Then Came You Read online

  "You do yoga?” asked Connor.

  "Yep, been coming to this class for over a year now."

  "Just proves there's so much I don't know about you. Still, I'll have lots of time to get caught up when you visit. Hell, maybe you can teach me yoga. I can start a whole new trend here—cowboy yoga."

  Gillian burst out laughing this time. He was such a character.

  "I'll call you tomorrow with the time of my flight,” she told him.

  "I'll be waiting."

  "Oh, and was it a boy or girl?"

  "A what?” asked Connor.

  "The horse that was in labour."

  "She had a boy about fifteen minutes ago."

  "I can't wait to see him."

  "You'll love him. He's one hell of a fine-looking foal."

  * * * *

  Connor pumped his fist in the air before realising one of his workers was standing directly behind him.

  "Someone's happy and I don't think it's just because we have a new horse in the family."

  "You ever have your heart set on a lady for so long that you thought she'd never be yours?” asked Connor.

  "Nope, my wife and I were high school sweethearts so she's always been mine."

  "Then you won't understand when I tell you that the stars must be lined up right or something because someone I've wanted...hell, lusted after for so long is coming to stay with me over Thanksgiving."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Two

  * * * *

  Gillian spotted Connor as soon as she headed down the stairs into the baggage claim at Casper Airport. He was wearing his cowboy hat, a light brown sheepskin jacket, jeans, and in his hand he held a bunch of flowers. Holy shit, he'd got more gorgeous. The last time she'd seen him was late summer and he'd looked fantastic then with his tanned face that made his baby blue eyes stand out but now as she approached him, he was borderline irresistible. How was she going to keep her hands off him?

  He smiled as soon as he noticed her heading his way.

  "Gillian, it's so great to see you. And here's a little something,” he said, handing her the mixed bouquet of daisies, roses and baby's breath.

  They hugged before he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Hey, maybe she had this all wrong. Shouldn't the kiss have been on the lips? Perhaps this was just a free vacation he was giving her. She hoped he didn't see the disappointment on her face.

  "You have luggage to collect?” he asked.

  "Oh, yeah, I'm a typical woman when it comes to packing even just for five days."

  She wouldn't let him know that she'd been on a whirlwind shopping spree, first to buy some new jeans and sweaters, second to Victoria's Secret for some sexy bras and thongs and equally seductive sleep wear...the latter she hoped she wouldn't really need on this particular trip. Her last stop on her shopping expedition had been to the drugstore. She was sure Connor was well prepared, but just in case he wasn't or it had slipped his mind, she'd purchased a box of condoms for them. She knew from past visits here that his ranch was miles from the nearest store and she'd hate to think they'd get caught in a moment's passion without one and be forced to delay gratification.

  "The wind's been picking up today but it still might be warmer here than Chicago,” he said.

  "Either way I packed lots of warm clothing."

  The bell sounded and the luggage began sliding down the shoot onto the carousel.

  She smelt the rose in the middle of the bouquet while they waited then saw her bag heading their way. She reached out to grab it but Connor stopped her and lifted it off the conveyer belt.

  "You ready to head out of here?” he asked her.

  "More than ready."

  She walked beside him as he pulled her bag along by its wheels.

  "It's great to have you come and stay over the holiday,” he said as the sliding glass door swished open and they stepped outside. When the plane had landed it was close to dusk and now it was dark outside.

  He'd been right about the wind. Gillian's hair flipped across her face the minute she stepped on to the sidewalk. She pushed it to the side but had to put her hand on her head to prevent it from swishing across her cheeks and eyes.

  "Thanks for inviting me. I don't think I've stayed at a working ranch before."

  "Then it will be my pleasure to teach you the ropes. Hell, by the time Sunday rolls around, I'll have you up at the crack of dawn feeding the horses."

  They crossed the road, entered the parking lot and Connor set her bag down behind a huge black pick-up truck. She was glad she'd worn some pants because getting up into that thing was going to be tough and it wasn't the time to be wearing a skirt or dress.

