

Perfect Cowboy

First in Series.

Adult Romance

Some content in this story is unsuitable for anyone under the age of eighteen.

Published by Smashwords.com and Copyright 2011 by Kat Von Wild

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Kat Von Wild is an e-book writer of Adult Erotica and Adult Romance.

CHAPTER ONE

Setting down her book and flipping off her light, Angel settled into her bed for an overdue nights rest. It was late. She had a full day of work ahead. She closed her eyes in the darkness of her room, pulled up her comforter and fluffed her pillow under her head. All while listening to the quiet of the mountain country night at one a.m. The stillness of the night brought on memories that she no sooner wanted to leave behind. They were memories too fresh to forget. With all the changes going in her life, she needed something to settle her nerves.

The last month had brought on so many changes once again in her life. She was beginning to feel like a woman constantly tested for her strength. For once, she would like to have a man to fall back on. A husband to share all that has happened to her over the last month. Being a woman of twenty six she didn't feel she needed to push it but marriage and kids is what she felt she was born to accomplish. Something she never had as a little girl was a father, siblings or security.

She always had her best friend, Lou Ann. When she lost her mom, Lou Ann's family took her in. Hanging out on the ranch as a little girl set the prelude to where she wanted home to be, here in the mountain air on a ranch, with a good man and some kids. Then Randy had his stroke and it seemed as if everything came to a stop.

Randy had always felt like the dad she never had. He treated her just like his niece, Lou Ann, when they were kids. Then as an adult, he taught her all about promoting the ranch and made her his right hand gal as soon as her college legs took step.

Finding him in the midst of a heart attack, her life passed in the blink of an eye. It brought back the memory of her mom's death. The reality that she needed family now more than ever, that Lou Ann's family had become hers, but now she wanted her own family. So taking the job at the ranch to replace Randy was not even an option in her life.

Out of all the obscene ways of falling in love, Angel was sure she found her true love, without even meeting him. Thinking once again how her life has never been anything but normal.

Today had been one of those days where she did nothing but try to get Randy's job done, instead had found herself being rather melancholic about her life. Maybe it was this Colton guy she found to replace Randy. He was truly the type of cowboy she could see herself spending the rest of her life with. She had not even met him in person yet. All the research she had to do on him, the employers, friends and even his house cleaner had spoken as if he was truly the perfect cowboy for the job. For her, one look at his picture, posted in a magazine article about him, and she fell head over heels. She knew all this was strange.

Maybe she was feeling desperate, as the dating pool in her small mountain town had not found her the type of man she desired. She knew she needed a man with not only physical strength but also a belief in his job and his community. That was what everyone betrayed him as; a man you can depend on.

Her mind was milling over a million things at once and as usual, as of late, she was once again milling over a man she had not officially met. Who would not know she existed in the company or that he would be working with her. Maybe that was not her brightest idea, and lord knows everyone put two senses in about it. However, she wanted it this way. Almost like a surprise. Hoping that he took the job for what it is and not worrying that some blonde country bumpkin sidekick would be following him around drooling. She knew if he was in person what he made out on paper, she was had.

Never in a million years did she think that she would be pawning for a man this way. However, something about this man felt right. If he was not her dream man, he definitely was the best man for the job to replace Randy and let Randy get on with his retirement.

Her mind did not want to settle and she had a long day ahead. She pulled open her drapes to open the window a crack and get some of the fresh mountain air to lull her to sleep. As she got back under her comforter, she spoke out-loud to herself. "Relax!" Startled by her own voice talking, she was beginning to feel almost crazy. Thinking to herself this time, she began giving herself mental instructions on how to relax. Just close your eyes and think of something good. OK. The book I am reading is really good, intense and sexy. Ok, just picture myself with a hot and sexy man like in my book.

"Hoo...Hoo." Sounds of an owl, just inches from her window made her whisper aloud again to calm her nerves. "It will stop in a minute."

Normally sleep was not an issue, but her life had felt almost intense lately. With all the changes going on at the ranch and Randy's heart attack, she had been doing double time to keep everyone ok with him missing work. Which was work she loved, but tonight had her especially nervous. Tomorrow morning, Colton Smith, Randy's replacement would be taking his final tour of the ranch and given the keys to his company truck to take home and then drive back up by the weekend. Thinking about the prospect of the new man and what the future would hold left too many unanswered questions.

Her sleeping trouble really started right after Randy's heart attack. The vivid dreams; from the memory of finding him on the floor in his office, all pale and clutching his chest, like something was trying to escape from his body. It haunted her every night in her dreams. Tonight she had hoped that the chamomile tea, the hot bath and the book she was reading would put her to sleep. However, tonight she was too darn restless and thinking about Colton Smith was only adding to her nervousness.

Finding Randy's replacement was tough. He did not want to retire, but his wife, Sheila, told him after his triple by-pass surgery that he was officially retired. For now, Randy knew she was at the helm looking for his replacement. It had been hard but after days of researching and phone interviews she got Mr. R, the owner of Ralston Ranch, to sway this one away from his corporate city job back to the county.

The ranch had been all the work Randy had ever known. She knew it killed him to have to retire. He worked there since he was sixteen years old. Although it was not your normal job for a sixteen-year-old boy, but in the mountain area, they lived in, it was not unlikely. Since those days, the surrounding area had developed into a tourism catchall for skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, and huge summer season of campers, fishermen and local sightseers.

The slumbering thoughts were not working and the sound of the owl, which normally would soothe her, felt like it struck a nerve every time it called out into the night. Getting up to close the window, Angel saw her reflection with just enough light coming from her hallway and saw the worry in her face. She smiled at herself, opened her eyes wider and tilted her head just a tad, a happier looking expression shown back. She closed the curtains and thought about sleeping in the nude. As her sleep shirt hit the floor she realized there was just enough cool in the room now from the window being open that being naked made her have to pee.

"Tinkle time." Talking to herself, she began to giggle on the way into her bathroom. Living on her own and now working alone, lately she found herself constantly talking to herself, aloud and in her head. As if, it was a calming effect on her currently wayward life. If it were not one a.m. on a Tuesday, she would call her best friend, Lou Ann, to release some of her worries. Lou Ann had always been there for her since she was a little girl. She was the sister she never had. She helped her through puberty, boys and college, and now she had helped her more than ever when she thought she lost the only man she ever considered a dad. Calling Lou Ann would only put two people out of bed. Two people who worked hard and needed their sleep, besides Lou Ann's Wednesday's at her hair salon were the busiest. She would need a darn good reason for waking her up.

Feeling silly, walking from her bathroom to her bed in only her socks, she smiled from deep within. She thought of how it would be if a man were waiting for her in her bed, to welcome her back from her late night rendezvous from the bathroom. How he would pull her naked body close and curve his body to hers, providing warmth and protection. For now, she would grab an extra pillow. Setting it next to her stomach while lying on her side and tossing a leg over the end of the pillow. It would have to do for now. Counting sheep, it is. She thought to herself. Starting at sixty, thinking somehow that would give her a head start. A few minutes pass as she counts to herself, envisioning a peaceful place by the lake.

Realizing that counting got her nowhere she wanted to be asleep. She kicked off the comforter; grabbing her sleep shirt, she slid it back on and flipped on her reading light. Looking at her book, she had read for a short time before attempting this trying venture of sleep she decided to grab the briefing portfolio on the new guy, Colton, which lay just underneath her latest romance novel.

Staring into the photo from the article that profiled Colton Smith, Angel felt a bit dreamy. Who wouldn't? The man had strong features, crystal blue eyes, and a sincere smile with a detection of a dimple in his cheeks, strong jaw line and dark blonde hair with sun kissed highlights. It was more than his gorgeous natural cowboy looks that got Angel. It was the response to the questions asked in the article. As if he still lived by the cowboy code. Something you cannot seem to find in many men anymore. Something she had been looking for in a man for herself.

Then when she called around doing inquisitions, with fellow employers, she felt inspired by every person's enthusiasm to talk about how great of a man he is. His actual experience in cattle ranching went back to when he was a boy, but he had a record of accomplishment for recovering farming and cattle businesses from foreclosure at his current marketing firm. He was handsome and that did cause a smitten reaction from within her. Sure, he had experience related to the industry. She would not bring in an amateur to run the ranch. The Ralston Ranch was like a second home to her.

Just looking at his picture she wondered how her first week with him would be. Could she keep from being her normal flirtatious self? Maybe she could. She would be a true professional and impress the hell out of him. She planned to train him to do Randy's job so well and organized everything ahead of time that only the man himself could cause failure.

She wanted Randy to relax as soon as possible and she did not think he could until he was sure she found the right replacement. The Ralston Ranch was Randy's life and lively hood. More than that, it was a second home to him and all the men were like his boys. Just like Angel and Lou Ann, who he treated like his daughters. Him and his wife, Shelia were never blessed with kids so the ranch employees always played that part in their lives.

With the digital clock, reading one twenty two in the morning, her nine am meeting with the printer was nagging on her brain.

She wanted to stay out of the office tomorrow until Colton had left back into the city to pack up his belongings. Randy had urged her to be in the meeting with Colton but she told him that she did not want him thinking, her job in all this, is to hire him. She was to be an assistant of sorts, but even with that, it was up to Colton if she stayed on at the Ranch working in the promotions and marketing.

Not that she wasn't worried about getting any freelance work. The town always supplied her with plenty to do in her independent graphics business. It was just the majority of her work was with Randy and the Ranch, being a stand by gal Friday. That suited her laid-back life style just fine.

That way when she did find a man to settle down with, her career would not be so much of her life. It would be easy to ease things up to start a family, which is what she really wanted to do. She wanted lots of kids and at least one dog, maybe a golden Labrador. Realizing she was daydreaming instead of night dreaming, asleep, she decided to read some of her book instead.

Before she could open the book to where she left off, a picture fell out of her book that she was using as a bookmark. It was of her with Lou Ann with Randy, looking healthy and happy before his heart attack. The memories started to flood back in force, good and bad. All the fun times they had handling stock shows and rodeo promotions. It was not until the ban on beef in Japan that things got a little tight around the ranch. Everyone in the ranch did the best they could to make things work and to come up with their own ideas of additional revenue to keep the ranch at its level of productivity.

Thinking back to Randy in the hospital and the doctors telling them the heart attack was from blocked arteries and that he needed to retire from the hard labor. Sheila, his wife of thirty years, laid down the law and said Randy was to retire for good. She wanted to continue to enjoy her husband's company without another chance of a heart attack. She was just as afraid as Angel was that Randy would have another heart attack if he stayed on at the ranch. He could never be a deskman. He was a hands-on type of helper.

Angel could not help but remember Randy in the hospital looking twenty years older and very weak. She had only known a strong hearty Randy all her life. The weaker one lying in the hospital reminded her how short and precious life is. How she needed to move into the next phase of her life and that would mean finding a man to settle down with.

Laying a light kiss to the picture of two people she loved so much, she set it back on her nightstand and told herself to be thankful that Randy lived. That as each day began, Randy got more color in his face and actually joked around about retirement and being bored stiff or driven crazy by his wife. Angel knew better. They were the strongest, happiest married couple she had ever met and she knew Shelia would make Randy's retirement one to remember.

Lying on her side, holding her book open towards the light, she began to read the steamy part of her book.

He began kissing her neck and ear as he let go of the cue stick. His hot breathe teasing. She bent over the pool table as he bent down and began rubbing his heated hands on the back and insides of her thighs.

Soft moans escaped her lips as she moved her legs a little farther apart. He gently slid his hand up to the top of her leg and felt the warmth and moisture she had already accumulated. She felt light headed and dizzy trying to catch her breath.

His hand gently massaged over her panties touching the front of her as he dribbled soft kisses on the back of her leg. The amount of pleasure this gave her was so incredible she whimpered out.

"BIZZ – BIZZ – BIZZ" Her hand shot out to the side and slammed the snooze button on her alarm clock reading seven a.m. Stretching to wake up she realized she fell asleep to the steamy part of her romance novel and her dreams filled with one particular man in mind. A man who could very easily be her perfect cowboy, Colton Smith. She turned off her alarm and decided it was going to be a great day.

CHAPTER TWO

"Well Colton I guess congratulations are in order old buddy. I mean running an entire ranch is a big change from what you have been doing in the city. As your best friend, I would suggest you think twice about this transaction, then again, as your best friend, I know how badly you want to get back into ranching."

Mike knew that this was like a congratulatory speech for his best friend Colton, that he was proud of him for burning his own path. The beers they downed the previous night held all the emotion. Mike just wanted to send him off with a final farewell phone call before he had to fly out to Canada to work on his latest deal. He just hoped the joke he played on him at the bar with Tabasco'd beer would have slipped his mind already.

"Well, Mike, buddy, old pal, I believe this venture will prove the best for both of us and although I will miss our Friday night pool games and twofer beers, I will not miss the practical pranks you played on me or the fact you paid my housekeeper, Frederica, to play them on me." Colton had to get his last dig in. He had one more prank waiting for Mike at his rental parking spot in his garage. He had his prized corvette moved to a different level of the garage, with a ransom note attached to his parking spot number to call a mysterious cell to retrieve his car. He would of course get his car back in time to get to the airport, but he loved to play the pranks in return.

"Talk at cha later cowboy." Mike put a country drawl in his voice.

"See ya later Mike." Colton hung up the phone with hesitation. He would miss his best friend but he had just landed his dream job promoting and managing a large ranch. A change from his city jobs but his absence from the country life had put a hole in his heart. This felt like a second chance.

The new company truck arrived two days ago and now the movers were packing his belongings. Most would go into storage and his essentials would go with him. He figured he would grab his Starbucks before he hit the highway. No local Starbucks where he was going or at least an hour drive from the Ranch where he would be working at, nor did he think he would have the time.

The Ralston Ranch was a large cattle ranch that started dabbling in other ranching experiences after their largest Japanese account declared a ban on American beef. The feel of the ranch reminded him of the ranch his dad managed while he was a little boy. Those owners had taken great care of his dad and mom.

Remembering how the countryside had offered pure wholesomeness for Colton as a little boy. He recalled being fascinated with the beauty of nature, the adventure of the countryside and the care of the animals. No, his early childhood years were strictly ranch lifestyle, not television, gaming systems or gangs and crime. He figured he probably would have stayed in that lifestyle all his life until an unlikely ranching accident took his father.

After his father's death, his mother did not want to be there anymore. She took them into the big city in hopes her only son would not follow in his father's career path. Colton knew that one day he would come back to this. He dreamed of it, planned for it. He just never had the heart to follow through until after his mother's early death and realized there was nothing to hold him back now.

The owners seemed laid back but in a hurry to get him out there. They fronted him a company truck, and organized packing, moving him and paying a bonus to give his current corporation a short notice.

Colton was hesitant on giving his current company short notice. He did not want to burn any bridges in case this was not what he wanted. His boss knew of Colton's dreams and told him if things did not work out, he always had a job. Everything seemed to fall into place so easy he was not sure if he should just go with the flow or proceed with caution.

The long drive into the mountains left him with a lot of time to think to himself. He figured the ranch owners would give him a warm welcome but the ranch hands might take it a little hard on him. However, all the years of Mike's practical jokes prepared him for anything.

Driving through town Colton caught a glimpse of a modern day mountain town. There were still some of the older buildings with an antique appeal about them, claiming to sell old soda shop fountain drinks or tourist gifts. To his dismay there were several more modern looking buildings that blended as well as one could imagine from the old to the new.

Several fancy sports cars mixed with economy cars and minivans lined the parking lot next to the visitor bureau; much of what you would expect visiting a mountain town that catered to winter and summer visitors. The local ski slope was not that far away and Colton had skied there a time or two, but now that he would be living here, he took a closer look at what the town held and where the local eatery and bars were.

Passing the local grocery store, Colton saw a lot more four-wheel drives and dually trucks similar to his. Figuring those were more locals that needed the heavy-duty trucks for the heavy snowfall that would be just around the corner.

Cracking his tinted window to the company truck just a tad, he smelt a whiff of a real fire burning. Stopped at a light he looked around to see if there were any forest fires on the horizon and he could see none, much to his relief. He knew that was a back draw to mountain living, like Californians and earthquakes; mountains and forest fires were common. One had to be prepared to evacuate on a moment's notice.

As Colton's light turned green, he smiled to himself as he continued to drive on through town to the turnoff of the main highway to the ranch. He did not see any coffee shops or fast foods he used to frequent, but he saw very quaint restaurants and gift shops. With their antique style storefronts and gathered customers chatting on benches or street corners. All which brought back a flood of memories from his childhood of growing up in a small mountain town similar to this. This was his homecoming and he was enjoying soaking in every site, sound and smell.

Pulling up the five-mile road, off the county road, he knew this place held promise. A renewed feeling of connection to the country burned deep within him as he drove towards the ranch with his expectations well thought out. These people needed him as much as he needed them and he would not let them down. Tall evergreen pines mixed with colorful aspens crowed the dirt road on the drive up. The road was well maintained and cleared just enough to get a large truck and horse or cattle trailer through, but the bumpy rivets in the dirt bounced his empty truck around a bit. He figured rain must have fallen heavy not that long ago to put the bumpiness back into what appeared to be a very well maintained county road.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a ground squirrel hurry off and stop on top of a large mountain boulder off the shoulder of the road. It seemed to be watching Colton pass. The sight of the squirrel allowed him to see the incredible view just beyond the boulder. Wild flowers exploded in a sunny open pasture just beyond the large rock and a glimpse of the sun leaving its last shadow of the day made it all more picturesque than anyone could imagine. This was the type of scenery cowboys wrote poems and love songs about.

His final turn into the road that would lead him right up to the main ranch and the cabin they had pointed out that would be his. He watched the sun as it was about to set on the valley below the Ralston Ranch, an eagerness settled low in his gut. He was about to take over managing eight hundred acres that were attached to the ranch and many more the owner had only led prelude to. The owner was a collector of unwanted land just for the sack of owning and preserving it.

The vastness of it all began to well up in his chest. Was he making the right choice? Could he handle a job like this, since it was so different from any job he ever had? What was he doing? He was not a negative thinker. He had always liked to grab the bull by the horns and ride it out. He did that on any new job or task, this one was no different. He would go full force with gusto and make this dream work. This was a challenge he looked forward to and as the sun set on his city life behind him, this was a new beginning back to his country roots.

As he pulled up to the front of the cabin house he would be living in, that set about hundred yards from the main ranch, he noticed six big burley backsides of guys and one smaller more feminine shape from behind. Some jokes and laughs were coming from the split rail fence they were hanging around on while watching the sunset.

Colton figured they had not heard him pull up. He grabbed his duffel bag and set it on the front porch of his cabin they had showed him on his exploration. No time like the present, he told himself. He had only met Randy, the retiring ranch manager, and the owners on his interview visit. The rest of the ranch hands were a blur and he was sure in due time he would get to know everyone.

He headed over to the fence where everyone seemed to be sitting quietly now watching the sun rest on the horizon. The sunset was brilliant with dusty pinks, vibrant oranges and denim blues all blending together in the evening sky as he approached the fence. "Howdy" Colton broke the calm silence. Nobody turned. Nobody acknowledged him. "Howdy all." He bolstered out with quite a bit more hardiness. In anticipation that they all were ready to welcome their new boss, his frustration grew as no one immediately acknowledged him.

Randy, the lead ranch hand, finally turned and said a quiet "Howdy" with his fingers to his lips in a hushing signal and then turned back around. Colton was not sure what they were listening for but he knew evening wildlife could be very interesting. A minute of quiet passed as the sky grew darker and the suns final fading turned into some stars up above.

Colton was leaning against the railing when he heard a very feminine, soft sexy voice.

"Well boys, same time next week. I'll bring the Coors Light this time!"

She took her cowboy hat off to let out her soft curly long blonde hair, which had been piled up in her hat. The scent of her hair was fresh. She shook her head and turned briskly swinging her legs around on the rail almost smacking Colton's face with her Roper boots. This put her chest to his face as he was leaning on the fence. Colton stopped breathing and could not speak. She was like an Angel with her hazel green eyes, soft sensuous lips and tanned skin.

There stood the man she had stared into a photo of a hundred times, but real life brought him a much better justice. All six foot two inches of him with his dark blonde hair in a short cut with those incredible blue eyes that were like a pool of refreshing water she could step herself into.

"Sorry, I didn't realize you came up." Angel was shocked. She had assisted in the hiring of the man that rest before her, but his presence made her all jittery. Maybe it was just the surprise: that she had not even realized he had walked up, and that he was leaning on the split rail fence next to her.

"That's alright mam" he managed to choke out. He did not know if it was the fact he almost got kicked in the face with a pair of ropers that were attached to the most heavenly image of a woman. "Colton Smith" He spoke with sincerity as he stretched out his hand for a shake.

Angel used his hand to jump down, not to shake. "Angel Morrison" was all she could speak. She dreamed of this moment but was so nervous. She put on her black cowboy hat and started strutting towards her old beat up pick-up truck. She would let the boys do the introductions and catch her breath and courage for tomorrow.

Colton watched her walk. It was mesmerizing. Her scent was clean and her smile Angelic. Angel must be her nickname. He thought to himself and he must have waited too long between dating to realize he could melt so quick with so few words.

Angel gave a shout over her shoulder with a backwards wave to the guys. "See ya boys. Tell those wives of yours hello!"

Five of the ranch hands, had turned and spoke in unison. "See ya Angel. Drive careful now."

Randy spoke up the loudest and called out. "Don't you forget to call Shelia when you get home to check in and make sure everything's ok."

"Will do Randy" Angel knew if she did not call to check in with Shelia every night after work, she would make Randy stop in and check in on her. She had started carrying a cell phone with her everywhere just for that reason so she did not always have to be at home when she called. She knew it made them feel better when she checked in and Shelia always kept the calls brief.

Colton figured Shelia must be her grandma or something. Why would a grown woman have to report and check in? Now Colton knew Randy as the main ranch hand and the man he was replacing while he retired but who, was this Angel woman? There were not any females on the employee rooster.

Colton turned and looked to Randy. They were about the same height.

Randy looked fatherly at Angel as she drove away. "That is one special girl."

Without even thinking, Colton spoke his mind. "That is one hot woman." Shit! Did I really just say that or did I think it. Sometimes his mouth got ahead of him and got him into trouble. This is one time; he hoped he had not spoken loud enough.

All five ranch hands walked away looking over their shoulder at Randy. "See ya" chorused out and then a single "and set the new guy straight".

Colton could not see who had said it but he sure as hell thought that was no way to treat your new boss. Then again his words 'that is one hot woman' echoed in his head. Nice one Colton, way to go. He told himself.

Colton tried to lighten the mood. "She live, I mean work around here or she your daughter?"

Randy raised a single brow, gave a stern look and a gruff answer to his stumbling question. "Two miles off the county road, works here and she might as well be my daughter. We all treat her that way. She's our Angel."

His outstretched palm met one almost twice his size, leathered and callused. "It's a pleasure to meet you again sir and next time I will keep my thoughts to myself on that one." Colton gave the most genuine smile.

Randy could not be too mad at the kid. He already knew Angel had taken a liking to the boy without even meeting him in person. Heck she researched the guy and brought him here. She was more excited than anyone was and everyone trusted her opinion on him. She did not want to be in the personal interviews so things would not be too confusing, but Randy knew Angel as if she was his own daughter. She had a thing for Colton and that poor boy was not going to know what hit him.

"Well Colton, those ranch hands that just left are very protective of Angel. 'One hot woman' was not the smartest thing, to spout out in your first introduction. But, enough said about that. It's late; we were expecting you to get in late so no big yahoo tonight. See ya in the morning."

"Not the greeting I was expecting. But I guess my pot shot didn't help." Colton did not want to appear as a wimp either. He expected certain things from his employees and a 'set the new guy straight' was not it.

"You'll earn their respect before you get it. Once your do those boys and the twelve others that work for you will do anything for you. See ya in the morning and Colton do not lose any sleep over it. We are pretty laid back here; we don't tend to ponder too much on the little stuff." Randy wanted to get his point across that this was not a jump right in and be the boss kind of job. Colton was going to have to earn a little respect before those tough crew hands cow towed to him. Randy walked away, and got in a matching truck to Colton's and drove off.

Whoa Nelly! That was not the welcoming committee, he had hoped for. That Angel girl was something. He did not remember any females on the employee rooster. Her face and her figure matched her name.

Colton grabbed his duffel and headed into his cabin. He guessed Randy was right; he needed to adjust to the crew, just as they might need adjusting to him. He figured since they were not expecting him until late explained the cold shoulder, that and maybe his smart comment. He had meant to keep that one to himself, along with the images he conjured up. She was like a country version of a sports illustrated swimsuit model.

As Colton walked to his cabin, he saw a note in a very neat female handwriting welcoming him and mentioned a seven a.m. meeting at the main ranch house for breakfast. Stating it was a chance for the whole gang to meet him.

He got a fire going in the fireplace. The fall night air can get cool in the mountain valleys and well he had to admit it; was not the crispness in the air but the ambiance of the house, the sunset and a real fireplace that made him light the fire.

He went to the side-by-side refrigerator and saw it stocked with the basic essentials along with long neck Coors Light. Another note attached, in the same handwriting 'best beer around'. He grabbed one and popped it open. He set back in one of the two mahogany colored leather back chairs, propped his feet upon the oversized matching leather ottoman and watched the fire glow and pop from the dry wood he placed in.

Things were looking up and her face would not get out of his head. He felt her presence but could not figure out how. He had been with plenty of women, city women, but this one was different. There was a spark when she touched his shoulder to apologize and a stimulating rush went up his arm when she used his hand to jump down. When she turned around on the fence and almost knocked him in the head with her boot he felt charged. This Angel woman was a site for sore eyes and working around all men, day in and day out, could set a man up for some, much needed, female appeal.

That name, Angel as she said it, she spoke it with a sincere smile. As if, she was the welcome wagon lady to greet him. The 'see ya boys' like she was talking to her brothers or dad. Randy's fatherly reaction for her to call Sheila when she got home. What was that about? Colton let all those thoughts bounce around in his head as the firewood crackled from its dryness.

He figured one more beer until the fire died out and he could get a good night's rest before his early a.m. meeting. He would double check that employee rooster tomorrow for Angel.

As Colton really looked around the inside of his cabin for the first time he noticed how nicely furnished and decorated it looked. Quality pieces of rustic lodge type furniture and the earth tone coloring on the walls and décor made him feel like he was really in the country. This place was smaller than his condo in the city but it felt much more like home.

Grabbing his duffel bag, he headed towards the loft where the bedroom was. Open to below on one side his hand gently rubbed on the quality handmade timber staircase. He stopped in awe of the view when he got to the top of the stairs. The whole west side was floor to ceiling glass windows. The view was more incredible then anyone could have imagined. There was another cobblestone fireplace on the north facing the king size bed. The bedding pulled back, ready for him to slip in, for a good night's rest. Colton sat back on the bed, felt the flannel sheets with the sheepskin comforter. Now this is how you welcome your Ranch Manager. Colton thought.

Looking over at the oak rustic nightstand, he saw a cordless phone, a white binder with 'Ranch Phone List' on it, a slender local phone book, and an alarm clock with it already set for six a.m., and two remotes. One for his sleep number bed and the other for a TV, but where was it? In the corner of the room was an incredibly hand carved red oak armoire. He pulled it open to find a thirty-two inch HDTV with DVD player. There was another nicely written note same as the one on the beer, satellite channels available, DVD movies in the main ranch lounge.

Colton stripped to the buff, the only way he could get a good night sleep, and flipped the lights out. Looking through the glass window, he fell asleep gazing at millions of stars, a view you do not see that well in the city.

Angel pulled up to her carriage house and took a deep breath of fresh air. She felt a little woozy after finally meeting Colton. She could not get herself to stick around and chat. She was just too nervous. Most men she was comfortable with, but this one made her tummy doing the cha cha.

