Chapter Four
Wednesday morning at six, Willa entered the barn to see at least thirty people standing around. Spotting Judy, she smiled at the woman knowing she’d be here. Judy looked at her and smirked.
Yeah, okay. Game on! It was obvious she was letting Willa know she considered Devin hers for the taking. Willa hadn’t realized just how much she had wanted Devin until she got the message from her. Oh, she knew she was deeply attracted to the younger man, and she did want him but when another woman let her know she wanted him too, it made her see she needed to go for it. What could it hurt? She just had to let him know in a way he didn’t think she was up to something with such a quick change of heart.
Watching him enter the barn made her heart skip a beat.
Wearing his usual white straw cowboy hat, and T-shirt, he also wore chaps over his jeans, and scuffed boots were on his feet. Biting her lip to hold a moan at bay, she ran her eyes down over him. His jeans hugged him. Everywhere! Unable to keep her eyes off his crotch, she noticed how those chaps really emphasized that area. When she slowly raised her eyes, she saw him looking at her with a lifted eyebrow, and she wanted to crawl into a hole. But she reminded herself that she needed to let him know she wanted him, so she took a deep breath, lifted an eyebrow and smiled. The look on his face was well worth it. He cleared his throat and shifted his eyes away from her. Point for Foster!
“This is an hour ride. Even if you’ve never ridden before, this will be an easy trek for you. We follow a trail, and it is single file. We will go down an embankment so lean back in the saddle as we do. Otherwise, you’ll go right over the horse’s head.” He smiled when everyone laughed. “Do the opposite when going up. You’ll do fine. I’ll be at the back, so I’ll be keeping an eye on you.” His eyes met hers again then he turned to his horse.
“I may need help. I’ve never ridden before,” Judy said as she glanced at Willa then to Devin.
Willa held her laughter in. Oh, yeah. It’s on.
She watched as Devin held the reins of the horse Judy was riding and instructed her on how to get on the horse. Judy seemed to be having trouble getting enough momentum to lift herself in order to swing her leg over the saddle. Devin signaled to one of the ranch hands to give Judy a leg up.
She saw Judy frown as the man linked his fingers for her to put her foot in them. Placing her foot in his hands, she reached for the saddle horn and was in the saddle in no time.
Willa moved to the horse she was riding and took the reins from the ranch hand. She smiled and shook her head when he asked if she needed help.
“Are you sure about that, Miss Foster?” Devin asked from behind her.
Spinning around, she smiled. “I’m sure, Mr. Callahan. I’ve always been able to… mount on my ow n.” She grinned when he groaned.
“Killing me,” he mumbled as he walked to his horse.
She couldn’t take her eyes off his ass. The man had a fine ass, and those chaps not only made his crotch look good but they also made his ass look great.
She couldn’t believe she was lusting over a cowboy. A cowboy , for God’s sake. She was the type who liked a man in a suit with a good haircut, and clean hands were a must. She angled her head to see Devin’s hands and noticed he was wearing gloves and for some reason, seeing them on his hands while wearing a T-shirt was sexy as hell.
“Ma’am?” a male voice said from beside her.
“Yes?” Willa looked over to find a ranch hand standing there.
“Gloves,” he said then handed them to her.
“Thank you.”
Smiling, she took them from him and knew she could refuse them, but she thought it was best to wear them. They kept the reins from hurting your hands if the horse pulled or if you fell off and didn’t let go, the reins could burn your hands. Pulling them on, she mounted the horse and settled in the saddle as the ranch hand adjusted the stirrups.
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Devin moving his horse through the crowd then stopped by Judy. Willa frowned. She didn’t like the smile he gave Judy. It looked a little too flirty for her liking. Judy looked away from Devin to scan the crowd. When she saw Willa looking at her, she smirked. Judy was enjoying herself.
Willa cleared her throat and straightened her shoulders.
“Mr. Callahan?” she called out and watched Judy narrow her eyes at her making Willa smile in response.
Devin rode his horse over to her and stopped beside her.
“What can I do for you, Miss Foster?” He leaned forward on the saddle and rested his forearms on the horn.
She grinned. “You tell me,” she whispered.
Devin sat up and looked at her in shock. Then he narrowed his eyes and glanced back to Judy then to her again.
“No catfights,” he said sternly.