  He placed her bag in the back then opened the passenger's door for her.

  "Here, hold my hand, because it's a long way up into the truck."

  Gillian put her foot on the running board, held Connor's hand then raised herself up and slid into the seat. One skill mastered...getting into a cowboy's truck. The thing was so huge it felt like she was sitting in a bus.

  Connor got in beside her and rubbed his hands together before starting the ignition.

  Country music suddenly filled the air. She'd never listened to that sort of music so she had no idea who was singing. He reached for the knob on the radio and turned it down so low she could barely hear it. Next he turned the heat up and started to head out of the lot.

  Gillian snuggled back in the seat. Now the truck was warming up she could smell his cologne, or was it aftershave? It was spicy and had a little woodsy undertone—like the heat that surrounded her, it felt oh so relaxing. She was really happy she'd said yes to his invitation. Gillian hadn't realised she'd closed her eyes until he spoke. Obviously, she'd got a bit too relaxed and comfortable or maybe the two flights to get here from Chicago had worn her out more than she'd thought.

  "You tired?” he asked.

  He must have seen her eyes getting heavy.

  "What? Oh, no, just relaxing."

  "You can sleep if you want. I mean, you probably know it's a good hour's ride to my ranch."

  "No, I'm fine. I've never driven directly from the airport to your place. I always check into the hotel first and Bob Haskell's ranch is usually my first stop in the area."

  "You still like your job?"

  "Yeah, it's great. I keep waiting for an opening in the human pharmaceutical division but it seems like no one wants to leave,” said Gillian.

  "Hell, I hope no one ever does. Not that I don't want to see you get what you really want, but it would mean you wouldn't be my sales rep and I'd probably end up with some old fat guy making calls to my ranch."

  Gillian laughed. She loved the way Connor didn't hold back what he thought. A straight-shooter, that was for sure.

  "Then that's good enough reason to stay with the animal side of the business. I mean, I'd hate to see you landed with an old fat guy."

  They both burst out laughing this time.

  Some light snow circled in front of the windshield and headlights.

  "Hey, you brought the snow with you or what?” he asked her while flicking on the windscreen wipers.

  "Nope, it hasn't snowed in Chicago since I spoke with you last week."

  "I'm only kidding with you. We've had some snow every day. The top of the mountain by the ranch looks real pretty now. One of my favourite things to look at when I'm done with all my work for the day."

  "It must be great at Christmas to see the snow up there."

  "Oh, yeah, no place I'd rather be than at my home during the holidays. You warm enough in the truck?"

  "I'm perfect. In fact, now I'm toasty warm and I might not want to get out of here."

  "Hey, if you're not too tired I was thinking about stopping somewhere to eat before we head home. Not anywhere fancy, but the local diner offering real home-cooked Wyoming food for you to sample."

  "Sounds great, because I only had a sandwich at the airport in Minneapolis and have to say I'm starving."

&nbs
p; * * * *

  Connor held Gillian's hand as she slid down from the truck. A snowflake or two stuck to her hair and nose and he was tempted to flick them away, hell, even kiss them away. His heart had skipped a beat when he'd spotted her heading towards him at the baggage claim. She was even prettier than he'd remembered. He held the door of the diner open for Gillian and saw a couple of guys turn to look at her as she stepped inside.

  Maggie, who owned the place with her husband, greeted them at the register.

  "Hi there, Connor, two tonight?” she asked, grabbing two menus from the stand.

  "Yep, and I'd like you to meet Gillian Matthews. She's staying at the ranch over the Thanksgiving holiday."

  Maggie held out her hand. “Pleased to meet you."

  "Same here,” said Gillian.

  Maggie went ahead of Connor and they both followed her to a booth by the window.

  Connor held Gillian's coat as she slipped it off and he placed it up on the coat rack opposite the table. Connor put his jacket over Gillian's and slid into the booth, his knees scraping Gillian's as he did so.