She walked over to her hammock that strung between two very old pine trees next to her house. The ranch owner's yellow lab, from whom she rented her carriage house, came up to her for some good night petting as she lay there looking at the stars. She dreamed of someday owning a ranch like this with a dog like this. Some kids to run after and maybe a husband like, Colton popped in her head. Boy a large glass of ice water with lots of ice should cool her thinking. He was a new guy and last thing she needed to do was be all flustered as she was trying to teach him Randy's job. Doctor's orders were for Randy to do as little as possible. She needed to keep her head clear for Randy. However, a little night time fantasizing could not kill a girl.

CHAPTER THREE

It was dawn and Colton lay in bed already awake. It felt unusual to deviate from his normal workout routine that ran in the morning but the movers would not be there until later with his stuff that was not going into storage. His weight machine was what kept him physically fit, since his city job kept him seated most of the time. He was looking forward to being able to move around on the job, ride horses, maybe even help with feeding the animals and bailing hay. Just then, the alarm went off to break his thoughts. He jumped out of bed to shower and shave.

The shower was big enough for two, not that he was thinking about anyone in particular or maybe he was. Maybe a certain Angel might want to share this shower with him. He got the impression Angel was off limits. That, or would come with a high price of serious intrusion from the ranch crew. Not something, a new boss man needed to be contending with.

It was a quarter to seven as he was heading up the path to the main ranch house. It was a sprawling five thousand square feet of log house. The ranch house held offices and single apartment rooms for any single ranch hands that lived there. All the married ones lived off the ranch. There was a huge entertainment area with big screen TV, pool tables and comfortable chairs around a fireplace. The main kitchen was incredible, like something you would see out of a cooking show and the eating area had a huge horseshoe shaped wood table. It set so, that while talking with each other, someone could be talking in the center.

The way it was explained to him was all hands shared with cooking meals and cleaning duties. Colton figured that did not mean him since he was the manager after all and they would not have hired him if they knew that his extent of cooking meant reaching for a protein bar or dialing up a local restaurant. As far as cleaning went he was sorry to let Frederica his long time housekeeper go. She was like a mother to him. He gave her a huge bonus and hooked her up with a good friend who had been asking for years to steal her away. He figured once he settled he would send a huge bouquet of her favorite flowers.

Colton noticed Angel walking toward him with a very shy smile and two cups of hot steaming coffee in extra-large mugs.

Angel tilted her pretty head towards him and spoke in that incredibly sincere voice. "Morning...coffee... no cream, just sugar, hope you like." She looked down quickly, then up again as she handed him his coffee.

Boy was she having trouble completing a sentence. This was going to be harder than she anticipated; she was like a schoolgirl who was trying to get the popular guy.

"Great." Colton smiled back. Their hands touched for a brief second and there was that sensation between them again. He wondered if she felt it too.

"Everything in the cabin to your liken." She truly hoped he liked how she decorated the place. No one had lived in it for a long time and well she loved the fact that she was doing it for a man that had caught her affections on paper alone. All the research she did on him felt like she found the man for her before she ever met him in person. He had no idea who she was or what part she played in all this. For now, she wanted to keep it that way.

"Perfect." He wondered if she played a part in setting up the cabin. If so, she did a killer job.

She sighed a deep breath and thought to herself, gorgeous and so few words. She could see herself stumbling all over the place with this one. "Mrs. Ralston, we call her Becky for short, had me redo the place. No one has lived there for several years. It was a project. No one has lived in that cabin in quite a while, but it kept me busy." Gosh, she was rambling and repeating herself. He really made her nervous or was it those flashing white teeth, those masculine lips and those dimples that formed every time he said 'perfect'. Her heart was melting like sugar in hot water.

"Angel, is it right? That short for something? Everyone around here seems to have nicknames."

"Angel Morrison is my full name." She smiled then looked down into her coffee and took a sip after blowing into it.

"What do you do here; I mean I didn't see any female names on the employee rooster they sent."

She was nervous. What if he decided he did not need her? She really needed this job until she landed the other big account out of Montana. With his experience, he would probably fire her and hire some secretary. However, she figured the Ralston's would still keep her employed with odd jobs but this is the work she loves, promoting ranches.

Very nervously, she answered him. "Marketing, I mean I am you're advertising freelance company the ranch uses. I am the odd job girl they hire when Becky wants a break from the female side of the ranch's responsibilities and well I do handle all promotions and marketing material."

Silence from both as the air filled with a tense feeling of electricity. They stared at each other for only a moment. Then she looked down into her coffee while holding it with both hands.

"I hope you like the beer I picked and your furnishings and bed, I mean bedding." Boy was she stumbling now. She sensed his inhibitions. Her tongue was moving in different ways then her mind.

"Coors Extra Gold is actually what I prefer to drink and I thought they hired me to handle the marketing and promoting of this ranch." Colton wondered why he felt the need to take out any frustrations on her. He was sure he was over reacting. She seemed safe enough. He should be glad they have a gal Friday to help out.

"I'm sorry sir. I am just, like I said, a girl Friday, odd job gal, I uh... I uh... handle all the marketing and promotions grunt work you won't have time for or uh... that you instruct me to do. I am strictly freelance, you don't have to use me if you don't want, you could choose anyone you want, I uh..."

Randy walked up to bale Angel out of her stumbling madness. He had overheard some of the later part of the conversation. He had a feeling Colton would need to be, clued in, sooner than later.

"Morning Colton." A very hardy laugh bolstered out of Randy.

"Morning Randy." Colton turned towards Randy. He had felt the massive presence even before he had spoken.

Angel took this as her clue that she could bow out. Thankful that Randy came to her stumbling rescue. She figured she would go find Becky.

"Angel always babbles nervously when she's smitten with someone and frankly there hasn't been many. That gal is usually on top of her game." Randy overheard Angel trying to explain herself and he felt it was time he rescued her and set Colton straight.

"Is that so?" Colton was a little unprepared at how all this was being played out to him. He was shocked no one had mentioned her before or the job she played in all this. He needed to get a grip, one minute he wanted to bed the woman and the next rip her head off. That was not like him; he must be feeling some anxiety over all of this.

"She took great pride in preparing that cabin for you. In fact, she takes great pride in every job she does. No task too small or no job too big, she takes full pride to accomplish it correctly." Randy could sense some animosity.

"Perfect, then she's a keeper." Colton could not understand why he felt defensive all of a sudden.

"I'd say." Randy could tell Colton's facial expressions had hardened up a notch.

"Well this is very good to know." Colton took a huge gulp of coffee and looked stern.

"You know, she's the reason you are here. She does odd jobs and bills through her ad agency. Mr. R likes it that way. She is a soft spot in the Ralston's heart, since they never could have kids she is like one of theirs. She has a soft spot in all our hearts." Randy did not feel this was the time or place but Colton was going to need a little straightening out and soon.

Both men stood silently for a moment. Then the silence was broken by a boisterous Patsy Cline sounding lady.

"Morning all, thanks for attending this Monday morning meeting. Angel would you be a dear and pass out the agendas to the boys. Everyone give a hearty welcome to our newest crew, Colton Smith."

There was some very friendly "Howdy" and "Hello's" this time. However, all that stuck, in Colton's head, was those words "newest crew". It reverberated in his head like a pang, not, newest manager, not ranch manager, but newest crew and why was Angel the reason he was here.

"Alright team, first item." Broadcasted out from Mrs. Ralston without notice to Colton's bad mood.

Colton sunk deep into his thoughts and noticed Mrs. Ralston, or Becky, as they called her, was a serious take-charge woman. Angel sat next to her side, intent on following her lead.

"Now Angel has some great new marketing ideas, let's hear her out. Catch up with her when you can and give her your input."

That did it. Colton sat there stunned. Totally tuning out her ideas and fuming. Angel has some new marketing ideas, that was to be his arena, maybe this was a bad idea, leaving city corporate for the country life. His dream of being back on a ranch started to have a weird feeling. He wasn't getting the respect he deserved and then Randy's words rumbled in his head 'you'll earn their respect before you get it.' He snapped out of his internal reverberation to Angel's sweet soothing voice.

"Now boys these are all ideas we've chatted about during our sunset sessions, however welcoming Colton Smith to our crazy corral will make our ideas soar. Why don't we let Mr. Colton Smith tell us a little about himself and then we can all head out to finish our morning."

Colton was prepared to wow and shock them with his marketing and management awards but somehow he got the impression these guys don't care about awards and corporate marketing hoopla. He stood up "I look forward to meeting each and every one of you personally at your earliest convenience. Thanks for the warm welcome." His words came out somewhat sarcastic. Then he sat down. He was trying to rethink his game plan on how to handle this situation.

They all stared at him as if he was a heifer giving birth. An odd moment later both Becky and Angel spoke up at the same time. "Well now," both ladies said in unison.

"Oops sorry," Angel smiled so sweetly. "You go ahead."

Colton could not help but melt away his anxiety as he watched her. She gave off a sweet shyness that seemed natural and all the ranch hands looked at her with kindness. It felt rather natural to look at her and feel at ease. He did not want to get caught staring but the longer he looked the less tension he felt in his shoulders.

Then Becky smiled. "Angel they are all yours. Got to run boys."

Colton was shocked once again. Years of corporate faceless emotions would not let him show it, but he was one pissed hombre. Who was the manager him or Angel? Why not have Randy up there directing the show and then handing it off to him. Well that just burned that they did not quite explain things to him as well as they should have. Hoping that this day would and needed to get better, Colton kept his eyes on the woman that seemed to soften his edge.

Angel smiled sweetly at everyone then stopped at Colton. Her eyes melted the muscle tension he felt building in his neck once again. Her smile focused on him, which made him relax again.

"Well if our Mr. Smith doesn't feel like bragging, I just want to say to all you boys how extremely lucky we are to have a man of his extraordinary experience here to keep this ranch up and running. Let's make him feel at home." Angel started clapping and a half enthusiastic round of applause followed. Then a few head nods and awkward smiles headed his way, but there was that odd man out feeling.

"Since Randy's last heart attack we have all learned to slow up the pace, but it is time to get back to growing business and letting Mr. Smith take us to the next level. I'm sure all you boys will be real nice to your new boss and assist him in any way needed. I will be helping in getting Mr. Smith up to pace for Randy so he will take the doctor's orders and get the rest he needs. However you know Randy will keep his smiling face around for a long time because he can't seem to do otherwise." Angel looked at Randy then turned her attention to Colton again. She really hoped this little speech would melt the tension she felt coming from him. Things hadn't gone quite like she planned this morning. Maybe she should have been there for his first interview to let him know what part she played in all this. "We all look forward to getting to know you personally, right boys."

Did Colton hear her right, heart attack? Randy was bowing out from this job but not because he wanted to but because the doctors were making him.

As a few ranch hands gave out a little more enthusiastic response. "Yeah, looking forward to it."

"Especially Angel." Someone muttered as all the ranch hands spoke up at once.

"She's been fussing about your arrival." Another ranch hand spoke up.

Angel's cheeks flushed and she looked down in embarrassment. These boys were going to be in some hot water when she was done with them.

"She actually went shopping at the same stores Mrs. R gets her furnishings." Sounded out another sarcastic comment.

Randy stood up. "Boys get to work. Stop by Colton's office at your earliest and get it done in the next forty eight hours." He figured that was enough jeering on their parts, and Angel needed an escape. This situation was going to need some straightening out soon.

"Angel I need to speak with you a moment then I believe you have the morning planned catching Colton up. Colton, Angel will be in your office in a few moments, she knows how to reach me if you have any questions." Randy directed.

Colton looked around and smiled. "Perfect. See you in my office then." He was shocked to find out about Angel and her personnel touch to the cabin. What was all the razzing the guys were giving her? He felt like he was back in school when the girl likes the guy and only the guy doesn't know it yet.

Randy pulled Angel aside and smiled. "Breathe girl, it will be ok. Why you're gonna make me think you have a crush on this boy."

Angel gave her sweet smile to Randy. "Well he sure doesn't hurt to look at and he makes me nervous. It must be his track record and the feeling that he is gonna put things back on track."

"Watch yourself little lady, he seems like a heartbreaker. Besides, he's doing your job. Why did you turn down the Ralston's for the position anyway?"

Angel looked at Randy as a little girl looks at her Dad when she wants an ice cream cone. "I have dreams of settling down in a big ranch of my own with a big dog and a couple kids to run after. Plus I really enjoy my computer teaching and volunteering and I would have to give all of that up."

"But Angel they offered you a lot of money." Randy just could not totally grasp it but he knew that like his Shelia, some women had a different way of looking at things.

"It's not about the money, it's about the experience and this feels right." Angel did not know how else to explain it than it felt right. Colton felt right the first time she saw him on paper.

"Alright young lady, but you take it easy. Call me if you need me I'll be around."

"Bye Randy."

Angel felt relieved to have finally explained why she turned Randy's job down. Then she read about Colton Smith, in a business magazine, and knew he was the man for the job. She even felt a little dreamy that he was the man for her. She had researched him and checked his references. He felt like her prince charming she always dreamed about but it was the comment in article with him on a horse at a corporate dude ranch retreat. 'Once a cowboy always a cowboy'. That comment, made her think about getting this ranch back on its feet and with Colton's record of accomplishment he was the man to do it. Maybe he was the man for her. She did not think her personal reasons for brining Colton in would jeopardize the ranch, because his track record showed he had taken on all sorts of related tasks and made a fortune for the corporation he worked for.

Since Randy's heart attack, they all had been concentrating on making Randy realize it was time to retire, visit Alaska, as he has always wanted to and watch sunsets with Shelia, not the ranch hands. Angel took over all his responsibilities per the Ralston's, but she did not want the job, she just did not want Randy to overwork himself again. She was relieved Colton was here and soon she would be back to doing the work she loves and hopefully land that other big account for a ranch in Montana that would only require a few visits. Most of the work would be done, through the internet, with an occasional short trip to the ranch.

Angel walked into Colton's office. "Everything to your liken. I hope I got it all here for you, right down to the paperclips." She was nervous as a girl's first day in a new school. She had not realized this incredible looking man before her was going to make her react this way. His incredible blue eyes gave her a wink.

"Perfect." He felt himself flirt with her a little. A little flirting is ok he convinced himself. Maybe it would put both of them at ease. She did seem a little nervous around him.

Oh gosh, she was not going to make it through the day. Those dimples were adorable and the way he said 'perfect', she needed to get a hold of herself. "Ok well let's get down to it. We have a lot of ground to cover before lunch and then I have a computer class to teach at two p.m. I can come back after but I think you'll have the guys stopping by to meet you and lots of reading to do."

"You teach?"

"Yeah, just some locals at the library, nothing exciting."

"Oh, all right, where should we start first?"

Colton was impressed with his office. Everything he could possibly need seemed to be at his fingertips and neatly organized. The view of his office was better than any office view he had in the city. The oversized large glass window to the side of his desk looked out towards the west, where the rolling hills of the valley the Ralston's owned below stretched out across the land with tall wheat grass and an abundance of wildflowers. Just beyond the path that led to his cabin, he could see the oversized horse stalls painted in white and red.

Things might not have started grand, but they were looking up. He listened carefully as Angel directed him on all areas of his job. Where to locate the information he would need, and had his laptop loaded. She showed him how to use his new cell phone that had walkie-talkie capabilities with all the ranch hands and her if need be. She had loaded his phone with all numbers and set his phone up with all speed dial options. She wanted to make this transition as smooth as possible for him and it showed. He was thoroughly impressed with her. Having Angel being next to him, made him feel like he could tackle anything. She seemed to know this job inside and out. He could see why they kept her around.

Her long curly blonde hair would brush up against him from time to time as she would lean over to point something out and thoughts of his fingers intertwined in her hair would pop up in his head. She carried a fresh scent that caused him to take in an extra breathe around her.

Imaging some fun on the side would not be totally out of order once he was up to speed. Colton figured he would give it a couple weeks then maybe ask her out.

Angel felt her heart beat faster every time she leaned in closer. Her head felt light as if she could not get enough oxygen. The next man next to her, in person, was better than any photo of him. His scent was intoxicating. She felt the need to lean in more over his shoulder than necessary.

"That ought to do it. If you need to call me, I'm available until two p.m. Then I'll turn my phone off while teaching my class. Any questions?" Angel felt a sense of relief. She needed to get some fresh air and think about getting herself in check.

"Nope." Colton felt like he could jump right in, since Angel had made sure everything was ready to go.

Angel sensing he was the strong silent type she picked up her empty coffee cup and started out the office.

"Angel?" Colton didn't want her to leave. He liked having her next to him.

"Yes?" Angel turned back towards Colton. Looking at him behind the big oak desk with the rolling hills filling the large glass window behind him, he fit that desk like a perfect picture.

"Thanks and great job. See ya tomorrow." He smiled with dimples in cheek and with what he hoped sounded like true appreciation. Deep down he knew she made the transition into this job much easier on him.

"You're welcome. I'll be in around nine a.m." She wasn't sure but she thought the sound of him thanking her was genuine. Maybe he would be glad to keep her around if she kept up the good work.

"Could you make it eight a.m.? I'd like an early start."

"Sure. See ya at eight." She turned and walked out as he looked down on his desk.

CHAPTER FOUR

Over the next few days, Colton met with all of the ranch hands and spent quite a bit of time with Angel while Randy looked on, but was silent. Apparently, since his heart attack they would not let him handle any of his old jobs. He is just there until Colton settles in then he is off for his retirement.

Having been there only a week Colton was starting to fit in better. He even took the practical jokes some of the men played on him by slipping Tabasco hot sauce in his coffee while he had stepped out to the restroom. They looked at him odd when all he could do was laugh until tears came out. They had no idea how much that reminded him of Mike. He figured Mike would get a laugh at this as well, unless he told them to do it, which would not surprise Colton. He was hoping the men might keep it up because he considered himself the king of pranksters.

However, Angel was a different story. She switched gears from shy to total professional. She had not made any return gestures to his flirting, so he figured it was time to settle in and keep it professional, although his thoughts of her at night and in his sleep were far from professional. They were more along the lines of steamy and seductive.

Angel started to feel a lot more professional and relaxed around Colton. He made it easy to do so, but on an occasion here or there he would flirt some with her and she figured when the time was right and he was up to speed she would do a little return flirting of her own. She knew if she flirted back, she would lose her concentration and her professional demeanor and that would make her look stupid. The last thing she wanted was for Colton to underestimate her or worst want to replace her. However, at night over margaritas, with her best friend Lou Ann, they would talk about him and what she would like to do. All of which, were very unlady like, unprofessional or ethical, but gave them the giggles.

Colton had several changes to make to the companies brochures and upcoming promos they would be doing for the stock show come January. He met with Angel on a Tuesday morning with at least six hours' worth of typesetting changes and a photographer had to be arranged for some new shots. Angel did not look herself that morning. She was to head straight home, get the changes done, and meet Colton that afternoon to go over revisions. When Colton walked out towards the kitchen to get a refresher on his coffee, Angel was sitting on the ranch entry couch looking pale and hugging her stomach.

Everyone must be out because the place seemed empty. Colton looked around then walked up to her. "What's going on? Why haven't you headed out to make those changes?" He knew he sounded unkind but they were on a deadline. This was not the time for him to be seen as a wimpy boss.

"I don't feel so good. Maybe it's the stomach flu." This was the last thing she needed. Colton upset with her and the fact she did not even think she could drive herself home without losing what little breakfast she got down. She felt a little off this morning, but after her meeting with Colton, she got dizzy when she left his office. She thought she would just sit for a minute but some time had passed and she was not getting any better. Her head felt warm and her skin became cold and pasty.

Colton did not doubt she was not feeling her best but he had an impression to make with Mr. R and his first major deadline was not the time. "Well Angel, I need those changes for my meeting with Mr. R tomorrow at eight a.m." His voice sounded commanding and stern.

She could not believe how nasty his tone turned on her. It was as if he did not care about her at all and only cared about his image to Mr. R. "Colton I will try but I can't even drive, I feel awful. I have been trying for the last fifteen minutes to muster up the strength to drive home. You just gave me the changes. Can't you just move the meeting a day or two away?" Knowing with the Ralston's this was not too much to ask. Ever since Randy's heart attack, it had been employee's health first.

"NO!" He would be damned if he was going to make a bad impression to Mr. R by moving their first production meeting to a different day. She was just going to have to suck it up and be professional.

Angel felt fire in her belly and she did not know if it was her breakfast coming up or she was just so pissed she could spit. This gave her the energy to go running out to her truck with the changes in hand. "Fine!" She hollered out at him over her shoulder.

Colton was angry. He was not used to utilizing a one-man team of advertising. He never asked to move a meeting back just because someone was sick. All the ad agencies he ever used always had a backup man. A blown up hard drive he could understand but I just do not feel good was not going to fly. He picked up the phone to verify the meeting with Mr. R. Maybe if the timing was right he would ask for an extension.

"Howdy Colton I've been meaning to catch up with you. Meet me at the barn for a morning ride, say five a.m.. Then we can catch breakfast at the main house with the guys before our meeting."

"Sounds great sir, oh and sir?" However, the other end of the line was silent before he could ask. Well if Angel didn't call that means she figured out how to get it done on time. He did not want to deal with this now; he had a full day of meetings and planning to tend with.

Angel suffered through the night; but she was sure she was coming down with the full-blown flu. Nothing sat well in her stomach and she could not seem to keep fluids down. Pulling an all-nighter as she finished the changes and arranged the photo shoot for Friday, just about put her over the edge.

What would have taken her maybe six hours, took at least twelve, in between the puking and dry heaves. She would have to inform Mr. Colton that Ralston Ranch did not always run this way. Everyone changed deadlines from time to time to help each other out. This was not corporate Ralston Ranch, this was country laid back Ralston Ranch. However, she could not blame him. He had made several passes at her and she did not reciprocate. He seemed really uptight and tense. Maybe when he felt better she would ask him out for some beers.

Colton got to the stables a little early trying to set a good impression. He was nervous, since the last time he saw Mr. R was in the final interview and brief ranch tour. He had seen Mrs. Ralston several times. He knew from Angel and Randy that Mr. R could be somewhat cantankerous, but what he remembered from his interview, this man held many of the same qualities he could remember from his father; a genuine love of ranching and team spirit on how things needed to be done. However, with the amount of money they were paying him to turn things around he felt a tremendous amount of pressure to make a great impression. Unfortunately, Mr. R was already there getting the horses ready to ride saddled up.

Mr. R. was a big, hearty looking man who seemed to tower over Colton but was only two inches taller than. He had leathered skin with deep worry lines around his forehead, but smile lines around his mouth. His hair was every shade of gray and shiny silver. He dressed like a ranch owner in shiny brown leather boots, denim jeans, crisp white collarless shirt, turquoise bolo tie and a very well made leather hand stitched embroidered fringe jacket. His steel grey eyes were barely visible under the brown Stetson hat he wore.

"Colton Smith, glad you joined the team." Mr. R spoke hardily, as he held out his hand for a shake.

His handshake was firm and solid. He let out a hardy laugh as one of the horses whinnied next to them and his light grey eyes sparkled. Colton was highly impressed with this man and he wanted Mr. R to be impressed with him.

"Mr. Ralston I am happy to be here. This is quite a ranch you have here and I sure have missed the country."

"I told you boy, call me Mr. R. Don't miss the city?" Mr. R looked sternly at Colton with a do not lie to me boy look.

"Just my special brew coffee stop and local hangouts, but I figure I can always head in town on the weekends for a quick fix. Truly sir, I've missed the country ever since I moved to the city as a young boy." Colton could tell deep down he was speaking the truth, not only to Mr. R, but to himself as well.

"Well Colton I think you will enjoy this ride. I want to show you some of the most, pristine untouched land you have ever seen. I am one of those men that like to buy up land just so developers cannot get their hot little hands on it. This is country boy and it should stay that way."

Mr. R. got on his saddled horse, a copper brown quarter horse. He gently padded the neck of his horse with his custom embroidered leathered glove and held the reins in his hands with ease. "When's the last time you been on a horse Colton?" sensing Colton's hesitation for a minute. "Don't worry, Belle will take it easy on you; she's a hellofva riding horse." There was that warm smile and lit up grey eyes showing concern but confidence.

Colton got on his paint horse, with distinct coloring of chocolate brown and white. Whispering gently to the horse as he got on "good girl belle, you gonna take it easy on me" and started heading out alongside Mr. R. "It's been a good two years since I rode sir. Yep it's been a while, but it's like riding a bike and hell I knew how to ride a horse before I walked." Colton chuckled with a part of him nervous and the other part so charged to be on a horse in the countryside again. The feeling excited him down to his boots as he kicked the side of Belle and instructed her "Yah!" to let her know a quicker pace would be needed to keep up to Mr. R and catch up with the pace of his heartbeat. He felt incredible to say the least.

"How's it feel Colton? I mean managing a ranch like this with the great crew you got. I know you cannot replace Randy, but Angel insured us how incredible of a job you have been doing and she did find you. Hell she even said you were like a younger version of Randy she remembered from growing up. Now you know Angel's kind of like a daughter to us. She just has that way of wearing on ya, like a good cowboy hat. Worn and fits ya head." Laughter barreled out of his chest as Belle got a little spooked by something off the trail, and shot a split second of fear in Colton's eyes, and then Colton joined him in laughter as Belle whinnied and went back to her trot.

Colton forgot how alive all this made him feel, the scenery in which they were riding, astounded him. The hillside of aspen trees intertwined with pines and the subtle whispering of brittle leaves from the cool fall air. One side of the trail had sweeping fields filled with prairie grass and wildflowers of vibrant colors that were blowing gently in the early morning breeze. The river below the field flowed with a serine sound of water and wind creating the melody of music he remembered growing up with.

It appeared the ranch hands really did take their own personal time to groom the trails. From the looks of their schedule, the men had no time but their own to make these trails durable for their enjoyment. That made Colton realize they had a sense of pride in this land and their jobs.

It all seemed so hard to believe. Here he was doing the very same job his dad did when he was a kid and the job he dreamed of having since he was a little boy. He was sad it took his mom's death to make him realize this is where he belonged. He figured she would have come around and agreed. Then, the last few years in the corporate world may have prepared him for the new ways of ranching.

As Colton was about to broach Mr. R about the changes and the meeting, he thought of how Mr. R had talked about Angel and how maybe he should have called as soon as Angel figured she was too sick to work. It would not have hurt to try moving the meeting. "Mr. R, sir, we may not have those changes for the eight a.m. meeting. I gave them to Angel yesterday morning and she wasn't feeling so hot."

"No problem, we'll move the meeting to Thursday and you tell those printers to hold us a spot for next week."

"But sir we may have them I just wanted you to know there was a chance."

Mr. R interrupted with a loud demand, "Change the meeting and you make sure our Angel is ok. We'll work around her schedule. Now let's ride this countryside so you can see what you are here for."

Colton was blown away. He ended up making a bad impression instead of relying on his old get it done techniques. 'We will work around her schedule'. He thought he was going to be the big shot in charge and everyone would bend to him. Instead he was starting to see how all this played out. Angel had begged him to call and reschedule and he refused, rudely refused. It cut him in the gut when he yelled at her and he could tell the stress of the new job kept coming out on her. The last person anyone wanted it to affect. He needed to take charge and get all this in perspective quick or he may be out of the dream job he just landed.

With a huge sigh and forced smile, Colton trotted up next to Mr. R. "I'll take care of it sir. And sir, I'll check in an Angel this morning and see how she's doing. Wow what a view!" Hoping the change of subject and the appreciation of Mr. R's land would somehow soothe things over. Now he could only hope Angel was not so mad at him she would badmouth him. He wished he knew how well she thought he was doing. He wished some of the guys would lighten up and smile once in a while. In addition, Randy seemed disappointed in him when he looked at him sometimes.

