Boots and Roses: Ugly Stick Saloon, Book 5 Read online

  He nodded and said quietly, “How about sunshine and doves?”

  Bunny clinked her glass against his and tipped it to her lips, taking a sip. “Why do I get the feeling sunshine and doves has a deeper meaning?”

  He downed his little bit of wine. “Because it does.” Jack reached for her hand, removed the glass from it and tugged her closer. “I haven’t always recognized a good thing when I had it. I’ve made mistakes.”

  Pulse quickening, Bunny laughed shakily. “Tell me about it. Fortunately, for most, our mistakes make us who we are.”

  “But I’m not here to talk about the past.” He gathered her into his arms, smoothing a strand of hair off her cheek and tucking it behind her ear. “I finally know what I want.”

  Bunny stared up into Jack’s smoky brown eyes, her breath caught in her lungs. “You do?”

  “I do.” His lips touched hers, warm, sensuous and inviting.

  “But I barely know you,” Bunny whispered against his mouth.

  “We’ve seen each other every week for the past six months.” He skimmed her lips with his tongue, pressing through her teeth.

  Bunny closed her eyes, her body melting against his, her resistance weakening. When he allowed her up for air, she asked, “Why now?”

  He nipped at her earlobe and left a trail of kisses along her throat. “I’m ready.”

  “What if I’m not?” Bunny let her head drop back, her skin on fire, every nerve in her system anticipating his touch. Who was she kidding? This cop had been one of her fantasies since the first time he’d stepped through the door of her flower shop.

  He tipped her chin up and gazed into her eyes. “Then I have to convince you.”

  Her hands circled the back of his neck, and she pulled his head down until his lips crushed hers.

  Jack shoved aside the food and wine glasses and laid her down on the tablecloth, his mouth never leaving hers. When he finally came up for air, he smiled down at her. “Is this helping to convince you?”

  “Starting to.” Everything that had happened to her so far that day led to her instant arousal and desire to see this through. But all the starts and stops were beginning to frustrate her, and her core ached for fulfillment only his hard cock could give her. She had forgotten she was in her shop, forgotten they were on the floor of her workroom. Forgotten the lunch he’d gone to so much trouble to acquire. All she could see was Jack. All she could feel was his body pressed to hers, his mouth sliding down over her sundress, kissing her breasts through the fabric. His hand slipped beneath her dress, feathering through her pubic hairs to find her clit.

  Bunny arched her back off the floor, her knees splaying wide, giving him all the access he needed to seal this deal.

  She wanted to feel his skin against hers, to have his hands caressing her body, tweaking, plucking and tempting her into complete surrender.

  The shop bell jangled, shattering her concentration, jerking her back to the reality of where she was and what she was doing. Bunny sat up, yanking her dress over her hips. “I’ll be right with you,” she called out.

  Jack pushed to his feet and grabbed her hand, pulling her up beside him, his brows furrowed. “This isn’t over, you know.”

  She stared up into his face. “It has to be…for now.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips, his hands threading through her hair. “I have a lot more convincing to do before we’re done.”

  “It’ll have to be when the shop is closed. This is insane.”

  “Bunny?” A gratingly familiar voice called out.

  Shit. Ray. What the hell was he doing back?

  Bunny stepped through the door into the front of the shop. “What do you want, Ray?”

  Her ex-husband stared at her, his brows furrowing, his lips pressed into a tight line. Then his gaze shifted to the man who moved up behind her. “What’s he still doing here?”

  “He’s…helping me.” Bunny stumbled over her response. “Not that it’s any business of yours.”

  Jack leaned close to her. “I need to run. Are you going to be all right? Do you want me to get rid of him before I leave?” The cop glared at Ray.

  Bunny had to choke back her laughter at the way Ray’s eyes widened. “No, I can handle him. You need to get to work.”

  Still, Jack hesitated a moment longer, then nodded toward the back room. “I’ll collect the basket later.” When he turned to go, Bunny laid a hand on his arm.

  “Jack?”

  “Yes, darlin’?” His hand went to her hip automatically.

