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  Cowboys Love Forever

  Lone Wolf Ranch #3

  by

  Sara Hazel

  Copyright 2019 Sara Hazel

  Cover designed by Sara Hazel

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced

  in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Sara Hazel and Holly Pinke

  Visit my website at www.hollypinkeromance.com

  All characters are eighteen years of age or older.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright Page

  Michael

  Skylar

  Michael

  Skylar

  Michael

  Skylar

  Michael

  Epilogue - Skylar

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  Michael

  *

  I wasn’t expecting to fall in love today.

  I could never have predicted such a thing.

  I’ve always had this feeling that it was going to happen fast or not at all.

  There’s only one problem with it though. I’ve fallen in love with the wrong woman. One that I cannot have.

  I’m at my best friend Jeremy’s house today. I haven’t driven into Phoenix to visit Jeremy for a while, and he hasn’t been over to the Lone Wolf Ranch in years either. But today we’re laughing and drinking on his porch when his daughter comes out to join us.

  And suddenly I feel as though I can’t hold on to the slippery bottle in my hand anymore. I grip it tighter, but the effort required seems extraordinary. My focus is fully on the girl—Skylar. I haven’t seen Skylar since she was fourteen, and back then she was a chubby girl with red cheeks and wild brown curls that were spread in all directions.

  It’s safe to say that Skylar has changed. I watch as she sits beside her old man and looks over at me nervously. She’s never had cause to be nervous around me before, but now she’s trembling ever so slightly as she silently looks me up and down.

  “Michael?” She asks. “Wow...it’s been so long that I almost forgot what you looked like.”

  I laugh. “I ain’t changed in twenty years, girl.”

  “Well, he’s added quite a few wrinkles, and he doesn’t have as much hair as he used to. Don’t let him fool you, Skylar.”

  Skylar’s hair is tied up at the bottom and lies over her right shoulder. She’s still a thick girl, but she’s got curves in all the right places. She’s wearing a tight blue t-shirt and jean shorts. The shirt plunges down and shows off her ample cleavage. The jean shorts ride up and reveal plenty of smooth creamy skin. For a girl who’s grown up in Arizona, she sure is a pale and delicate seeming girl. Just looking at her kicks my protective instincts into gear. I think she could use the protection, and I’d love to be the one to provide it. Men will take advantage of a sweet beauty like her.

  “You can come over and give me a hug, Skylar,” I say. “I’ve missed you. I’d love to hear all about your adventures over the last few years. Your dad has been boring me with his tales of life as an accountant. We used to talk about how we were both gonna be cowboys and live carefree. But I’m the only one who made it in the cowboy lifestyle. Your dad here chickened out and got himself a fancy office job.”

  “I had a family to raise! We can’t all be swinging bachelors like you, Michael. And don’t you dare fill my daughter’s head with tales of how great the rancher lifestyle is. Living out in the middle of nowhere has its charms, but there are too many limits on what one can achieve in life while ignoring society.”

  “I’m sure life on the ranch is great,” Skylar replies. “In fact, when Daddy told me you were coming today, I wanted to ask if there were any summer jobs available on the ranch...”

  Jeremy shakes his head. “I tried to talk her out of it, Michael, but she’s a stubborn one. I told her she’d be bored in five minutes.”

  “I’m still waiting for my hug, Skylar,” I reply. “Come over and properly greet me and then I’ll be happy to tell you about the job that opened up recently in our office. The boss needs a new assistant.”

  Skylar gets up. “Really?” Her eyes grow wide with excitement. “Please, Michael. Put in a good word for me, ok?”

  I stand up and Skylar gives me the proper hug I’ve been waiting for. And the soft feel of her against me is enough to make my body shiver. And her hair smells like a mixture of honey and springtime. I could stand here and bury my nose in her hair all day. Of course, I won’t do that, because logic tells me to get a hold of myself and push away the overwhelming desire for her that’s coursing through my body right now. I can hardly behave myself. I’m growing stiff in my jeans and hoping that Skylar doesn’t notice...

  She lingers on the hug for a long time, and her dad clears his throat.

  “Get your hands off my daughter, Michael,” Jeremy says.

  Skylar laughs. “It’s just Michael, daddy. It’s not like anything would ever happen between us!”

  “You don’t know this old player like I do. He used to charm every woman in the bar and take three of them home at a time.”

  “Yeah, I mean, that’s true—” I say as I pull away from Skylar. “But it’s been a very long time since I've been that guy. I haven’t been with a woman in five years at least!”

  “What changed?” Asks Skylar.

  “Long story, sweetheart. Rather not get into it now. But hey—if you’re sure about wanting that job, I’ll tell my boss about you in the morning. I’ll make sure he hires you. I’ll give your daddy here a call when you’re hired. I’ll even drive back up here to give you a ride to the ranch if you want.”

  “Oh, I’d love that,” Skylar replies. “For now, I’d better get to bed. I woke up pretty early this morning and couldn’t fall back asleep.”

  “Worrying too much about something?”