After a big breakfast and a very friendly chat with some of the ranch hands, while Mr. R. was on his side, boasting up Colton's skills, he was feeling better. Those boys could cook and come to find out his name for cooking and cleaning was now on the schedule. Lord help him. Maybe pizza delivers here or Frederica could take a break and come clean for him. But then again he didn't want to be the laughing stock, maybe he should try a little harder to fit in. Things definitely ran differently here than in any corporation he ever worked for.

Mr. R found the time to casually, mention to a couple of the lead men how Colton's best friend e-mailed him and informed him Colton was a bit of a practical joker. 'How's about you guys show him a little down home country jokes?' It was more of a command than a suggestion and it had a couple men chuckling in their boots over some good clean jokes to play.

Colton watched the camaraderie between Mr. R and some of the lead ranch crew. It was heartfelt and touching. A few men asked him a couple questions, as he was refreshing up his coffee he glanced over and saw all the laughter between them. He looked forward to the day he was included in that circle of sharing the laughs. He missed Mike but he hadn't been here that long and a call might raise Mike's suspicions as to how well he was handling this.

He had been thinking about Mr. R's words and excused himself to call Angel and the printers. He walked into office feeling great but stopped in his tracks with a half sip of coffee touching his lips.

Sitting on a chair all bundled up in sweats and shaking on such a hot morning. She looked as pale as a ghost, all her usually color and spunk was washed away and there was a blank expression on her face. She had changes in her hand and he did not know how to tell her the meeting had been moved.

"Are you ok?" Colton felt a knot tighten in his gut. Even sick she looked beautiful, but right now, she looked completely helpless.

"I have felt better. I think it's the flu. I didn't sleep so maybe if I take a nap I should feel better to make any additional changes you might have after your meeting." Angel swallowed hard. She did not want Colton upset with her or have any lack of confidence in her abilities. She perked up just a notch as he walked in. He was so handsome in his cowboy boots and hat, she had to think there was a better things to come between them, then her stomach curdled and she held her breathe.

"About that, I hate to tell you but I had a five a.m. ride with Mr. R and well he said to move the meeting to Thursday." He did not know how else to break it to her. Her expression to his brief comment just about broke him.

Angel took in a deep breathe. Tears were starting to fill up in her eyes. She knew if that pig headed Colton had just called Mr. R yesterday that it could have been arranged. Instead, she tortured herself all night to finish. What was she thinking about him all lovey, dovey when what he really was a class act jerk, heartless jerk at that. She hoped she gave him the flu on the changes. Well not really.

"Angel? You ok?" Colton thought for a moment she might stand up and deck him. Not that he would blame her. He was a jerk, but he wasn't about to admit to it. He'd just ride this one out and try to make it up to her later. Maybe he could take her out to dinner and get to know her better than just the constant whirl of the ranch they worked on.

"Terrific!" She screamed at him as she ran out of his office, dropping the changes on the floor.

Colton stood in fear as he watched her run away before he had a chance to comfort her. He felt consumed by her. He wanted to reach out and wipe away her tears, and then touch other parts of her soft skin. He could not shake the desire to devour her in other places, like the sides of her soft neck while his hands nuzzled next to her breasts. Yet he felt protective and had a strong desire to calm her and take care of her. He was confused. If he drew that line and stepped over it, he would be getting into troubled waters with his bosses. The two men seemed to father her more than they had a right to.

Tears were pouring down her face as she was running towards her truck. Randy stepped in her path and grabbed her with both arms. He said nothing but saw the paleness in her face and the tears in her eyes. He picked her up and carried her to her truck. He put her in the passenger seat and got in on the driver side. As he started to drive her home, he caught a glimpse of Colton on the main ranch porch looking bewildered. He glared at Colton and figured he would get a few choice words in with that boy. Explain how things worked around here.

By the time Randy got Angel in her house, Shelia was pulling up in the driveway. Randy had called her on his cell and informed her Angel had taken ill, maybe the flu. He needed her to give Angel a little mothering while he took things up with the new boy. Set him straight.

Slumping over in the passenger side of her truck, leaning against the hot window with her pasty forehead, she stewed up a mental discussion. Did she hear Randy right? He wanted to set Colton straight. Well the jerk could use a little straightening; no, that was not what she wanted. She wanted Colton to fit in and get along with everyone, not have her stirring things up. She worked too long and hard to bring him here. She would work on buttering up the jerk a little once she felt better. Besides he did seem remorseful, somewhat, and he had finally asked to move the meeting. A little late but nothing was going to happen until she was better.

Knowing that Shelia would talk some sense into Randy before he would go off on Colton. That was her specialty and Angel knew better to just let it go for now.

She loved these people and could not imagine a life without them. She got out of the truck with some assistance from Sheila. "Sheila honey I'm ok I just need to go lie down." She smiled her sweet smile at Shelia and walked, with a slump in her back and her hands over her belly, into her house.

"Randy, I want you to stay put till I get Angel settled. You are not to go run off and hog-tie that boy. You just sit." Sheila knew her Randy's temper and it needed a little cooling before she sent him back to the ranch.

Randy smiled at Sheila but did not say a word, in case the words came out too harsh. He learned long ago how to let his Sheila take over and let his temper simmer.

Pacing around the small kitchen, listening to the empty echo sounds his boots left on Angel's old wide wooden planked floors, thinking of the things he wanted to say to that boy. None of it sounding like it would amount to nothing short of an ass chewing.

Walking into the kitchen and seeing the site of her Randy pacing the floors and mumbling, she knew she needed to soothe his temper before he went off on that young man. Knowing just how to settle his nerves, Sheila walked up behind him, and wrapped her arms around his middle and kissed the middle of his back. "She's already asleep. She's exhausted." Not willing to let go, until she felt at least an inkling of lessened tension in his stance.

"That boy is trying to work her to death. I'm gonna have a talking to with him and set him straight."

Not letting go, tightening her hug, stroking her hands up and around his chest. "What you might want to do is help explain how things work around here. We all do things a lot different than the city folk and well you boys haven't exactly taken him in under your wing." Turning him around and hugging him from the front with a light peck on his cheek had another effect on her man altogether.

Giving a grunt, while letting the tension go, he knew, that like always, his Shelia was right on the money. She had been keeping Randy and most of those boys in line with their wives and well he had to admit that Colton was friendly for the most part and seemed to know his job, but worked too hard. At least he was working Angel too hard. As he saw it, if his explaining did not work on how they did things at a slower pace, then he'd take over some of the work for Angel till things got back on track. He knew his heart attack had set everyone back a ways and Colton quick pace at learning everything had them almost caught up. Colton just needed to realize that Angel's health came first.

Colton was stirring in his boots; upset over the fact he did not know how to comfort her and when those tears started to well up in those incredible hazel eyes of hers he thought he would kick himself. He wanted to reach out and hold her, but was afraid she would deck him or worst reject him. He had really taken a liken to her and felt awestruck every time she was standing next to him working. He even found himself unable to focus on certain tasks when she sat across from his desk talking and explaining things. He would daydream about touching her soft blonde curls or rubbing her shoulders from behind. Why did he have to be so pig headed? Why didn't he just call Mr. R. yesterday and move the meeting? Just then, Randy walked in.

"Colton." Randy's voice sent a shock wave through Colton and brought him back to the present. "How is she Randy? I didn't know what to do. I should have cancelled that meeting yesterday. I didn't know what I was thinking. I guess I'm just not use to the way things are run around her. Just be patient I know you are disgusted with me. I want to make things right sir" Colton rambled faster than a newborn colt learning to run; all awkward and stumbling. He stared up into Randy's steel blue eyes burning a hole through him. How bad had he screwed up? Would this man he looked up to and admire ever forgive him for his behavior. For some reason he didn't want to disappoint Randy, he reminded him too much of his own father before he died. Most of all he knew he wanted to comfort Angel he just didn't know how and he failed them both.

"Colton here's what you do to make it right. Bees gift and floral shop on main, tell them who it is for. Grab your laptop, cell, and plan on working from Angels place until she is better. Shelia will fill you in when you get there after you stop at Bee's. You'll be bringing that pretty lady of ours back to health. Consider it your temporary new job. I'll handle anything that comes up here."

"Yes Sir." No part of that was a suggestion. It was all a command. Colton figured asking questions would only infuriate him more.

Randy turned and walked away with a grin on his face. Not all is lost he thought. There is some hope for this boy yet. Once he gets him in the right direction, those two should be hitching up. If Randy did not know better, he felt somewhat like a matchmaker. He had been watching those two working side by side and there was some sexual tension from both but neither wanted to admit it. Randy figured he might be old but he was not dead. They reminded him a lot of him and Sheila when they first met.

CHAPTER FIVE

Colton grabbed his laptop and cell phone; jumped into his company truck, a new, silver Ford F350 dually, and headed on his way in a hurry. Drumming on his console with his right hand, located by his right thigh, he was steering with his left; looking out at the road ahead and replaying everything repeatedly in his head.

He was feeling very strange about this but knew it was the only thing to do. He picked up his cell and dialed information for Bee's Flower shop.

"Bee's Gift and Flower Shop" chirped an older but very perky voice. "Who's it for and when you need it."

Colton broke his distressed look with a smile. "It's for Angel Morrison; she's come down with the flu. I am on my way now from Ralston Ranch I should be there in fifteen. Can you give me some directions?"

"Colton Smith is that you? Why I can't wait to meet you. I have heard some great things about you." Bee, spout out directions faster than a jackrabbit.

"See ya in fifteen." Then she hung up just like that.

That was easier than having a secretary order flowers. How this Bee lady knew him and wondered who had been talking to her about him? Oh well, Randy told him Bee's, so maybe she was some relation or something. Right now, all he could think about was hoping Angel felt better quick, so that he would not feel so bad for keeping her up all night.

Colton pulled up to Bee's shop in the center of town. The town truly had held on to his historic feel and yet everything about it and the ranch seemed up to date. He liked that. He was beginning to like how he felt here as if he could just work things out with Angel. She seemed like the forgiving kind. She never mentioned any grudges or anything negative about anyone for that matter. She sure did pop off like a pistol when she was mad though. He hoped he never made her that mad again.

He walked in and there was a very friendly looking woman in her fifties; very attractive, petite with her hair short and colored brassy brown with her eyes to match. She had a bubbly sense about her. Her round face matched her round curvy body.

"Colton Smith, why you are better looking in person than what the ladies are talking about."

Colton had never blushed so hard. "Thank you mam."

"Here are Angels favorites, a dozen sunflowers, purple accents in a cobalt blue vase. Some white hot chocolate mix and some dark chocolates to freeze for her to nibble on when she's feeling better. I grabbed some homemade chicken soup out of my fridge that I just so happened to have made last night. I live upstairs and well I just had a feeling someone would be needing this soup."

Colton felt taken aback. It was just like people he grew up with from his hometown. Who would have guessed that Angel's favorite flowers were his mother's? In fact, Angels caring nature and friendliness was much of what he was used to, so why did he feel the need to push her away.

"Thanks again. What do I owe you, Bee?" Colton gave a pearly white smile and tipped his hat at her. She was a genuine woman and he had already pissed off enough of those.

"Goes on the Ralston account unless this is personal?" Bee smiled inquisitively. She had a suspect feeling these were something more than hope you feel better flowers. She had not talked with Angel the last two days knowing how busy she was with Colton. One thing is for sure she knew this Colton had her Angel a tad flustered.

"I think I should pay for them. I rather got her upset right before she got sick. I tend to push the good ones away" Colton looked down at his boots and then back up again at Bee. He didn't know if he was looking for approval or forgiveness.

"Well you tell that pretty Angel of ours hello and you make it up to her." She was sure Angel had not told Colton that she was Angel's adoptive mom after her mother died. She figured she would let Angel do the explaining.

On the drive, towards Angel's carriage rental house, he realized he did not know quite how he would make it up to her, but he knew he needed to. Not for himself; but for everyone else. Thinking how incredible of a woman Angel is, he was starting to see that now. Her looks had him sizzling but the way everyone cared about her only meant she must care equally about them.

Raising his hand on her door, he laid a gently single knock. He put his hand back down and set the flowers and chocolates in separate hands then cleared his throat. Looking down at his boots he took a deep breathe.

Shelia opened the door slowly and put her hand on Colton's lips. "Shh, she's asleep but she should wake soon. When she does get her something mild to eat and get her to relax with a movie and keep her warm." Shelia went on whispering instructions on what Colton was to do for the next twenty-four hours.

"You coming back?" Colton did not mind, he just was not sure if Angel would mind. She was mighty upset with him and he did not want her more upset.

"You're staying. Randy will take care of the ranch. Got your laptop and cell to reach you with?"

"Yup. You sure this won't upset her when she wakes up and finds I'm here taking care of her?"

"You take care of our Angel until she's better to go to work. Besides Colton, she adores you and she's not one to hold a grudge." Sheila could tell he felt like a beaten dog. She wondered how much push and shove was really going on at the ranch.

He knew Shelia was right and he was the one to put Angel over the edge making her work all night that he should be the one to nurse her back to health. He only hoped he did not screw this one up. He whispered back. "Ok Shelia, see ya later."

He went and put the chocolates in the freezer and soup in the fridge like Bee instructed. He set the white chocolate mix next to the stove and thought to himself maybe he could make himself a cup while waiting for Angel to wake. This would be a good time to catch up on emails with his city friends and see how Mike was doing on his latest contract.

He walked into her room quietly, to set the flowers on her bedside and was taken back at how incredibly peaceful she looked sleeping. A sultry thought popped in his head how he would like to be sleeping next to her at that moment. How he would not mind settling between the sheets and hold her against him, feeling their nakedness. He wondered what she tasted like and how her hair would feel against certain parts of his body. He figured he better go back to the kitchen before he did something he might regret. This was not a time for seduction.

He sat down at her kitchen table looking around. Her house was very modest but the paint colors and decor was similar to that of his cabin only most of her furnishings looked second hand. She seemed to like the vivid earth tone colors as her walls were painted in those tones. Her mismatch of furniture was all in earth tones or classic white with the look of intentional paint chipping. It reminded him a lot of a shabby chic look a girlfriend of his once had. It felt comfy and like home. Normally that would scare him of any intimacy from a woman, but with Angel, it felt completely like a home.

Pictures of her and an incredible looking woman with brown hair laid scattered about in various frames. His eye caught a few pictures of Angel and some of the ranch crew. Which made sense since everyone treated her with kid gloves. No apparent evidence of a boyfriend in any pictures, which seemed to make him very happy. He wasn't sure if he would be jealous if he did see any photos but happiness is what filled him as he looked around.

He opened his laptop and turned his cell phone to vibration, as not to wake up Angel.

He turned to the oven and eyed the canister of hot chocolate. Getting up and walking into her dainty kitchen, he grabbed the water kettle off the stovetop and filled it with water, set it on the stove and turned it on. He spotted a clean mug in the dish drying rack and put in a couple scoops of the mix.

He figured she would not mind, and at this point, if she did he would buy her ten canisters of the mix. He stared at the kettle waiting for some steam to rise. He pulled it off before the kettle whistle blew and poured in the steaming hot water. He slowly stirred the cocoa as he thought of Angel and what an incredible person she is. However, very different from any independent city girl he ever dated. She was true to herself about life and marriage. It had him wondering if he was ready.

A big sip of the white chocolate hot cocoa and he was ready to do some emailing. The hot cocoa was better than his expensive coffee house regular drink. Maybe he would not need to go into the city as much as he thought.

Angel woke from the strangest dream. By the look of her clock, she had slept for at least four hours. As she opened her eyes to her nightstand to find the sunflowers in the cobalt vase, she wondered if Randy or Sheila had something to do with it. It brought back remembrance of the strangest dream; she dreamt she was in a field of sunflowers by a lake, drinking white-hot chocolate and seducing Colton. He felt as delicious as he looked and tasted even better. She did not mind savoring the dream for a moment as she stretched and realized someone was typing on a computer in her kitchen. It was not like Randy or Sheila to be working on a computer. She tossed on a green silk robe over her pink lace panties and sheer bra. She began walking slowly towards the kitchen.

Stopping to lean against the wall, she watched inquisitively as Colton typed away feverishly on his laptop. His solid hands moved quickly with the occasionally stop for him to take a sip from a cup, which smelt like white-hot chocolate. She wanted to be in awe of him for a minute. She did not often stop and stare at him at work, she was too nervous or did not want to be caught staring.

As long as he didn't realize she was there, she knew she could soak in the moment, admire his good looks and serious expressions on his face. His jaw line was solid and Angel imagined herself putting her hands on that jaw as she kissed him. She knew she had it bad and she knew she was mad at him for working her too hard, but at that moment all of it melted away.

He had come to take care of her. He must have felt bad, she even wondered if he was the one that brought the flowers and set them in her room. Oh shoot, he came into her room, she hoped she wasn't snoring or worse drooling. She wondered what he thought of her room and her carriage house. Just at that moment, he turned to look over his shoulder.

Deep into his work, he felt like he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder to see her standing there fresh from sleep with her hair all messy and eyes half-heavy. She looked sexier than ever standing in her green silk robe that just made her eyes stand out more. Her nipples were taut under her robe, which led Colton to realize there was not much under that robe and if he did not get it together quick he would disappoint her again. He was there to make up for working her too hard, not to fondle her. Thoughts of that left him with a growing part of his anatomy.

"Hey you." She whispered a little hoarsely. "When did you come in?" She wanted to sound as casual as possible but her heart was doing a little twitter patter against her chest and she felt elated with new hope that he wanted her.

"I was commandeered into taking care of you." For all my lousy behavior, he mentally bashed himself. He knew he really wanted to be here to start back at first step. Tell her all the great things about her that brighten his day.

He spoke internally to himself. No Colton. Don't be a romantic fool. You don't even know if she likes you that way. She's a genuine gal and deserves a hell of a lot more than what you could offer. Saying all the things in his head, he wanted to say to her at that moment but could not find the courage.

"Oh." With disappointment oozing out of her voice, she had hoped he had done this out of the goodness of his own heart. Although there were those incredible flowers, her favorites, from Bee's, she assumed. She wondered if Bee gave her normal dark chocolates and instructed to put them in the freezer. She would check later when her stomach was up to it. "You brought the flowers?"

"Yup, I stopped at Bees. She's a great lady. She sent me over with the standards and some homemade chicken soup. Would you like me to warm some up for you?"

"That would be great." Ok so he was commandeered but he was there and he was going to warm her up soup. She needed to take what she could get from him, just to take a niche off all the cravings she had for him. Like the craving to shed her robe and walk towards him, and wrap her arms around him and kiss every inch of his perfect hard cowboy body.

"Want some hot tea to go with?" Colton felt better just seeing she had a little color in her face and the dark circles had disappeared.

"Actually it was the smell of the hot chocolate that woke me up." That and the dream about him. She could really go for a taste of him but what would be by his reaction; since he was being forced into taking care of her.

"Here why don't you sit down on the coach and I will put in a movie in for you." Colton handed her a fleece blanket that was set on the back of the couch.

Oh now, a down-home country girl could get used to this. Maybe he would snuggle up with her. Put his strong arms around her or stroke her hair. She could just hear herself let out small audible moans. Maybe they would entice him to do other things. She got herself all wrapped in the fleece blanket and settled in.

Colton picked the top movie off a stack of romance DVD's next to her TV. He started a movie for her and came back with a hot chocolate and a big bowl of soup on a plate with saltine crackers. He handed them to her and helped her settle in, and then he went back to the kitchen table to work on his laptop. All of a sudden, Angel didn't feel like eating. She was feeling better but she did not want to be someone's obligation.

Looking over his shoulder and sensing something. "What's wrong? You still feeling pretty bad?" She was not eating her soup and she looked like she was about to cry. Great what did he do wrong? No answer came but he thought he saw a tear run down her cheek. He got up quickly. "Angel?"

Her eyes welled up with tears and she could not hold back. She only hoped he could not see or hear her crying. She felt weak and not in the physical way but the emotional kind. What was a girl to do; the man of her dreams was in her house taking care of her like a perfect gentleman and she wanted everything. She wanted it all. She fell more in love with him as she worked by him every day and she could not bring herself to let him know. She wanted him to make the first step and she would let him know of all the ways she wanted him.

Freezing in his steps halfway to her, he took pause. If I try to console her, I might not be able to stop myself. Thinking to himself then he made up his mind to take a chance and he could only screw up again. His experience was with women more independent and Angel was more of a genuine woman than he thought he could handle. He continued walking up behind the couch, put his hands on her shoulders, and started to rub her shoulders.

The tears really started to fall and it seemed like she could not catch her breathe. What a fool she was for falling for a man who probably had no interest in her. That idiotic dream, that he would be the perfect man for her, even before they met. Now that he was in her life, her work and her home, she was sure he was the perfect man, but he showed her no interest. He ignored her passes and was so professional around her. He was just there to get her better to get them back up to speed at work.

He came around the back of the couch to hold her. She fell into him and he whispered into her ear. "Breathe, it's gonna be ok." He wanted so badly to say the right thing and to put his hands all over her naked body all within the same thought. "Shh, it's ok, it's alright now why don't you take a few deep breathes."

She found herself doing exactly what she was told. For heaven's sake, he was holding her and the sensations he sent through her were incredible. He felt better than she could ever have imagined and she would keep taking deep breathes as long as he held her. She found herself leaning harder into his chest and having the feeling, she could melt herself into him. She lay against him breathing deep and wiping away the tears with the back of her hand. What felt like hours but was probably only minutes. It was the best few minutes she had in the last week.

"Better?" He asked as he started to stroke her hair. It felt like curly silk. Her head was still warm and it wrenched at his gut that he had made her work through the night. Now that he thought of it, he could have offered to use her computer and make the graphic changes himself. While stoking her hair his hand felt so right and she did not seem to mind so he continued with putting it behind her ear away from her face. He wanted to look at her and make sure her tears had stopped. He tilted her head up towards him with his fingers on her chin wondering why she hadn't answered. "Angel?"

With a release of her breathe she had not even realized she was holding she spoke softly. "Yeah, I guess so. I get emotional when I am sick." Moreover, she was a wreck.

"Well if I wasn't such a pig head and forced you to work you probably wouldn't be so sick. But I am here now to make it up to you, as long as you need me." Smiling at her, while still holding her chin up with his fingers, he wanted to kiss her so bad. He slowly bent down to kiss her forehead, as he did her eyes started to close.

She could feel herself melt. She could feel it in her soul how badly she needed him and she could feel the heat within her starting to rise on how bad she wanted him. However, it was a simple kiss on her forehead, not her lips as she hoped it would be. She couldn't help herself but to ask, "Someone forcing you to stay?"

"Nope I felt like I needed to make this up to you. Can I sit with you, watch the movie, and hold you? I always feel better if someone holds me when I am sick." One-step at a time Colton, don't move to fast or she might get upset, he told himself.

"Sure." The emotion that was welling up in her throat was incredible. She did not want to come across as a crybaby. It was a start, a show of emotion, beyond casual friendship. She would take it.

As he sat holding her, she laid her head on his lap with a pillow. He stroked her hair and they chatted lightly. Then after a long moment of silence, he looked away from the movie and noticed she had fallen back asleep.

Admiring her peaceful breathing and her soft golden hair laying gently against the pillow, he took a moment to admire her beauty. Her soft skin, tanned from the summer sun, showed small freckles here and there about her nose and cheeks. She had a large beauty mark under her right eye and he found himself fascinated with it so he reached out and touched it as soft as he possibly could. Her slender neck felt so small when he stroked it lightly then let his hand lead to her shoulder. She was tall and lean but the other day in his office she had looked small and weak, yet he still lashed out at her without a second thought to her feelings over his jobs responsibilities.

He felt so right sitting here. In fact, he had not ever felt this right with a woman before. He knew he had to start making it right and showing her how much he liked her. Come to think of it: she was a lot different with him, from any of the other men. She acted like a little sister around the other men. She was all women around him.

While she was laying her head in his lap, his continued stares made him think of things that stirred a sexual thirst within him. One he had not felt in a while. He imagined how he would like to take her to her bed, lay her down, and slowly kiss every inch of her body. Starting with her lips, then move to her ears and neck; perhaps lingering on her nipples till they were good and hard, and then trail his tongue down her belly to her sweet spot. He was sure she would be the sweetest thing he ever tasted. Just looking at her and breathing her scent made him realize she was sweeter than cotton candy.

He wondered if she was a moaner or screamed when she reached orgasm. He wanted to make her reach first with his mouth and fingers so that she could enjoy how quickly he knew he was going to be with her the first time he entered her. Knowing he was driving himself crazy with these thoughts, he could not stop.

She was sweet as molasses around him but never led on to more than that. Sure, the guys teased her that there was more, but he was the new guy. That is what they do to the new guy. A cold shower about now would get some of these thoughts out of his head. However, he did not want to take a cold shower at her place. However, a hot steamy one, yeah, shit there goes those thoughts again. A cold glass of ice tea should do the trick. He gently laid her head on the couch and covered her up. He turned off the movie, got that glass of ice tea, and sat down to finish some work on his computer. Putting his mind back into work should ease the strain between his legs.

About an hour later, he felt an incredible sensation as arms wrapped around the front of his chest and long slender fingers caressing him slowly. Sensations of a thrilling surprise hit him as her hands crossed over him with her standing behind him. She smelled ever bit of sweet sleep and her hair was all messed up in a sexy way over her shoulders and across part of her front. Her robe was tied closed, but how easy it would be for him to turn around and undo it and take her right there.

"I must have fallen asleep." Pulling her arms away slowly, not sure, why she thought reaching out to him like that might be ok. She promised she would not make any sexual advances until he did. However, a lustful feeling was pulling at her, all he had to do was make one advance, and she would be on him like a tiger.

Barely able to speak with the way he was feeling. "Feeling better?" Came out raspy. His groin muscles were straining but a warm sensation had fallen across his skin as her arms had slowly snaked their way across and hugged him from behind then back up again. Only did he feel a tinge of loneliness as she pulled away. He would have preferred she stayed right there whispering into his ear as her breast grazed across his back.

"Some, I think a hot bath would do the trick." She turned with her long silk robe gaping slightly to show her long luscious leg and went to start her bath. When she came back in to tell Colton she would be a bit, she noticed his flustered look in her direction. She tilted her head to the side. "I'll be a bit, make yourself at home."

"I... I... need to grab some files out of my truck while you..." His words stumbled and he could not even finish a sentence. She had him so hot and flustered.

Turning his back, he started to walk out to his truck but stopped and turned back again to watch; while she dropped her robe, slide down her panties, unhooked her bra then slipped into the hot bath with the bathroom door cracked just a tad. He had just enough of a view to send him up a notch past tender. Then he heard her softly moan and he figured he needed to head out for a long walk before he decided to head in there and join her.

"Oh God this feels so good. I needed this." Wondering if it would be a mistake to tease him. Leaving the door open and moaning loudly was only for his sake. Maybe hers. Maybe he would decide to join her. She started to envision what was going on under those clothes of his. She was sure she read his physical signals and was beginning to wonder if he just did not need a couple pushes in the right direction.

Oh God was right. Thinking he needed a brisk walk or he was going to find himself in there with her in that big claw foot cast iron tub. He needed to get a grip. He needed to do this right, take her out on a date and court her, not take advantage of a sick woman.

Taking about twenty minutes to walk off the throbbing feeling between his legs, he realized he could find himself in a heap of trouble.

The way he saw it he could make it through tonight but he needed to take that woman on a real date to cure what was ailing him now. When he walked back inside, she was looking fresh in shorts and a tee shirt looking naturally sexy as hell.

"I feel so much better. Another good night's rest and I should be good as new." She smiled at him coyly. The way she figured it was he was out at his truck a long time, either tending to personal business on his cell phone or taking a walk. She needed to make him feel at home, he was probably uncomfortable. "Can I get you something to eat?"