  The gesture warmed her heart as well has her hip. “Thanks…for lunch.” Bunny leaned up on her tiptoes, grasped the back of his head and pulled him down for a deep, satisfying kiss.

  Jack chuckled. “Maybe next time we'll actually eat.”

  The sound of Ray clearing his throat made her pull away, slowly. Reluctantly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Jack’s hand slipped down to squeeze her ass. “Count on it.”

  She slapped at him playfully and smiled as he left through the front door. Then her focus shifted to Ray, her happiness leaving with Jack.

  Ray’s lip curled into a snarl. “Do you realize how slutty you look?”

  Bunny’s hand lifted automatically to smooth her hair. “You can leave now.”

  “You should be ashamed of the way you’re acting with the college boy and that cop.”

  While rage ripped through her, she forced a slow, sexy smile. “Jealous?”

  “Not in the least. I’m about to be a married man.”

  “You were a married man once before. Adultery didn’t seem to bother you. I’m not married now. Why should a single woman having fun with a couple of single guys be wrong?” She lifted a stack of gift cards from the counter and straightened them before laying them back down. “Is there some business that you forgot to attend to from this morning? Otherwise, this conversation is over.”

  “This conversation is over when I say it’s over.” Ray stepped closer to the counter. “I still own half of this business and I can call in the note anytime I feel like it.”

  Gooseflesh rose on Bunny’s arm. “Are you threatening me?”

  “I still have a stake in this business. If it fails, you won’t be able to pay me back my eight thousand dollars.”

  “I’ll pay back your lousy eight grand if I have to haul trash to do it. Not that you did anything to deserve it.”

  Ray snorted. “According to the court system, I’m entitled.”

  Heat suffused her face. “Get out.”

  “I will, when I’m damned well ready.”

  Holding back every curse word she had ever imagined calling the bastard, Bunny pointed to the door. “Now.”

  “I’m leaving. But only because I have an appointment with the tuxedo rental place, not because you’re telling me to.” He stared down his nose at her, the sneer firmly in place. “I’m watching you, so get your act straight, or I’ll shut you down faster than you can say whore.”

  Bunny shoved her fists into her pockets to keep from slapping the asshole.

  When he left, she leaned against a wall and willed the negative energy out of her body. Two years ago, she’d promised herself to never let him get to her again. She’d broken that promise today. Thank goodness he wouldn’t be at the Garden Club party that night, or she’d be tempted to tell him where he could put his eight thousand dollars.

  Chapter Five

  Cory stood in the elaborate garden of Mrs. Henry Sandell’s, the president of the Temptation Garden Club. She’d chosen the timing of the party well. Every rose was blooming to perfection, and the lantana added bright spots of yellow-orange along the flagstone pathway, circling the acre of expertly planned and maintained flora.

  Barely taking in the beauty of the surroundings, Cory kept his gaze glued to the gated entrance through which the members of the club entered and exited. He glanced at his watch. Half past the scheduled hour, and Bunny had yet to show.

  “Cory, honey, can I tempt you with
some punch?” Audrey, with Jackson at her side, stopped beside him and held out a dainty crystal punch cup.

  He eyed the tiny cup and shook his head. “Rather have a beer.”

  Jackson chuckled. “You and me both, buddy.” The Kiowa Indian tugged at his stiff collar and shrugged his shoulders in the sports jacket, apparently as uncomfortable in the setting as Cory.

  “She hasn’t arrived yet, has she?” Audrey asked, her gaze shifting to the gate.

  “No.” For the hundredth time, Cory glanced at his watch. “How does this work? Are people supposed to be here at a certain time for a meeting or something?”

  “Not tonight,” Audrey said. “This is Mrs. Sandell’s night to show off what she’s done with her garden and answer any questions someone might ask, like the names of the flowers, the soil composition, watering, that kind of thing. It’s casual. No formal structure.”

  Thank God. Bunny and Lacey would take a quick spin around the garden and they could leave. He could take Bunny home and start his courtship.

  Movement by the garden gate jerked Cory’s attention back to the people entering. He perked up and waited. When Ray Sinke and his fiancée, Chrissy, stepped through, Cory’s shoulders sagged.

