Virgin Cowboy

  Virgin Cowboy

  by

  Lacey Wolfe

  Virgin Cowboy

  Copyright © 2015, Lacey Wolfe

  ISBN: 9781940744902

  Publisher: Beachwalk Press, Inc.

  Electronic Publication: August 2015

  Editor: Leigh Lamb

  Cover: Fantasia Frog Designs

  eBooks are not transferable. No part of this book may be used or reproduced without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations in articles and reviews.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

  Back Cover Copy

  This cowboy lands the girl of his dreams, but he’s got one little secret…

  Courtney Johnson, single mom and bar owner, hasn’t had much luck in the dating department. That all changes one evening when Braden Carver asks her out, and she decides to take a chance with him, even though she’s ten years older than him.

  Braden’s always felt like he lived in the shadows of his two older brothers, never really being noticed. Before he knows it, he’s on the dance floor with the girl he’s liked for years, calling her ‘sweetheart’. Finally, life is looking up for him. However, his mother isn’t pleased when she finds out he’s seeing Courtney.

  As their relationship heats up, one thing still lingers—Braden’s a virgin. How will Courtney react when she learns of his innocence? Will it be enough to make her walk away, especially with his disapproving mother?

  Content Warning: contains adult language and sexual situations

  Chapter 1

  Braden Carver sat at his kitchen table staring at a plate of fries. Usually on Friday evenings he went to Long Necks, but tonight he didn’t have the guts to go. He’d been avoiding the place all week. He normally spent a lot of time at the only bar in Deer Crossing, Texas. There really wasn’t anywhere else for a young, single guy to hang out, plus it had fun game nights, like trivia or darts.

  The main reason he went was because he’d had a crush on the bartender, Courtney Johnson, for as long as he could remember. He hadn’t dated much because of his admiration for her, with hopes that one day she’d take notice of him—even if she was several years older. There was just something about the way her long red hair smelled, and those emerald green eyes that twinkled under the bar lights. She was confident and seemed to know just what she wanted in life.

  They’d spoken many times, and he’d tried hard to get on a more personal level with her, but he always got tongue-tied...until last Tuesday night.

  Braden set the empty beer bottle down. It was getting late, and he was ready to head home and crash. He had a busy day planned tomorrow, working on the chicken coops. As he walked across the bar to leave, he spotted Courtney staring off into space with a sad expression. He couldn’t leave without seeing her usual beautiful smile.

  “You okay?” he asked, and leaned against the counter.

  She straightened and a slight smile creased her thin lips. “I’m okay.”

  “You don’t seem yourself.”

  She ran her hand along the edge of the bar. “You don’t want to hear my troubles. I’m supposed to listen to yours.”

  “Seeing as though I don’t have any troubles, I’d like to hear yours. I can come around the counter and play bartender and you can come take my place.”

  She giggled. “You always make me smile, Braden.”

  “Then let me know what’s bothering you.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I went on the first date I’ve been on in years.”

  Perhaps he didn’t want to hear this story. “How did it go?”

  “Terrible. He was a jerk with one intention.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ll find someone better next time.”

  She huffed. “I don’t get too many suitors knocking on my door. Once they learn of my daughter, Anna, and my complicated work schedule, they aren’t interested.”

  “I am.” He hadn’t meant to let that slip out.

  She straightened, but didn’t say anything.

  This was his chance. Ask now, or walk out of here with regret. “I’d like to take you out…on a date.”

  Her mouth opened, but only a slight gasp came out.

  “I’ve liked you a long time.”

  She reached out and touched his arm. “I don’t know. I really cherish our friendship. What if it didn’t work out?”

  He was in the friend zone, damn it! “One date?”

  “I don’t know,” she said again. She stepped back and put some distance between them. “It’s just not the right time. I’m sorry.”

  He nodded. “I understand.” He took his own steps away from the bar. “I’ve got to go. Busy day tomorrow, so I need my rest.”

  “Have a good night.”

  “Same to you.”

  He hadn’t been back to Long Necks since. How could he? She’d rejected him. In hindsight, he realized asking her out after a bad date was not a smart idea. He probably should’ve waited for another evening. But damn it, he’d had the hots for her for so long, it had just seemed like the right time. Would it ever be? He’d spent years waiting for the exact moment. Maybe it was time to face the truth. Courtney was out of his league.

  * * * *

  Courtney Johnson pulled a bottle of beer from the mini-fridge, twisted the cap off, and slid it to the guy requesting it. She loved Long Necks and the atmosphere. She’d worked hard to build this place to be the town’s favorite hangout. Sure, it was the only bar, but there were plenty of farms. In her time growing up, that’s where she hung out and did her drinking. She got in most of her trouble in the back of someone’s pickup.

  The last few days had been off. A big part of her knew why, but she didn’t want to admit it. That would mean that she had to be in touch with her feelings, which was a no-no. Her father raised her to keep those bottled up inside; giving into them made her a pansy. She’d tried that with Anna. That little girl showed Courtney it was okay to feel, because Anna wasn’t keeping hers to herself.