"No, you sit and relax, I'm here to take care of you and get you better. My workday wouldn't be the same without you next to my side helping me. I want to stay in case you need anything else, I can stay the night if you need me, you know on the couch, in case you get sick again."

"If you want to, I would love that." Something changed from yesterday when he barked orders at her to get it done. She wondered if it was Mr. R, Randy, or even Sheila that let the poor man have it. She didn't want to be his obligation, but she didn't want him to leave either. She could not remember a man as sexy as Colton ever wanting to stay and take care of her. All the ranch hands were like brothers and the wives usually took care of each other when the women got sick.

Either someone put him up to this or he was starting to show interest. "Colton, don't feel pressure to take care of me. You've done enough, I'm a grown woman, but if you want to stay and take care of me I would love that."

He walked over and sat next to her on the couch, smiling at her. "I want to stay, ok?"

She answered him with only with a smile and a slight slow nod of her head. She looked deep into his eyes trying to figure out where all of this would be heading. Just then the electric tension that was building between them was broken by the vibration of Colton's cell. He stood up to check to see who was calling and then turned his phone off and set it next to his laptop carrier.

The rest of the evening, they talked to one another about growing up in the country and the city life. Apparently, she went to school in the city for her degree but then high tailed it back home.

Everything about being together felt right, yet he was cautious because he always broke the girl's heart if he felt like he was getting too close. He had a way of making it ugly and causing the girl to cry out of his own fear of commitment.

As the sun started to set, they came back from a short walk; she protested how much better she felt. She knew it was Colton and the fact that he calmed her nerves. Just talking about their lives and ambitions but not including work seemed so easily familiar with him.

Watching him, stretching his arms and proclaiming exhaustion, just as the stars were starting to peek, she had a thought. Taking a deep breathe, she put it out there. "Will you stay tonight, with me, in my bed? Keep it sweet since my stomach is still a little off. But you don't need to stay on that old uncomfortable couch when I'm ok with you in my bed." She looked at him bashfully. Never had she been so forth right with a man or obvious with her intentions. Yet the more comfortable she felt with him, the faster she wanted to move things along.

Oh boy, she had no idea what she was suggesting. There was no way he thought he could make it through the night without putting his hands all over her. "Angel, maybe this is a good time to let you know if I lay next to you, sick or not, I don't know if I could keep my hands off of you. I need to ask you out; on a date, you know do this properly. This is very hard on me and I don't know if I can make it all night even on your couch. Maybe I should head home. That is if you're doing ok enough?"

A moment of silence passed between them while she had to soak in what he just said. Did she just hear him right, sweet comments and all, take her out on a date, unable to keep his hands off her?

"I'm doing better. I'll be fine. You go one home and I look forward to you asking me out." Deep down she wanted to do things she only read about in romance novels. However, she could wait; this was going to be hard. She reached up with both hands, wrapped her delicate long fingers around the back of his neck, and clasped them together while looking into his eyes. "Take me on a date cowboy and I might take you on the ride of a lifetime."

Narrowing his eyes into a serious gaze, his lips dropped down and covered hers. The moment their lips touched, he felt tingles in his lips. He kissed her soft and gentle at first, then pursued her mouth with his tongue. Her mouth was as soft and delicate as it looked causing him to try to kiss her gently but he wanted to devour and consume her mouth until it was raw. Losing all sense of awareness, he allowed his mouth to create a sensation that felt so incredible he didn't want to stop kissing her.

The passion that filled him, felt like the oxygen he needed. He did not want to peel away any moment too soon. He felt his muscles tightened and he wanted to go further. Knowing this simple kiss could easily lead them down a road of rough and wild sex. Which was about the only thing on his mind, no cowboy code could pull him out of this vortex of passion he was feeling. He wanted to get down and dirty with her and waiting for a date seemed senseless now.

She pulled herself away. Even though her nipples tightened and her skin felt a prickly sensation that sent heat waves to her core. She could feel moisture starting to build between her thighs and she had a feeling if he didn't stop she would take over losing all control. However, the timing was off, her stomach was not up to total par, anything more passionate, and she might lose her lunch so to speak.

Thrilled that he admitted to wanting her, she decided she didn't need to hold back on her coy demeanor anymore. "See ya at work tomorrow, Cowboy? Or you better plan on staying the night if we don't stop here."

With a moment of hesitation and a yearning to take her now, he realized that just hours earlier she was a very sick woman and the last thing she needed was some rough and rowdy cowboy. Because once he got her where he wanted, sex with Angel would be anything but naive.

"See ya bright n' early in the morning!" Reaching down on her kitchen table, he put his hat on his head, then picked up his laptop case, while clipping his cell phone onto his belt. "Call me if you start to feel worse and I'll swing by in the morning."

Following him to the door she watched as his taillights were turning onto the county road. Her whole body was alive with sensations of lust. She really had wanted him to stay and talk, and cuddle in bed. Even she knew that was a silly request after the kiss they just share. The only thing she could see them sharing was the burning up of her sheets. It took all her strength to pull away, knowing that a quick one-night stand could be all he was up for. A date on the other hand showed a moment of commitment and that made him even more perfect.

Turning with a bounce in her step, she walked over to her freezer and popped her head in to cool off for a minute. 'Good girl Bee.' She spoke to herself. She must have told that boy about her frozen dark chocolate fix. She didn't think there was enough dark chocolate in the world to cure what was ailing her at that moment. No sir, she needed a full on, no holds barred Colton, naked and feeling frisky. Things were looking up. She threw on a country music and did a little jig around her kitchen table while eating some dark chocolates and dreaming of her perfect cowboy.

CHAPTER SIX

Colton was starting to feel rooted in the workings of the ranch. Right now it wasn't the way he would do things, but changing too much too soon would make the pot boil over. Leaning over his kitchen counter top, sipping on his coffee and reading the local paper he decided he needed to be more socially visible to the ranch hands. Heading up to the main house and having breakfast with some of the guys, seemed like a good step in that direction.

Knowing that Angel would be at work soon, he pondered on the thought that he didn't want to let on to the guys that anything different was going on, but once he got her behind closed doors he planned on kissing those luscious lips of hers again then ask her out. He looked up just in time to see Angel strolling in with Randy and Mr. R into the main entry, just as he was about to head into the kitchen.

She looked incredible. Her color was back and that smile on her face told him she was up to something.

"These boys here wanted to have a quick meeting this morning with you. I told them we had it all under control and that you should have some free time this morning. I need to go into town this morning and then I should be back after lunch sometime." She gave a sweet smile over her shoulder as she walked out.

That was not how Colton had the morning planned, yet he got the feeling the men weren't here to idle chit-chat or talk business. They were here to set him straight on how they run things and an ass chewing was not how he wanted to spend his morning. He wanted to spend if sucking on Angel's mouth and convincing her to make it an early day and maybe start their date tonight instead of tomorrow night like the one he had planned.

By the end of their conversation, Colton was shocked. Mr. R and Randy hung out in his office shooting the shit and asking personal questions. They talked about Colton hanging out for the big Thanksgiving feast. They did let in a little about learning to relax more and take it easy, especially now that he and Angel had things back up to speed. He started to think he finally earned their approval now if only he could get along with the ranch hands. They all seemed to themselves and reserved. Other than a few practical jokes, they played on each other here or there, no real camaraderie seemed to have formed yet.

By late afternoon and most of the ranch hands had headed home to prepare for the Fall Festival tomorrow. Angel had not made it back to the office and all his thoughts had been on her all day. He kept thinking up new fantasies and things he wanted to do with her. The way he saw it she had put up the green light and he needed to go.

It was almost four o'clock and she had not made it back yet. She had called from the printers about everything was a go and mentioned he should go to the fall festival tomorrow but she didn't say with him. He had not asked her out on a date yet since his morning had not gone as planned. He felt like a nervous cowboy around her all of a sudden, instead of his cool collective caviler self that he had always been with a woman. But then, who wouldn't. Those hazel eyes, the light freckles on her tanned skin, that curvy sexy body and that voice when she spoke softly to him whipped him into putty.

She had definitely been running the show since Randy's heart attack but she didn't take his job. He wondered why? Rumor had it; she found Randy in the middle of his heart attack and was able to stabilize him. She had gotten him to the closest doctor in ten minutes going hundred mph. Thus given the comment everyone gives her, when saying, drive careful.

She was all women and he wanted badly to take her. However, he did not want to screw this up. She had tasted like something he had been missing all his life and that kiss told him he found it. She hadn't spent much time hanging this morning. Maybe he would call her as soon as he wrapped up here.

Just then, there was an odd knock on his office door. With his head buried in the mountain of paperwork on his desk, but his mind on Angel, he responded without looking up. "It's open, come in."

He still did not look up when the door opened until he heard a clank of two glass bottles. There she stood in the doorway, holding up two long neck beers. She had propped herself sideways in the doorway with her legs crossed. She look damn sexy in her short sleeve denim shirt tied at the waist, denim cut off shorts, her blonde hair pinned up under her cowboy hat, her long tanned legs in a set of brown cowboy boots. She could have been a model for those two beers she was holding and all Colton could think was how good she would look in nothing but those boots.

"Beer break? It's Friday four p.m. The ranch is empty. What cha doing cowboy?" In her hands were a Coors Extra Gold and a Coors Light.

Fumbling out a 'Thanks' as he took his beer from her offered hand. Just watching her walk towards his desk was a fantasy in slow motion. The slight jiggle of her breasts as the crest of them sat exposed from the opening of her shirt. The clicking of her boots as they step across the hard wood floor in almost a dance. His eyes had started at her breasts and wandered down to her long tanned legs that had glided across the floor in purpose. She seemed so at ease while he felt like he was winding up past the breaking point.

They both took long sips and breathed an "Ah" at the same time. Then they broke out in laughter.

"You put much more thought into going to the Fall Festival?" Angel smiled sweetly at Colton hoping he would ask her to go as their date. She did not want to parade on his manhood and do the asking.

"Yup, but there's a lot to be done and working this weekend would surely help." Not wanting their first date to be a fall festival, he was thinking something a little more romantic. He knew he needed to just come out and ask her but the words would not come out. He felt like he had something in his throat.

"Well I think your support there would make the guys smile a lot more. Quite a few of their wives and kids contribute with baking and crafts. There is a lot to do and buy. All proceeds go to the local library. It's the best time to stock up on some famous jarred peaches and pickles." She knew how much fun the fall festival was and they could have a heck of a time there and maybe take it back to her place.

"You're not giving up are you?" Thinking for a moment, who said their first date had to be ideal.

"Nope." In her seductive voice while starring down at her boots pretending to kick at some dirt on his wood floors while leaning her butt on the edge of his desk. "What if I showed you around?"

"That could sway me."

"What if you got to throw a few balls at some of the ranch hands that volunteered for the water dunk tank?"

Smiling that grin with dimples and she about melted down into her boots. Quickly she took another swig before she lost her nerve.

At almost a whisper, "What if..."

Before she could finish he spoke up. "Say no more, I am all yours. Should we make it our date? I was thinking of something more romantic for our first date, but hell woman you are relentless. Pick you up at ten a.m.?"

Wanting to ask her to stay around tonight, maybe they could get to know each other better. He needed to know if he could act on the sexual impulses he was having without offending her. Was he reading her right? He took another swig of his beer while he watched her rub the cold bottle against her neck.

"You gotta date!" The sexual temperature made her break a sweat all of a sudden with the thoughts she was having about what she would like to do to Colton right now. She was not that experienced but she knew that tomorrow held renewed promise. She would not mind starting the date tonight, but Colton seemed to have the illusion she needed proper courting.

"Still pretty hot out there." Smiling over her beer.

"Oh it's hot in here all right." Colton spoke in a whisper. He felt heat rise within his groin and smiled from behind his desk.

Angel took a sip of beer and made a long sigh. "Nothing better than a cold beer on a hot Friday night."

He was thinking of a few better things. However, he needed to go slowly on this or he might screw it up like all his past relationships.

Angel felt his silent stare was either his way of telling her, it was time for her to leave or maybe he still was not that comfortable around her. After all, she had found out today that he was told she was up for his job and turned it down. That could make any man a little uncomfortable.

"Angel?" Colton tried to choke out. He really needed to put that beer between his legs to cool things down.

"See ya at ten then Colton." Figuring she should not overstay her welcome and would look forward to their first date tomorrow.

"Drive careful Angel."

"Always do." She smiled over her shoulder.

Her backside in those shorts put him over the edge. Cold beer between the legs was helping but not enough. He needed a long stroll to work this one out. As soon as Colton heard the main ranch front door closed, he took a big swig and put the beer back between his legs. A huge grin came across his face. She was going to kill him if he could not move forward quickly. When he did, he was looking forward to making her one very happy woman.

Finding herself with a belly full of butterflies as she drove home to her carriage house. She started whistling to the country song on the radio to calm herself. She had a date with Colton and she couldn't wait.

Thoughts swirling through her mind like how she should wear her hair and what boots should she wear for dancing? She didn't even ask Colton if he danced. She hoped he did. Maybe her red leather boots with her short denim dancing skirt with her white tank and the red tank underneath, her turquoise sterling belt that she splurged on and hadn't worn yet. She had been saving that for a special date. Her red chambray, long-sleeved shirt, in case the day, lead to evening? Nah no jumping ahead. Besides what decent cowboy doesn't have an extra shirt or coat in his truck for his woman, in case the weather cools.

With her mind racing she almost blew past her driveway. Visions of Colton holding her while two stepping or slow dancing had her heading straight inside for a very cold ice tea with lots of ice. The fantasy of them making love almost drove her off the dirt county road and now she almost missed her driveway.

She was a bundle of nerves. Should she reach for his hand? Could they hold hands without too many rumors? Does he dance? Will he be a good aim and win her a large stuffed animal she could sleep with at night? Would he want to sleep with her and not be a gentleman this time? Maybe some hot passionate sex she dreamed of in front of that cobblestone fireplace in his bedroom. Oh yeah that would be nice. She put a lot of thought into decorating that house, thoughts like this.

She knew from her research and his pictures that he was her dream man and a woman can't be blamed for dreaming can she. Although most of her dreams about Colton were X-rated.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The minute hand on her clock seemed to move slower than molasses. It was only nine forty five and Angel was pacing in her red cowgirl boots. Sure that this was going to be a great day. However, wanting the time to go a little faster, to ease her nerves. She was looking forward to spending the day at the festival and with Colton. Especially Colton. This was an event she helped plan through her volunteer efforts and the community was working towards more computers for the library.

Colton had a good feeling as he turned into Angel's driveway. He had on his best dancing boots and Randy had told him there would be some great country western bands playing. When he had gone out to cool his heels, after sharing a beer with Angel, he ran into Randy out by one of the horse corrals. They started talking about how Colton was feeling, how he fit in. Colton was shocked Randy cared so much. They talked about when Randy first got a job there and the boys were much harder on him than they had been on Colton. It brought a smile to his face. Colton felt the need to tell Randy how much he reminded him of his father. That made Randy smile. They had shared memories of ranching and then came to the subject of women. Colton told Randy how he was starting to feel about Angel and Randy did not act surprise. He encouraged it. Randy left Colton thinking about how well he fit in there and how grateful he should be at that particular moment.

Just as he pulled his truck to a stop in front of Angel's place, he watched her come out her door; he felt something deep in his gut he never felt before. He got out and came around to open the passenger side door of his company truck. She looked incredible. She had on a really sexy red and white tank top with a sterling silver belt that hung just right on her hips. Her short denim dancing skirt, was accompanied by the sexiest pair of red cowgirl boots, he had ever seen. His thoughts were starting to lean towards the red-hot color of those boots.

Watching Colton drive up her driveway her stomach got more butterflies than before, if that was possible. She had to take a moment to examine her perfect cowboy when he got out of his truck. His thick shoulders stood a little taller today and his blue eyes felt like they were soaking her up. His blond hair glistened in the bright sunny day they were experiencing. Thankful for good weather crossed her mind, but even more thankful that things were finally progressing with her and Colton. She gave him a big hug hello and a peck on the cheek.

"Morning Angel."

"Morning Colton, how are you today?"

"Perfect. You look great!"

"Thanks, as do you!" Oh, there was that smile with the dimples again, that melted her. She knew this day was leading to something special.

He held the truck door open for her as she climbed in she was sure she heard a low whistle. This brought a blush to his cheeks, as she smiled coyly at him, over her shoulder. He closed the truck door like a perfect gentleman; she just hoped he didn't feel the need to be such a gentleman later tonight. More of a rough and tumble cowboy was what she was looking forward to.

Parking was sparse already as they pulled into town. Things were busy, main street was blocked off and the hum of the festivities was everywhere. Angel loved this time of year with the aspen trees turning brilliant colors and the cooler air with sunny skies was the reason she loved the mountains.

Colton found a parking spot for his big dually truck which was not easy as busy as things were looking. He turned to Angel and soaked up the feeling of the moment. She was so beautiful and now that they both admitted to a liken he felt a change was in the air. "Where would you like to start?"

"I always start at the food and craft booth and then deposit our load we buy, back here. Then say lunch, dunk tank and..." there was a moment of silence. "You dance?"

"I love to dance." He got out of the truck, walked around and opened the door for her.

Clicking in her boots in anticipation thinking how she loved to dance too. This cowboy of hers, was turning out to be more and more perfect by the minute.

Colton grabbed her hand gently. "Lead the way."

Acting as the perfect gentleman, carrying everything she bought, charming all the local ladies, rousing the kids hair and popping jokes with them, he felt charged.

All the people they would encounter seemed pleasantly happy with him; and the fact Angel and he were holding hands.

After they dropped stuff off at the truck, he turned to her and gave her a soft gentle kiss. "I hope you didn't mind."

"Not at all, so I hope you don't mind this." Pulling herself right into the grooves of his muscular body. With one hand behind his head and one around his back, she pulled up on her toes and pressed her lips hard into his, opening his mouth with her tongue and devouring him with more passion then what should be openly public. Once they broke apart, he raised his eyebrows at her.

"Cinnamon?" Darn that mouth of hers got better and better and the cinnamon wasn't so bad.

"My favorite hard candy." Angel smiled sheepishly.

"Perfect." Colton felt a second more seductive kiss was in order.

There was that grin with the dimples. She was warming up with sensations she had never felt before so quickly from any other man. Her breasts heaved forward, thrusting themselves closer to his chest. Her nipples tightened under her shirt and rubbed against the warmth of his body. A sensation ran the gamut of her body. Her mind tried to anticipate his next move. She parted her lips, looked into his eyes and rested her hand on his bulging erection restless beneath his worn denim jeans. She wanted to rip open his jeans right there in the parking lot, and plant her hot moist mouth on him and suck him to the brink of orgasm. However that, was not the type of girl she was at all, in fact she had never kissed a man like this in public before. She waited, breathing raggedly, for his next move.

His body aching he wanted to take her and ravish her right there at his truck in the parking lot, but Angel was too good for that and he wanted her to enjoy the festival. His muscles hardened in his chest as he brushed against her taut nipples peeking through her thin top she was wearing. His mouth lowered down to her parted lips once again as his fingers slipped up from the base of her neck to the back of her head warming from her thick luscious golden curls of hair, causing him to pull her closer yet.

The honk of a horn from a truck waiting for the car in front of them to go through a green light broke the friction. Colton knew the car driver must have seen them and caused them to delay going through the light. He did not want to make a spectacle of Angel or give her a bad reputation. He wanted to enjoy the rest of the day and then ravish her all night if she would let him. He took her by the hand with great enthusiasm. "Where to for lunch? I am suddenly starving."

"Let's hit the food court and see what tickles your fancy."

Already he could tell what would tickle his fancy and she was right next to him. He looked down to kiss her again; gently his mouth settled on hers into a kiss so genuine and sweet.

Angel pulled away slowly and blushed. Her lips tingled like little electromagnets that seemed attracted to his lips. Her eyes stayed focused on his lips and chin as if she was too embarrassed to look into his eyes with what she was thinking at that very moment. Thinking of how much she wanted run her lips all over his body with kisses. How she wanted to hear him moan her name. A rush of lustful emotion was running through her brain and she needed him to make the next move.

"Let's enjoy the rest of the day, but I am available all night if you like."

"The food is this way, but I'm ok if we leave." At that moment she did not care how much of a spectacle they might cause she wanted him now. She would skip her favorite festival for this man.

Colton wasn't sure if she was insinuating what she seemed to be saying, but this cowgirl was ready to rock his world. He knew if he did not handle this right, he would just find a reason to dump her and worse break her heart. He needed to watch himself. He grabbed her hand and led her towards the wafting smells of food from the festival. The band was livening up again for another gig and sounds of the festival filled him with a content feeling as her hand felt so right in his, while they walked towards the food.

With her two steps to his one, Angel took a deep breath and thought of what just happened with a clearer sense. This was a fantasy dangling in front of her like cheese to a mouse. She only hoped this was not a fling or that this would complicate their working relationship. She loved her job and loved working with Colton even if things never took off. She had her sights on finding a husband and settling down and she needed to find out if this was the man that wanted to spend the rest of his life with her or if he was a love'em and leave'em guy.

With the band in full swing and the shade of a large cottonwood tree, they shared a hearty lunch of barbeque sandwiches, fried corn on the cob and coleslaw, polishing it down with two long neck beers.

While sitting under the tree, on the top of the picnic table, they shot the breeze like two close friends. Along came some of the ranch hands with friendly smiles on their faces. They were very friendly to Colton and acted as if he was one of them.

Angel was deliriously happy with the way this was all working out. She could see Colton breathe a sigh of relief when they held out their hands for handshakes and hearty hellos. She could tell Colton was really starting to belong and she knew he needed this feeling badly. A couple of the guys wagered him on with his throwing skills to come throw some balls at the dunk tank. "Anything for a good cause boys." Colton shouted out in a taunting manner.

Colton bought ten balls at a dollar a piece at the dunk tank. He let Angel throw the first five. She got two out of five but only the fifth hit was hard enough to dunk. Colton's first pitch was a dunk. His second pitch, just as hard and fast, was a dunk. Angel could not help but watch how muscular Colton's arms were. He had always worn long sleeve shirts at work, but his short-sleeved tee shirt showed off his arms. They were extremely muscular. His hands engulfed the ball they were so big but he rubbed his third ball so delicately and handed it to Angel for a kiss for good luck. With his third ball, the tank went down. Colton turned at the ranch hands standing on the sidelines watching.

"Should I go on boys? I've got plenty of cash to dunk all you boys!"

Hands went up in surrender. Colton handed the two remaining balls to the kid behind him and bought five more for him. He figured he had done enough impressing for Angel's sake and the guys.

Angel was impressed but more than that, the ranch hands were impressed and all it took was for a few of the guys to start liking Colton and things would ease up on him. She knew the last few weeks had been tough on him, but the guys were always tough on newcomers. "You're making friends."

"You think?" Colton stood quietly. He did not want Angel to know how tough the last few weeks had been. A hard swallow went down his throat and a sting at the back of his eyes. He wasn't the type of man to cry or show much emotion but today he felt so incredibly strange and alive and at that moment, just having Angel acknowledge how hard it was for him, he felt like he almost could cry in front of this woman and she wouldn't think any less of him for doing it.

"You've impressed them and I know they'll start being a little easier on you."

He grabbed her by the waist and turned her to him. "Did I impress you?"

Angel looked up at him with those hazel eyes and whispered. "You impressed me the first night you took care of me. No man has ever done that."

"Anytime." Colton looked down into her eyes and put both hands on her face by her neck and kissed her with gentle sweet passion on the lips.

"Mmm... that was nice. Food settled enough for a dance?" Looking up in question at the cowboy of her lustful dreams. Nothing would make this night at the festival finish out finer than a couple of good dances.

"Let's head for the dance floor baby. I am about to two-step that cute behind off of you."

Angel looked at her backside. "So you like my behind?"

"Uh huh"

"Well yours ain't too shabby." With that, she grabbed herself a handful of Colton's butt. It was firm and muscular. Oh how she wanted to be grabbing that butt while it was naked.

As they approached the dance floor, Randy and Shelia caught up with them. The loud music from the band made it hard to hear but Angel almost felt their presence before she tugged on Colton's arm to turn around and greet them.

"You kids gonna do some dancing?" Randy questioned.

Then Sheila's shouted out of her mouth faster than a jackrabbit. "You two look good together." She smiled with contentment.

"Colton says he's gonna dance my butt off." Angel felt like she had to yell, so they could hear her.

Randy leaned in and spoke up in his boisterous voice. "Well, we will save you some chairs at our table and order you up some margaritas with chips and salsa. Sounds like you're gonna need the refreshments."

"Much obliged. Now if you two don't mind, I've got a promise to uphold." Colton raised his eyebrows sheepishly and whisked Angel out onto the make shift dance floor that was surrounded by party lights and tables with chairs.

Sheila was so thrilled at how great they looked together as a couple. Randy informed her how Colton felt about the ranch and about Angel. She really saw him fitting in. She watched the two head out to the dance floor and start dancing before she let Randy lead her back to their table.

"I hope he doesn't break her heart." Randy looked on as Colton whisked Angel away. He felt somewhat protective of her, but knew she was a grown woman and could make her own decisions. He just knew that Colton had some growing up to do, he knew because he was just like Colton once when he first met Sheila.

"That's why we are here, to guide them in the right direction. From the looks of things Colton hasn't has any fathering since the age of ten and well Angels mother died on her at thirteen. We've got two pups in love Randy and I intend on helping them out."

"Whatever you say Shelia, you are always right. Now let's get those pups some margaritas." Randy was ready for some relaxing and dancing. He looked forward to the fall festival every year. It was the release, he and Angel took advantage of before the serious Stock Show planning went into place. Now that Colton had replaced him, he knew the type of hard work and stress those two were in for.

The first five songs, Colton two-stepped and three-stepped his way around the floor like a professional dancer. He wouldn't let anybody cut in. Angel was sailing on air in his arms. The sixth song was a slow song that gave them a chance to get closer and talk for a minute.

"Colton, I just want to tell you how great this date is going."

Just then, it struck Colton that this date was only beginning if he had anything to say about it. "Angel, this date is the best date I have ever been on."

Melting closer to his body, she put her face in the crook of his neck. He smiled of sweat and salt but mostly a manly scent that went straight down to her womanly parts. Oh, this date was not over by a long shot.

As they took their breaks from dancing, they drank down the margaritas. Two more margaritas for Angel and ice tea for Colton; Randy insisted since Colton was driving her home. Fine by Colton, he wanted to be at the top of his game for later, because he had every intension of ravishing her later.

A couple hours passed quickly as dancing partners changed and laughter exchanged between these two generations.

Randy slapped Colton on the back. "How bout we get the ladies some dinner?"

"Sounds great, any request ladies?" Colton felt the need to order for everyone, maybe to impress them, but also to say thanks to Randy and Sheila. He felt they had nudged him in the direction he needed to go.

"Anything to go with the next margarita you bring back. " Angel giggled.

"Ribs sound great, just bring us plenty of wet wipes unless that is you grown men want rib sauce on your behind." Shelia laughed giving Angel a nudge with her elbow.

"Women!" Both Randy and Colton rolled up their eyes and said it at the same time. They started walking towards the trailer with the ribs. You could smell all the food fare cooking and the ribs did sound the best.

"My treat Randy, if I may?" Colton didn't want to intrude but he really wanted to do this. "My way of saying thanks for everything."

Randy gave Colton a hardy slap on the back and could tell this would make him happy. "Sure thing son."

Sheila like every good woman wanted the juice on what was transpiring between the two. Not two seconds after the men were out of earshot, she touched Angel's arm. "Talk. What do you think? How's he treating you?"

"Oh Shelia he is incredible. I just feel so right with him." Feeling herself glowing with pride.

"You look happy with him." Resting her chin on her folded hand, she smiled.