  “All kinds of things,” she says. I watch as she bites her bottom lip and looks away. There seems to be a bit of sadness to Skylar that was never there before. She was always a happy kid.

  I watch her go inside and slide the door closed behind her. Jeremy throws an empty beer can at me as I stand there staring at the spot where Skylar was only moments ago.

  “Michael, what the hell are you doing? That’s my daughter.”

  “I would never touch your daughter, Jeremy. You know that. Cowboy’s honor, all right? But I will get the girl a job on the ranch. And if she decides that country life suits her better than this city living crap, it won’t be my fault. Promise.”

  “I’m just messing with you. I think a job on the ranch would be good for Skylar. Get her mind off things for a while. She’s been having a rough time these last few years.”

  I don’t press him for the details. I’m not sure he wants me to pry. But I sit back down and take another sip of my beer. All I can think about now is Skylar. And I’m sure this means I’ve lost it completely. At nineteen she’s much too young for me. And she’s my best friend’s daughter. I can’t have thoughts like this about her.

  I finish my beer and stand up. “I’m gonna call it an early night, Jeremy. I’ll be up early to drive back to the ranch.”

  “Goodnight old friend,” he says as I head inside. “If you do get Skylar that job then do me a favor and watch out for her, ok? Beat up any cow
boys who try anything funny with her.”

  “You have my word,” I reply.

  THE NEXT MORNING, I get up early and drive back to Lone Wolf Ranch — my home for these past twenty years. When I arrive, I head straight for the office. Dana Jensen — one of my boss’ — is in the office filing some paperwork.

  “How was your visit to Phoenix, Michael?” She asks.

  “I found you a new office assistant for the summer. My best friend’s daughter.”

  “That would be amazing!” She says. “Ever since Candace quit, I’ve been running around here like a crazy person. When can she start?”

  “I’ll just drive back to Phoenix and pick her up as soon as she’s ready. I’ll give Jeremy a call now.”

  Soon everything is all set and Skylar is excited to get started. She practically demanded that I come back and get her right then and there. So, I hopped back in in my pickup truck and drove back to the city to get her.

  Skylar doesn’t say much as we ride, but she controls the radio. Much to my delight—she tunes into the country station. And I just can’t help but have this strange feeling overtake me. There’s something about being in Skylar’s presence that is giving me a premonition. I think this girl is going to change my life forever, and there ain’t gonna be a damn thing I can do to stop it.

  Skylar

  *

  I’m nervous being in Michael’s car as we drive to the ranch. I don’t know him very well. I used to see him more often when I was a kid, but it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. I used to call him “Uncle Michael”, but truth be told — today I’m having a very hard time imagining him in such a role.

  Michael is a classic cowboy though and through. He’s got the blue jeans, the blue button-down shirt, and wide-brimmed cowboy hat. He’s a big guy with a lot of muscles. I actually feel small when sitting next to him, and this is definitely a new feeling for me.

  My throat’s dry, but I roll down the window and sing along to the country station. Michael looks over at me and smiles.

  “You’ve got a beautiful voice,” he says. “You could be a professional singer.”

  “Oh, I don’t think so!” I say with a laugh. “My stage fright is way too bad.”

  “Well, you’re not too nervous to sing in front of me,” he replies.

  “I don’t know. I guess I just figured you wouldn’t judge me. I feel safe around you.”

  “Well, I’m mighty glad to hear that, sweetheart,” he says.

  I’m not telling him the whole truth. While I do feel safe with him, I also feel an attraction to him that’s borderline dangerous. I know I could never do anything with him, but it doesn’t seem to stop my brain from conjuring images of our lips pressed together while I sit in his lap...

  I’ve never even kissed a guy in my life, but here I am imagining giving myself to this much older cowboy. There must be something wrong with me!

  I feel better as we arrive at the ranch, and I get a full tour of the place by my new boss Dana Jensen. Michael has gone to work, so it gives me time to focus on taking in my new surroundings. The place is peaceful looking, and I especially love when Dana introduces me to all the horses.

  Dana and I are back inside the ranch house and heading down the hall towards what will be my room. I shriek as I reach the doorframe and see Michael standing there. He’s pushing my luggage into the corner.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you, sweetie,” he says in that cowboy drawl of his.

  “Oh, no, not at all. I’m fine. I’m just easily spooked, I guess.”

  “Well, my room is just down the hall on the right if you need anything. I’ll be getting back to work now so you can settle in.”

  “I’ll be in the office if you need me,” says Dana. “You’re gonna love it here. How long have you known Michael for?”

  “Pretty much my entire life, but just as my dad’s friend. So, I guess I don’t really know him exactly. But there’s just something about him, isn’t there?” I reply with a heavy sigh.

  “Uh oh. That sounds like a crush,” Dana replies with a wink. “I don’t blame you either. These cowboys sure can have an effect on a woman. I fell for one and let me tell ya—it wasn’t hard to do.”

  “I don’t have a crush on him. He’s my dad’s best friend. I mean, I can’t, right?”