  “Hey, Court.” Lauren Carver plopped down on an empty barstool. Lauren was a favorite customer of hers. One of the only people brave enough to order something other than a beer.

  “What are ya drinking?”

  “Well, I really want a strawberry mojito, but…” She rubbed her belly.

  “Are you?”

  “I am! We haven’t announced the news yet. We’re waiting for Nathan and Angie to come back to town. They’re supposed to be visiting for a whole week.”

  “When are they going to move back?”

  Lauren shrugged. “No idea. They really like it in Georgia. This will be their last trip before their baby arrives.”

  “I still can’t believe it. Mini-Carvers will be running around before long. Lord help this town.”

  Lauren giggled. “Maybe this generation will have more girls.”

  “I’ll really be praying.” She grabbed a glass. “I’ll make your drink a virgin. How about that? Then no one will be suspicious since it’s a secret.”

  “Deal. And get me a beer for Tucker, please.”

  Courtney tapped the bar then spun on her heel to make the alcohol-free mojito. After a few minutes, she handed the two drinks to Lauren. “Say, is Braden okay?”

  “I guess. Why?”

  “He hasn’t been in here in a few days.”

  “He’s been taking on more of the ranch duties. Their dad has cut back a lot since throwing his back out a few weeks ago. I think Braden’s been building chicken houses. The next venture of Carver Ranch.”

  That was a relief; he wasn’t avoiding her. “Oh, okay.”

&nbs
p; Lauren sipped her drink through the bright pink straw. “Is there something I need to know about? I feel like I’m missing something.”

  Courtney sighed. “He kinda asked me out.”

  “He did? What did you say?”

  She leaned forward. “I don’t want to ruin a good friendship. I’m not like most women. I was raised by a military man turned rancher. I don’t do girly girl. Boyfriends never work out. I cherish Braden too much to date him.”

  Lauren licked her lips. “I’m sure he’ll come around. Just give it some time. He’s always been a little more sensitive.”

  That was another issue. Courtney didn’t know how to cater to someone who took things as personally as Braden. He was quiet, soft spoken, and wore his heart on his sleeve. In all the years he’d been coming into the bar, she’d never seen him approach a female, until her.

  “Maybe I should reach out to him,” she suggested.

  Lauren stood, picking up both of the drinks. “He likes you. I think you know that. However, if you’re not interested in anything more, then leave him alone until he’s ready to come back around.” She turned and headed toward the area with the pool tables.

  Courtney rubbed her hands together. Lauren had a good point. Leave him alone and he’d come back around. She couldn’t help but wonder why she missed him. This was a new feeling for her.

  Chapter 2

  Braden wiped his brow with his wrist. Building this damn chicken house was harder than he’d imagined. The outside was done, now the inside.

  He enjoyed building. His older brother, Tucker, liked numbers and helping with the accounting. Nathan was the one who designed the blueprints for buildings on the ranch. Braden loved taking a pile of wood and making it something. This time, a massive place for the chickens.

  Tucker had some crazy idea that they needed to get into the chicken business. Braden didn’t argue. He’d learned long ago not to fight with his stubborn older brother. It did no good. Tucker never listened and always got his way.

  Perhaps Braden had a bit of middle child syndrome. His older brothers were twins, so that was always cool to people, and he had a little sister, so she got doted on for being a girl. Braden was just Braden—one of the Carver crew. Nothing special.

  His stomach rumbled. Lunch time. He climbed into his truck and headed toward his house. He had the smallest home on the family ranch. Each sibling had a home that belonged to them, as his parents hoped all the kids would live on the land with their own families one day. That had come true for a little while, but Nathan was living a whole other life now.

  Braden parked his truck in front of the garage then hopped out. He opened the door to his house and went inside, not bothering to take his boots off. The place was a wreck and needed a good cleaning. Braden was probably the dirtiest of the siblings. A neat home was his last priority. Piles of clean clothes sat on the love seat in the living room. When the stack got low, he grabbed the dirty pile from his bedroom and washed them.

  From the fridge, he pulled out leftovers from his parents. He raided their kitchen throughout the week. Lately, his mom had been cooking a lot more since his dad had gotten injured. His fridge was stocked.

  Ding dong.

  He straightened. Who was that? Couldn’t be his family, because they just walked right in. He trudged across the house, a little embarrassed of its state.

  Opening the door, he quickly stepped outside, pulling it shut. “Courtney. Uh, hi.” This was not at all who he was expecting. Not in a million years.

  “Hey.” Her red hair was down in loose waves over the black, tight shirt that hugged her breasts like a second skin.

  “So, what brings you by?”

  She leaned against the porch railing. “You haven’t been to the bar, so I wanted to check on you.”

  “I’m surprised you noticed.”

  “Of course I did.”

  Keep calm and stay smooth. “I’ve just been really busy.”

  “I understand that. I often joke that ‘busy’ is my middle name.” She rubbed her palms together. “Anyway, I wanted to see if you had any time to help my daughter learn the basics of horse riding. I don’t want her to be like me and not know how to ride one.”