"I am. I think once things ease up at the ranch and he settles in, he won't be uncomfortable with our relationship." At least she hoped. There was nothing worse than hiding a relationship.

"That should help. Most those ranch hands see you as their little sister and they hate for Randy to retire. They're just trying to protect you. But Randy is convincing them otherwise." Shelia knew of the previous night's conversation between Randy and Colton and come Monday, Randy wanted to put a little pressure on the guys to ease up.

"Randy's on his side?" Angel wasn't too surprised, she just hadn't seen otherwise.

"Yup"

"Well, I wish Randy would let Colton know that, because out of everyone, he fears failing Randy the worst. I guess he reminds him of his father."

The men came back with plenty of ribs, baked beans, home-style chips and another margarita for Angel. They laughed and joked around through the meal. Colton sensed the evening needed to progress further and hanging with friends could hinder it, especially as Angel was putting away margaritas. He was afraid she might pass out on him. "One last slow dance?"

"Then an ice cream cone?"

"I'll buy you all the ice cream you want."

With that, they waltzed back out onto the floor. The country song they were playing was one of her favorites, 'Once in a lifetime love' by Alan Jackson. She was feeling tipsy from the margaritas, but when he started singing in her ear, she melted. The words from the song made her feel like she was floating on air.

She looked up at him and whispered, "You are everything I ever dreamed of."

Replying with a kiss so deep and sensual, it felt like their souls were connecting. They tore apart once they realized all the hooting and hollering was directed at them. Angels face blushed as red as her boots and Colton just took a bow.

"Shall we encore?"

"Take me home Colton."

With that, Colton picked her up and carried her off the dance floor with many of cheers and whistles around them.

"See ya Randy. Sheila I'll check in with you later." Angel shouted over her shoulder.

Randy and Shelia stood hugging each other at the side with big smiles and waved in unison. "Drive careful Colton."

"Always do."

CHAPTER EIGHT

The drive to Colton's cabin was lighthearted. There was light tickling and giggles. Angel snuggled up next to him, something no woman has ever done in his truck. She laid her hand in his lap and her head on his shoulder.

"Angel, I just want to let you know at any time tonight if you need me to stop just say so." He felt the need to air the possibility in she had second thoughts.

In a silly teasing voice, she repeated him. "Colton, I just wanted to let you know that at any time tonight you need me to stop just say so."

With that, they laughed until their ribs hurt. She was the best of anything he could have imagined and he wanted to make love to her. That word love popped in his head so easily. He hadn't ever thought of another woman this way, loving her. All the others were sex or conquests. He wanted to take it slow and last all night until Angel's hand lay on his groin and he grew hard fast while she nibbled his neck. Thankful, they were just pulling in front of his cabin.

Once inside they kissed each other so deeply and passionately, they were bumping into furniture. Colton pulled away to come up for air. "I need protection from my bathroom upstairs."

"I'll grab us two beers and you start a fire up there."

Angel waited until he made it upstairs to shed all her clothes except her silky red thong, red lace bra and red cowgirl boots. She tucked a cinnamon candy, from her purse, in the front of her bra. She ran her fingers through her hair to plump it up some and give it a sexy look. She reached into the refrigerator and grabbed the beers, walking slowly upstairs, so that she could sneak up on him. She wanted to look seductive holding the beers when he turned to look at her.

She was a tad tipsy, but more trembling inwardly with anticipation. Her body felt warmed thinking how the first time was going to be quick for her. However, who needs to stop at once. This was all she had dreamed of and more. She felt like the real life dream was better than any of the dreams she had before. This cowboy had her hot and ready and she wanted to show him things a grown man only wished they could do.

He had taken off his shirt and boots, but was still in his jeans, bending over to stoke the fire. His back was muscular and well defined. Angel took a deep breath, not worrying about looking seductive; she wanted to get her hands on his naked chest. She set the beers down on the nightstand and walked up behind him, bent over and hugged him. Wrapping her arms around his naked chest, feeling his front side up with wandering hands she felt like she found heaven. She grazed her hands over his groin. He was still hard.

Standing up, he felt her wandering hands sent intensity through his groin. He felt her hands unbuttoned his pants. He turned around about to kiss her when he saw what she was wearing. "Oh Angel, you are my lady in red." As if he could get any harder at that moment, he did. The red lace silky bra she wore only enhanced her incredible cleavage and the matching silky panties barely covered her blonde triangle mound of hair. Her stomach was flat and soft edged at the same time. Interesting thoughts shot through his brain fast, sending his blood pounding faster into his manly parts. As if he could expand anymore in his groin, she coyly whispered at him.

"I've never done it with my boots on, will you be my first?" She rubbed her hands on his chest then wandered to his naked back while he kissed her holding her head. She started kissing down his neck as she worked at his jeans. She slowly got down on her knees and looked up at him so lovingly while a smile broadened across his face. She paused a moment to enjoy the look on his face as he looked down at her and started to groan. His head shot back as his hand rested behind her head encouraging more.

Groans of pure pleasure began to escape him, and then he pulled her up to kiss her again. He knew if she lingered on him any longer, he would be done before he got his chance to taste her. His tongue seemed as if it was searching for something so desperate in her mouth. His lips tingled with anticipation.

Then he began devouring her with kisses while rubbing his thumb over her hardened nipple through her bra. He started working her bra off her and discovered the cinnamon candy.

He unwrapped the candy and put it in his mouth. He began kissing her and then he slipped the cinnamon candy into her mouth with his tongue. With a light giggle from her closed lips, she became sucking hard on her candy. Thinking how hot and intense the candy felt against her tongue, thinking how perfect this was turning out.

Letting his hands roam from her face and neck, he let his hands slide gently over her shoulders and down her back where he felt every inch of her soft skin. Pulling her in closer to his naked chest, he let his fingers toy with her hardened nipple. Letting his hot, moist mouth eager to taste all of her, he began kissing down her neck then sucked on her taunt nipples. All he felt was hunger for all of her. He trailed his lips with sweet gentle kisses as he headed down on his knees. She felt his slow lingering licks; she knew her soft moans lead him on.

He looked up into her face for a split second and saw the look of intensity on her face, as she was starring upwards and breathing short, quickened breaths. Just then, she looked down into his eyes. "Oh Angel, you're perfect!"

"I need you now!" She spoke in a husky whisper. No man had ever done these things to her or driven her this crazy with lust. She felt uncontrollable and fearless all in the same swirling of emotion.

Gently he guided her to his bed, while gazing into her eyes. He stopped at the edge of the bed and let his mouth set a sweet gentle kiss on her mouth. He wanted to show her how a real cowboy makes love. With the pleasure, he wanted to give her, thoughts flooding into his head. In so many ways, so quickly, he had to slow his thoughts and concentrate on the moment.

She settled herself towards the middle of the bed, enjoying the feel of the sheepskin cover on the bed. Keeping her eyes focused on his, the look of desire shown in his eyes. She felt like the most desirable woman alive with the way his eyes devoured her. She watched him set one knee onto the bed as she lay back off her elbows and raised her hands above her head, tucking a folding knee over her leg. She was trying to look seductively ready, yet not too eager.

He pulled her red lacy silk thong down over her boots as he gently kissed her feminine shaped legs. Leaving her boots on was obviously a fantasy they both had and now he was ready to fulfill her more.

With his lips on the inside of her knee, he looked at what looked like a seductress tempting him on with her body and her eyes. On her back with her blonde hair laid spread about her head like a halo. Her eyes were heavy with lust and her lips waited, parted for another delicious cowboy kiss.

The moment he starred into her eyes she felt almost like a dream, but the heat from within her core sent endorphins through her body and making her hazy with lust. She could not stop herself if she wanted to nor did she want him to stop. There was not one doubt in her mind as to the rightness of all this. Everything between them happened so fast since the night he took care of her. The lust and greed in his eyes made her realize how much he wanted her. The slight buzz from the drinks she had earlier made her head spin just a little but it seemed to add to the exhilarated feeling he gave her touching her with his kisses.

He reached over on the nightstand and grabbed some protection all the while admiring the incredible haze in Angel's eyes, which made her look so perfect. Rolling on the condom, he was sure he heard a soft sound out of her as her eyes darted to where his hand rolled the condom down. He climbed on the bed and gently eased her legs apart further while he kissed her inner thighs.

This was heaven. She was sure of it. She wanted this night to last forever. She knew she needed him in her soon. It had been a long time since she slept with a man and just thinking of Colton kissing her down there almost had her in full orgasm. In a barely audible whisper, she pleaded with him. "Colton, I want you."

He slowly grazed his body up hers until his chest rubbed against her belly. He looked up at her "you've got me." He glided up her body to kiss her on the lips. Biting at her lower lip nipping it and pulling gently then he slowly slide inside her. She was so hot and wet and he knew this would be quick for him. She raised her hips for a moment then she wrapped her cowgirl boots around him securing her legs, which encouraged him to press harder. He pressed deeper inside her while opening her mouth with his tongue. That sweet cinnamon taste was just incredible. He sucked on her neck and then moved to her ear making lavish licks with his tongue, leaving his moisture and heat in her ear. He was on the verge and he wanted to hold out for her but he did not know if he could make it.

The need to push harder and faster inside her gripped at him and took over when she screamed out "Oh my god I'm gonna..." Their bodies shook with rapid vibrations as they both completed at the same time.

As both their thoughts could not have been more similar, she spoke sweetly while he laid there thinking, how incredible that was.

"Oh Colton that was so incredible. It's never been like that for me before."

The thought of Angel with other men gripped him with more jealousy than he had ever felt before. He wondered where this was coming from and why he felt so possessive all of a sudden. He needed to put a little space between these erupting feelings and Angel, but not now, right now he wanted to warm her up to the idea of doing this again, soon, very soon. Just as soon, as they caught their breath. With the heat between them, he laid on top for a minute using his arms propped on his elbows to keep from crushing her.

She let out a huge puff of air slowly and let her legs slide off the back of him.

"Angel that was perfect!" He smiled and rolled off her to lie on his back.

Perfect. Yeah you could say that a hundred times. She snuggled up next to him draping her leg atop across his leg. She was facing the large glass windows and noticed the stars were starting to come out. This was astronomical she thought and then kissed his neck and whispered, "You are perfect in every way."

"Awe shucks mam you're gonna make me blush." He teased her.

"Paybacks my friend, paybacks." She thought about all the times she had blushed around this man.

"I've never made you blush." Thinking back he could remember a few times but felt it best not to mention when a woman feels flushed.

"Oh let's see only every time we met during the first week." Memories came flooding back to her and they made her warm all over. At the time she blushed, she would get all jittery in her stomach, but she would not give those moments up for anything. It was what spurred her to impress him more.

"I just took that as you had a make-up fixation." Certain that would make her laugh, since Angel did not wear a lot of makeup nor did she need to.

"Ha-ha, cute." She crawled over him and pulled him behind her so they could spoon in a cuddle and watch the stars get brighter.

Their thoughts were similar but unspoken about how right this felt. They lay like that for fifteen minutes and he whispered in her ear. "Something to drink in front of the fire? You stir up the fire I will make the cocoa."

Standing up she reached for his shirt that was at the end of the bed and put it on. It covered her right up to the bottom of her firm round ass.

Tossing on his jeans commando and smiled with deep dimples. He liked the thought of her in his shirt; she was sexy as hell right now with her hair all messed up and her soft gaze in her eyes. He wouldn't mind her wearing his clothes like this once in a while, not at all.

He knew it was odd of himself to pick up hot chocolate mix, in hopes he would be sharing it with Angel. Not that he didn't like it for himself over his normal coffee house replacement. However, when he made a special trip into town, early that morning, he caught Bee at her shop, getting ready to take a load over to the festival. He had her snag him her largest canteen of the frothy stuff. It made him realize how much his thoughts were about Angel as well.

When he came back upstairs, she was sitting on the floor. She looked angelic with the soft orange glow of the fire lighting up her face. He handed her the hot chocolate, then he pulled her in front of him. Setting her between his legs, with her back to his chest, they sat on the floor in front of the fire. He reached around, hugged her, and kissed on her ear and the side of her neck. Gently he whispered in her ear "Penny for your thoughts."

"You are my thoughts." Caught up in the moment, she began to wonder if he felt as great as she did at that moment.

"Really, what kind of thoughts?" Sexual thoughts he hoped, because he was not done with her by a long shot. This was intermission one, the way he saw it.

"Well other than the sexual kind, I am thinking of the more inquisitive kind like are you starting to fit in? How do I fit into your schedule? Can we be us in front of everyone else or are you gonna be the boss man?" Her mind was swirling with thoughts then she looked back at him and smiled.

As she spoke from her heart, he set his hot chocolate down, thinking he could not wait much longer. He reached around the front of his shirt that she was wearing and had not buttoned. He gently pulled it off as he leaned back just enough to take slid the shirt down. Then he placed his bare chest against her naked back. Her skin felt so smooth and warm. "You think too much." He turned her towards him, setting her drink off to the side, sliding the shirt off her arms and tossed it on the floor. He began kissing her deeply. His tongue slid in and out creating a wet smoothness that caused him to be hard all over again. Round two was not far behind.

CHAPTER NINE

The light reflection of the sun rising was filling up Colton's room with a soft amber radiance. He reached over to the other side of his king size bed to rub on Angel and found the bed empty. Then he heard the shower start and smiled to himself while thinking about joining her in that big shower. He figured he would get the coffee started so it would be ready when they were done.

Reaching for his jeans to slide on commando style, he heard the phone ring. With a quick one, two jump into his jeans, he headed down the stairs at a quick pace, buttoning his jeans while answering the phone. "Colton here"

"Colton, it's Shelia, I'm worried sick. Angel did not check in last night after your date. And she's not answering this morning."

"That's because the date isn't over." With a cavalier tone to his voice and a huge grin on his face, he realized he could not help himself.

"Oh, OH! Ok will you have her check in with me later? Good-bye."

"Good bye Sheila" He could just picture that sweet woman all flushed. He heard the shower still running and figured she must need him to wash her back. He would remind Angel to call Shelia after he gave her a good washing.

Under twenty seconds flat, he had the coffee going, and was heading back upstairs to his shower; two steps at a time.

With the shower still running he envisioned her sweet body all wet and soapy. Then he heard humming of a familiar country song. Her voice was sweet and soothing to his ears. It filled his heart with emotional warmth he did not know he could have towards another woman, until now. He slid open the steamed up shower glass door. "Need company?"

"Well I did have something in mind." As steam billowed out, with her covered in suds all the best places, smiling with a come-hither look, he stepped inside.

The bathroom was very steamy and her body was pink from the hot shower. He grabbed the bar of soap and began rubbing all over the front of her chest and down her belly, feeling the warm skin under his touch. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her naked body up next to his so she could feel his enthusiasm.

Feeling the sensations of her breasts pebbling in the ecstasy of anticipation, she pulled back just enough to begin rubbing her hands all over her breasts with the suds.

Her mind was whirling with visions of them together, forever, taking showers like this several mornings out of the week before heading into the office. She could not help but wonder if this was just as special for Colton as it was for her. Looking into his eyes for an answer she only got a look of pure lust and desire and realized she would take what she could get. Because this cowboy in the shower with her, was better, then any of her fantasies.

Slowly he turned her back to him, he took a moment to admire her tight backside with his hands wandering. Bending his knees he realized that she would be the perfect height. Taking the soap, he started lathering up her back. Realizing he had no protection, he stilled his hands for a minute, feeling awkward.

"Don't stop. I need you in me. I want you so bad." Her voice was soft, but demanding.

Sensing hesitation, she looked over her shoulder and saw a puzzled look on his face. "What's wrong?"

He was trying to make a decision between right and wrong. "Protection."

Grabbing his hands, she brought them around front to hold her. Hoping this would ease his worries with a touch and a reassurance of words. "No worries. I'm on the pill." She knew she had failed to mention that last night in the heat of passion, but did not want to come off sleazy.

With a quick expel of air he thought to himself how that made their sex life a whole lot easier. Yes, the thought of their sex life definitely got him going again. This was a great beginning. However, the fact she was on the pill made him think for a fleeting moment, which might mean, she was promiscuous with other men. That thought did not bode well with him. Then, this was not the time to be thinking about his her with other men. He looked at her round firm ass, sculpted back and arms above her head waiting for him in this hot steamy shower. Life was looking good!

She wanted this moment to last forever. She wanted Colton forever. She wanted this perfect cowboy with ever fiber in her body. The way he touched her and looked at her was like nothing she had ever felt before.

They spent the next few minutes just letting the steam envelop them in a cocoon of warmth. No one spoke, but they both held the look of extremely satisfied persons. It was as if the one or the other was afraid to say something to break the moment of after lust that kept them just looking into each other's eyes, smiling, touching each other's sensitive skin.

Colton stepped out first and put a towel around his waist, then held up a soft, plush, full-length robe for her to slip her arms in. As she did, he slid his arms around behind her and tied the robe for her while hugging her from behind all while nibbling on her neck. "My robe looks much better on you."

They stood holding each other for a few more minutes while the fog from the hot shower started to dissipate off the mirror. Looking at the reflection in the mirror of a satisfied woman; with wet hair settling around her face and a man peeking over her shoulder that looked seriously content, they smiled at each other.

As if her eyes were a digital camera, she blinked and held her eyes close for a second to burn that image into her brain. If things could not last, she would not forget the last twenty-four hours for anything. It would be a warm thought in her mental photo storage for the rest of her life.

Opening her eyes, she spoke softly to him. "I like what I see." Turning her head just slightly, she looked back over her shoulder, at the incredible cowboy holding her tight.

"Me to. Coffees done by now. I'm afraid I can't cook and I don't have much to eat." Wanting to say everything he felt but knew it was too early. They had just had the best sex of his life and not sure if it was just the sex and the thrill of the catch he was caught up in. Speaking now may have to hold him to his feelings. Feelings he was not actually sure what they were. Switching from possessive, to hungry for more, he knew better to wait until he had a clear head. That run quick feeling, before you do something stupid like propose, came over him.

"You get the coffees poured and I'll see what I can pull together. Don't cook huh?" She pulled away from his hold and turned to admire a very sexy man in only a white towel around his waist. His chest muscles seemed pumped and tight from their recent adventure and he looked hot. His wet blonde hair had settled on his head and he was every bit a sexy cowboy she dreamed he would be under his clothes.

"Nope never had the time and my housekeeper always had food ready for me to heat."

She walked out ahead towards the bedroom and asked over her shoulder. "Got any sweats and t-shirt I could bum?"

"Help yourself." Colton slipped his jeans back on commando style. Just for the easy access just in case. Not getting too presumptuous to think that they might again, but then she seemed so easy to seduce and please. That thought made him wonder, if she was like this with all the men she dated and how many men was she dating recently. Randy had made Angel to be just that, an angel. However, every man knew if a man was like a dad to a young woman the last thing he is going to admit is an easy woman.

Getting his mind to change to other things, he watched her dress in his clothes with such a casualness and air about herself, as if she belonged in his clothes. He watched her roll a pair of gray sweats over and down at her waist at least three times to adjust to length of the sweats. Then she took one of his navy tee shirts and tied a knot off to the side to adjust it for the extra-large size it fit on her. She looked so sexy in his clothes.

She bent over and shaked her head with her hands in her hair as to plump up her hair. It was starting to dry naturally with a slight sexy curl to it. She did not need to spend hours styling it. A natural beauty was all he could think. She was not a woman that needed tons of make-up and product to make her sexy. She was sexy as hell just climbing out of a shower and tossing on a man's clothes. He realized if he let her go, he probably would be the stupidest man on the face of the earth.

However, like an old habit, he did not want to jump in too quickly when it came to woman. He was young and was not ready to settle down as so many others had suggested Angel was.

She bent down, grabbed her red cowgirl boots, slid them on, and pulled the grey sweats over the tops of the boots. With only the bottoms of the red boots sticking out of the grey sweats, she stood up and modeled a silly poise. "If you tell anyone you saw me dressed like this, I will deny it."

Tossing his hands up in the air, he grinned with dimples full force. "Not a word will be heard from these lips. Can you toss me a shirt?"

Tossing him a worn, faded, navy shirt that felt as soft as her heart did at that moment.

As they headed down to the kitchen, they discussed their love of riding horses. Not wanting the day to end and they were caught up on work enough, she tossed it out there. "How about we continue this date on a horseback ride and picnic? I could show you some of the great horseback trails this ranch owns. If we are going to start promoting the new horseback trails, it might help if you knew the countryside better."

"Business with pleasure sounds great." He didn't want the date to end but he did start to think about some of the work still sitting on his desk, along with that 'run quick before you get trapped' feeling.

"I'll pack us a picnic when you run me by my place to change. Unlike you, I love to cook." She already had in mind what she could pack quickly and to take on their ride.

"Before I forget, Sheila called while you were in the shower."

"Darn I forgot to call. Shelia and Randy are so protective of me. I don't think that will go away until they know I've got a good man to watch over and protect me."

Colton reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her close to hug her. "I could be that good man."

"That would be nice." Hugging him, so tight that she did not want to let go, then she heard his tummy rumble.

"You worked yourself up an appetite?"

"Yes I did."

"Well let's see what you have." Opening his refrigerator and searching through cabinets did not hold much promise. He must have run through most of the things she stocked his refrigerator with. "Bagel with peanut butter ok?"

"Sure. I need to get to the store but I have been so busy getting settled in."

"Sounds like you need a good woman to take care of you."

"That would be nice. Know anyone up for the job?"

"I'll check around and get back to you." Having herself in mind of course, knowing nothing would thrill her more, than taking care of Colton in a domestic way.

After they finished their bagels and coffee, Colton packed for a ride. Angel gathered up her stuff but left her red thong under his pillow for a reminder that evening of all that just took place.

CHAPTER TEN

As they loaded up their lunch and blanket into the saddlebags on the horses, they discussed the possibilities of Ralston Ranch creating its own tourism company. Complete with sledding attractions to horse drawn sleigh rides to remote tents for romantic dinner for two in the wintertime. Maybe even private fishing expeditions at the lakes Mr. R owned.

Angel told him how the ranch hands had been riding some of these trails for years and now they talk about offering guided tours on horseback. She told Colton of the first night he arrived how they had just finished talking about ways to promote the ranch. Then as the sun set they all took a moment of silence to be thankful for all the great things in their lives. She remembered being so shocked that he had arrived and was standing right next to her, almost knocking him over with her boot to his head. It brought a warm feeling to her gut of the thankfulness she felt for him coming into her life.

Colton busied himself listening to Angel talk and getting the horses ready. For the last few minutes, she seemed as if she was off in la-la land. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek to bring her attention to the here and now and offered her a hand to get up on her horse. As they began to ride the trail, he got the sense that this was a great business relationship in the making with some terrific side benefits. He kept telling himself that this was not anything too serious just yet. He was too young to settle down. He had a career he had been working hard at and he just did not see the settled life being in his picture anytime soon.

"You know the trails, I'll follow you." Smiling over at her with a grin on his face. The trail had narrowed to fit one rider at a time and the both of them seemed to be content just quietly riding.

As they rode along the picturesque trails, underneath the aspen trees with colors of the trees turning shades of yellow to burnt orange to deep rust red was breathtaking. The tall evergreens stretching into the beautiful clear blue sky. The day was warmer than normal for the fall Colorado high country. Wildflowers were popping with their final blooms across the open fields.

Looking over her shoulder occasionally to get a quick glimpse of the cowboy, she had riding behind her. Things could not be better. The connection between them was growing so quickly she knew this was turning into something special. Turning back and looking up the trail, she smiled to herself how wonderful the previous night had gone. This morning was incredible. She had never been in a shower with a man before, let alone felt the things she felt. The way he held and caressed her was so caring. The way he knew just where to touch her to send her right over the edge, as if he known her body for a while. Then the cautiousness he withdrew when he realized they had no protection. She hated letting him know she was on the pill as if she prepared for this type of scenario. Because this was far from the life, she led or believed in. She had not slept with a man since college and the few times before that had seemed as if she was only doing it to get some experience.

No man had turned her on so quick and it was even odder that she felt something for him before meeting him. As if everyone she had to talk to, when she was getting information on him for the hiring, described the perfect cowboy for her.

Now knowing how well they made love together and how romantic he was, just like her, she could see this leading into something so terrific. Knowing that moving fast could lead to trouble, she figured the rest of the week, after today, of course, she would let things simmer down a little. Keep the jokes light and the touching to a minimal. Which would be hard, of course. Knowing, every time she was in a room with him, in front of others or not, she wanted to touch him tenderly. Even if, it was just a hand to his shoulder or a gently brushing of arms, she craved his touch more and more each day. Now after making love with him she was a lost cause.

Every time she would look back, Colton would ask questions about the property and the Ralston's along the way. He made sure every time she turned to answer his questions he would give her his grin that seemed to make her blush or stumble on her words. He enjoyed teasing her and he often wondered how hard it would be to keep things under wraps at work now that they'd gone this far. He didn't want to make a spectacle of themselves and he had always prided himself on keeping work separate from affairs. He figured after today he would set a few boundaries while at work but once the ranch hands went home he would let things take its course.

As they reached a clearing, there was a pristine small lake. It looked as if it had never been touched by a human soul. They casually tied off their horses on to some low, heavy branches and picked a hidden portion on the lake from the trail, not that they were expecting anyone. It was Sunday and just about everyone was at Church and then breaking down the Festival. Most of her family, well Lou Ann's family, was to be at Bee's all day painting and repairing her floral shop.

Taking out the food, she had brought along and setting it on the ground next to the blanket, that Colton spread out on a soft patch of ground by the lake. "Hope you like smoked ham sandwiches and homemade potato salad."

"Sounds great." Keeping up with his business inquiries, into the Ralston Ranch, was almost a distraction ploy of his. Things had been incredible last night and this morning but he was beginning to feel the need to set boundaries that felt secure for him. This ride was more business, although he would be lying to himself if she tossed in some pleasure he would be game.

Their lunch continued on with idle chatter and light flirting. She decided that she loved talking business with him, but not on their date. She cleaned up; while he sat back, legs crossed at his ankles in front of him, leaning back on his elbows.

"This is truly what I would call 'God's Country'. Do you think we could pack two trail rides a weekend in?"

Walking over, she stood above him one foot on either side of his legs, and looked down with a devilish smile.

"Enough business, I've got other things in mind." She could not help herself. The way he had laid back, he looked like a sinful piece of desert. His cowboy hat was setting next to him and she had watched him finger his hair while she cleaned up their food. It was a sexy move he didn't even realize what he was doing to her. The way his blue eyes had looked off into the distance at the mountains was the same look he had after making love to her and looking at their reflection in the mirror that morning. A look of total contentment. Every bit of the way he was laying back suggested to her that she needed to pleasure him in a manner she had never pleasured another man. Her heart was beating fast as she felt the anticipation of what she was about to do.

With that, she sat down, straddling his lap with her body. Feeling a sensation of pulsing between her thighs as her bottom snuggled up on top of a very large firmness. She grabbed his hands in hers, letting their fingertips intertwine and leaned him on his back all the way with his hands over his head. She kissed him pursuing his mouth open with her tongue, brushing her body in slow small up and down strokes over him, which got him harder. She revealed in the reaction she got out of him and it encouraged her on. Around most men, she was very reserved, but this perfect cowboy of hers had her wanting to do things she only read about in romance novels.

She began nibbling on his ear, breathing her hot air over his ear, already knowing it was a sensual spot for him. She pulled his shirt up but left it buttoned. She rubbed her hands over his chest to expose the hardened muscular abdomen and pectoral muscles she craved to touch. She began kissing and sucking on his skin. Knowing what her final conquest was, she smiled up at him and then proceeded down.

By now, he had put his hands clasped behind his head and his eyes were looking upward in a daze. He wondered what he had done recently to deserve such devilish fun with a sexy hot woman. One that was doing things to him that he had to instruct other woman to do. This one has got me pegged. He thought. Then he felt his heart squeeze with the thought of being tied down. Enjoy yourself boy, think of the ball and chain later.

