Her Cowboy Knight Read online

Page 5


  Finally, he decided she’d had enough, long after she did. He let her lie there for a little while, just trying to catch her breath. When she had calmed a little bit, he lifted her to sit on his lap, positioning her so his hands cradled her sore bottom. She buried her face in his neck and had a good cry.

  When she finally stopped and raised her head, she said, “That hurt, Cooper.”

  He chuckled and squeezed her a little tighter. “I know it did, baby.” He gave her a quick kiss and stood her on her feet.

  He reached down and eased her panties up over her recently scorched flesh. As Cooper pulled her jeans up over her bottom, Gabby felt conflicted. She wanted the covering, but the denim held in so much heat.

  Cooper pulled her into a hug, then sat her on his lap again. “You scared me, when you fell.”

  She buried her head in his neck. “I know. I’m sorry. It scared me, too.”

  “So tell me about what happened to send you running off like this.”

  “Susan saw me sitting on the bench.”

  Cooper sighed and wrapped his arms around her. “And she was her usual self.” When Gabby nodded, Cooper lifted her chin. “Whatever she did or said, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to be embarrassed like that. But that didn’t mean you could run off like this, right?” Gabby shook her head and buried her face in his neck again.

  Cooper held her tight. “It’s all right, baby. It’s all over now.”

  He stood Gabby back up between his legs and turned her to face him. “So, Miss Gabby, I won’t say I liked making you cry, but I won’t say I hated spanking you either. If you stay with me, there will be a good bit more of that kind of thing. If you’re a good girl, it won’t hurt so much. If you’re bad, and do things I say not to do, or you sass me, or things like that, then it will probably start hurting a good deal more. And running from me, like you’ve done twice today, will always result in a spanking. Understand?”

  Gabby leaned forward and hugged him. “Is this how you pick up all your women?”

  Cooper hugged her back. “Yes, ma’am, it truly is. Did it work?”

  In answer, Gabby kissed him shyly. Cooper brought his hands to the back of her head and deepened what she had so innocently started. Gabby sat on his lap again and let herself be thoroughly and deliciously kissed.

  When he pulled back, he said, “I take it that’s a yes?”

  Gabby nodded. Cooper set her on her feet and smacked her bottom, standing himself. “Good. Now come on, we should be getting back.”

  * * *

  Later that evening, Cooper asked Gabby to go for a ride with him on a four-wheeler to check some of the cattle. Before they took off, Cooper handed Gabby a helmet. “Here you go.”

  Gabby held it up. “Do I have to? I really don’t like them. They make me feel claustrophobic.”

  Cooper pulled it over her head and adjusted the strap under her chin. “You’ll get used to it, and yes, you do have to wear it.”

  He pulled his own on, then pulled her fingers away from where she was yanking at her chin strap. “Stop that!”

  A smack to the bottom spurred her toward the ATV. They headed out to one of the far fields and checked one of the smaller herds of cattle and the fences along one of the middle sections of the property. Cooper noted a few sections of fence that would soon need work on a notepad in his pocket.

  Gabby took out her smartphone and made the same notes, then sent them to his email address and copied them to Kwan’s. “See, cowboy, not all of my newfangled inventions are useless and time wasting.”

  Cooper smiled and re-strapped her helmet back on her head where she had loosened the straps. “I never said all your gadgets were useless and time wasting, just that the Internet didn’t have all the answers. I will admit that was a pretty neat trick.”

  “Enough that all the cowboys should have smartphones to increase their efficiency?”

  Cooper chuckled and said, “Absolutely not. No work would get done because they would all be assaulting virtual walls with flying birds.”

  Gabby just shook her head and climbed on the four-wheeler behind Cooper. He surprised her by heading away from the home. He drove to the top of the hill where they had picnicked a few days before and killed the engine.

  When he removed his helmet and pointed, Gabby removed her helmet and looked where he indicated. The sun was just starting to set over the scrub trees of the Texas hill country. The first of the color was just starting to pinken the sky. Cooper grabbed a tarp and a canteen from the seat compartment and spread the tarp on the ground.

