Big Cowboy Read online

  Big Cowboy

  Ava Kyle

  Big Cowboy

  Copyright© 2019 Ava Kyle

  All rights reserved

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Created with Vellum

  Contents

  Description

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  About the Author

  Description

  Emily

  Working at my brother’s ranch should have been easy.

  And it was, until I met Dallas.

  Dirty doesn’t even begin to describe him.

  His ripped muscles, sin-worthy booty, and cocky attitude lights my untouched body on fire.

  Too bad he’s off limits.

  My brother would kill him if he touched me.

  But I can’t stay away from him—or his big rope.

  It’s more than just attraction.

  It’s love at first sight.

  And I’ll risk everything to capture his heart.

  Dallas

  She’s trouble.

  Not because she wants me to bend her over a bale of hay, but because she’s my best friend’s sister.

  I can look, but I can’t touch.

  Not unless I want to take a meaty fist to the jaw.

  But staying away from her is impossible.

  I can’t walk away.

  She’s taken my heart and twisted it into all kinds of knots.

  Loving her is dangerous, but losing her would destroy me.

  I don’t see how I can make this work because either way someone’s bound to get hurt.

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  1

  Dallas

  I shouldn’t be jealous of a stallion doing his damnedest to earn his stud fee, but I am. This fucking horse gets more pussy than I do these days. Being in the middle of nowhere Montana isn’t exactly helping my dating situation. I haven’t been balls-deep in at least three months. Maybe four. I don’t keep track. It would be embarrassing.

  I’m waiting next to the ring, trying to make small talk with the mare’s owner. Collin Jones hasn’t stopped talking about his new wife since he opened his mouth. The whole situation is awkward, but life on the ranch can be down right dirty. After three years here, I’m used to it. Mostly.

  There are times I miss my old job building houses, but I sure as hell don’t miss the splinters. I think I still have one lodged in my ass from the day I fell off a roof. When my best friend Brendan asked me to come work on his ranch, I didn’t hesitate. Wide open spaces suit me. Now, if only this horse would hurry the hell up. It’s barely spring, and between snow on the ground and a brisk breeze, I’m freezing my ass off.

  Brendan strolls down from the main house. He’s wearing a black duster jacket, well-worn boots, a brown Stetson, and jeans. We could be twins, except he’s a bit shorter than me. Pretty much everyone’s shorter than me. I’m 6’3”. Most men would think it’s a blessing, but hit your head on enough door frames, and you wouldn’t think so.

  “How’s Thunderbolt doing?” Brendan asks. “He livin’ up to his name?”

  “Might have to change it to ‘Slow-ass’,” I grumble.

  “He’s doin’ fine,” Collin says.

  After Thunderbolt finishes, Collin takes his mare and heads for his trailer. I give Thunderbolt a congratulatory carrot and lead him back to the barn where it’s warmer. Once I’ve got him in his stall, I close the gate. Brendan’s waiting for me outside.

  “My sister’s coming to work on the ranch,” he says.

  “Oh yeah?”

  I’ve never met his sister, but I’ve seen photos. She’s hot.

  “She should be here soon. She’s going to take over some of the chores like feeding the cattle, cleaning tack, things like that.”

  “Can she drive a tractor?” I ask.

  “She can drive anything. She used to be a racecar driver.”

  “No shit. Why’d she stop?”

  “Got into a bad crash. Scared the shit out of her, thank God. She quit last year. She was working in a pit crew, but she couldn’t stand it anymore. Being that close to the track but being unable to race crushed her. She called last week and asked if I could give her a job.”

  “Is she okay now?”

  “She’s still got all her limbs.” He flashes a brief smile. “I have to run into town, but when she gets here, will you give her the tour?”

  “She’s never been to the ranch?”

  “Nope. Never wanted to take time off. She said it was hard enough to be a woman driver on the circuit. She worked her ass off. Went to every race. I feel for her. She hasn’t been the same since the crash.”

  “How so?”

  “She used to be the brightest, happiest person. The kind of happy that makes you want to puke. I never thought I’d miss it until I lost it. I’d give anything to see a genuine smile on her face again.”

  “I’ll see what I can do to change that,” I say. I don’t mean a damn thing by it, but Brendan narrows his gaze. “What?”

  “She’s my kid sister. She’s trying to get her life back together. The last thing she needs is another complication.”

  I burst out laughing.

  “You’re assuming I’d want to mess with her,” I say when I finally catch my breath. “Don’t worry. I won’t touch a hair on her head.”

  “Good, because you’re my best friend, and I don’t want to have to kill you.”

  “You’re so cute when you’re threatening violence.” I smirk.

  “Maybe I should stay.”

  “Get the hell outta here. Your sister will be safe with me. I’ll protect her like she’s mine.”

  “She’s not yours.”