“You don’t want women fighting over you?”
“No… because I don’t give a shit about her. If you want to use those claws on someone, you can use them on me. But don’t do it just because you think some other woman wants me.”
“I don’t think she wants you, I know she does.”
“I know she does but you don’t, so why should that bother you?” he snapped.
She’d made him angry, and now she was irritated with herself for stooping to Judy’s level. Inhaling deeply, she looked at him.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
Devin gave her a terse nod then turned to face the other riders before riding toward the barn doors. “Let’s go. Follow Chip out, single file.”
He sat by the doors and waited as all of the riders filed out.
Willa was so embarrassed. What is wrong with you? Feeling like a fool since she’d stooped to an all new low, she didn’t want to face Devin. You’re supposed to be a mature, forty-year-old woman, and you’re acting like a teenager fighting over the high school quarterback . What the hell is wrong with you? She’d apparently spent way too much time in the sun the other day because she had never, ever done anything like that before.
As she rode closer toward Devin, she could feel the heat pouring into her cheeks. Nudging her horse a little harder, she moved to get in front of some other riders, including Judy. She didn’t want to be at the back of the line with Devin. He didn’t seem to care as she rode past him and out into the sunshine. Taking her sunglasses out of her blouse pocket, Willa slipped them on.
****
Devin couldn’t get over Willa being catty. He hadn’t known her long, but she didn’t come across as being a jealous woman. He’d never been the type of man who wanted women competing for his attention. Willa already had it. No one else. She was the woman he wanted, and he wouldn’t care if Judy paraded around nude in front of him. Now, if Willa tried to do it, he’d be more than happy to let her.
Watching her ride toward him, he noticed Willa wouldn’t look at him as she rode past, and then put her sunglasses on. She was so beautiful. Today she wore a white, sleeveless blouse tucked into tight jeans that stretched across her backside. He hadn’t been able to keep his eyes off her ass when he saw her standing at her horse with her back to him. He’d been hoping she needed help up onto her horse, so he could get close to her. Then she made the statement about always having been able to mount on her own.
Motherfucker! All he needed was his dick to start straining against his jeans. It would be damn uncomfortable sitting in the saddle with a hard-on. Blowing out a breath, he followed the line of riders out of the barn and down to the trail. He couldn’t see Willa at all. She was going to avoid him now because she was embarrassed by her behavior. Chuckling, he thought of her getting him away from the other woman. She seriously didn’t think he was interested in that woman, did she?
Admittedly, the woman was attractive. He had noticed that much about her but she had nothing on Willa. He recognized her for what she was, no better than one of the buckle bunnies who hung around the rodeo circuit. She was definitely coming on to him.
“I’m Judy,” she said turning to look at him as he approached.
“Ma’am,” he said as he put his fingers to the brim of his hat
She smiled at him. “I signed up for the cattle drive tomorrow too.”
Devin had no idea what to say to that since he was leading that excursion too. The group would head out on Thursday and return Saturday, and that night was the farewell dance.
“Yes, ma’am,” he said as he shifted in the saddle, making the leather creak.
“Please call me Judy. Ma’am makes me sound old, and I’m not old.”
He could feel his temper rising at the implied dig at Willa. This girl had nothing on that beautiful woman and she never would. Judy was probably just barely over twenty-one. Way too young. Whoa! He was maybe ten years older than she was and he immediately thought she was too young. Just like Willa had thought he was too young for her.
“How old are you, Judy?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that.”
She giggled. Giggled! “I don’t mind. I’m twenty-two. What about you?”
Twenty-two . Nine years difference. Just like Willa and him. Damn it! But this thing with Willa was different. They were both mature, and he knew she would never giggle. She had a full-bodied laugh, and he loved it. Judy made him wince when she’d giggled just now because she sounded like a teenager. Hell, she was barely out of her teens.
“Thirty-one,” he said and looked ahead to see the line of riders had moved a good bit ahead of them. “We need to catch up.” He jerked his head to the line.
Judy looked ahead then smiled at him. “Why would I want to do that? I like talking with you. Maybe we could have dinner together one night.”
“I’m sorry, but there’s no socializing between guests and staff.”
“Really? Because I saw you coming on to Willa at the pool.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him.
“We were just talking, and I don’t have to explain myself to you. Please catch up with the others.”
