Beware of the Cowboy by Mari Freeman Read Free Book Online Page A

at a comfortable distance, while she still had her control. Having him
this close made her palms sweat, her body hum. The logical part of her brain
protested, urged her to turn and run for the hills, but her body had firmly
decided to stay where it was.
    She giggled. “The woman’s a certifiable fool. My suggestion,
cowboy…ditch her, and let’s you and me go see what’s in that garden.”
    He leaned down and pressed a single wispy kiss to her neck.
“Do I get to take that hair down?”
    She smiled and tipped her head to the side, giving him
better access. “You’re easy to please.”
    Warm, soft lips skimmed her neck as he made his way to her
ear. Goose bumps spread over her back, making her tighten her grip on her
champagne glass.
    “I wouldn’t count on it.” The low, gravel-filled taunt made
her close her eyes.
    No, he’d not be easy to please. And Liza didn’t think she
could give him what he would ultimately want.
    * * * * *
    It had been a year or so since he’d even been in his old
room. His mother had redecorated it, but many of his old things were still
there. Team roping buckles and football trophies accented the bookshelves and
the college portrait still hung above his desk. He ushered Liza past the old
photos, pushed open the French doors that opened onto a balcony and was pleased
to find the furniture still there. He led her out and watched her face as she
took in the view.
    Below them, across two formal gardens and a swimming pool,
the party was still in full swing. Far enough away that they were completely
alone, but close enough that they could se the twinkling lights of the gazebo
and the tents. And beyond that lay only big, open Texas sky, an ocean of
midnight purple and sparkling stars no amount of party planning could have
conjured. The band had switched to sultry jazz that drifted in the humid air.
Blake set down the bottle of champagne and glasses he’d grabbed on their way up
as Liza moved to the rail.
    Blake moved in closely behind her, wrapping his arms around
her waist. “I loved hanging out on this balcony when I was younger.”
    Liza stiffened. He’d grown up with all this. She’d been
shuffled from foster home to foster home, never knowing where she’d be dumped
or when. She leaned back, laying her head on his chest and squeezing her eyes
shut, attempting to relax. He pressed closer, his body warm and solid behind
hers. She fit there perfectly against his chest. Her ear rested just over his
heart. She wanted this, wanted him . She just didn’t know how to let
herself believe in it, believe in him without the overwhelming fear.
    Blake felt her tremble against him. Never had he felt such a
strong connection with a woman. He didn’t completely understand it, but he knew
that he and Liza were in it for the long haul. He just needed to settle the
filly down enough to convince her of that.
    “Tell me Liza,” Blake asked as he stroked her hair. “What is
it that makes you push so hard?”
    Liza gave him a questioning look over her shoulder.
    “Dad tells me you’re a perfectionist. I see it too. I also
see a hint of fear in those beautiful eyes. Who hurt you?” He felt her stiffen
at his words, and kissed her head and ran his fingers over her shoulders to ease
her, to let her know he was with her. He didn’t want to scare her. He needed
her to open to him. He wanted her to trust, to let herself go completely.
    The feel of her body against him was heaven. His father was
right. He had no problem imagining that years from now he would be the one
smiling over a dance floor as Liza danced. Know that he would still be as in
love as he felt right this minute. He didn’t understand how it could be so
strong so fast, but he trusted it. Blake had always trusted his gut instincts.
Following his gut had never once let him down. He was not about to ignore it
this time.
    He ran his fingers up her arms, raising goose bumps on her
skin and drawing a small shudder from her. Those reactions to