She was nervous and excited in the same breathe. She wanted to bring him pleasure. She wanted him to remember this day forever as she felt this was a lifetime love moment happening to her, as she never knew before.

Surmounting in her sexual task, she was enjoying herself. She had never been like this with any other man. Giving him this kind of pleasure was making her warm and moist. She could feel her hot juices starting to gather between her legs. Just then, he quivered and tensed while almost growling. He let out a groan and a sentence that was barely audible; 'God that was good' cursed his lips.

Thinking how incredibly different that felt, yet made her feel she was giving him a gift. She had never done that with a man before. She pondered, wondering if it was Colton, that made her all sorts of sexual crazy or it had been awhile since the last time she slept with a man. Her heart felt tight with the thought of how incredible this moment was and how she was falling in love with this man who made her give so easily.

Pulling her up, he held her tight while she kissed on his neck. "Give me a minute and I will return the favor." He whispered in her ear.

I soft giggle escaped her lips at the thought of Colton returning the same type of favor to her out in the open. She had never thought of the spectacle they just made if someone were to happen along the trail. However, that was her state of mind when she started. Not caring what was going on around them, just what she wanted to do to him. She got up and got them two lemonades, handing one off to Colton as he tugged up his jeans but lay slightly open. She sat back down next to him happy with herself. She had never taken the advance and ravished a man like that. She did not know what was coming over her but she felt so natural with him. No she knew it, she was just afraid to admit it.

"So, you really know how to show a guy a good time. Do you do this often?" He heard himself speaking, but he truly could not believe what was coming out of his mouth. It was here. The defense mechanism he always tortures himself, and the woman he is with. It was his damn way of not getting too close, keeping a safe distance so that things did not get too heavy. Perhaps if he just played it off as a joke.

Stunned silence pierced the air between them. He seemed to be off in some mental thought as she stood up and took action as if she was dusting herself off when there was not any dust on her. He had made the comment then just as soon as he said it, he seemed almost remorseful but did not choose to say anymore.

"What?" Did she just hear him right? Perhaps not? Maybe he was just the town idiot, at the moment and the comment he made could go overlooked but she wasn't sure how much longer she wanted to spend the day with him now. Thinking things moved faster than planned, which at first seemed heavenly was now turning into her own personal hell.

"Oh come on Angel, I'm just joking. I'm not dating the town expert or anything? Come on Bee's floral has a standing order." Colton was not sure where his mouth was taking him, but the crap kept spilling out. He was positive it was his self-defense mechanism kicking in, because he could kick himself for spouting out. He could not seem to stop himself even though he could see the hurt crossing her face. Part of him wanted to apologize, part of him knew he took this too far too fast and he knew he would act like this. He always did. He was not ready for marriage and being tied down. Maybe this was for the better. A quick spat and they would stay their separate ways for a while. Maybe he would not be looking like marriage material to her.

What the hell happened? She could not speak. She just gave her full self to him several times in the last twenty-four hours and now he is joking as if she is the town whore. Maybe she did come on too fast and he was thinking of her in ways she really wasn't. She didn't want to explode or say things she would regret later.

Her horse was still saddled and ready to ride with the reins conveniently hanging loose. She took it as a sign to book. She slowly took a few steps back as he turned his back to her while he stood and straightened his clothing. He also knew the date was over and she didn't think she could ride all the way back with him. She knew a short cut to get her back to the ranch quick.

With a quick slap of the reins on her horse, as she kicked her heels, she was gone. All that was left of the amazing time they just had was the dust settling from the horses hooves. Listening to the pounding of the hooves of her horses feet as she galloped up the trail towards the short cut break away she thought again of all that happened and now she was even more pissed.

She would take his truck back to her place and then she needed to head over to Bee's to get her head on straight. She knew it was a bad idea only taking one truck back to the ranch. She cursed herself for leaving her truck at her place.

Right now, the whole family was getting ready to repaint Bee's shop. To think she wanted to continue her date with Colton over helping family. The tears began to sting at the edges of her lids and she was certain the rest of the ride would be in full train of tears when she hit the short cut. Keeping Colton from catching her and seeing her cry was foremost on her mind. She would not let him know how bad he hurt her. She did have to work with him and for all it was worth she was a professional and damn it all to hell not in the hooker sense. Screw him.

The short cut break away could not have come too soon around the corner. She led her horse to the right and was thankful it was a trail, which was not groomed and hard to see if you did not know what you were looking for. Once she was over the hill and totally out of sight, she slowed her horse to a stop and then let the tears fall as she leaned forward to pet her horse. As if her calming strokes on her horses neck would somehow soothe her. She let it all out for all of five minutes then decided if she wanted a head start she needed to get a move on and quick.

Holy shit, he just screwed up big time. He did not know what came over him. He did, but he could sense things were moving too fast and maybe it was because deep down he knew she was looking for a suitor. In addition, he was top on the list and that made him want to hightail it in the other direction. Every time he felt anything for a woman, he would test her by saying something mean, to see if she could stand the test. What test that was that he felt he needed to give each time; he did not want to admit.

He had been a mean insensitive jerk and he could not seem to stop himself. Maybe it was time to grow up and tell Angel his fear of committing and then perhaps they could go about this relationship on a sexual basis. Deep down he knew she was not normally this type of come fast, come hither gal. She was a down-home country girl looking to settle down. He could not totally blame the pace at which this took place because he was right there with her encouraging her on. He just could not stop the comments from spilling out and now looking back, he could kick himself hard for saying anything at all. Because if he had not, they would be snuggled up to each other, looking at the clear blue sky and scenery with a delicious ending of him returning the favor he promised.

But Angel was the first women that drove him to the brink, set him on fire with a single touch, yet warmed his heart and made him want to put a protective shield around her and claim her as his own. He felt he was too young for marriage and kids, settling down, and he knew that was what Angel was looking for. If he did not know that about her would he have just tried to send her away?

He knew he was only joking. Ok, he told himself it was a really, bad joke. Maybe he should play it cool and see what her reaction is, let her be the first move. After all, he had to work with her, she knew everything about the ranch and he was not up to speed. He should not have been so forward; maybe dating this early in a friendship was the wrong idea. Oh shit he did not know. That woman who just rode away faster than lightening was making his head spin so fast he couldn't seem to think straight.

By the time Colton found his way back, he realized his truck was gone. Not surprised at how pissed she was he could not blame her. He would let her cool off and then explain he was joking out of uncertainty. He guessed the stupid comments just popped into his head as a safety mechanism for him not to move too fast.

Colton called Randy to see if Angel was there. She was not but she had just checked in with Shelia. She was at a friends and Colton's truck was at her place. The way Colton figured she must have briefly filled in Sheila, because Randy's tone of voice was none too thrilling. It was downright commanding and directive.

"Need a ride?" Randy directed.

"Yup." Great now this man he looked up to was going to chew his ass until next Tuesday.

"Screwed up huh? Well you can make it up to her." Randy could sense he had a beat dog on his hands.

"Flowers from Bee's?" Knowing that was a lame way to apologize but he wondered what else to do other than begging for her forgiveness and at this moment he was sure she would only spit in his face.

"No. I'd say a sincere apology, but first figure out why you said whatever it was you said to piss her off." Randy knew their sweet Angel had probably scared Colton with the passionate feelings they saw the two of them display at the festival. Not to mention this morning Sheila had told him about the phone call to Colton's.

"Yeah. I joked pretty badly." Out of my own insecurity, Colton thought to himself. He knew exactly what his problem was, but correcting the situation anytime soon did not seem likely.

"See ya in a bit." Randy chided out then hung the phone up.

Colton knew that his feelings for Angel were more, but everything happened so fast and easily. He wondered if falling in love could be like this. Feeling blind sited by a bull horned cattle. He thought of a million ways to apologize but none of them seemed good enough for Angel. He looked up into the clear blue sky and prayed she would forgive him and he would be a better person. He swore it.

Randy drove up and got out. Silently he handed Colton a beer from a small cooler he brought out with him. A frown showed on his face, of utter disappointment. "First things first son; lets drink this beer to the fact that women are sensitive and we men with beautiful woman, will always carry some sense of insecurity." Randy wanted to set him at ease some, because he had a hell of a lot of common sense to drill into this boy. The boy, who would manly apologize to Angel and someday marry her, both Shelia and he agreed on that.

They sat on the tailgate in front of Colton's cabin looking out at the pasture below filled with horses and the blue sunny skies up above. They drank their beer, chatting in between drinks, tossing comments around about horses and ranching, and then led into men and women. It was like a conversation he would have with his dad, if he were still alive.

Colton knew he blew this perfect sunny day all to hell. If he set things right he would give all his sunny days to Angel. He felt his gut tighten as Randy told Colton about Angel losing her mama and the whole town taking her in. Colton wanted to be the one to protect and take care of her and that scared him all to bits. He never felt so insecure of himself or the fact that he knew he needed Angel just as much. He wanted her, but he also wanted the man next to him to like him. He reminded him of his dad. He felt like home here and could not imagine himself anywhere else in a million years.

Colton figured it was time to quit the idle chatter and get down to business. Randy had spared him long enough. "Let me ask you something Randy, has Angel been serious before or dated a lot?"

"Well, Angel has only dated a few times since she came back home from the city after college. When she sees something she wants, she doesn't waste time. She finished collage working two jobs in four years and landed several freelance jobs immediately. She's a hustler in a business sense. But I've never seen her serious about anyone like she is about you." Randy wanted Colton to understand the depths of his grasp on Angel.

"Wow" That explains things. Colton figured he had a headstrong woman on his hands and how he wished his hands were on her right now. Tenderly caressing and talking about their future by the lake would have been ideal, but no, he had to go screw it up.

"Remember she was hired to find a replacement for me after my heart attack. They offered your job and she turned it down repeatedly. She has plans in her life and well, quite frankly, she doesn't want to get too busy since she is ready to find her man and settle down." Randy knew that was Angels place to tell Colton, but he knew both of them needed some prodding. Randy was a man who believed in love at first site. He experienced what Colton was going through first hand, with his Shelia.

The words 'settle down' made Colton realize why she was moving fast but she barely knew him. "She hardly knows me yet she's coming on to me like lightning. I guess my defenses kicked up and my mouth was moving before I had time to retract. And we had just..." He took a deep breath, and ran his fingers through his hair, then let out an exasperated breath while covering his face with his hands. "Could I have been more of an ass? I don't see her forgiving me anytime soon. The thought of her moving on to another man is ripping me up."

Not knowing why he felt so compelled to spill his beans to this man. No, he did know. Not only did Randy look like his dad, he held the same virtues as his dad did and if his dad was alive, he knew deep down that he would be talking with him right now about this very thing if he had put himself in this predicament.

"She knows what best suits her. Besides, she researched you, talking to old employers and employees. Even spoke to your housekeeper, Freder something." Randy grinned. He knew Colton had no idea of the lengths that Angel had gone to.

"She talked with Frederica? Wow, I wondered what she told her." Colton could not help thinking had she talked to Mike; she would have got some good juice on him. That would have been just like Mike to do that. Pin a woman in conversation and analyze her to figure out if she would be a good woman for him.

"Several different folks I believe. She knows you a lot more about you than you realize." Randy was certain his point was getting across and that Colton was grasping at the situation. Some things happen for a reason, other things are made to happen with hard work and perseverance.

"I guess she does." Colton wanted the opportunity to learn more about Angel and he wanted to be with her but he knew as quickly as she stormed off, she would not listen to apologizes that morning she would need time and space. Both of which, he did not want to give her but knew she would need them.

"Now it's time Shelia and I give you a quick history lesson on Angel and then you can see why she's so special. You can decide if you want to let her go or move quickly." Randy had already decided Shelia and him were going to give Colton a lesson in Angel 101.

"Sounds fair" He would take all the advice and information they would give. He had some fast learning to do.

"Shelia's got some dinner cooking. We'll eat and then I will take you to get your truck." Randy was hoping by evenings end Angel would be back from Lou Ann's and they would kiss and make-up.

After dinner, Randy drove Colton to Angels. He told Colton the basics to what made Angel tick. Simplicity and romance, that she's a team player through and through but goes after her dreams with gusto.

They sat out front of her carriage house and talked for another hour. Colton kept wishing she would come home while they were there so he could apologize. He was antsy to get the apology over with and get back to where they left off. If only it was that easy. He told himself. He knew better. Women were more complicated than that. Easy going or not, her feelings were hurt thoroughly, since it was Colton teasing her at the time he teased her, not one of the guys.

"Leave her a note and call her later." Randy knew what Colton's game plan was but it was getting late.

"You think she'll talk to me?" Although Colton couldn't blame her if she took a long time before she spoke to him. He just felt that asking gave him hope.

"She will, but most likely not right away. She gets over things easily enough. Colton, I think that girl is in love with you. She got hurt." Randy got in his truck and waved at Colton. He would check in with the poor guy later this week. He knew he liked practical jokes and the guys at the ranch had been itching to play a prank or two. Since Colton hadn't reciprocated to their pranks they weren't too sure, but he would give them the go ahead.

Colton knew as the time grew between him being able to apologize in person he would be tortured for his unreasonable actions.

Driving back to his place he could not get out of his head how fantastic she was and how he acted out of fear. Could she be the one? That quick? That easy? Could she be his soul mate? He questioned himself.

Obviously, Angel thought so and now knowing more about her he was beginning to think that cutting to the chase with her could be the right move. She made him feel complete even when they were just hanging out. They had been finishing each other's thoughts all week at work. He didn't know how he was gonna make it up to her but he needed to.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Monday five a.m. and Colton had a headache the size of Texas. How could I be so stupid? Where did these chauvinistic comments come from? Where had all the tequila gone? He thought to himself as he held up the empty bottle next to the big chair in front of his fireplace.

Angel never called last night and he could not blame her. He left her a note that was as sweet as possible, explaining his insecurities and his mouth moving without his mind. That he ached to be with her and that if she did not forgive him, he would not blame her. He would just be the most miserable man on the face of the earth.

Going to bed last night, he reached under his pillow to discover her red thong. It put his gut in a knot. She had planned on spending the night again or at least finishing the sexual highlight to the previous night. Damn how could he have been so stupid? Here was this incredible woman giving herself over to him and he crinkled her emotions up like a discarded piece of paper and threw her in the trash.

He popped some aspirin for his headache and figured he would muddle through the day. He could not even blame her if she did not show up for work or called in sick all week.

He was first in the office. He did not want to have breakfast with the guys. He had a protein bar and a big coffee at his desk. He figured he would check some e-mails and go over the stock show changes Mr. R had left on his desk.

To the sound of 'you've got mail', Angel's email address caught his eyes. He contemplated for a moment before he opened it. How bad could it be, would she ream him a new one or was she the silent stewing type. After all, they did have to work together.

Colton,

Our date on Saturday was fantastic. Sunday started out great but we have some misunderstandings. I have never been with a man as I was with you. I came on too strong and showed no self-control. I think some time and space should cool things down. Don't get me wrong I was very hurt by your comments. I have computer classes to teach for the next two days at the library. I won't be in till Thursday for printer reviews.

F.Y.I. I got your note. Thanks for the apology.

Angel

Great, now she's going to cool things off when all he wanted to do was take back what he said and heat things up. When she let him back in, he was going to show her all the ways he wanted to treat her like the way she deserved. She forgave him. Only after she had some time off, would she want to see him again. Could he blame her? He wondered what she meant by 'Never been with a man like I was with you.' He thought she was experienced as those moves she put on him were anything but inexperience.

It put him in a trance of remembrance of all the wonderful moments they had shared in such a short time, starting from the moment she almost booted him in the face as she turned on the fence railing towards him. That was the first moment their eyes met and he remembered every second of it. He remembered all the fun times they shared working. He remembered being an ass when he thought she was in charge or could not get the changes done on time. He remembered how bad he felt and unsure of himself on how to take care of her at her place. He remembered his physical reactions to her with her hair a mess and her silky robe caressing her curves. He remembered her bringing the beers to him, when he practically made her ask him out on their first date.

Shit, he had been such a blind ass and now he needed to make it up to her. However, if he went to her now she would be upset. Should he send her flowers or just email her back. Maybe both. He knew he could not grovel too much when it came to a special woman like her.

After emailing Angel, he spent another two hours of answering emails and he then he caught up on work. He could move on to paperwork. He saw a couple of gag cowboy emails from his best friend Mike. Who better than Mike to sense things had gone awry with him?

Mike was his best friend since grade school. He gave him a hard time about leaving the city life, the bars in Lodo and season tickets to Coors field. He also knew this was Colton's dream to be back in the country on a ranch, like his dad.

As soon as he had things worked out with Angel, he would have to have Mike come up for a visit. Country to Mike was like sun tanning in Alaska in mid-winter. He was a city boy through and through. However, that was part of why their friendship was cool. They were different in many ways but could appreciate each other's differences. He'll never forget the first time he drug Mike to his first stock show or convinced him Cheyenne Frontier Days was the best country concert series. He got him to go just by convincing him the girls didn't wear much but their boots. Those were the days.

A few laughs later from remembering and he was feeling somewhat better. He just knew he would only feel like himself once he was holding Angel in his arms.

Colton picked up the phone and put a call into Bee's floral shop. He figured it would not hurt to send flowers, just a reminder he was sorry.

"Bee here, what's your pleasure?"

"Bee, its Colton I..."

"Don't worry honey I heard, but she'll come around, she just needs a little cool off time." Bee wondered what took him so long to call this morning. Any sensible man would have sent flowers by now. This country boy, turned city was going to be a country boy again soon if she had anything to do with it.

Wow, he knew this was a small town but that was quick. How embarrassing. "Can you deliver?"

"You betcha, what you want to send that pretty Angel of ours?"

"What can you suggest?" The typical sunflowers were not good enough, maybe a huge bouquet. The more money he spent the better.

"Well we got some beautiful potted mums this morning in an array of fall colors." Bee grinned. She had just the idea.

"Great. Spare no expense, send several. Have the card read: 'You brighten up a fall day! Thanks for your forgiveness. I can't wait to make it up to you. Colton'.

"We'll get it to her today. You know she'll be at the library teaching classes from one to three for the next two days." Bee could not wait to deliver a truckload of fall colored potted mums to Angel's front porch. It should cheer her up. By what Sheila had said Colton was sorry and wanted to try again. However, watching her Angel cry like that and get all worked up had wrenched at her stomach.

"So I've heard. Thanks." Maybe he could stop by tomorrow. He felt like he needed to do something else, other than the flowers and soon. He wanted her to know he was serious in his apologies.

Colton took a couple phone calls and met with some of the ranch hands. Everyone seemed normal; maybe it was just her group of friends, which had heard about the incident. As far as everyone else was concerned, the last time they saw them together was at the festival.

He put his hand through his golden blonde colored hair and thought I could use a trim. What was Angel's best friend's name that did hair? Lou Ann. He'd just give her shop a call. He grabbed the local phone book and looked up the number. With a quick punch of the buttons on his phone, he leaned back in his chair to the sound of ringing, propped his boots up on his desk and looked out his office picturesque window, reflecting on what needed to be done.

"Lou Ann's Hair Palace, what can I do for you?"

"Yes I need a quick trim, is Lou Ann available?"

"This is she, is this Colton?" Lou Ann grinned from ear to ear, knowing it was Colton from the shops caller ID. So, Angel's cowboy remembered her best friend did hair and was looking for some advice. She'd have to refrain from an ass chewing, since Angel was so taken with this one.

"Yes, mam" Colton sensed some humor in her voice. Perhaps she would help him out.

"Colton why don't I get you in tomorrow around one o'clock?" Lou Ann knew that she had the shop closing up early for the floor to be ripped up and retiled at two p.m. She had let the girls have the day off tomorrow and only had a couple of her special customers coming in to have their weekly hair set. They could have the whole place to themselves for some personal discussions.

"I was hoping for today." Colton was anxious to be talking to Lou Ann.

"Well I'd love to but I've got back to back hair colorings." Lou Ann smiled, she had a plan and she was going to stick to it. Besides Angel needed at least another day and she would be totally over it. She loved that about her. Got worked up fast and easy, but over it just as quickly. When she was over it, she did not dwell on it or bring it up again. "Tomorrow it is then." Colton sighed.

"And Colton, don't worry honey. I'll make some extra time so we can talk."

"Thanks." Women never ceased to amaze him. Hopefully, she would help him in his cause to woo Angel back to his loving arms. He needed her there and the more he thought about it, the more he knew she belonged there.

Angel watched as Lou Ann hung up the phone. She had been sitting in one of the shops open chairs, brooding and filing her nails while Lou Ann gave her a hairstyle. Something they had always done as little girls when the other was upset was to let the one that was angry get it off their chest while the other one listened and did beautification techniques. Now that Lou Ann owned her own business, Angel just hung around her shop whenever she had spare time or needed a friend's shoulder to cry on.

After last night's crying, Lou Ann dragged her into her shop on her way to work and told her she was putting her to work at her shop. So Angel got inventory done and cleaned the display counters to only finish up and want to head back to the ranch to Colton's arms. Lou Ann convinced her to cool her heels for a few days, seeing as her over tenacious approach had scared the man silly. However, when she saw the phone ring with Colton's office number on the caller I.D., the only thing she could do was squeal with delight. Now she wanted the juicy details. First, he had called Bee's and now Lou Ann's. So playing hard to get might be working after all.

"Honey, he wants you back and what man calls the best friend for advice and suffers through it if he doesn't want his gal back. Oh and believe you me, I know how to pour it on."

"Lou Ann you're awful. You take it easy on him. He's a city boy, but I moved on him in a Las Vegas pace." Angel was all too thrilled that Colton had called Lou Ann. She already knew about him having dinner with Randy and Shelia.

"You miss him?" Lou Ann asked knowing the answer.

"With every aching moment." Angel sighed a big breathe. It started her on the train of thought of the incredible date they had even though it had ended badly. She would not have traded that date for all the gold in Colorado. It had been an incredible date, even if they had left it at just going to the festival. However, the moment everything turned steamy at Colton's place, she just could not help herself. It was as if she was a completely different person with him than she had been with any other man. She felt so sexually seductive and the way he touched her made her feel so incredible.

Lou Ann hugged her best friend. She could tell it was taking all her will power not to go running back into his arms. Neither one of them was much up for game playing when it came to the opposite sex, yet they both new playing too easy could make the man run faster away. "One more day and he should have suffered enough."

"Yeah, I'm just not sure who is suffering worse. Well I best get off to the library to teach my computer class. I got a bunch of newbie's. Internet Use 101 and half the class looks like the local senior center. Somehow I don't think I will be getting out before five p.m." Angel joked, but knew she would never give up her volunteer work.

"Oh Angel you know half this town would be computer illiterate if it weren't for your classes. I might stop by later. My last color is at three thirty."

As they hugged each other bye, as they always had done since they were little girls. Lou Ann whispered in her ear. "Breathe girl. Everything has a way of working out."

"Ok" Did she really look that upset? She knew last night she did, but she woke up feeling better. Colton's note had made her feel a bit better. She figured he was just being a man. Oh and all man he was, right down to the light trail of curly hair that travel down his chest to his groin. As she walked from Lou Ann's shop to the twelve blocks to the library, she breathed in the fall scents in the air and thought of the incredible sexual moments they had shared. She wanted it all again and more but she would be a bit more reserved. He scared her at the thought of not having him and delighted her with the thought of how she felt with him. Love is a scary wonderful. She told herself.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Colton knew if he busted his butt yesterday and this morning; that today, he could talk to Lou Ann and find a way to make things right with Angel. He had thought about going to the library after his visit with Lou Ann. Either way, he did not intend to come back to work once he left. He would hit the bar and catch a drink and maybe a pool game if Angel was receptive.

Angel spoke so highly of Lou Ann; how they have been close most of their lives, when they were on their ride that Sunday. 'Wait till you meet her', she had said. Well a night out to dinner; not a haircut and a pep talk, was how he had planned to meet Angel's best friend for the first time.

The morning had started out a little shaky when the ranch hands roused him about his first night of cooking was next Monday. They were putting in request from lobster and steak to beans n franks. Word got out he did not cook. On average, about ten men, including himself, were eating their meals there. Some went into town, the married men usually went home, but on occasion, if it smelt good they stayed and ate.

Colton figured after he talked with Lou Ann. He needed to stop by the library and pick up a cookbook. Maybe he would stop in and peek in at Angel. An excuse? Yes, but he needed to see her with every aching moment. If only she smiled at him, he might feel an ounce better.

She had filled his dreams last night. He needed to feel her again even if it was only with his eyes or it was going to kill him. He dreamt of the way her body curved so nicely. Her round bottom and the way his hand had run over its naked flesh. Her breasts were so full and the way her nipples puckered in an instant. Showing him how turned on she was. He loved the way her long blonde hair filled with curls nestled against the crook of his arm after they made love. And love, it was, because if he denied it any longer he would be the stupidest man on the face of this earth. It would be torture to see her every day and not be able to touch her, now that he has touched her in all her personal places. Places he craved to touch again.

Angel awoke feeling better than she did the previous morning. She was back to having some steamy dreams about Colton. Maybe she would call or stop by the office. She knew that the chance of him coming by the library after talking to Lou Ann was probable. She made sure she looked good for volunteering. Spending a little extra time on her hair and make-up and putting on her good boots and form fitting Levi jeans that fit her so nicely. She wore a V-neck cotton long sleeve blue shirt, that made her breast look good without exposing her to all her seniors she'd be teaching, but made her look every inch like the woman she felt, especially around Colton.

Coming home late last night to the beautiful arrangements of bushels of mums in all different colors made her melt. She could not wait to show Colton. She figured he had no clue yet that Bee was Lou Ann's mom and like a second mom for her. She must have charged him a fortune. The front of her carriage house porch looked like a magazine photo shoot.

She would email Colton with a photo of the flowers and a quick 'Thanks' that morning. Just the thought of him opening the email and photo of the flowers had her giddy with delight. Yes. It was going to be a glorious day and she was looking forward to it. She looked herself over once in the mirror and was satisfied. She was a woman after her perfect cowboy and he made her feel perfect when they were together.

She got her coffee started and flipped on her laptop and her email chimed out. That was normal, but her curiosity got the best of her. Maybe he emailed her again after she sent the last one. A quick scan and she saw his name. She tapped her fingers on the table and said to herself, 'coffee first'.

After she got her latte size cup and threw in some white, hot chocolate mix with the coffee, she was ready to read his email and send him one with a picture of the flowers.

To my lady in red.

I hope you like your flowers. I told Bee to spare no expense. I think I'm her new best friend. By the way, I found something under my pillow Sunday night and have been sleeping with it since then. I'm hoping it won't be long before you're slipping it back on for me. I miss you. Can we start back to where we were at before I opened my pig headed mouth?

Colton.

Oh she could not help but drink her coffee and envision them in front of the fire at his cabin, in her red thong laid out on that overstuffed ottoman, she purchased for the cabin, serviced by Colton. His muscular arms holding her. His large hands caressing her nipples as he pinched them to tautness. His broad shoulders covering her chest and his hot kisses trailing all over her. She envisioned what he looked like with just his boots and hat on just before he laid down on her and entered her.

"Whoa!" She hollered to herself while fanning her face with a magazine.

Finishing her coffee, she took a digital picture of the flowers on her front porch and emailed back.

Colton,

No expense was spared, as you can see. I have many other colors of thongs in different styles, lace, silk and see through. Oh and I should mention the matching bras I own to go with them. I am a regular of lingerie catalog orders. You keep the red ones for now. See you Thursday a.m. to go over the printer's proofs.

Angel

She felt that was fair. No committing herself or throwing herself at his mercy. Just a taste of what he can imagine her in if he so desired. He would need to make the next move. She secretly hoped he would want her to model all those silky things and more. She actually found herself wanting to place an order soon for some sexy nightgown that revealed some, but left some for desire.