Huffing, she glared at him then nudged her horse to move. He hoped she got the message and backed off. Now she had him thinking about Willa’s decision not to be with him. No. That was different. He was a grown ass man, not some horny young teenager who had no idea how to act around a woman. Christ! This wasn’t sitting well with him at all. He really needed to speak to Willa. Maybe if she would just talk with him. Get to know him as the man he is. A man who wanted her. Wanted to be with her. He’d never wanted a woman more, and she was letting this age thing come between them. He wasn’t some immature boy.
Nudging his horse, Devin caught up with the others.
****
Willa refused to look back again. When she’d glanced back earlier, she saw Judy and Devin had stopped and were talking. Judy was what he needed. She was younger than he was, and they probably had more in common than she would with him. Then why does it bother you? She could not be interested in a relationship with him. It would be a mistake. She was leaving here in a little over three weeks, and she’d never see him again. That thought hurt her more than she was willing to admit and she hadn’t even known him a week.
Devin was such a sexy man. A hot, younger man. But he was a man. There was no doubting that. Some of the men in Hollywood, who were older than he was, didn’t act as mature as he did. To her, they seemed more like boys. She sighed. What was she going to do? She wanted him but why start something when she could lose her heart? There was the problem. She could lose her heart to him and what good would that do her in the end? Once she was back in Hollywood, she’d be a mess knowing that she left a man behind she could’ve loved. Love?
No, she couldn’t fall for him. Except she’d never felt the way she did around any other man. Rocky was a heartthrob, but he did nothing for her. Then she comes to Montana and meets a cowboy who she knows would rock her world. He was too sexy not to. You’ve only known him three days!
“How are you doing?” Devin asked from beside her.
“Still feeling embarrassed about acting like a jealous shrew. That’s not me, Devin,” she said as she glanced over at him.
“I know that. You just surprised me by acting that way. I wasn’t sure what had gotten into you. I know you couldn’t be jealous of her.”
“Why wouldn’t I be? She’s beautiful and… younger.”
He snorted. “Like I care. You seemed to be getting along with her at the pool.”
“Until she said if she were my age, she’d go for it if you showed an interest in her,” Willa said with a bitter laugh.
“She said that?”
“Oh yeah. I felt fifty instead of forty.”
Reaching out, he grabbed her reins and pulled her out of the line. She quickly glanced at the other riders, but no one seemed to care.
“What are you doing?”
“When we get to the creek up ahead, you and I are going to talk. Got it?”
As she stared into his eyes, she saw the determination there. “Yes.”
“Good. Get back in line, please. The embankment is ahead. I’ll be in the back.” He gave her a nod and turned his horse to head to the back.
What was he going to talk to her about? Devin hadn’t hidden the fact that he was interested in her, but she’d acted like a bitter shrew in front of him. She’d confused him, and she could see why. One minute she was behaving like she wants nothing to do with him and the next, she was flirting with him. All because a younger woman wanted him.
The feeling of being older really sunk in. Why did he want her when he could have any woman he wanted? Unless he just wanted to experience an older woman. She nibbled on her lip. Maybe he liked older women. Some men did. She’d had men of all ages come on to her so why was she surprised about Devin? Why? Look at the man! He was amazing to look at with those beautiful grey eyes, and thick, silky black hair. He was the total package and speaking of packages, he sure looked like he had a nice one.
Willa rode her horse down the bank to the creek. She had butterflies in her belly just wondering what he was going to say to her. When she glanced over to see him dismounting, she wanted to attack him .
“We’ll rest here for a few minutes then be heading back. Those of you who haven’t ridden before be careful dismounting. Let me know if you need help.” He turned to look at her.
She almost laughed when she heard Judy call for him and he rolled his eyes. She saw him take a deep breath as he walked to Judy. Willa wanted to skin her alive when she put her hands on his broad shoulders, and he lifted her down. Her emotions shocked her. She’d never been the jealous type. Keep telling yourself that. Okay, not before coming to the Bur Oak. Then she set her eyes on this cowboy, and her resolve was shot to hell.
Damn man. You say that a lot, Willa.
“I know,” she muttered as she dismounted then led her horse to the creek to drink.
The other riders did the same thing, and she knew when Devin stepped up beside her with his horse.
“Are you feeling all right?” he asked her.
