Her Protective Cowboy (Fit Mountain Cowboys #1)

4. Melody

Chapter Four

MELODY

I wake up the next morning in Wyatt’s guest room. Sunlight streams through the lace curtains, casting patterns on the patchwork quilt. I sigh, remembering my sleepless night.

All I could think about was the look on Wyatt’s face when I walked into the living room last night wearing his flannel shirt. The way his eyes darkened, raking over my body like he wanted to consume every inch of me. And ever since, I’ve felt an ache between my legs that won’t go away.

I stare up at the white ceiling, my thoughts churning with conflict.

In spite of everything, a part of me wonders what my family would think if they could see me right now. Wyatt has to be close to forty. In other words, way too old for me. My parents would probably have an aneurysm if they knew I was lusting after a hot rancher nearly twice my age.

It would be the final nail in the coffin of my reputation as far as they’re concerned.

But another part of me can’t help but be drawn to Wyatt. The calmness and confidence he exudes. He listens when I talk, like what I have to say matters. Despite our age gap, I can tell Wyatt genuinely likes me - not the version of me I pretend to be, but the real me underneath. And even though we just met, I like him too. More than I probably should.

I sigh and sit up as I grab my phone from the nightstand. I can't hide out in this room forever. Time to get up and face the day...and the undeniably sexy cowboy waiting for me down the hall.

I grab my phone from the nightstand. It's blowing up with a barrage of missed calls and frantic texts from everyone, including my best friend, Allie. I quickly tap out a message to her:

Me: Hey, I'm alive. Everything's fine. Staying at a ranch outside of town for a bit to clear my head.

Allie: WTF Mel? I've been worried sick! What ranch? Who's place is it?

Me: Just a friend's. I'm safe, I promise. I'll check in again soon. Love you 3

I set my phone aside, not waiting for her reply. Allie will understand. She knows me better than anyone.

Opening the guest room dresser, I opt to wear another one of Wyatt's oversized flannels and a pair of his sweatpants instead of my own clothes from my duffel. His scent envelops me as I pull them on - an intoxicating mix of pine, leather and man. Instant comfort.

Quietly, I pad barefoot down the hall toward the kitchen. And when I step inside the doorway I immediately feel my breath hitch.

Wyatt is standing at the sink with his back to me, holding a coffee mug in one hand as he gazes down at his phone.

And he isn’t wearing a shirt.

My eyes drink in the chiseled lines of his back and shoulders, the tan skin stretched taut over the muscles normally hidden beneath cotton and denim. His jeans hang low on his hips, and I can't stop myself from admiring the rock-hard curve of his ass.

Desire simmers low in my belly. He's an Adonis. A living, breathing Marlboro Man fantasy come to life.

The ache between my thighs grows by the second. What would it feel like to have all that strength and virility pressing me into the mattress, utterly at his mercy?

I swallow hard and force myself to get a grip. Quickly, I clear my throat to get his attention. “Um, hi. Good morning, Wyatt.”

Wyatt turns around, his blue eyes locking onto mine. A slow, sexy grin spreads across his face as he sets down his mug and phone.

"Mornin', gorgeous. I see you found some more of my clothes to wear."

Heat floods my cheeks. "Oh, um, I hope it's okay. They're just so much more comfortable than what I packed..."

Wyatt stalks toward me. "It's perfect, baby." He reaches past me to grab another mug from the shelf above my head, and he’s so close I can feel the heat radiating off his bare skin. "I like seeing you in my stuff."

He pours me a cup of coffee from the steaming pot on the counter and hands it to me. I take a big gulp, desperate for something to do with my hands besides reach out and touch him.

Amusement dances in his eyes as he watches me drain half the mug. “Coffee taste okay? I know it’s not Starbucks. But my sister does her best to keep the house stocked with the fancy stuff.”

“The coffee’s great,” I take another sip, trying to act casual despite my racing heart. "Should we, uh, sit down?"

"Sure." Wyatt leads me over to the kitchen table. I slide into a chair across from him, grateful for some distance. I tuck my legs underneath me in the chair. “I didn’t realize you had a sister.”

“Yeah, Abigail was never a fan of being the only girl in a house full of cowboys,” Wyatt chuckles. “She lives down in Houston now. But she comes back to visit pretty often.”

I glance down the hall. "Speaking of your family, where is everyone this morning?"

"They're all out doing their own things. Brody had a rodeo event, Luke took Maisey to the park, and Jace spent the night at his best friend Lindsay's house. Pretty normal since it’s Saturday."

I nod, processing this glimpse into his family's life. It's a world away from what I'm used to.

"But don’t worry.” Wyatt leans back in his chair. “You'll get to meet the whole gang tomorrow morning. We always do a big family breakfast on Sundays."

"That sounds nice." I mean it. There's a closeness and warmth to Wyatt's family that mine lacks. I find myself looking forward to it, even as my nerves jangle at the thought of more new people.

"What about you?" I ask, desperate to change the subject before he asks about my own family. “What are your plans for today?”

Wyatt grins at me. "Well, that depends."

I raise an eyebrow. "On what?"

"On what you want to do."

For a moment, I'm taken aback. I'm not used to anyone, let alone a man like Wyatt, considering my wants. In my family, my desires always come last, if they're acknowledged at all.

"I... I'm not sure," I stammer. "I've never been to a ranch before. I don't really know what there is to do."

Wyatt's grin widens. "Have you ever ridden a horse before?"

I laugh nervously. "No, never. I've always been too scared. Horses are just so... big."