  "Our special tonight is chicken fried steak with creamed potatoes and green beans,” said Maggie, setting the menus in front of them.

  "That sounds good to me. I think I'll go with that,” said Connor.

  "Me too,” said Gillian.

  "Looks like we won't be needing menus after all,” said Connor, sliding them back towards Maggie.

  Maggie scooped them up. “And I'm guessing a beer for you, Connor?"

  He nodded. “How about you, Gillian?"

  "Do you think I could have some hot tea?"

  "Sure can, honey. I'll be right back with those."

  Connor smiled when he saw more guys looking over at Gillian. He knew their curiosity didn't have anything to do with her being a stranger in these parts. She was gorgeous and certainly worth checking out.

  "Hey, Connor, and it's Gillian from the vaccine company, right?"

  Connor had been busy thinking about the guys at the table across the way that he hadn't seen his neighbour, Steve—well, that was if a guy who lived three miles down the road could be called a neighbour—approaching their table. He'd obviously just finished eating and had a doggie bag and his bill in his hand. He, like Connor, was in his late thirties and single. He saw Steve's face light up as he stood close to Gillian. “You know Gillian?” asked Connor. Had there been a touch of jealousy in his question?

  "Sure do,” said Steve.

  "I often call on Steve but so far I can't convince him that Jensen's has the best prices,” said Gillian.

  "I'm scared that if I do become a customer you won't spend so much time at my ranch. I love all the attention you give me,” said Steve.

  "I give everyone my attention, customers and prospective customers,” said Gillian.

  Connor knew the muscle in his jaw was pulsating. He hoped Steve hadn't heard that Gillian and her boyfriend had parted company and was thinking of making his move.

  "You going to stop by the ranch tomorrow?” asked Steve. For a minute Connor thought when Steve leaned over the table towards Gillian he was actually going to slide in the booth and sit next to her.

  "No, I'm not here on business this time around. In fact, Connor kindly invited me to spend Thanksgiving at his ranch."

  Yeah, take that. Shit, he was beginning to think like a sixth-grader. Next thing he'd be poking his tongue out at his neighbour.

  Steve raised his eyebrows. “You're one lucky dog, there, Connor.” Steve punched him on the upper arm.

  Maggie arrived with the beer and tea.

  "Hey, I gotta go but I look forward to seeing you next time you're here on business,” said Steve. He winked at Gillian.

  "Hopeless flirt, that one,” said Maggie. She put the drinks down in front of them.

  Connor took a swig of his beer and watched Steve head outside and get into his truck. He'd certainly have to keep his eye on him from now on. He'd been unaware that Gillian made calls to him and that he obviously had some interest in her too. Of course, back in Chicago some guys probably had their sights set on her as well.

  "So, have you been out on any dates since you and what was his name...” That had slipped out before he'd really given it some thought but after the close call with Steve he had to know if there were any competitors.

  "Davey,” said Gillian.

  "Since you and Davey broke up?"

  Shit, if she said yes, he was going to be heartbroken.

  She shook her head. Connor hoped she didn't see him release the breath he was holding. He almost wanted to reach across the table and hold her hand upon hearing the good news but maybe it was a bit too soon. The first time he'd seen her, when she'd worn completely inappropriate shoes to visit a ranch and got the heel of her pump stuck in the mud, she'd fascinated him. He'd offered her a pair of his boots. He'd even put them on her and the poor girl had walked around trying to keep his size-twelve footwear on her size-seven tootsies. She'd looked so cute that he'd wanted to sweep her up in his arms. He'd been immediately smitten and had given her the order for all the cows’ and horses’ vaccines. In the last two years she'd paid him a visit every two or three months, and each time he'd fallen a little bit more for her. He'd known from day one she had a boyfriend but that hadn't stopped him from flirting. In the back of his mind he'd always hoped they'd go their separate ways and he'd be in with a chance with her. And it wasn't all about getting her into his bed—although, yes, that was his ultimate goal, but before he made love to her for the first time he was going to be a perfect gentleman, a true cowboy... He was going to woo and romance her.