  Great.

  That would really put Bunny in the mood to be wooed. With an ex like Ray around, what chances did Cory or Jack stand? The bastard was a reminder that men were jerks and why Bunny should never get involved with them, ever again.

  Cory’s shoulders straightened. Well, he’d just have to show her otherwise by setting a better example and giving her what she needed. Tender, loving care…and an incredible orgasm. He was grinning by the time Lacey Lambert walked through the gate, followed by Bunny, wearing the simple sundress and sandals she’d had on earlier that day.

  From where he stood, he couldn’t tell if she had a panty line, or if she was still naked beneath the dress. His cock stiffened. To hide the evidence, he crossed his hands at the wrist, dangling his cowboy hat over his crotch.

  He got an erection every time he thought of the morning in the flower shop. The memory of Bunny’s female musk still played havoc with his senses, even though it had been hours since he’d been with her.

  She was laughing at something Lacey said when she glanced up and met his gaze. Her laughter ceased, and her eyes widened.

  Cory waited, hoping it was a happy surprise for her to see him.

  When a smile spread across Bunny’s face, Cory let go of the breath he’d been holding and hurried forward.

  “Lacey, so good to see you.” He bent to plant a kiss on Lacey’s cheek. “How’s that brother of mine? You keeping him busy with the ranch?”

  She patted his cheek and waggled her brow. “The poor man barely has time to water the horses, he’s kept so busy with…projects…in the house.” She leaned close to his ear. “More specifically, projects in the bedroom.” Lacey winked and grabbed Bunny’s arm. “I understand Bunny owns you and Jack.”

  “For one date,” Bunny added quickly.

  “Just one?” Lacey pouted. “You’re in for a real treat. Cory is quite the lover.”

  Bunny’s brows rose, her gaze shifting to Cory as color rose in her cheeks. “Is that so?”

  Lacey patted her arm. “He helped me and Nick get together in a little harmless ménage, didn’t you, sweetie?” She patted his cheek again. “Now I can’t imagine what I’d do with another man. Nick’s more than enough to keep me happy.”

  Cory cringed at Lacey’s casual remark about the ménage. “That was before I met Bunny. I haven’t looked twice or touched another woman since. Where’s Nick?”

  Lacey sighed. “He’s on a business trip to New York. Something about an investment he wants to make.”

  “Ah yes, he told me about that. I hope he manages to clinch the deal. I’m in it for half.” Cory dared to look toward Bunny, wondering how she was taking Lacey’s little revelation. “Are you mad?”

  Bunny’s brows scrunched, her color high in both cheeks. “About what?”

  “That Lacey and I had a one-night stand with my brother?”

  Bunny’s shoulder rose. “I really don’t own you, and like I told Jack, our past is what makes us who we are today.” Her lips tipped upward and she leaned close. “Truth is, I think it’s kind of sexy.”

  Cory rubbed his chin, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I know I learned a few things from that incident with Lacey and Nick. It was quite the educational opportunity.” He held out his arm. “Care to stroll through Mrs. Sandell’s garden?”

  Lacey patted Bunny’s back. “You two go on. I want to talk to Audrey and Jackson. And if you decide to leave early, that’s fine. I can hang with them.”

  With the path clear for an early departure, Cory could hardly wait to get Bunny out of there. He had to pace himself to keep from jogging Bunny through the acre of garden.

  After walking halfway around the garden path, Bunny paused in front of a bush full of blood-red roses. “These are lovely.”

  Cory stared down at Bunny. Her dark brown hair caught the dying light from the setting sun, which brought out the red highlights and gave her a golden halo. His heart swelling against his ribs, Cory’s arm tightened against his side, trapping her hand. “Beautiful.”

  Bunny glanced up and caught him staring. “You aren’t even looking at the roses.”

  “No, because nothing, not even a garden full of roses holds a candle to you.”

  Her cheeks pinkened, and her head ducked low. “That kind of flattery can go to a girl’s head.”

  “It’s only true.” He nudged her chin with his finger, tipping it upward.

  “I didn’t know you would be here tonight.” She leaned against his arm and walked on. “Did Lacey?”