Angel knew she wanted him sooner, to touch him and kiss him. However, she was going to move a little slower this time. She did not want to scare him off again.

Colton got off the phone with the printers to see a new email from Angel pop up. He clicked it to read right away and could not help but smile. Other colors, in lace, silk and see through, oh yeah he could do nothing more than smile. Hmm, maybe his lady of lust has a lingerie thing going. That would be very nice if she modeled for him and with that thought he was hard.

Thankful it was morning and only the guys would be in for meetings. As soon as one of those horseshit, smelly sons of a bitches walked through his door his hard on would be gone in a second. He had a few pranks up his sleeve he was ready to play, to get them back for putting the cow patty on his porch that morning and then distracted him with a blow up Susie doll strapped on the front of his truck that was moved to block the stairs of his porch. He didn't even see the cow patty and it took a while to clean off his boot. He was glad they were continuing the jokes but he really needed to take the time to get them back. That time was fast approaching.

Ok. Quit thinking about Angel or paybacks. Work Time. There's a chance I'll get lucky tonight! Thinking to himself about her was making him delirious. Thursday morning was work time, so Thursday night can be playtime. He knew he needed to see her tonight. Maybe after the library she would go to dinner.

Pursuing his daily job with gusto, he was done with all he needed to do in record time. Knowing there was no rest for the weary; he set his cowboy hat on his head and grabbed his truck keys to head into town to the 'Lou Ann Hair Palace'. Just the name made him squirm as a man. However, some of the ranch hands razed him when he told him about getting his haircut then turned around and with all seriousness described that Lou Ann's hair shampooing techniques were the reason all the guys went there to get their hair cut. This put thought into Colton's head on how much Lou Ann must be like Angel and he was about to be blown away by the opposite sex again.

Pulling up in front of the hair shop, it didn't scream feminine or all girlie hair shop, but the name did. It was a simple shop, in a row of shops, which looked typical to all shops in a mountain town. Not like a city shop, but very earthy in color and décor. A few aspen trees and wild flowers sat in a cement planter by the front door. He did a quick look around as if he felt guilty going in then entered a very empty store.

"Lou Ann, I'm Colton." Holding out his large muscular hand to a very beautiful woman that was the only one in the shop other than her client she was working on. He recognized her from the pictures in Angels' place. She was breathtaking in person.

He noticed the note on the door about the retiling and figured Lou Ann knew what she was doing when she told him what time to come. They would have the whole place to themselves. Good woman!

"Colton honey, sit down. I'm finishing up on a customer." Lou Ann smiled at the thought of this handsome hunk with her Angel. He was mighty fine to look at and he was all cowboy and more.

Lou Ann flipped her sign 'Out to lunch'. Colton knew that was a nice way of saying, she was going to be talking privately with him. He liked her smile as she walked by him, back to her customer. He picked up a fishing magazine and started flipping through it.

He caught himself admiring Lou Ann, nothing sexual just admiration for her looks. She was very attractive. She had a build similar to Angels, with a small waist contrasting to her curves. Her legs were longer and her hair was a chestnut brown and styled simply. Her honey brown eyes seemed genuine and caring. Shit she looked like a younger, leaner version of Bee from the floral shop. He wondered if there was any relation. A thought popped in his head. Mike. He wouldn't mind a spin with her. Then the four of them could have some couple time. That thought made him smile.

As the customer walked out, she flipped the open sign to close and locked the door. She reached over the counter and turned on the answering machine on. She led Colton to a shampoo chair for hair washing.

"What you smiling at cowboy?" She gave him a curious look when he did not reply. Boy was he a cutie-patootie with that perfect grin of his. No wonder Angel moved like a Vegas girl. "Did you know the best part of getting you hair cut is the shampooing?" Lou Ann asked.

"No I didn't know." Colton usually washed his own hair before getting his bargain haircut. Unlike the forty-dollar price tag that was on the board out front. Lou Ann must know her stuff to be charging that much. However, the guys, at the ranch, had warned him and he was prepared to be the perfect gentleman.

"Well, honey, prepare yourself, because I am an incredible shampoo artist." Lou Ann smiled coyly. Knowing it was going to be hard to be stern with this man. He was too handsome for words but he seemed like a genuine cowboy.

"You don't say." He liked her already. She had lightened the mood and made sure no one was here, to hear their potentially embarrassing conversation about him and Angel.

Colton felt totally at ease with this incredibly beautiful woman. He knew it meant a lot to Angel if she liked him. Being on his best behavior was his only option.

Lou Ann lowered his head into the sink bowl, while gently holding his back. He was all muscle and those broad shoulders made him a tad too big for the chair. "Comfortable?" She didn't think he could be that comfortable in that chair as big as he was, but it was in her nature to ask all her customers.

"Fine." He could not remember ever having a woman wash his hair. He wanted to talk about Angel, but figured if he asked the wrong questions, with the water spraying on his head, she might spray his face. So he just sat back to enjoy the shampoo washing that Lou Ann bragged about.

Tenderly rubbing her fingertips throughout Colton scalp, working his hair into a lather, she worked from the front to the back and then to his sides. She admired a man with so much thick hair. He didn't have a bald spot showing and that was good for a man who liked to wear hats. She massaged his scalp and thought she heard a little moan. Well she would take that as a compliment.

Shampoo massages were her specialty that got all her clients relaxed. It was a sensual thing she did to any man she dated. Something so innocent, could feel so delightful. As she rinsed his hair, he raised an eyebrow at her with one open eye. "Afraid I might squirt some water in your face honey?" she grinned.

"Hoping not." Smiling up at her, Colton had to admit he had fantasized that Angel was doing this to him and was caught short when he opened an eye and saw Lou Ann. He had Angel on his brain and there was not much he could do about it at the moment.

"Just a trim?"

"Yup." Putting all hesitation aside, he had to ask. "How's Angel? I miss her." Colton wanted so badly to talk about her and confirm she was ok.

"Honey she's survived worse. You got a mouth on ya. Learned your lesson?"

"Hope so." He felt like maybe Angel's best friend wouldn't be so hard on him after all. They fell silent.

When she was done, he looked like a right fine cowboy. She was good. She offered him some coffee or hot tea. He knew this meant talking time.

"Coffee with sugar would be great."

As Lou Ann walked back with two coffee mugs, she smiled at Colton as she handed one cup to him.

"I don't know if Angel told you this but when her mom died the whole town took her in like she was their own. She was only thirteen and had never met her dad nor did she know where to find him. She moved in with me and my mom, Bee."

"Your mom is Bee?" That explains it. The similar looks. The quick knowledge of his screw up. So maybe the whole town didn't know what an ass he was after all. Thinking to himself Colton felt a bit more relaxed with this information and saw a clearer picture of it all.

"Yup. She and Sheila are sisters. They were like second moms to Angel. Always fussing over us two girls. We loved it. I always wanted a sister and so did Angel but we both were only kids. So this worked out great for us." A moment passed. Lou Ann could tell things were sinking into that cute cowboy head of his. Maybe she wouldn't have to go so hard on him. "But Angel was always out to prove herself. She can get a little over zealous sometimes, and shall I dare say it, emotional. But all in all she's very strong witted and fits in just about anywhere."

She's incredible alright. She took me like a storm. Colton could not remember ever being with a woman like her. "She's incredible."

"Well I know Angel says she felt out of control around you. A raging bull and you were her red flag. But each time she felt completely at home." Lou Ann wanted Colton to understand she was not this way with men all the time. "You might say she is actually very inexperienced in the lovemaking scene, and after she described you two, well I figured she had gone and lost all her marbles."

Colton didn't think of comparing Angel to a raging bull, yet she did come on fast and strong. Each time he helped progress things just as fast. Thinking how a red flag wasn't the half of it, red thongs and red cowboy boots were. The inexperienced part left many a questions on the tip of his tongue, but thought it best not to ask or comment. She seemed anything but inexperienced. Her level of comfort and prodding Colton on when he had to take a moment to think of protection was what got the idea of a town expert put in his head in the first place.

After just an acknowledgement from her best friend, that she was actually very inexperienced, he figured it was no wonder she took offense to his comment. She had saved herself for someone like him and when she let loose and acted like a woman in lust, he shot her down with his comments. Shit, he didn't even blame her for her reaction. A little part of him really wanted to ask how much inexperience, but felt it best not to. "I feel pretty bad about my comments. I just tend to break hearts anytime I start to feel anything." Colton let out a huge sigh. "She's definitely got me thinking about us in a very serious nature." Colton couldn't get himself to say marriage, but the thought did strike him.

"Don't worry Colton. You will just have to set the pace and make the next move. She's afraid she moved too fast and now she's trying extra hard to set some distance."

"Thanks" Colton knew that meant he had to go by the library and get that pretty lady of his to go out and loosen up while he locks his loose lips away. "You've lightened my load. Think I can catch her at the library?"

"Yup. Hey, they got any more like you back in the city?"

"In fact I do have a guy you might like to meet." Mike popped in his head. He might be a little over the top for this simple country girl. Knowing his buddy Mike, one look at Lou Ann and he would be all over her like a horse on hay. Next email to Mike will be an encouraging one for him to come for visit. A foursome date out on the town would be great. "Thanks for the shampoo and cut. What I owe ya?"

"On the house. Just make Angel happy and I'll do your hair anytime." Lou smiled coyly at Colton. She saw nothing but a future brother in-law in front of her. Nothing would please her more.

"See ya, Lou Ann. Hey maybe I can take you and Angel to dinner one night." The way he had intended on meeting her for the first time. However, this time went great.

"Sounds great." She couldn't help but be a tad jealous. It had been a while since she had let a man take her out. Before Colton came along, her weekend date was Angel. They were picky that way. It worked for them. Holding out for true love, they liked to think.

She thought back to how when she first met her Stanley and how he did stupid things to try to drive her away. However, he always came back to her begging. Then one day he begged her to marry him. She was sure that was how things were heading with Colton and Angel. Maybe she would take a drive this Sunday to put flowers at Stanley's grave. It had been over two years since he died and she did not feel the need to find another man. However, watching those two, made her yearn for some tender loving.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

As Colton left Lou Ann's shop, he needed to stop by the library for a cookbook. Sure, he could get a recipe on line, but this was a chance to see Angel and perhaps persuade her to come over tonight. He figured he would walk to the library for the stretch after being at his desk the last two days, alone.

Normally Angel was right there in his office helping. The last two days had been the loneliest he had experienced in a long time. Maybe when things settled back into normal, he might suggest they order a second desk to put in his office so they could share the space. At least give her an office in one of the empty rooms by his.

He wanted her close by all day long. His thoughts had him thinking how serious he was about all this. Having Angel close to him all the time felt right. He wouldn't even mind sharing the cabin. As he walked up to the front of the library he knew he had to make his intentions known soon and he needed to make them respectful. His new way of thinking was a nice kind of scary feeling of something right. If only he could keep himself from screwing up again.

Angel was leaning over old man Gerald when she could feel that electricity. She looked back over her shoulder with her backside towards the door and smiled right into that perfect grin. Oh how she missed him. The last two days were torturous on her. She wanted to forgive him and kiss every inch of him. However, she needed to slow it up and let him take the lead. Besides her front porch looked gloriously decorated with every fall shade of colored mums in large pots due to his slip of the tongue and scared rushed feelings.

"Now click there and you're in. All right class, I will be back in ten. Just help each other out until I get back." Angel walked up to Colton. It took everything she had to not reach out and kiss him. She smiled at him as he flashed his perfect smile and he looked hot. His hair looked excellent, knowing Lou Ann had done her handiwork on him. "What are you doing here?"

"My night to cook is coming up and I don't cook." He wanted so badly to reach out and make a spectacle of themselves in public. However, he would not do that to her in front of her class, who all but stopped and was starring and whispering in their direction. A little chuckle came out and he took her hand in his and laid a kiss on the top of her hand, as if she was a princess.

The warmth traveled up her arm from that kiss. "I remember." She remembered he did not cook but also how spectacular his kisses felt. How they felt in all those incredible places on her body. Those thoughts brought warmth to her lower region and she still had a couple hours to go on this class. Having Colton stop in was dangerous. Dangerous, but delicious. It was what was curing her ails. "Oh I was hoping you came to see me."

Colton could hear the disappointment in her voice, he needed to let her know the real reason he was there. "And I was hoping to see you before tomorrow morning." He figured she wanted him to come by and he was right. She was all but ready to come back into his arms knowing he wanted her there. That he was just a man unsure with the way things turned so emotional so quick. She on the other hand had time to realize that this was the man for her.

"Mmm, you were huh? Where were you hoping to see me?" Angel smiled and ran a finger over his shoulder and down his arm.

Her touch gave him a little shiver. "In my kitchen tonight, with another matching set, trying to show me how to cook." He hoped she would wear another something sexy to appease his appetite for her.

"You think we will get much cooking done?" Angel knew his night to cook was coming up and he was nervous about that. She originally had planned to show him a few quick meals to cook before the blow up at the lake.

"I'm hoping we won't. However, I do need to learn to cook before my night comes up. Hence the cookbooks I'm checking out." He hoped he looked whipped enough she would take mercy on him and come over. He had checked out four cookbooks on quick and easy meals. He was a visual guy and needed picture cookbooks to help him decide what to make. Giving her his famous smile that usually made her blush and smile back; he could sense things were going to be ok.

"Alright. I will come teach you a basic dinner for cooking to the guys. Just glue those lips of yours shut with superglue so I don't have to set you straight." Although thoughts of sitting on him while he was straight up popped in her head and she giggled.

"I take that giggle as a sign I'm forgiven. I have learned my lesson. I am here begging for your mercy Angel. Besides if, I serve beans n franks to the guys on Monday night I will never live it down. You wouldn't do that to a man would you?" Colton knew she could make him straight just with her standing in front of him just now. Thank goodness, for the books he was carrying.

"No I don't think I could let you do that to yourself. I should be done around five. It's going to be longer than I planned here today. I have a lot of new computer learners and I hate to leave them hanging. How about I will meet you at your place around seven and I will pick up the food for cooking, you get the beer?"

"My Angel." Colton said it with such possessiveness he surprised himself. Surprised because it sounded real good.

"I thought I was your lady in red or was it lace and see thru?" She just couldn't help herself. He was smitten with her and she loved to tease. Besides, she had a matching number in mind to make him think twice.

"Angel?" He wanted to kiss her, but knew he should ask. Providing where they were and the circumstances, he wasn't sure.

"Colton, still check out that cookbook because I would like a home cooked meal in front of your fireplace one night to make up for last Sunday." She wanted him to work a little more on the apology. She didn't want to overdo it but then this would guarantee them another date at his place.

"You're on." Me cook, hmm that has an odd feel to it, but hell half of the best cooks are men. Colton visualized himself cooking for Angel and it felt good. Then he visualized Angel in nothing but an apron and that felt really good.

As she walked back to her class, her rear end and the thoughts she left him with made him put the cookbook he was holding in front of his jeans. Lord have mercy.

Angel reached old man Gerald first. "Oh my! What have you done?"

"Is that your beau? He's a handsome fellow!" Sprouted an old voice with an inquiry of interest. Old man Gerald had seen the effects of the love bug and not just on Angel. He loved to tease.

"Yes and don't you go changing the subject." Angel wondered if the two of them really made that much of a spectacle or were people just drawn to them visually when they were together. She envisioned them as a couple and realized how striking the two of them together must look all moony eyed. She would let the old man's comments slid for now, but not the picture she had in her head of the two of them together.

Angel knew it would be at least five thirty. before she got out of there. The thought of mending things with Colton had put a spring back in her step and that natural radiant smile back on her face.

As the end of class approached and it was almost five; things went better than anticipated. Angel knew that a one to three class almost, always ran over. This class was a tough one. Most of her elderly students were just looking for a way to learn email to keep in touch with loved ones that lived far away. She had even taught a few to utilize on line selling programs for selling some old coins and antiques. Which helped them with affording better healthcare, since their Medicare didn't cover squat. This kind of volunteering made her feel like she was making a small difference.

Angel grabbed her cell and dialed Lou Ann. "Hey girlfriend, I finished earlier than anticipated."

"And... did Colton stop by the library and see you?" Lou Ann was sure she watched Colton walk off towards the library. He didn't strike her as the chicken shit type of man.

"Yes, he did. Did you go easy on him? Oh by the way his hair looks great." Angel knew Lou Ann must have taken it easy on him but had to tease. She had seen what happens to men after they had been through the Lou Ann ringer and Colton did not look that way. No, he looked more like a man in love.

"I took it easy on him. He's a moaner." One... Two... Three.

"Excuse me?" Angel about choked.

"I washed his hair with my special Lou Ann touch." Three seconds. Yup. She still waits three seconds before exploding. Lou Ann giggled. She knew it threw her best friend off track when she teased about making any boyfriend she ever had moan or worse flirt with them.

"Oh, yeah well I think your hair washing has made everyone in this town moan." Why does she tease me like that? I know she would never steal a man from me.

Angel knew she had some insecurity when it came to Lou Ann. She was a gorgeous, well-endowed woman and during their entire friendship, she was always sure men checked Lou Ann out first.

"Well I try."

"How bout we go get some beers and pizza tomorrow night?"

"Sure, but what's your plans tonight?" Sounding hopeful for Angel's sake that she was going to be with Colton tonight.

"I am actually teaching Colton to cook. Next Monday is his first meal on the rooster at the ranch and my handsome city slicker turned cowboy can't cook." Angel wondered if Lou Ann had put the idea in Colton's head.

"Can't cook huh? Good thing you are the next Rachael Ray in cooking. Everything ok?" Lou Ann hadn't sensed anymore animosity from Angel, but more the sound of a woman in love.

"Yup, I think tonight will be good for us. I gotta run I need to pick up the supplies for dinner and well quite frankly his kitchen is overdue for a grocery trip." Angel figured she would pick up some restocking essentials for Colton as well. Because peanut butter on a bagel, is not her favorite breakfast.

"You truly are a genuine good woman. If he screws this up, he doesn't deserve you."

"You're the best friend a girl could ever have. See ya tomorrow about fiveish?"

"Fiveish it is." Lou Ann hung up smiling as if she had not only fulfilled her job as a best friend but a future best friend in law, because that was what she saw coming for those two.

Angel closed her cell to only hear it again, this time with the special ring tone she gave Colton. "Hi handsome."

"Hey gorgeous. You doing ok on time or do you want to give me a list of stuff to get from the store?" Colton was anxious for Angel to get to his place and did not want her to be held up at the store. He was sitting around his office twiddling his thumbs waiting for the minutes to pass.

"Actually I just finished. Its, let's see five ten; I should be there a little before seven. You got the stuff to make margaritas?"

"Nope, bone dry. I put myself out of alcohol Sunday night to dull the pain of my stupidity."

"Well I'll let you make it up to me. Tonight's cooking lesson is Mexican and a margarita would go great. You go to the liquor store and I will go to that foreign place to you, called the grocery store." Angel giggled. She truly loved razzing this man from time to time, but she wouldn't have him any other way.

"You truly are a good woman. Thank you for navigating the foreign markets for me." Margaritas and some Angel should go good tonight. Colton smiled to himself with a huge grin on his face.

"Colton, I'm blushing... you smiling?" Angel's stomach was doing the cha-cha thing again. She knew she was nervous about moving too fast tonight and keeping her hands to herself. He would need to make the first big move.

"Yeah!" Knowing how much his smile led to her squirming a little every time. He loved that she reacted to such a simple thing that he had to offer.

"See yah."

"I'll be waiting." Colton didn't want to be the one to hang up first. He wanted to hear her voice for hours. Preferably, in front of a cozy fire with their naked bodies touching and wrapped in a big sheepskin blanket she bought for his cabin.

Hanging up, she sighed. That was it. She was warm all over. She did not know if she could control herself. Maybe the margaritas were a bad idea. No, Colton pretty much drowned her in apologies. She just needed to get over his comment and realize what a great thing they started. She would show him a quick cooking meal, drink a margarita and let him do the making up.

She made quick work of her time at the grocery store but knew she was over buying food. Perhaps, in hopes of showing her domestic side. That and she truly loved a stocked kitchen in any home and in his home; she was hoping to spend more time cooking. She had the grocer put the food in boxes so she could set them in the back of her truck. She walked out of the store with a cart of four boxes of various foods; from snacks to food she loved to feed a man naked in bed. Which was one place, she hoped to be at again by weeks end.

Pulling up, to Colton's cabin, she was so nervous, she didn't know if she could even eat. As she got out of her truck to grab the boxes of food out of the bed of her old pickup truck, Colton came out his door to help. He looked incredible in his navy blue chemise shirt and faded worn Levis. That looked well-worn in the places she loved to touch.

"Hey gorgeous, need help?" He laid a sweet kiss on her lips and a gently hug.

"Actually I do." Mmm, he smelled good. Freshly showered. She was feeling warm in her special place that seemed to welcome him quicker than her mind had a chance to.

Opening the tailgate on her truck with a look of astonishment, he smiled. "Whoa how much food did you buy? There's enough food here to feed an army."

"Well your kitchen was pretty bare on Sunday, so I'm guessing you could use a little replenishing." Feeling a rush of excitement in the grocery store while she shopped for Colton, she remembered the thrill all over again as she watched his eyes full of excitement like a little boy on Christmas morning. She loved to pamper the men in her life and this was one man, she wanted to pamper for a long time. She knew already that the simple things made him happy. The fact that she catered to his every need at work, made sure he had what he needed when he needed it and now in his home she wanted to do the same. She knew it seemed rather domestic but that was who she was. A woman, who wanted to be a woman, in every way to her man. "Besides man cannot live on protein bars alone."

"That's true. Man can't live on protein bars and coffee alone." Colton realized no woman other than his housekeeper had done domestic things for him. Well except for his mom. It was scary but with Angel, it touched a place in his heart he had not realized was there. A place he never thought mattered to him. Whether or not, his girlfriend or wife for that matter could cook or made sure he had food to eat. However, at this particular moment he realized that having a woman make sure his needs were met felt damn good.

He had come to realize that Angel was indispensable at work. With the way, she practically read his mind when he needed something. She always seemed prepared at work and now he saw how much pleasure it gave her to stock his kitchen with food. Even if, he had intentions on having her in his kitchen more often. Now, that they both seemed to be on more equal footing as to where the relationship was going. Somehow, tonight he needed to let her know how much he cared.

After spending time with Randy and Sheila, and the little time at Lou Ann's shop, he really began to pull all of it together. How special Angel was to everyone and not because she was beautiful on the outside but because her beauty on the inside was so stunningly attractive, he would be a fool to chase her off.

Thinking, how protein bars and coffee worked for a city boy but not for a hardworking man on a ranch. She began to unpack the boxes of groceries she bought and put them in their prospective spots in the cabinets and refrigerator. "I think you'll like your first cooking lesson." She could tell he was touched and that warmed her heart that he took her generosity graciously. She had almost been hesitant in buying so much; afraid of what type of reaction he might have to all the food. He seemed genuinely thankful as he grabbed two of the boxes and stacked one on top of each other while she grabbed her purse and slung the strap over her shoulder while reaching for a box.

"Leave those last two boxes. I'll come back out and grab them. And let me know what I owe you." Colton wanted to be the perfect gentleman in every way on this date. He wanted to reciprocate the manly responsibilities just as she provided the domestic ones.

"I got it this time cowboy. Just don't forget that apology dinner in front of the fireplace cooked by you." She settled into his kitchen quickly, since she was the one that stocked it the first time. She was sure he hadn't gone and moved everything. She spotted the two margaritas already made, salted on the rocks. Perfect.

Colton went back out to her truck to grab the last two boxes. When he came back in, he saw her taking a sip of her margarita. "Margarita to your liken?"

"Yes" Taking a look over her glass with a come hither glance as she took another sip of her drink and set down her glass to get started on the food prep and finish putting groceries away.

"So what's on our dinner menu?" Enjoying the look of Angel in his kitchen. Now if he could just get her to cook naked in an apron, everything would truly be ideal.

"Fajitas with chips and salsa. It's quick, easy and the guys never complain." Angel sounded confident. She always felt alive in the kitchen. She loved to cook.

"Sounds simple. You'd be surprised to hear I have been watching the cooking shows ever since I saw my name on the cooking rooster. In fact, I didn't realize so many men had cooking shows. Men that well, seem manly. "

"I love watching cooking shows, Rachael Ray is my favorite." Colton watching cooking shows made her think how wonderful they could spend their cold Sunday mornings. In front of the TV watching cooking shows then hurry off to the store to whip up a dish extraordinaire. All the while, the snow would build up around their home and it would force them to make love for hours.

"All I learned is how hungry I get watching those shows." Taking another sip of his margarita while looking at her in his kitchen, did things to his gut. Lord, she looked good there. He admired the way her tight jeans fit her so nicely and the way her tee shirt hugged her breasts. As he let his eyes slowly roam up and down her body, he watched her nipples peak to hardness through her bra and shirt. He had caught her watching him looking her over and he could tell it did something to her. He could never take the time to let his eyes wander like this at work in fear one of the guys might walk in or worse, Randy. Taking in her luscious body and thinking of all the things to come after dinner he let his eyes wander as long as she would let him.

"Can you slice and dice?" She wasn't sure if it was the margarita but she thought he looked like he was in a dreamy state of mind. She had caught him wandering with his eyes up and down her body and it excited her.

She had picked a simple meal knowing that not all of their attention would be totally on cooking. It felt good to have a man use his eyes to undress her. So the sooner that got dinner done the better.

"That I can do." He stood up off the stool he was sitting on at the kitchen island, and picked a knife from the drawer then grabbed a chopping board. This domestic thing wasn't so bad after all, especially if a great looking woman is in the kitchen with you.

"Ok slice those peppers and onions. Now I like to marinate my meat all day, but we won't have time tonight. In addition, I brought some homemade salsa from my garden. I do believe I have the best at the ranch house. The homemade salsa with good chips should keep their mouths shut from comments."

A brief thought popped in Colton's head for his first cooking joke. A doctored up salsa for dipping before he put out Angel's homemade. It was time for jokester paybacks. That thought ended briefly, when she turned and smiled at him seductively. He had to change his thoughts and fast.

"You garden?" Everything he was starting to learn about her was very domestic and he liked how that was setting with him.

"Yup. The ranch I rent my carriage house on has 10 acres. I've got a huge lot full of vegetables I like to grow every year. By the way, I am scarce around here in the summer. I like to be in my garden with every free moment."

"I hope not too scarce. Maybe you can teach me gardening too?" He could not believe he spout that out but he didn't retract because it wasn't a half bad idea. His dad used to garden.

"Mmm I'd like that. Now taste this." She did not think there was a domestic bone in this cowboy's body. However, she had gotten into gardening from Randy, so the fact that a man liked to garden did not surprise her, but the fact that Colton wanted to garden with her did.

Putting a spoonful of her salsa in his mouth, he took it so sensually she had to stop herself from licking the dribble that landed on his chin.

Seeing the look in Angel's eyes, he pulled the spoon, she was holding in his mouth out, while holding her hand. He pulled her in between his legs as he sat on a stool. He put one hand on her butt and one behind her head and leaned in to kiss her. His kiss was slow and cautious. His lips tingled with sensitivity. He pulled away for a second and looked into her eyes.

She wanted more. She wanted all of him not just his hot slick tongue teasing her mouth. She could sense his sexual hunger and his breath was ragged, but she did not want him pushing her away again. He would have to make all the moves and she would have to resist. Resist as much as possible so he could prove to her how bad he wanted her. She felt light headed and dizzy trying to catch her breath.

Colton could feel her resistance but sensed she wanted his touch. "I've missed you, this ok?"

