My Cowboy Kiss Bonus Scene
Courtney
I know River has something planned for tonight. He’s acted cagey the last couple of weeks as the days leading up to our 10-year wedding anniversary drew closer. I’m no sleuth but it doesn’t take one to know whatever it is he’s doing, his entire family is in on it. I’ve seen them exchanging glances and they stop talking when I walk into the same room.
Through the living room window, I watch Paxton patiently teach his six-year-old sister Angela how to practice with a lasso. He expertly loops it around a fence post. Our golden retriever that Pax named Dog when we first got him sits on the grass near the kids.
He’s a gentle spirited animal but is quick to leap up to investigate or defend anything approaching the kids. Like the unfamiliar sleek black car winding up the driveway.
I toss the sketchbook I was using to create new ideas for my freelancing graphic design business onto the sofa and step outside.
The driver’s side door opens and River steps out. My breath catches. I’m used to seeing my sexy as sin cowboy in jeans and T-shirts but he’s wearing a black suit and white dress shirt that’s open at the collar.
His eyes meet mine and his lips curl into that I-know-how-to-drive-you-wild smile that causes a heated reaction deep within my core.
“I’m home, baby,” he says in his deep voice he uses to whisper wicked, wicked promises in the dark.
Angela, a daddy’s girl through and through runs to him and hugs his legs. Paxton says a quiet, “Hi Dad” and keeps right on working with the lasso.
“Grandma is on the way over to get you,” he says, resting his hand on top of our daughter’s head.
I walk down the steps and over to the car, giving it an admiring once over. It’s nice, there’s no doubt about that, but I’m a riding-in-trucks kind of girl. Give me open roads with a hot summer breeze blowing through the windows and I could ride for hours.
River shoos the kids inside to get their overnight bags and Dog lopes after them. The screen door slams in their wake.
I indicate his suit and the car. “Nice. You looking for something special tonight cowboy?”
He rests against the hood and crosses his legs at the ankles. “I’m here to pick up the prettiest girl in the world.”
He tells me that all the time. Even when I’m in my sweatpants and my hair is a hot mess. Moving to his side, I lean against the car as well. “What exactly is it you want with her?”
River trails a finger down my arm causing a shiver to chase up my spine. “I’m not big on small talk, but I can do a hands-on demonstration for you.”
I press my hand against my chest. “That’s so sweet of you.”
He nods. “I’m thoughtful like that.”
“What’s with the car?” I tap a fingernail against it.
The playful expression leaves his face, replaced by a serious one. “I borrowed it from Leo because I wanted to take you out in style tonight. You deserve the best.”
“I already have the best.” I swing to stand in front of him, putting my hand on his chest. It’s like touching a brick wall. He’s solid strength. He’s like that on the inside too. A rock-steady man I can count on.
Sliding my hands up, I circle his neck. “You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
He drops his hands to my waist, pulling me in. “You’re just saying that because you want to get into my pants.”
I laugh. “Do you know what I really want?”
“Is it a boner donation? Happy to oblige.” He tips his fingers against an imaginary hat.
I let out a long-suffering sigh and gently tug on his belt. “Hmmm…okay, but I don’t feel like eating out. I’m in a dine-at-home kind of mood.” I slowly lick my lips.
His eyes widen and his throat works as he swallows. Then he fishes in his pocket for his phone. “Mom? Are you on the way?” His tone rises a notch. “You haven’t left yet? No, no. We’ll bring the kids to you.”
“I’ll go corral the kids,” I say.
“I’ll do it.” He bounds to the porch, taking the steps two at a time. He’s back in a few minutes with the kids and Dog.
“You’re bringing Dog?” I ask as I climb into the car.
River jogs around the car and leans in to whisper in my ear. “I’m not taking a chance on getting interrupted by him again. I was giving the best performance of my life when he stuck his nose under the door.”
“Best performance?” I pretend to think about it. “I disagree. I think you can top that one.”
He laughs. “I can, I swear.”
It doesn’t take long to drop the kids off with his parents and then we’re on the way back to our home.
“I can’t wait to get you out of this suit.” I tug on the side of it.
“Whatever makes my girl happy.” He closes his fingers around my hand and gives me a gentle squeeze.
“I want you to cook dinner for me.” I trace my finger in circles on his thigh. His muscle clenches in reaction.
“Will do.” His voice is a little gruffer now.
“While wearing a thong.”
River laughs. “You know I don’t wear those banana hammocks.”
“But it would make me happy,” I tease.
“These things are better off in the wild where they can roam free.”
I laugh and rest my head against his shoulder. This cowboy is my favorite person to laugh with. And being with him and in his arms is where I want to be. I don’t need more than that.
He’s my home. The solid foundation of us where I know I’ll forever be loved.
***