  Cory’s cheeks heated. “I hadn’t planned on coming until you told me you’d be here. Suffice it to say I had to beg my sweet almost-sister-in-law to secure an invite for me or I wouldn’t be here at all.”

  Bunny’s eyes narrowed. “Why exactly are you here?”

  “Because you are. I wanted to spend more time with you.”

  Her frown deepened. “That’s what Jack said.”

  Cory’s eyes narrowed. “Did you see him again today?” He held his breath, half-wishing Jack hadn’t had time to meet with Bunny at lunch.

  She nodded with a tender smile on her face. “He was so sweet, helping me deliver flowers. I don’t know what I would have done without his assistance. Then we had…lunch in the shop.” She glanced away, her cheeks turning a deeper pink.

  Had Jack scored? It was on the tip of Cory’s tongue to ask, but he bit down hard to keep from letting the words pop out. To be fair to his friend, he couldn’t begrudge him the equal opportunity to win the flower girl’s heart. He sighed. “To tell you the truth, we both have it bad for you.”

  Bunny’s eyes widened. “Why?”

  Cory chuckled. “Why? Because you’re you.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m just the owner of a small flower shop.”

  “You’re so much more than that to us.”

  “That’s silly.” She shook her head and looked away, twin flags of color riding high on her cheekbones.

  Cory cupped her face in his palms and turned her to face him. “I love the way you greet everyone with a smile. You always say something nice to your customers. You go out of your way to make them happy. I know that you donated all the decorations for the Cowboy Auction…” He dragged in a deep breath and finished with, “…and you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

  “Cory, you’re younger than me. You have all the firsts to experience. Your first love, your first marriage. I’m damaged goods. I’ve already been around the block with a first marriage. I don’t understand why you’d want to be with me.”

  “I told you before, I might be younger, but I’ve seen a lot. As a stripper at the Ugly Stick, I’ve seen it all, good and bad. I like that you’re not flighty, that you know what you want and can make your own decisions.” He
smiled. “I like that when you smile, you get little wrinkles around your eyes.” Cory smoothed a thumb across the corners of her eyes.

  Bunny lifted a hand to cover the crow’s feet, suddenly self-conscious of the evidence of her aging. “Thanks for reminding me.” The fine wrinkles had made their appearance last year no matter how much moisturizer she rubbed into them.

  He pulled her fingers away. “They’re beautiful—a part of you. Don’t hide them.” Cory bent to kiss the corner of her eye.

  “You can be very convincing.” Her eyelids fluttering closed, Bunny leaned into the hard muscles of Cory’s chest. She no longer stood in Mrs. Sandell’s garden. She was alone with Cory, far away from the snoopy, tongue-waggers. And she wasn’t wearing panties. Her pussy clenched, and she snuggled closer, her hands circling Cory’s waist.

  His kiss feathered down her cheek to claim her lips in a soul-scorching caress.

  Never in her life had Bunny been as turned on by just a kiss. Her body burst into flame, her insides aching so badly she could barely breathe. The day’s temptations had stockpiled into an explosive combination of need and lust.

  “Damn, Bunny. You’d think one man was enough. Everywhere I turn, you’re hanging all over another. And here in public?” Ray’s raised voice jerked Bunny out of the cocoon of longing.

  Bunny would have jumped back, but Cory’s arm held her against him. He smiled down at her, the simple gesture reassuring, calming the heat in Bunny’s cheeks.

  Chrissy laid a hand on her fiancé’s arm. “Ray, please, don’t make a scene.”

  “Scene?” Ray snorted. “I’m not the one making a scene. These two might as well be filming a porn movie. And here in Mrs. Sandell’s backyard.”

  “Please,” Chrissy begged.

  “What seems to be the problem?” Mrs. Sandell, trailed by Mrs. Biedel and Mrs. Rutherford, the three head matriarchs of the Temptation Garden Club, converged on them.

  Audrey, Lacey and Jackson hurried forward from across the yard.

  “I’ll tell you what the problem is,” Ray said, waving a hand at Bunny and Cory. “These two are practically fornicating in front of everyone.”