"I've missed you too." This was going to kill her pulling away but she wanted to play much harder to get than she had. She had feelings and emotions for this man that went beyond physical. She knew Colton was the one and out of the few men she dated and even fewer she slept with, none came in comparison to the feelings that he gave her. The physical feelings were screwing with her head at this moment, she wanted to take him and make love to him. She pulled away.

Grabbing her gently by the wrist as she tried to walk away, he pulled her back to him and he kissed her again. This time he used his tongue to open her mouth and devour her. He nibbled her lips and started kissing down her neck. He knew he needed to prove to her that he felt more than just passion but the passion was not leaving his head or his body and he could not get himself to stop.

She wanted so badly to forget about dinner and make love to Colton. But she wanted more, she wanted the romance, the hand holding, the miss you so badly till the next time I see you and she felt she gave him too much too soon of herself and he'd find her too easy. Hell he already slipped in that category. Perhaps he really felt that way. She was an easy lay and this was just another way to get her back in bed. "Colton?"

"I know dinner. Can I just hold you for a minute? It just feels so good to have you in my arms again. When I'm around you I can't always control myself." Feeling Angel's need to pull away and play hard to get, ripped at his gut. He put her in this position and it wasn't fair. Fair to her because she opened herself to him so easily and his words hurt her more than he realized. She was more reserved now. He missed the old take charge Angel. He needed to reassure her and wait for her to respond. He knew he would have to work extra hard now with his advances but not too hard she pushes away. "How's this feel?"

"Mmm." Great!" Well just wanting to hold her was a beginning. She didn't know if she could stop herself, but she needed to play hardcore. It felt so right to be in his arms though and he had apologized and explained to Lou Ann about why he did what he did. This was all very confusing but she would remain strong and continue to let him make all the advancements.

Realizing how good she felt. He wanted her to stay the night. He also knew deep down he wanted her in his life he just did not know if he could totally commit. This was too early and they were just beginning to know each other. Some part of him really began to realize that true love could be found this quickly because the physical response was there and the need to please her was even greater. He knew if he tried hard, he could find something wrong with her but then she could find a lot wrong with him. He knew he was not perfect.

She pulled away slowly but not leaving contact from him. "So you ready for a teaching lesson?"

He let her pull away this time because he knew he needed this cooking lesson just as badly as he needed her in his life. "I'm ready as I can be." He watched her walk around to the other side of the island thinking how incredible she will look one day, naked, in an apron, in his kitchen, or any kitchen would be good.

"Pass me the peppers and onions once you slice them." Standing across the counter from him, she looked at him with a smile.

He stood on one side of the island slicing and watching Angel prep the meat. He needed something soothing to cool the heat rising within him. Something to distract the thoughts he was having about ravishing her in front of his fireplace. A place he often thought of having her when he sat in the big chair at night watching the fire to warm him on the cool fall mountain nights.

"How about some country music?"

"Sounds great." Watching his backside walk over to where he had his stereo was heavenly. He had a way of filling up his jeans that made her want to strip them right off of him and grab a hold of his bare buns. She watched him make a selection and then turn with a smile as country music filled the air with a two stepping beat. He took a couple steps in a dancing motion and she had to hold back her laughter. Not that, he was not a great dancer, but he seemed to be making light of the moment with fun, instead of intense feelings. That consoled her to know that he felt that comfortable already to be having fun with her again.

It was time to get on with the cooking lessons because she didn't think the guys would approve of her being there on his cooking night. "Now see how I am sautéing the onions and peppers. The meat is already browning in E.V.O.O."

"What is E.V.O.O.?" He asked as he continued to dance a step here and there.

"Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Now, about now, put the flour tortillas in the oven to warm... I bought us one avocado, but do about ten for the guys, big tub of sour cream. Set it all out buffet style and you're done."

"That sounds pretty easy. I can do this." I can do this... I can have Angel and commit to only her. Colton knew he needed to find a way to reassure her that he was committed to her.

As she came up behind him to hug him while he diced the avocados, she whispered in his ear. "You can do anything you like. You just have to lead the way."

He was sure that was her way of saying, he is in charge tonight and he did intend on leading the way. As she pulled away to get plates he caught her hand and kissed the palm of her hand and held it to his face.

Feeling sensations up her arm, she wanted a distraction. She grabbed the plates and set about making herself and Colton some fajitas. She took the food to the table, while he brought over their margaritas.

"This smells delicious. I guess it could feel rewarding to cook, that is as long as it taste ok. I remember the first mac and cheese I made in collage on a single burner. It was more like mac and cheese soup. After that it was taco bell or pizza." Colton felt incredible as she laughed at his cooking antics.

"Not everything comes natural to everyone, but once you learn the basics it's pretty fun." Hoping this would not be her last cooking lesson with her cowboy. She hoped he wanted to cook with her more often.

As they finished dinner, he went and made a fire in the main sitting area. Watching him by the big overstuffed ottoman, while she put the dishes in the sink, she envisioned herself laying on it with him on top. Between her thoughts and the margaritas, she was warm with anticipation. He looked over his shoulder to see her pleasant gaze in his direction.

He went over and turned off the kitchen lights, which left the main area, dark except for the soft glow of the fire. He grabbed her hand and guided her over to the ottoman. He sat her down and got down on his knees on the floor. He reached and began kissing her.

His kiss had purpose and she could feel him trying to reassure her it was ok. It was ok that they were there in the moment and they could be as free and reckless as they wanted. That he wouldn't break her heart. Her mind wandered like his tongue in her mouth. Her nipples hardened. Her heart started pounding fast. Her hands sat still for a moment, and then she decided to wrap her arms around him. She would let him make love to her but she would not let him try to run away afterwards. She was ready to confront the feelings they had and how serious they were to each other.

His voice was raspy as he spoke. "Angel, I want to make love to you. I want to be slow and I don't know if I can be. Forgive me." He stood before her naked, emotionally and physically.

"All is forgiven." He said love. Love to me, standing there naked. She wondered if she could say I love you at the end of this and he would accept all of this.

"You're the most beautiful woman I have ever met." Feeling the sensation in his chest, he felt so smitten at that moment and with all that he had absorbed in the last few days about Angel. He let those emotions out with the way he kissed her again and then made love to her.

As he pulled away she caught her breathe to finish her sentence then she heard him purr the words into her ear. "Angel, I love you."

Her breathe coming in stopped and she felt for a split second as if she couldn't breathe. It was the best feeling she ever had. She pulled in tighter and pinched him on his arm wondering if this was a dream then he wouldn't say anything about the pinch.

"Ouch Angel. I tell you I love you and you pinch me. I think that requires a response of tickle mania." Grabbing her hands, putting them above her head, he held them down with one hand while he tickled with the other.

Her breathless laughter turned into a roar. "Ok. Ok. I give. I love you. Colton I was testing to see if this was just another one of my dreams."

"Oh babe this is real and in another few minutes I will show you again how real I am. Mmm... come here you." He pulled her up by her hands and stood up to pull her into a sitting position on the ottoman. He grabbed the sheepskin blanket off the floor and he laid it over her while he put another log on the fire. "Stay the night."

"I can't, my boss needs to meet with me tomorrow." Angel wanted to stay the night, but she wanted him to do the begging. Besides him standing there naked with the fire lighting up all his great features was not going to have her leaving anytime soon.

"Well the boss says it's ok to stay the night. Stay with me." Colton got down on his knee and grabbed her hand. "Stay as many nights as you want. I want them all."

"I'll need to run home in the morning." Angel felt flustered. He tells her he loves her and wants her to stay as many nights as she wants to. She wants all this but she did not know if having it all in one night was too fast for him. He might change his mind in a week or two. "Ok."

Colton was not sure but he thought she was a little hesitant. Maybe he was rushing her too fast now. He wanted to let her know that he felt right about this more than anything else in his life. He pulled her down on to the rug in front of the fire and brought her in front of him. They cuddled up in front of the fire for another hour. She sat between his legs while his arms wrapped around her. They talked softly from time to time while watching the fire.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

"Morning sunshine."

"Morning Colton, I brought some homemade scones. Do you want to get some coffee from the kitchen; then jump into stock show preparation?" It was hard for Angel to believe that just yesterday, she was so unsure and this morning she felt like there was no stopping her.

"Sounds great." Colton looked over every inch of her as she set the scones on his desk. It was hard to believe this woman let him claim her as his. He knew he needed to make plans for tonight to keep things on track. "Got plans tonight?"

"Actually... I do." Angel remembered her dinner date with Lou Ann and she did not want her best friend feeling like second best. "Lou Ann and I have a dinner date."

"Oh." Colton could not believe it. He was feeling jealous over her best friend. He wanted her all to himself. "Sounds fun, how about tomorrow?"

"Open." She still needed him to work for it. Keeping the thrill of the chase going. "Got an idea?" As they walked side by side, Randy walked up behind them.

"Morning you two."

Colton and Angel turned before he could answer her on all the juicy ideas he had rolling around in his head.

"Morning Randy." Angel gave him a hug and a peck on the cheek.

"Morning Randy." Colton held out his hand for a handshake. Randy shook back firmly.

"Shelia wanted to see if you kids were up for bowling tomorrow night?"

Angel looked at Colton and he smiled back. She answered for the both of them. "Sure, what time?" She had seen Colton's bowling bag and ball in his closet and figured this would be ok.

"Oh let's say five o'clock. How are you two doing on planning the stock show?"

"Fine. Planned is more like it. We are almost done. Doctor's orders you stay away from the stress of planning. We'll get you an itinerary closer to stock show time. Then you and Shelia have a vacation planned. This is your last stock show you work, then its playtime for you. As great as Colton has this handled we both agree you will be doing playtime at the stock show as well. Take in some rodeo, cruise other booths. Don't worry boss, we're a great team. We've got it handled." Angel liked the sound of that, team. She was truly starting to feel them building a great team relationship.

"Women, they're so bossy. That's alright; Colton has showed me he's got this game under control and then some." Randy gave Colton a gentleman's nod and a hearty slap on the shoulder.

"Thank you sir." Colton liked all the praise he was being given. However, he liked the thought of Angel and him as a team the most.

"Ok, kiddos Saturday at five?"

"Looking forward to it" Angel smiled at Colton. "I am going to bowl your balls off." She giggled.

"You think so, do ya? You are in for some serious bowling competition. I bowled on a league in high school." Colton gave Angel gentle ticklish type jabs with his finger.

"You did, did ya? Well Lou Ann and I used to be the high bowlers at the local alley. What do you think about that mister?" She jabbed him back.

Reaching out, he grabbed her hand, and pulled her to his chest like a whip. He surrounded his other arm around her to hold her in place and spoke just above a husky whisper. "This is what I think about that." He plunged his lips on hers and devoured her mouth.

Angel pulled back for air as the sounds of hoots and hollers came from the men in the kitchen. They were in the doorway to the eating area and didn't even think. Oh well, she figured, cats out of the bag now. Those boys are going to have some fun with this.

The following week Angel met Colton in the Ranch main conference area for a meeting with Mr. and Mrs. R to go over the horse trail ride and sleigh ride promotions.

"So as you can see from our projections, this can turn over a quick profit utilizing the horses, equipment and man power we already have. What do you think?" Colton stood in the middle of the horseshoe shaped conference table waiting for a positive response.

A moment of silence past while Mrs. R whispered into Mr. R's ear. "Go with it boy and by God we are thrilled Angel found you. You're a keeper. Just get the final cost projections over to the accountant so he can set you up a budget."

"Thank you sir, we won't let you down." Colton shook Mr. R's hand quit excitedly.

"Alright kiddos, Mrs. R and I are off on a cruise. You got it under control. We'll be back by Thanksgiving. Colton, you going to be around for Thanksgiving? We put on quite the feast; fried turkeys, smoked turkeys, ham and all the fixings. The whole ranch and their families come. The more the merrier."

"Sounds terrific, I look forward to it." Colton was in awe in how everyone was starting to treat him like family and he liked it.

"Alright then Colton, you and Angel can reach us at the phone numbers I e-mailed you. Don't you let Randy try to start doing any strenuous work?"

"Will do sir." Colton reached out and gave Mr. R a hardy handshake. He was thrilled at how things turned out.

"Mrs. R, you have a fabulous time. Some fun in the sun is the way to start out the holiday season." Angel gave Mrs. R a hug. She was thrilled they had finally had full approval on their ideas.

"Darling, it's long overdue."

Colton and Angel stood by side by side on the main ranch's front porch, waving at the Ralston's, as they drove off.

"I hope I'm like them someday." Angel sighed.

"Like what?"

"Still in love and enjoying life"

"Yeah, that's rare." But not that rare as finding true love in the right place at the right time.

They sat there for a minute gazing out at the ranch's property. The vastness of it all was over whelming at times, but the beauty and peacefulness would take over any fears that Colton had. He found himself more in love with this place and with Angel from each passing moment. Every sunset and sunrise was a different painted picture. Every season brought different wonders of nature, animals, scenery and adventure. He could see himself here forever. That thought gave him goose bumps. To have found everything; his dream job, dream gal, so quickly. He took a deep breath and let it all soak in.

Angel loved to take moments like this and soak it all in. There were times she wondered if life could get any better lately. Everyone seemed healthy, the ranch was back on track and she had found the love of her life, he just did not know it yet. Her next conquest, was convincing the man next to her, how he needed to marry her and start their own life together. Maybe soon, she would discuss how he feels about marriage and kids, but right now, she needed to know one thing; who his favorite country singer is. "Hey I gotta question for ya?"

"What's that?"

"Who is your favorite country singer?" Because nothings better than seducing a man to his favorite country songs. She knew her intentions could be seen as devious, but a country girl had to do what she had to when she knew the man is right.

"Alan Jackson, why?" If Colton did not know better, his angelic Angel had a devilish grin on her face. However, he liked it.

"What's funny?" Colton grinned and tilted his head down at her with his own devilish grin.

"You are definitely an Alan Jackson kind of." Angel stared at his grin and knew he was thinking something. He had a look about him that said happy, yet.

Colton started tickling her. "I am, am I? What are you insinuating?"

"Hey stop, I'm pretty ticklish." She giggled a sweet innocent laugh as her ribs started to tighten.

"You are, are you? Well I think some tickling would do you good." Then he grabbed her, wrapped his arms around her, and held her tight, looking into her eyes. "Angel, you are incredible and the feelings you give me, scare me."

"Colton, don't be scared, I don't bite; hard that is." I got him! Hook, line and sinker! Angel felt like the talk she wanted to have with Colton would not be that hard. Scary. Yes. Hard. No.

Then she nibbled his lip. That started a long sensuous kiss. When they separated, she rested her head in the crick of his neck. He kissed the top of her head while they held each other for a minute.

"Well back to work. We've got green light and I can't wait to take you on the first sleigh ride." Colton had his own ideas of marriage and proposal drifting in and out at that moment.

"Oh, I'm the first. Yummy!" She knew she had herself a romantic cowboy. Even more perfect for her. Since she was a romantic kind of gal.

"Yummy? You are so silly sometimes." He hoped she never lost her sense of humor. She would need it, since he intended on having her deal with him for a lifetime.

"Silly, I'll show you silly." Angel walked off waddling and making funny hand gestures.

Colton could not help but feel content. The ranch, the familiarity and Angel all felt right; like home. The thought of having her for a lifetime, filled him with such contentment he felt like his insides were overflowing.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

"You ready? It's chilly out. We'll have a really warm sheepskin blanket and the tents are really warm, but the ride might still be cold. Maybe wear some ear muffs or scarf." Good lord, I am so nervous. What if she isn't ready? I mean we talked about it, but some women need a lot of time. He had not slept well in the last few nights, wondering if this would all play out well. He planned and prepped and so many of their love ones were involved, he didn't know if it would all go perfect. Perfect is what he wanted for his Angel and nothing less.

"Relax Colton; you're worrying over me like a mother hen. You nervous about something? You've been acting strange since you came back from your city visit." Lou Ann had comforted Angel with the fact that Colton needed some man time with his best friend Mike. She wondered if maybe after the stock show, that maybe Colton should hang with Mike during his month off from work to relax a little. She could wait. She wouldn't even worry. She was sure he was just in love with her as she was with him.

"Oh it was Mike he gets me worked up like a big brother. Hey the sleigh's here." Worked up and doubting this and myself. No! I don't doubt this decision for one minute. Angel is perfect for me. The ranch and these people are perfect for me. There is no other life, I could ever dream of. He felt inside his secure coat pocket for the ring. Check. God he was nervous. Angel had no idea he was about to propose. Mike came back with him to help him go through with it. He was hiding in the hut with Lou Ann, Randy, Sheila, Mr. R, Becky, and Bee. All the people that mattered the most in their lives. He wanted to make this the most memorable night ever.

Colton had the sleighs equipped with music that played softly. He had her favorite country song playing.

"Oh Colton, how sweet, you remembered my favorite song." How sweet. He remembered. She felt that this man could surprise her for the rest of her life and she would never get tired of it.

"Yeah. There's not much about you I can't get out of my head." Out of my head or out of my heart. He felt like a real man about to make a real decision about his life, with all the right people there. Nothing could be better than this moment. Well ok maybe the honeymoon. But then, he felt like they had been on a honeymoon from date one. Everything from the love making to the screw up on his part, having it all ending in a fairy tale moment.

Colton helped Angel into the sleigh. The driver, one of the married ranch hands, knew what was planned and he smiled back at Colton to give him a gesture of encouragement. They snuggled and quietly listened to the music, while enjoying the vision of new fallen snow on the trees and the stars out above them. The ride was twenty minutes to the tent and Colton felt every second of it in his bones.

"Oh look there's the tent. This sleigh ride is so romantic and look at the strings of lights around the trees. This is really going to take off. I hope the cocoa and desserts are a hit as well. Maybe by next year we could offer full course dinners." Angel loved this. She loved the fact that a cattle ranch could offer something so romantic. There was no one offering anything like this for counties around and being the romantic she is, she felt like this would be the ticket to not only serving back to the citizens in their county but allow the ranch hands to make the extra cash they could use in the winter months without picking up a second job.

"Angel, I want to show you something inside the tent." He sounded nervous to his own ears. He got out of the sleigh. He handed out his hands to lift her down. He wanted to kiss her right then, but did not want someone to screw up inside the tent and make a noise that would alert her to what was going on.

"Oh, ok, what is it?" If she didn't know better. Her man went from all cozy and cuddly to nervous.

"Well you'll have to see for yourself." He was trying hard to hide his emotions. As he helped her off the sleigh, he guided her through the tent flaps with his hand on her back.

"Surprise!" Everyone shouted.

"What is this all about?" Holly camolly! What is this? Angel about had her heart jump out of her throat. She was surprised all right. Everyone she loved was there. She wondered if the tall, dark and handsome next to her best friend Lou Ann was Mike, Colton's best friend. What would he be doing here? She turned and looked at Colton who had started to bend down on one knee, while holding one of her hands. He had something in his other hand. Her eyes started to well up. Is this a proposal?

Colton grabbed Angel's hand and got on his knee. He had a black velvet box open to a beautiful one caret sparkling diamond ring in a platinum band in his other hand. "Angel, in front of all our favorite people, will you marry me?" Please say yes. Please say yes. Colton eyes were starting to get misty.

Tears fell down her face. She could not breathe. She had dreamed of this moment and hoped Colton would ask her for her hand in marriage. She just assumed he was not quite ready yet. She figured it would be late spring. She saw the desperation in Colton's eyes for an answer. Yes! Yes! But the words, weren't coming out.

"Angel?" Come on baby, answer me. Colton could tell she wanted to say yes, her lips started to move but nothing was coming out.

"Yes!" She whispered.

"Come on Angel, you know you want him bad." Lou Ann coxed. She could see the emotion in her best friends face and she was turning into putty on her insides. She wanted to answer for her. She knew it was a yes, she knew this would make Angel the happiest person on the face of this earth.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" She giggled. "Oh, Colton you have made me the happiest woman." She held out her shaking hand for Colton to put the ring on her finger.

Colton slipped the engagement ring on her finger. His hands were shaky but steady. His palms were moist and his gut tightened. He had just proposed to the most incredible woman he has ever met and she said yes. She said yes! Thank God!

Everyone started letting out "yee-haw "and "congrats". The tent air was warm but filled with so much excitement and noise. Colton had a hard time concentrating on anything but Angel. He stood up and grabbed Angels face in his hands. He felt her wrap her arms around him so tight he could barely breathe. He lowered his mouth to hers and they kissed so deeply their lips burned. Every muscle in his body wanted to melt into hers with the release of that kiss. He hoped it was like this for the rest of their lives, the energy, and the gut feeling that she was his soul mate.

Angle licked her lips from the incredible earth-moving kiss Colton had just giving her with so much emotion. She looked into his eyes and spoke softly. "No wonder you've been nervous. You are my perfect cowboy."

THE END

About the Author

Kat Von Wild

Like luscious liquid dreams, my stories pour from my flittering fingertips, creating a provocative experience, for your pleasure. Deliciously dark dreams dare me to be so bold. Stimulating warm trickling sensations like a waterfall gently washing over your soul. Simply enticing your desires, whether you be a man or woman, may you find yourself lost to the scrumptious experience I have presented to you.

Accept my offering of a moment in time to escape

Thank you for allowing me to offer you pleasure.

See what else I have to offer:

Erotica Short Romance

Can one rodeo-winning cowboy steal the heart and kiss of one Daisy May? You bet your bucking bronco. This steaming duo finally takes the chance to express their sultry attraction to each other and in more ways or positions than you can count on. In a steamy shower, old barn, and handmade custom kitchen table or in front of the fire, these two find ways to make the ecstasy elevate. This hot scorching erotic short romance story will leave you warm and wanting for more... of something! Question is can you handle the hot temperatures and sultry scenes this story unfolds?

Erotica Short Romance

What do mistletoe, a sizzling hot redhead and a smoking hot bartender do if thrust upon each other with undeniable lust? They meet in the middle of course. Instant attraction and lustful illusions can lead to something so wonderful during the magical time of year.

John Tally is a successful businessman who's made his millions and now it's time for him to come back from the beaches of California to his hometown of New York to help his brother out. While managing his brother's tavern while he recovers from surgery, he expected a fun hangout with the locals. What he did not expect is a redhead so delicious he decides that putting his heart on the line so quick could be worth it in the end.

What Callie O'Conner never expected while Christmas shopping for gifts for her family was a day of frustration. Doing something so not her style, she stops into a cute little pub for an afternoon beer. What she got instead was an early Christmas present for herself.

Sizzling Erotica Romance Series Book One

A heart-warming, sultry experience, of a modern cowboy romance. Angel Morrison is a down-home country girl who has been given the heart wrenching task of looking for the replacement for her boss, Randy, who has been like a dad to her all her life. Randy's recent heart attack brought new meaning to everyone's life at the ranch. However, mostly for Angel whose only true dream is to marry the perfect cowboy, settle down, and start a family. The last thing she planned was to find a man like Colton Smith: a man, who still lived by the cowboy code, was easy on the eyes and tugged at her heart. Things heat up with Angel being the one to train him to do his job, however, he does not know whether to be mad as heck or turn the heat up. The complications get worse while having her as his only ally and learning that Angel was offered his job and is well trained for it. This causes one cowboy to take all his animosity out on his sweet Angel. It's not long before he realizes the best thing that ever happened to him just galloped away at a race horses. Can this cowboy win Angel's heart back?

Sizzling Erotica Romance Series Book Two

Opposites attract yet when the attraction is this hot, you just have to add fuel to the fire instead of putting it out. One simple down to earth cowgirl can't seem to work this cosmopolitan millionaire out of her system. His international experience did not prepare him for the way his body reacted to someone as sexy and explosive as her. Just when he thought the deal was done, she put him in for a surprise of a lifetime. Sometimes it takes best friends and old friends to make it all work out.

Sizzling Erotica Romance Series Book Three

Some woman just cannot help but fall for the dangerous badass. Some men think the only way to get the woman is to become that badass. All Claire wanted was a good man like Joe, after years of dating the dangerous ones. All Joe offered her was friendship. Little did she know that her sexy looks and sweet demeanor was all Joe could think about, yet he did not know how to go about offering himself to her. Watching Claire ride away on the back of a Harley with some other man tore at his heart. He figured the only way to get her back was to turn himself into one bad dude. All Claire wanted was her old Joe back. Sometimes it takes good friends and a lot of luck to make that Lucky Catch.

Book Four due out Spring 2011

This is collection of **erotic short stories** : Willing, Wanting, Wishing. All available in individual e-books. However, for your pleasure I have brought them together in one single e-book for your convenience. Willing is a sultry experience of strangers willing to make their pleasure happen. Wanting is the desires of an exotic woman who knows all too well how to pleasure herself, only wanting the pleasure of one man more that she is willing to sacrifice. Wishing is seductive collection of new experiences for a married couple that needed to rekindle their lust. They find the excitement they need in an unlikely place.

This collection of short erotica stories is written to have you wet and willing with each chapter. Like luscious liquid dreams, my stories pour from my flittering fingertips, creating a provocative experience, for your pleasure. Deliciously dark dreams dare me to be so bold. Stimulating warm trickling sensations like a waterfall gently washing over your soul. Accept my offering of a moment in time to escape. Thank you for allowing me to offer you pleasure.

Erotica Short Romance

A woman's desire to fulfill her husband's fantasies leads her down a sensual path of new foreplay. Escaping the restraints of limited imagination, she finds that the epitome of everyman man's dream of two women together, is an experience of sensual overload. Allowing her to experiment into levels of desire, which before seemed taboo to her. Unleashing her imagination and desire to new levels, while recreating the lust they had lost.

Each tantalizing chapter fills you with seductive sensuality, allowing your senses to warm. Leaving you filled with desire and lust to overcome.

Erotica Short Romance

Have you ever felt so sinful you could strip tease your way to fun at work? Maybe after hours, when everyone else is gone. With the beat of the music playing in the hip retail store and a pulsating vision of a gorgeous stranger she met earlier, Bell was able to do just that. Right down to her black lace bra, black lace thong, high heels and a sexy fedora. Little did she know what a peep show she was providing the stranger. With a flip of her hair, bend of her knees and a sexy fedora covering her bald wet spot aimed right at him, she was telling him she was willing.

This short erotica story is written to have you wet and willing with each chapter.

Erotica Short Romance

From the first sight of him, Jade wanted him, yet he was out of her grasp. Wanting him so badly she could do nothing more than fulfill her own wet fantasy with her sensual touch. With each wet self-induced orgasm, she knew she had to have him in person. A time and place would land her that opportunity. Would offering herself to him complete the satisfaction or drive her hungry for more. Could the man she lust and desire after be so bold in return?

Each tingling sensual chapter is written for your pleasure to leave you moist and ready for the next.

Erotica Short Romance

Some girls like it hot, but this one likes it wet and wild. Attraction to the bad boys can bring on a dangerous mix but this one has her man wet and wild. Some days it just pays to take care of the urge of a restlessness that can ache between your legs. This wild and restless one finds her man, but he almost gets away. Then like a hero, he rescues her in more ways than one, letting the heat turn up past scorching as they explore their sensations leaving them sated for more.

Erotica Short Romance

There is something about a man in uniform with the emblem of a hero, muscles so big and strong you want him to rescue you. Every woman fantasizes about a hero. Summer was about to meet hers. Until then, every sensual feeling encapsulates her body and allows her the physical feeling of self-pleasure. Then the moment they meet, her fantasy hero just became her sensual reality. Sometimes fantasy just warms the senses for reality and how sizzling it can get.

COMING SOON!

Three short erotica stories about men that make you want to melt. These are the short stories that ladies like yourself like to read; alone in a hot soaking tub or before your lover takes you in their arms. These men will have you warm and ready for a fast adventure of passion.

With each story you read, is it important to me that you take a moment to rate the book you read from where you bought it. This allows me the pleasure of knowing if your desires were filled and entices other readers such as yourself to read my stories. Thank you for your time.