  I shake my head as he walks toward his truck. As I watch him drive away, I spot a muddy black truck rumbling up the snow-covered road leading to the ranch. I lift the Stetson off my head and settle it back into place. We aren’t expecting any other appointments today, so it must be his sister.

  The truck pulls to a stop near the front porch of the main house. It’s got a sick lift kit, huge wheels, and looks like it would be a beast to take off road. Muddy spring trails wouldn’t stand a chance against this monster.

  I jog over.

  When the door opens, a pair of shiny red boots appears. A woman hops out. She’s so short, she probably needs a ladder to climb into the driver’s seat. She’s wearing a fluffy white coat over jeans. Her bright blue eyes regard me with curiosity. A heart-shaped face and pixie nose give her a fairy princess look. Golden blonde hair hangs partway down her back. It swishes as she walks toward me. I already want to tangle my hands in it.

  “Are you Dallas?”

  “Yeah.” I extend a hand. She gives it a firm shake. She’s stronger than she looks.

  “I’m Emily, Brendan’s—”

  “—sister. He told me you’d be
coming.”

  “I thought it would take longer to drive in from Bozeman.”

  I can only stare as her bowed lips move. They’re pale pink, plump, and oh so kissable. Too bad she’s Brendan’s sister. Just my luck. The hottest woman I’ve seen in years and she’s off limits.

  “The drive can be bad in the winter, but it’s not so bad now. The guest houses are over here.” I motion toward a cluster of log cabin-style houses. “They’re small but good for one or two people.”

  “There’s only me.”

  Only me.

  As she walks to the back of the truck, I pick apart her statement. Is she trying to tell me she’s single and looking? Or is she telling me to fuck off because she likes being alone? Man, I wish I could read women. Never could. And apparently, I still can’t because she’s holding her bag and staring right at me.

  “Oh, shit. Let me get those.” As I reach for them, she yanks them away.

  “I’ve got it.”

  I frown. Chivalry’s dead with this one. That’s for sure. Whatever. If she wants to carry her own bags, then she can have at it. I’ve been hauling hay all morning. My biceps ache, but I would have helped her if she wasn’t so standoffish.

  The largest cabin consists of a small living room area with a wood burning stove, a kitchen, a single bedroom, and a bathroom. It’s not much, but it’s perfect for hosting seasonal ranch hands. In the summer, we’re full, but in early spring, it’s a ghost town around here.

  “The pantry’s stocked. There’s basic bathroom stuff in there.” I motion toward a closed door. “I stacked some wood up by the stove. You ever used one before?”

  “No.”

  “I’ll show you.” I squat down and place small bits of wood in a teepee formation around a balled-up piece of newspaper. “You need to start with kindling. Once you get that burning, you can add more wood.”

  “More wood. Got it.”

  I glance over my shoulder just in time to catch her staring at my ass. I almost fall over. Now things are getting interesting. Maybe she’s not an ice queen after all.

  I light a match, and I toss it onto the pile.

  “When the kindling’s lit, wait a minute, then add the first piece. Do you want me to put it in, or do you want to do it yourself?”

  The blank expression on her face changes ever so slightly as her cheeks turn pink.

  “Well,” she says slowly, “Normally I’d try to do it myself, but since you’re offering to help, I’ll let you stick your wood in.”

  Hot damn. Now we’re talkin’. Kid sister or not, this girl knows exactly what she’s doing. I know I promised to keep my hands to myself, but if she’s going to be all flirty and shit, then who am I to resist?

  After adding several pieces of oak, heat fills the cabin. I think I may have added too much wood, but I can feel her gaze on my ass again. If she wants a good look, then I’m not going to stop her.

  Finally, when I can’t stall any longer, I stand and brush my hands against my jeans. Her gaze drops to my zipper. I arch a brow. She quickly looks away.

  “Your brother’s supposed to be back in a few hours. If you need anything, I’m in the next cabin over. Don’t hesitate to ask. I’m happy to chop more wood if you need it.”

  “Thank you.” She won’t meet my gaze. “I can take it from here.”

  “All right.”

  As I head toward the front door, I swear I can feel her ogling my ass. I have to know for sure, so I risk a backward glance. Yep. Her eyes are glued to my ass.

  This could get interesting. Normally, when I give my word on something, I don’t go back on it. But she’s all kinds of temptation. My cock’s already hard, and I haven’t even touched her. A handshake doesn’t count. I mean touched her. I haven’t stripped her jeans or torn her panties off with my teeth. I’ve been good—so far.

  Maybe in time, I won’t get rock-hard the second I look at her. Until then, I have to keep remembering that she’s the only woman in the world I shouldn’t be interested in. If I forget that one simple fact, I could lose my best friend forever. After all, the most important rule in brotherhood is bros before hoes.

  Not that she’s a ho. She’s more like a frozen volcano. There’s something simmering just beneath the surface, but it’s trapped beneath a mountain of ice. I know it’s totally wrong of me to want to do this, but I’m dying to thaw her out. Maybe she’ll melt in my hands if she ever lets me touch her. I don’t know if she will, but I want to find out.

