Cowboy Town by Kasey Millstead Read Free Book Online Page A

due to a larrikin, sexy cowboy who had brushed his lips over mine).  I was choosing to ignore the way his lips felt on mine and how much I liked how it felt.  I was also going to ignore the burning sensation that I was feeling in the places that his body had touched mine – which was  practically everywhere, and I was also going to ignore the slickness I felt between my legs – this I was going to blame on the fact that I was in the water.  It had absolutely nothing to do with one Jackson whatever-his-last-name-is.
    I arrive back in town with enough time to shower and change into my work clothes – the same outfit I had on last night except my shirt is green check with pearly green snap buttons.  I race down to the Coffee House to grab myself a coffee and a pie before I’m due to start my shift.  Ava is on again and we make plans to catch up for a drink in a few weeks when Jules comes to town.  I love this place!
     

Chapter Three
     
    “Seriously?  Don’t you have a farm to run?  A field to plow?  Cows to herd up or whatever it is you do to them?”
    It is Friday lunchtime.  I’m at the pub doing a day shift and I’m due to finish in three quarters of an hour so I can drive to Darwin to pick Jules up from the airport.  Jackson Henley (I found out his last name by eavesdropping on one of Doreen and Skip’s conversations) is sitting at the bar again.   He’s been a permanent fixture during the lunch hour every day since the day at Buchaneer’s Billabong.  He’s also been a permanent fixture at the bar every night since then.  He comes in, orders a feed and a drink, annoys the hell out of me and then leaves … only to recommence when the sun goes down.
    Usually our conversations go something like this:
    “Hey Darlin’, you gonna tell me your name yet?”
    “I’m sure you already know my name, Jackson.”
    “Maybe I do, but I still want you to tell me.”
    “Don’t hold your breath.”
    “C’mon Ace, don’t be like that.”
    “Don’t you have a home to go to?”
     
    “Man’s gotta eat, Ace,” he replies then stuffs a handful of hot chips in his mouth.
    “Does a man gotta eat here every day and night?”  I retort sarcastically.
    “Like the food.  Like the view.  Although the company can get a bit testy at times, I like it too,” he says giving me a wink and a sexy but cheeky grin.  I want to hit him over the head with a skillet.  I want to scream.  I want to sink my nails into his throat.  No, I want to sink my nails into his back and I want to wrap my legs around his waist and scream while he pistons in and out of me.  Snap the fuck out of it, Eden.  For shit sake. 
    “Testy?” I snap, “Maybe I’m testy ,” I say testy in a mock manly voice, “Because you’re annoying!”
    “Maybe you think I’m annoying because you like me,” he counters.
    I see Skip walk in and smile brightly at him.  Saved by Skip.   “Hi, Skip,” I say extra cheerily.
    “Edie,  Jack,” he gives both of us nod.
    “How’ve you been?  Usual?”  I ask.
    “Good thanks, love.  Yep, same as always.”  It doesn’t matter the time of day or night – Skip flits in and out three or four times during opening hours and each time he buys a beer or two.  I don’t know why he just doesn’t buy himself a carton and drink at home.
    “How’s the town treating you, Edie?  You settlin’ in alright?” 
    “Yeah, I love it here.  I’m heading to Darwin soon to pick up my best friend, Jules.  She’s coming to stay for a few days so you’ll get to meet her.”
    “Sounds good,” he replies then he takes a hearty swig of his Four X.
    “How’d you get the name ‘Skip’, Skip?”  I’m curious because I know it can’t be his real name, unless his parents were very unique when choosing their children’s monikers.
    “Real name is Barry.  Got the name Skip ‘cause they reckoned I skipped in and out of the pub all day long – never staying for long, just skipping in and