  Gabby rested her head on Cooper’s chest and watched the sun set, letting him wrap his arm around her and hold her close to his chest. “I almost don’t want to go back to the Faire tomorrow.”

  Cooper ran his fingers through her hair. “Jed asked me to take you tomorrow. I thought I might just stay over and drive you back on Sunday instead of making the trip twice.”

  When the full implications of that statement hit Gabby, she sat up and looked Cooper in the eye. “You mean, visit the Faire, and meet my family?”

  Cooper folded his arm behind his head and said, “Well, your family is there, so I assume unless you hide them in a cave that I will meet them.”

  Gabby lightly punched his shoulder. “Silly, of course I won’t hide them in a cave, it’s just… I didn’t think of you at the Faire. It’s not really your speed. Are you sure you want to come? I mean, I’m fine if you’re too busy or something. I could borrow a car, maybe?”

  Cooper grabbed her hand and held it to his lips. “No way are you driving anything of mine. I’m not too busy. I have a feeling this is going to be enlightening. “

  Gabby pushed herself up on her hands and looked down at him. “Matter of fact, this might be very enlightening.” She gave him a secret smile, then leaned down to kiss him on the lips.

  He grabbed her hips and settled her on top of him. He cupped her bottom, gently reigniting the fire he had set in her cheeks earlier in the day. She rocked her hips forward, and he groaned. He nuzzled her neck as he rolled her under him, placing both hands on either side of her head. She writhed under him after their sudden reversal, running her hands under his shirt.

  Cooper reached up and took his shirt off. When his eyes met Gabby’s this time, all teasing had left them, replaced by a heat that went straight to Gabby’s core. She swallowed convulsively. Her breath caught as his fingers reached for the top button of her shirt. By the time he reach the last button and spread the edges of her shirt, her panting breaths could be heard between them.

  His eyes left hers and trailed slowly down to her breasts, covered now only by her bra. “Raise up a little, honey.”

  He reached behind her and expertly unclasped her bra. He laid her back down, drawing the ends of her bra from around her back to pull the protecting scrap of cloth free from her body. He drew in a breath. “Oh, Lord, you are perfect.”

  His hands followed his eyes almost reverently as his fingertips brushed her nipples, the sensation connecting right to her pussy. He dipped his head and circled one of her nipples with his tongue. She moaned and grabbed his hair in her fists while his hands moved down to the clasp at her jeans. As he worked the denim over her hips, he began to move south with his kisses, stopping every once in a while when her moans and squeaks indicated he had hit a sensitive spot. When he reached the top of her panties, he lifted them just enough to give her a teasing kiss underneath the scrap of fabric.

  Gabby threw her head back and tightened her fists in his hair with a growl of frustration. “Cooper, please?”

  Cooper chuckled and rose to his knees. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll take care of it.” Gabby whimpered as he removed the rest of her clothing.

  Once she lay there naked, he brushed her hair back from her face. “Beautiful.”

  Gabby rolled over on her side and propped her head on her hand. “Cowboy, I think you have a few too many clothes on.”

  Cooper made short work of his boots and jeans, the
n joined her lying on the tarp once again. He claimed her in a kiss, then ran his hand down the side of her body. He rolled Gabby to her back and explored the delights laid before him in the setting sun with his lips, his tongue, his fingertips, but most of all his eyes. Gabby was something to behold in the afternoon sun enjoying her pleasure. She moaned, she writhed, she blushed—every part of her engaged in the lovemaking and made Cooper want to explore even more of her.

  He moved his hand to her slit and pressed for entry, finding only welcome.

  Gabby shut her eyes and gripped the tarp. “Cooper!”

  In answer he brought his lips to hers, a kiss not of sweetness, but of possession. The things he did with his tongue, mirroring the things he was doing with his fingers, sent her toward a cliff she had never found on her own. Her movements under him became more frantic as she bucked her hips into his hand and wound her hands in his hair, finding by instinct that spot behind his ears that drove him wild.