  2

  Emily

  Holy sin on a stick! Dallas is literally the hottest man I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s at least a foot taller than my 5’3”. I wouldn’t even have to kneel to—

  Who am I kidding? I’ve never even seen a man naked. How would I know what to do if I were ever down on my knees?

  However, it doesn’t take a genius to guess at what those jeans might be hiding. The bulge couldn’t be a sock. More like a cock.

  I laugh as I take a seat on the couch in front of the crackling fire. I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but ever since I left the race track, my heart feels a little lighter. Being in the pit, watching other drivers race by while I sat on the sidelines, was slowly gnawing at my soul. I had to get away. Thank God my brother let me move to his ranch.

  After the cabin heats up enough to be livable, I drag my suitcases into the bedroom. I brought everything I own, which isn’t much. Two suitcases. I’m twenty-two years old, but I’ve spent more time in racing suits than in regular clothes. I really need to go shopping, especially since I’ll be working on the ranch.

  I can figure it all out later. Right now, I’m going to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows and try not to think about how firm Dallas’ ass might be.

  Ugh! I have to stop thinking about him. Although… it sure beats thinking about everything I’ve lost in the last year. My career. My happiness. Maybe ranch life will suit me. I don’t mind getting dirty. I like cows and chickens… and stallions.

  “Nope!” I get up and pace. “No drooling over your brother’s best friend. If anyone’s off limits, it’s him.”

  I must be going crazy because I never talk to myself. Not out loud at least. Maybe I am going crazy.

  I set a tea kettle on the stove. I’ve never used a wood-burning stove before, so I’m not sure if I should add more wood or not. It feels hot, so it’s probably fine.

  Ten minutes later, the kettle’s whistling louder than a lost banshee. My brother warned me that the accommodations would be rustic, but I don’t mind. When I first started on the circuit, I was dead broke. Eighteen years old with nothing to my name. My parents were totally against my chosen career. My mom even refused to talk about it at first, but eventually they came around. Winning thousands of dollars has a way of changing people’s minds.

  After sipping a cup of cocoa, I head into the bedroom to unpack. It doesn’t take long before I’m finished and bored. Even though it’s about ten degrees outside, I’m restless. I pace past the living room window. Sparkling light brushes across the snowy landscape. No wonder my brother loves this place.

  I can’t stay in the cabin, so I bundle up and head out to explore the ranch. I make it all the way to the front porch before Dallas appears.

  “Where you headed?” he asks.

  “I’m going to check out the ranch. Get the lay of the land.”

  “I can help you get… the lay.”

  There’s that devilish smile again. I know I shouldn’t fall for it, but the dimple kills me. I’m a sucker for a man with dimples.

  “Lead the way.” I blame my response on the little devil sitting on my shoulder. It must recognize a kindred spirit in him.

  “The property’s huge. It would be easier to go on horseback. You ride?” he asks.

  “Nope, but I’m willing to learn.”

  “I like that. I figured you would since you’re a daredevil.”

  “I am?” I cock a brow. “What makes you say that?”

  “While you were gettin
g situated, I did a little research.” He starts walking toward a large red barn.

  “Really?”

  “Where do you keep all of your medals?” He stops at the entrance to the barn. He puts a boot-covered foot up on a straw bale. As he leans an elbow on his knee, it takes everything in my power to keep my eyes off the bulge in his pants.

  “Um…” I drop my gaze. “I don’t have them anymore.”

  “Why not?”

  “I… you can’t tell Brendan.”

  “Nothing you tell me will pass these lips.”

  My gaze drops to his lips. God, I want to kiss him. This is ridiculous—and insane—but they don’t make men like him back in Florida. He’s all male. Rugged and sexy as hell. And he knows it. He wears a perpetual half-smirk.

  “If you don’t want to tell me,” he continues. “No worries. I won’t pry.”

  “I needed the money. Working in the pit didn’t pay nearly as well. Once you get used to a certain level of income, it’s hard to adjust down.”

  “You realize Brendan can’t pay anywhere near what you were making, right?”

  “I know. And I don’t expect anything from him. Room and board are enough. I’m just trying to figure things out right now. I had this whole plan. I was going to race until I turned thirty and then semi-retire. I figured I’d have enough between endorsements and savings to live a good life. But it all blew up in my face.” I clear my throat. “Anyway, enough of my sad story. Let’s ride.”

  He gives me a thoughtful look before heading into the barn. I like that he doesn’t try to console me with useless platitudes. For the last year, all I would hear from people is bullshit about how I could get back on the track one day. I’ll never get back into a race car. Fate doesn’t give second chances. I shouldn’t even be alive, but I am, so I’m not about to take another risk. Not on the track. Not on anything. For now, I’m on the straight and narrow.