  “There’s nothing wrong with a fantasy though, sweetie. Dream about it all you want and don’t beat yourself up over it.”

  She heads out and leaves me to organize my new room for the summer. It’s simple with a big comfortable bed, a small wooden desk, and an antique lamp. I feel free of modern distractions already. All my life I’ve felt pressured to keep up with everyone else, but I’ve always felt left behind. I’m not the kind of beautiful girl who gets millions of Instagram followers from sharing her bikini photos and I’m fine with that. But here at least I don’t feel compelled to try to keep up with all that noise. I’m sure they have internet on the ranch, but I didn’t even think to ask Dana for the WiFi password.

  I close my door and lie down on the soft bed. The linens are fresh and smell like flowers. I close my eyes and let my mind wander. The ceiling fan spins above me and keeps me cool, but I feel hot all over, and I don’t think it’s because of the weather.

  My breathing quickens as an image of Michael comes to my mind. I just can’t help myself. I think I can smell the lingering scent of his musky cologne in my room, and maybe that’s triggering these visualizations.

  Or maybe Dana’s right and I do have a crush on him. Don’t be stupid, Skylar. You’re here for the job and the peace. Don’t try to throw yourself at a man you know is not gonna be interested in you. You’ll only get your heart broken.

  My brain tries to talk some sense into me, but all I can do is see Michael before me as clear as day. And I find my hands resting on my stomach and then slowly sliding down to my hips. I’m tingling between my legs, and I really want to touch myself right now. But I shake my head and set myself straight. This is ridiculous that Michael should be making me feel this way. I’ve got to get it under control now, before I let it get out of hand.

  I get up and unpack my suitcase. Then I distract myself for the rest of the afternoon by getting an early start on my office duties. Dana assures me that I can go out and explore the ranch and we can get started tomorrow. But I insist on getting straight to work. It takes my mind off Michael.

  And for the next week I manage to stay away from him. The other ranch hands flirt with me and can’t seem to take their eyes off me. I guess they don’t have many opportunities for flirting around here. I just playfully dismiss them and focus on my job. Michael makes no effort to talk to me, and it makes me more than a little sad. But he’s a grown man and I’m just a nineteen-year-old girl who still has no idea what she’s going to do with her life.

  Still, as Dana pointed out...

  It’s okay to have my fantasies.

  Michael

  *

  I’ve tried to forget that Skylar is even here.

  But I can’t. Even when she’s not in my sight,

  it seems the memory of her tempting curves is burned into my eyes.

  I’ve gone a full week where I’ve barely talked to her, but though I’ve been avoiding her in public, I’ve been obsessed with her in secret. Every time I look at my bed, I imagine Skylar with her soft luscious dark hair splayed out across my pillows. I can see myself grinding into her and imagine the look of ecstasy on her face as our passion intensifies.

  The few glances that I do share with Skylar this week come quick and I can see a longing look in her eyes. I think she’s thinking the same things I am, and that makes my cock twitch.

  On Wednesday I am giving a tour of the ranch to some of our guests when Skylar pops over and joins in unexpectedly. I suppose she wants to learn more about her now home and proves this theory by asking most of the questions about the history of the ranch, as well as day-to-day ranch operations.

  A pretty young blonde in extra short
denim shorts and a tight midriff baring t-shirt attempts to divert the discussion away from the ranch and onto my personal life. I feel my face becoming red with embarrassment even as I calmly dismiss the questions about my dating life and try to bring focus back to the ranch. The young lady just won’t give up though, and I can hear Skylar clearing her throat whenever the flirtation reaches over the top levels of effort from the girl.

  After the tour is over, I watch as Skylar shakes her head and chuckles. “I thought she was gonna take her clothes off for you, uncle Michael.”

  Now it’s my turn to clear my throat. “Ya know, I’m not really your uncle, so you don’t have to call me that.”

  “Well, I guess I’m just used to it,” she replies. “I’ll try not to do it again. Anyway, thank you for the tour. I’d better go back inside and get back to work.”

  The idea pops into my head that I should ask Skylar to have dinner with me. “Skylar...” I start to call out after her as she’s heading back to the house.

  I watch as she swoops her hair up onto her shoulder and strokes it while staring at me. “Yes?” She calls out softly.

  Common sense returns and I wipe the sweat from my brow. “Never mind. I’ve forgotten what I was gonna say. Perils of getting old, I guess.”

  “Ok. See ya later,” she replies as she turns around and bounces up towards the house.

  I feel like a real idiot now. I should have just gone for it. But I can’t—right? Later, as if to remind me of why I can’t date Skylar, my best friend calls the ranch to talk to me and check up on her in secret.

  “How’s she doing, Mike?” He asks. “The last few months she’s been sort of distant and depressed. That sort of sadness runs in our family, but I’m wondering if the ranch is having a positive effect on her mood.”

  “Oh, she seems to be doing great. I haven’t talked to her much. We’ve both been busy. But she always seems to have a smile on her face when I’m around. Maybe she’s saving those smiles up for me. Ya never can tell,” I reply.