  “Uh, yeah. I guess so.”

  “I’ll pay for the lessons, of course. I’m usually at Long Necks in the evening, but if you have any mornings free, weekends preferred since she has school.” By the way she danced on her feet, he could tell she was nervous.

  “Don’t worry about paying me. It’ll be my pleasure. Weekend mornings are fine.”

  “Thank you. Then consider your drinks on the house for the time being.” She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

  “That’s a deal I’ll take.” He chuckled.

  “So, uh, when can she start?”

  “Sunday morning? How many days a week are you thinking?”

  “That works. One day is good. She just turned six, so I think that’s plenty of time.”

  “All right. I’ll see you both Sunday morning.”

  She started to step off the porch, but turned to him. “I hope to see you tonight at the bar.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Her grin was wide before she descended the steps and walked toward her car. Her ass swung with each step. Fuck, this woman had a hold over him he couldn’t break. The sad thing was she probably knew it too.

  * * * *

  “Wow, we’re busy,” Candy, the other bartender, said as she stared at the line at the bar.

  Courtney nudged her. “It’s Saturday night. This is your money maker. Be happy. Besides, no one here is in a hurry.”

  Candy was new, but was good at what she did. The men liked her since she was young and blonde. Melissa Carver was a close friend of hers and brought her in for the job. It had really paid off. Since she was skilled already, it made more time for Courtney when her daughter needed her, or if the nighttime nanny called out.

  The two made it through the first rush like champs. The customers left with smiles on their faces, drinks in hand. Courtney couldn’t help but watch the door, hoping for a certain guy to come through.

  After she left Braden’s, she’d picked Anna up from school and told her about the upcoming lesson. Anna hadn’t ever asked to learn how to ride a horse, but she was super excited that she was going to.

  “Hottie alert.” Candy swatted Courtney’s ass playfully.

  Courtney glanced toward the door. Braden. Seeing him walk through that door gave her a sense of relief, as well as a giddy feeling. What the heck was coming over her?

  He didn’t come straight to the bar like he usually did. Instead, a pretty girl stopped him. The girl twirled a brown lock around her finger, touched his arm, and giggled. Courtney resisted the urge to grunt.

  What the hell! Was she jealous? This wasn’t like her. Courtney’s nostrils flared as she turned to Candy. “I’ll be right back.”

  Without a second thought, she left from behind the bar and strutted toward Braden. His blue eyes came in contact with hers as their gazes locked. The young girl turned, seeing Courtney. With annoyance on her face, she walked away.

  That’s right, he’s mine—back off. “I’m glad you made it tonight.” She tossed a dirty white towel over her shoulder.

  “I said I’d be here.” He put a hand in his pocket.

  “It wasn’t the same around here without you.”

  He cleared his throat. “I’m kinda getting mixed signals from you.”

  He wasn’t the only one. She couldn’t wrap her head around what was going on inside herself. “Oh, how?”

  “You said you didn’t want to be more than friends, but the way you just looked at me told me differently.”

  She’d always found him attractive, but tonight, he was mouthwatering. She wanted to lick him from top to bottom, not missing an inch. “I just wanted to make sure our friendship was still intact.”

  He grinned that adorable smile she’d always liked, but tonight it caused her stomach to twist. �
��No matter what, we’d be friends. Honestly, a part of me still wants more. I just wish you did, but I respect your decision.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’m gonna play a few games of pool.”

  “Did you want a beer? I can bring you one.”

  He shook his head. “Nah, not sure how long I’m gonna stay.”

  He walked away, leaving her standing there, staring at his back. Damn it. Him turning away from her stung. He didn’t look at her the way he usually did, with that glow in his eyes. The feelings were still there—for now. But she’d rejected him, it wouldn’t be long before he moved on. Perhaps with the girl he’d just been talking to.

  She headed back to the counter to make drinks. She needed to get her emotions in check and figure out what she wanted. A relationship with Braden would be serious, but was she ready? Heck, she had no clue about relationships. Her dad had raised her after her mother ran off, not long after Courtney was born. He hadn’t dated much. Her life wasn’t much different. The creep that knocked her up with Anna took off the moment he learned of the positive pregnancy test. She was destined to live this life alone. Or at least she thought she was. Braden was making her question that.

  Chapter 3

  “You’re up early for a Sunday.” Tucker dropped a bale of hay on top of another.

  Braden leaned against the wall of the barn. “Courtney is coming by with her daughter for a horse riding lesson.”

  His brother cocked a grin. “Ah, so that’s why you’ve got nice clothes on too.”

  Nice? He didn’t have a suit and tie on, just a button-down shirt and one of his better pair of jeans. “Don’t think too much into it. I asked her out and she turned me down.”

  His eyes widened. “What? When?”

  “Last week.”

  “Dude, I’m sorry.”

  Braden had never had a way with women like his brother. Tucker could point at a woman and she dropped to her knees. He’d been told he was attractive, but his brothers always got the limelight since they were twins.