  "So, why have you been a bachelor all these years?"

  Her question had jarred him out of his train of thought. Only his family and a handful of other people knew he'd once been married. He'd been nineteen, thought he was in love and ended up getting hitched to the wrong woman. He hadn't spoken about her or their ill-fated marriage in over a decade. However, as he had high hopes that this thing with Gillian might become serious one day, he wanted her to know about his past right off the bat. No surprises somewhere down the line to mess things up.

  "I was married,” he said.

  She raised her eyebrows.

  "What happened?” she asked, running her index finger around the rim of the mug holding her tea. Shit, he could imagine that delicate digit circling his dick and he was suddenly lost for words.

  "We got divorced. She had some issues I never knew about."

  "I'm sorry to hear that."

  She continued to run her finger around the circumference of the mug as she spoke. He squeezed his knees together, feeling his cock get harder as he thought about what her hand could do to him.

  "She remarried and now lives in Idaho.” Yeah, nothing like talking about his ex to put an abrupt halt to his erection.

  "You ever see her?"

  Connor shook his head. “No, not since the divorce was finalised. Not that there's any hard feelings between us but we both moved on with our lives."

  "So there's never been anyone else? I mean, have you ever come close to remarrying?"

  "No, the ranch keeps me busy. I've been on dates, sure, but none of them have ever progressed to the serious stage."

  In all honesty he hadn't been out on a proper date since he'd first set his eyes on Gillian. Of course, when he knew she wasn't available and after each visit she paid to the ranch, he'd headed into town and picked up a woman, spent the night with her but had always woken up the next morning feeling completely empty. When he set his sights on a lady like Gillian, well, that was it. Guess he really was an old-fashioned guy who needed romance to accompany the sex.

  Maggie approached the table with their meals and put the plates down along with napkins and flatware.

  "Oh, boy, this looks delicious,” said Gillian.

  "Just leave some room for dessert because this place serves the best pies in Wyoming,” said Connor

  He winked at Maggie before she turne
d and walked away.

  * * * *

  Gillian was so full from eating the great steak, plus the slice of cherry pie with whipped cream on top Connor had talked her into, that by the time they finally arrived at his place she almost had to roll herself out of his truck.

  "I don't think I've ever been to this part of the ranch,” she said as they made their way up the path to the front door of his house.

  The snow was picking up intensely and it felt like the temperature had dropped since they'd left the airport. Probably because it was close to ten p.m. now and the elevation was higher.

  Connor opened the front door and she was met with warm heat and the cosy feel of the place. The entry way opened up straight away to a huge living room that looked just like the photos of log cabins she'd always seen in home and garden magazines. A brick fireplace was the centrepiece of the room. Above it, large wooden beams housed candles and what looked to be family photos. A huge brown leather couch with an off-white snuggly looking blanket draped across it sat in front of the fire. She could image getting cosy on it with Connor right beside her.

  "This is beautiful,” she said.

  "Glad you think so. I've made some updates since my dad passed away and I moved in."

  "Your other brothers didn't want to live here?"

  He shook his head. “Seemed I was the only one who wanted to be a rancher like my dad and grandpa. Let me show you the kitchen and dining area."

  She followed Connor through an archway into the kitchen that literally took her breath away. So huge, with its tiled floors, gorgeous brick walls and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances.

  "Wow, Connor, this is fantastic."

  "The old kitchen was falling to pieces so I thought why not go all out and get it completely remodelled. I know it sounds silly for a bachelor but I figured I'm going to spend the rest of my life in this place so I might as well have something nice to look at."

  Gillian ran her hand over the stove top in the middle of the island. This was so different to her tiny one-bedroom apartment in the Chicago high-rise.

  "You like to cook?” he asked.