“Of course. I’ve ridden before. It’s been a while, but you know what they say. It’s like riding a bike or having sex.”
“Damn it, Willa. You are the one woman who doesn’t need to mention sex when you’re around me unless you’re telling me you want it.”
Laughing softly, she stared up at him. “Devin, you don’t hold back, do you?”
“I told you, not when I see something I want. I go out of my way to get it. The Callahan men never back down from a challenge.”
“I’d like to hear about them sometime—the Callahan men. ”
“How about tonight?”
“It’s not your family you want to talk about.”
He shrugged. “True, but any reason to see you will work.”
“Devin, I’m just not sure it’s a good idea,” she said shaking her head.
“I think it’s a great idea. I want to talk to you about this age difference you seem to have a problem with.”
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“I disagree. I’d like to hear why you won’t, at least, have dinner with me.”
“What’s the point? I’ll be leaving at the end of the month.”
“That gives me three and half more weeks to convince you and while we’re at it, I am in no way interested in Judy. She doesn’t appeal to me so for you to even think it, is ridiculous.”
Devin then turned to the group. “Mount up everyone.”
“You’d better go help Judy. She likes your hands on her.”
He leaned close to her. “You’re the only woman I want liking my hands on her.”
“Devin…”
“I want to touch and taste every inch of you,” he murmured close to her ear then looked at her.
Taking her bottom lip between her teeth, she watched as his eyes dropped to her mouth.
“You are the most outspoken man I’ve ever met.”
“Tonight? Can I come over tonight?”
“I, uh…”
“I won’t do anything you don’t want me to. I promise you that.”
That may be the problem. “All right.”
His lips lifted in a slow, sexy grin and those irresistible dimples peeked out. “Great. I’ll be there around seven. Now mount up, Miss Foster.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Callahan.” She smiled as she put her foot in the stirrup and lifted herself in the saddle.
“Never enjoyed seeing a woman mount a horse more.” Devin smiled at her.
She sputtered then laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”
He touched the brim of his hat. “I don’t deny it, and just so you know, I don’t make it a habit of talking to women I don’t know that way. But for some reason, I can’t curb my tongue where you’re concerned. Time to head back. I’ll be needing another cold shower.”
Devin walked away before she could say anything in response.
Shaking her head, she fell in line with the other riders earning a glare from Judy. Willa raised an eyebrow at her then watched as she nudged her horse and got in line. Something told her that Judy was fibbing about never having ridden before. She couldn’t really blame her though, since she would love Devin’s hands on her too.
Devin didn’t seem to care what he said to her and it wasn’t that he was that way with all women. She knew it was just her. Otherwise, Judy wouldn’t be glaring at her so much. Some men said things that were downright crude to every woman they came across, and it was disgusting but with Devin, Willa knew he was being honest when he told her he only talked that way to her. His words made her shiver just thinking about it because she knew he was being honest about wanting her. If she did go to bed with him, would he talk to her like that in bed? There was no doubt in her mind that he would. He was being honest, not crude. She smiled at the thought.
Later in her cabin, her nerves kicked in. She wasn’t going to let Devin talk her into anything. She’d showered and now had her lounge pants and a tank top on since she wanted to be comfortable. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Her attire might give him ideas. Ideas like she wanted to make it easy for him to get into her pants. All he’d have to do is push them down. The elastic waist barely held them up. They hung low on her hips, and the tank top ended just above her belly button, exposing her skin. She needed to change before he arrived.
Heading toward the bedroom, she stopped when a knock sounded at her door. Glancing at the clock, she saw he was a few minutes early. Wonderful!
Taking a deep breath, she walked to the door and opened it to see him standing there with one hand above his head on the doorjamb and the other on his hip. She watched as his eyes ran over her from head to foot, and back up. His gaze lingered on her lips, and she couldn’t stop herself from licking them. He closed his eyes for a few seconds then opened them, and looked at her.
“Invite me in, Willa,” he said in a low tone of voice.
“I need to change—”
“No, you don’t. Invite me in,” he repeated.
Opening the door wider, she stepped aside and he walked past her. Devin smelled so good, all soap, aftershave, leather, and man. He strode to the living room and spun around to look at her. She wondered what she’d been thinking to let him in. She needed every ounce of willpower she had to resist this man.
Easier said than done.
Willa pushed the door closed and leaned back against it.