  He raised his head up for air. “I know this isn’t the time to ask, but are you on birth control, baby? I don’t have anything on me.”

  Slowly, the impact of his words broke through Gabby’s hazy consciousness and she shook her head. “No, I’ve never had a reason to be.”

  Cooper dropped his head to Gabby’s shoulder with a groan. “Figures, I carry protection for my entire twenties…”

  Suddenly, his head popped up, and he looked Gabby in the eye. “What do you mean, you’ve never had a reason to be on birth control?”

  Gabby darted her eyes down to his chest. “I’ve never been in this position, exactly.”

  Cooper tipped her chin up. “Gabby, tell me this isn’t your first time.”

  Gabby swallowed and pressed her lips together. Cooper sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “Oh, baby, you deserve more for your first time than a roll on a tarp in a cow field.”

  He lay down beside her and pulled her to his chest. She buried her face in his chest, trying to cover her nakedness against him. He sighed and retrieved her discarded shirt to cover her, then wrapped his arms around her.

  As they lay watching the sunset, Gabby asked, “Are you mad at me?”

  Cooper kissed her hair. “No, Gabby, I’m mad at myself. I should never have started this without being better prepared. I’m sorry.”

  Gabby snuggled closer. “I enjoyed what we did, if that counts for anything.”

  Cooper chuckled and kissed her again. “Me too, and if you’re still game we will do more, but I will be sure to make it better next time. Deal?”

  Gabby nodded her head, “Deal. Cooper?”

  “Yes, baby girl?”

  “Are you sure you want to come home with me tomorrow?”

  Chapter Five

  The next morning when they arrived at the fairgrounds, Gabby climbed out of the truck. “You don’t have to stay, you know. I mean…”

  Cooper kissed her on the nose. “I’m going to meet your family, remember? Besides, it’ll be fun to see this world of yours.”

  Gabby grabbed his hand. “If you’re sure, then come on… deep breath. We’re a bit overwhelming.”

  Once Gabby stepped into the Faire complex, the thought occurred to her that she should have called and warned some people, namely her mother, father, and brothers that a few things had changed in her life in the last week. The second she stepped through the backstage gate hand in hand with a 6′4″ cowboy, complete with hat and boots, all activity stopped, and everyone stared at them while they made their way to her family’s camp. Gabby realized everyone was staring and tried to pull her hand away, but Cooper, also realizing that they were causing something of a stir, stubbornly maintained his hold on her hand. He leaned down to whisper, “Oh, no, sweetheart, we’re in this together.”

  They continued until they broke through some trees into a campground. Gabby walked even more quickly as they passed more gawkers. They rounded one set of tents and heard a clanging.

  The source of the clanging came into view, and they spotted two sets of bare-chested men sword-fighting in a patch of grass between two tents. Both sets of men attacked each other, thrusting and parrying, all trying to gain an upper hand. The youngest of the four held his own against the eldest, even though he was obviously only a teenager, while the eldest was maybe in his sixties.

  Eventually, a woman stepped out of an RV and rang a bell. “Time’s up!”

  Immediately, all four blades stilled and the men let them drop, laughing and clapping each other on the back.

  Just then, the older man looked up and spotted Gabby and Cooper. “Well, what have we here? Who’s this, daughter?”

  “Da, this is Cooper Harris. He owns the ranch where I’ve been working.”

  Cooper stuck his hand out to shake William’s hand. William looked down at Cooper’s other hand, which was holding Gabby’s, and raised one eyebrow. “Nice to meet you. Name’s William McGrath.”

  Gabby headed into a tent to change, but stopped at the door to say, “Guys, be nice.”

  William lowered his chin. “Just hurry, and never mind what we’re about out here.”

  * * *

  Gabby turned and ducked into the tent, leaving Cooper standing looking at the men holding swords. He smiled slightly. “So… do I need one of those?”

