart.” Charli’s fingers gripped his hair, urging him downward.

  He complied, leaving a trail of warm, wet kisses across her ribs and down to her panty line. His thumbs hooked the elastic and dragged the black lace over her mound and down her legs to her ankles.

  Impatient for more, Charli kicked off the panties, slinging them to a corner.

  A grin spread across Connor’s face and he crept up the middle of the bed between her legs, his hand sliding along the inside of her thigh to the center of her heat.

  Charli lifted her knees then let them fall to the side, exposing her wet core to Connor.

  He bent his head, leaving butterfly kisses on the insides of both knees and all the way up to her pussy.

  “Please, Connor, please,” Charli begged. “You’re teasing me.”

  “I thought you liked foreplay.” His tongue flicked out, swirling around her channel, delving in then back out.

  Charli gasped. “It’s highly overrated,” she said, her breath catching as her muscles clenched in response to his next attack on her vagina.

  “I think it’s well worth the effort.” He parted the hairs over her clit, then the folds and breathed out a warm stream of air.

  The sparks the air ignited made Charli buck beneath him. “Please, Connor, make me scream.”

  His chuckle added more warm air to her already heated pussy.

  “Nooowwww,” she cried out.

  “Patience, sweetheart.” He tongued her clit, laving her like a tasty morsel, licking and sucking the nubbin into his mouth.

  Charli’s fingers dug into Connor’s hair, her nails scraping against his scalp, the sensations rocketing through her, launching her into orgasm. She threw back her head and screamed, her body pulsing, each spasm racking over her until she fell back against the bed, completely limp.

  Chuckling, Connor crawled up her body, his bare chest pressing against her breasts, his jeans scraping against her thighs and hips.

  “Aren’t you overdressed?” Charli reached between them, her fingers finding the rivet at his waistline.

  His hand stopped her and he kissed the tip of her nose. “I can wait.” He kissed her lips. “I have to get back to work. I promised the boss I’d help out at the rodeo. Gabe’s bronc riding today.”

  Disappointment welled up. “Really? You’re leaving?” She wriggled against him. “Sure you don’t want to stay?”

  “Oh, I want to stay.” He kissed her soundly and rolled off the bed. “But I have to go.”

  Body still languid with afterglow, Charli slipped her bra in place, sat up and drew her knees up to her chin. “I’ll see you tonight?”

  He shoved his arms into his shirt, his boots on his feet and crammed his cowboy hat on his head. “Save a dance for me.” With a wink, he left.

  For a long moment, Charli sat there, her pussy still throbbing, aching for Connor, the aftermath of her orgasm still rippling through her system. Then she flopped back, turned and buried her face in a pillow and screamed her frustration, pounding her fists against the mattress.

  After her little burst of frustration, she lay there for a long moment, buried in her pillows, a thousand thoughts roiling around her mind, all coming back to her safe, sensitive cowboy, Connor Mason and the fact that she’d had the opportunity to tell him about her mystery cowboy and hadn’t.

  Damn.

  That night, she’d tell him. She’d pull him to the side and break it to him, first thing.

  Her cell phone buzzed on her nightstand several times before she pulled her face out of the pillows and snatched it up, praying the caller was Connor, asking he
r to let him back in to finish what they’d started. Then maybe she’d tell him what she should have told him already.

  The buzzing stopped before she could answer and the caller ID indicated an unknown caller.

  Charli’s heart skipped several beats then raced ahead as the light blinked on for a voice mail message. She eased her finger onto the play button.

  “Hi, beautiful. Ready for our next dirty trick?”

  Chapter Three

  Charli paced in the storeroom, only half-listening while Audrey gave her instructions to the waitresses before the doors opened on the Ugly Stick Saloon, and the annual Cowboy Masquerade Ball commenced. She'd done the best she could to fix her mussed hair, finally piling it up on top of her head in careless curls. The tumble in the bed with Connor had been well worth destroying Mona's handiwork.

  Customers lined up out front, waiting to get in, many wearing costumes, others would be given black masks as they entered to allow them to join in the masquerade, should they choose.

  Normally excited by the hoopla, Charli was already sweating the hoards of cowboys that would descend on the saloon in moments. Tonight would be a nightmare, an absolute nightmare.

  The call she’d received shortly after Connor left her, still horny and a little less than satisfied, had been from her AWOL mystery cowboy, who’d proceeded to drop the bomb. He’d been sorry about being out of touch, but that he planned to make it up to her. That night he’d be wearing a black cowboy hat and wearing a yellow rose at the ball.

  The same night Connor would be there, and Charli still hadn’t told him the truth.

  "Charli, honey, are you all right?" Bella Severs slipped an arm around Charli's waist. "You're as wound up as a blind rattlesnake getting her new button."

  "I'm just a little worried." Charli appreciated the hug. She could use a lot of those right now, when her world stood a chance of falling completely apart. But the longer Bella hugged her, the more she felt trapped. She turned her back to the pretty brunette. "Could you pull the strings on this corset just a bit tighter? I'd hate to have it come undone during our number."

  "Why worry? The cowboys would love it." Lacey Neil skimmed her finger along the top of Charli's black corset. "I'd love it too. You have lovely breasts."