  The woman from the RV said, “Liam, Seamus, Declan, Leo, leave him be.” She turned to Cooper. “You must be Gabby’s cowboy that has the camp buzzing. I’m Moira McGrath.”

  Cooper eyed the petite woman with black curls so similar to Gabby’s. “Very pleased to meet you, ma’am. I’m Cooper.”

  Gabby came out of the tent then, dressed in a tunic, tights, boots, and slapping on a floppy hat. She stopped short when she saw her mother. She looked from her mother to Cooper, then back to her father, and stepped between Cooper and her family.

  One of the group, a tall red-haired man introduced as Gabby’s uncle Declan, said, “So are we going to work t’day, or are we lazyin’ about?”

  Gabby turned to grab Cooper’s hand. Moira said, “Actually, Gabby, you run along and do your show. I’ll entertain Cooper for you.”

  Gabby just stared at her mother. Cooper leaned down, gave her a kiss, and shoved her toward her uncle with pat on the bottom. Gabby turned as red as possible as she headed toward the others.

  * * *

  Declan put his arm around her. “So tell me about the cowboy, darlin’.”

  Gabby gave a goofy grin. “I kind of like him, Uncle Declan.”

  “In just a week?”

  “It doesn’t even feel like it’s only been a week. I just… He’s…”

  Declan squeezed her to him. “He looks like he might be a bit to handle, but he looks like he might feel the same. You know your Da will feel him out and make sure he’s got his head on straight.”

  Gabby rolled her eyes. “I’m more worried about Mother right now.”

  Declan laughed. “You’ve got a point. Have heart, honey, he looks like he can handle himself, and if he can’t, he’s not for you.”

  Gabby sighed. “But I want him, Declan.”

  “I know you do, darlin’, but let your parents do their jobs, aye? It’ll make them feel better.”

  * * *

  Cooper eyed the woman in front of him as the mob headed off to work. “No offense, ma’am, but I almost think I’d have fared better with the swords.”

  Moira laughed and threaded her arm through his. “Come along, cowboy, let me show you around our daughter’s world and let’s have a chat. So tell me about this last week and why you were holding my daughter’s hand as you walked in the gate this morning.”

  Cooper stopped and looked her in the eye. “Nothing like cutting straight to the point, is there? I won’t lie, we’ve butted heads a few times, but I’m very interested in your daughter, and not just as an employee.”

  Moira’s dimpled smile didn’t deceive him at all; she was much more intimidating than the big man with the sword. “My daughter is a very headstrong girl. I can only imagine th
at you will have some interesting times.” She stopped to get them a cup of soda in a collectable mug. “I would love to say that it all comes from her father’s Scottish ancestry, but I’m afraid she also inherited my flash Irish temper as well. Just have a care for her heart, aye.”

  Cooper swallowed and said, “I appreciate that, ma’am. I appreciate that she has people looking after her.”

  Moira said, “People with swords. Never forget the swords.”

  Cooper gave a slow grin and said, “Miss Moira, I don’t think they meant me to ever forget the swords.”

  Moira said, “Well, we are theatrical people, to some degree, although I would not discount the swords if you ever hurt my daughter.”

  Cooper nodded solemnly. “Noted.”

  Moira said, “But that is enough of that. I have a handsome cowboy to myself for the day, and I intend to show him my world.”

  Moira proceeded to show him all around the Ren Faire: colorful booths, dancing girls, street performers, musical acts, comedians, falconry, sword acts, whip demonstrations, acrobats, a girl who threw knives with deadly accuracy… all a swirl of activity and energy.

  However, Cooper could feel the excitement of the whole festival focusing toward the end of the long rows of buildings and tents. All of the events drove most of the crowds to the main event at the end of the row—the Joust Arena.

  Moira guided him to seats in bleachers fairly early; there weren’t many patrons seated yet, just some people who had obviously come early in order to get prime seats, as they had.

  Moira said, “This is the hot ticket item, and we can watch them as they prep. I’m kind of excited, really. I haven’t taken the time to watch this as a spectator in a long, long time.”