He chuckles. "They can be intimidating at first, that's for sure. But there's nothing like it, riding across the open land with the wind in your hair." Then he pauses, his expression unreadable. "Would you like to go for a ride with me? I promise you’ll be safe with me."

My teeth sink into my lower lip as I consider his offer. Wyatt’s eyes follow the movement. Finally, I say, “I guess that would be okay. I trust you.”

“Perfect.” Wyatt reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. “Finish your coffee and I’ll go get the horses saddled up.”

Twenty minutes later, Wyatt and I walk out to the barn.

"Impressive setup you have here," I comment, my eyes roaming over the neat stalls and tack hanging on the walls. This barn is much bigger and tidier than any I've seen back home in upstate New York.

Wyatt beams with pride. "Thanks. We try to keep things ship-shape around here. Come on, there's someone I want you to meet."

He leads me over to a stall with a beautiful chestnut mare inside. Her coat gleams in the sunlight streaming through the barn windows.

"This here is Lady," Wyatt pats the horse's neck affectionately. "She's just about the sweetest horse you'll ever meet. Go on and give her a pet."

I hesitate for a second, then slowly reach out my hand. Lady turns her head and nuzzles her velvety nose against my palm.

"She likes you," Wyatt remarks, sounding pleased.

I can’t help the little giggle that escapes me. "I feel like a real cowgirl now."

Wyatt chuckles and reaches up to pluck the cowboy hat off his head. He settles it on mine instead. “There.” His fingertips graze my jaw as he does. “Now you’re a real cowgirl."

Our eyes lock and the air between us suddenly feels charged with electricity. My breath catches in my throat. The way he's looking at me, like he wants to eat me alive... It's thrilling and nerve-wracking all at once.

He grabs a saddle off the rack and hoists it onto Lady's back, making quick work of the buckles and straps. Then he holds out a hand to me. “Alright, sweetheart. You ready to climb on up?"

Nerves flutter in my stomach. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Wyatt's hands settle firmly on my hips as he boosts me up. I swing my leg over Lady's back and settle into the seat.

Wyatt makes a few adjustments to the stirrups to make sure they're the right length for my legs. "How's that feel?" he asks.

I lick my lips, my mouth gone dry. "Good. So, um... what now?"

"Now we ride.”

He clicks his tongue and Lady starts to walk. I grip the saddle horn tightly, my body tense. But Wyatt stays right beside us, one hand resting lightly on my knee.

"Relax, baby. I've got you," he murmurs. "Loosen up on the reins a bit. Lady knows what she's doing."

I take a shaky breath and force myself to ease up. Bit by bit, I start to get used to the unfamiliar rhythm of the horse's gait. Wyatt guides me through the basics - how to turn and how to stop. Before long, I'm steering Lady in looping circles around the barn with growing confidence. A huge smile stretches across my face. This is actually fun.

Wyatt grins up at me, pride shining in his eyes. "Look at my girl go! You're doing great, Melody."

I beam back at him. I can't remember the last time someone had so much faith in me. Believed I could do something I'd never tried before.

We complete a full lap around the barn and come to a stop.

"That was amazing," I gush, still buzzing with exhilaration.

Wyatt's mouth curves into a lopsided smile. "You're a natural. Took to it like a duck to water."

My cheeks heat up under the intensity of his blue-eyed gaze. "Thanks for being such a good teacher."

"My pleasure." He rubs his thumb on my calf. "So what do you say? Ready to hit the trails now?"

The idea of leaving the barn and venturing out onto the trails still makes me a little nervous. But I trust Wyatt. I know he won't let anything happen to me. I nod. “Ready.”

I expect him to go saddle up his own horse. But instead, he swings up into the saddle behind me in one fluid motion.

Every nerve ending in my body sparks to life. I was not prepared for this.

His hard chest presses against my back, his muscular thighs bracketing my hips. It's all I can do not to squirm against him. Wyatt reaches around me to gather the reins, his arms forming a protective cage around me.

“Y-you didn’t want to take your own horse?” My voice comes out like a squeak.

"I promised to keep you safe and it’s safer this way." His breath is hot on my neck. "And don't worry about Lady. She’s an experienced trail horse and has done this a thousand times. She can handle us both just fine."

I swallow hard, not trusting myself to speak. Truthfully, there's no place I'd rather be than right here, wrapped up in Wyatt Clayton's arms.

With a click of his tongue, he urges Lady forward - and we set off at a leisurely trot towards the sprawling fields and hills that surround the ranch.

I lean back against his solid chest. “What was it like growing up here?”

His chuckle rumbles through me. “An adventure. Lots of early mornings and long days, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

As we ride deeper into the property, the trail opens up to vast, rolling pastures dotted with wildflowers. The crisp morning air fills my lungs, and the sun warms my face.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” I breathe, taking in the picturesque scenery. “I can see why you love it.”

Wyatt’s arms tighten around me slightly as he guides Lady around a bend. “It’s in my blood. This land, this life... It’s all I’ve ever known. All I’ve ever wanted.”

There’s a wistful note in his voice that tugs at my heart. I twist in the saddle to look back at him. “You never wanted to leave? See the world?”

“I did some traveling when I was younger. Saw the bright lights of the big city. But it never felt like home. Not like this does.” His eyes roam over the landscape before settling on me again. “Guess I’m just a country boy at heart.”

I smile softly. “There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s a special thing, to know where you belong.”

We ride in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds the steady clip-clop of Lady’s hooves and the occasional bird call. I feel utterly at peace as all my worries fade into the background. Out here, with the sun on my face and Wyatt’s arms around me, everything else just melts away.

When we reach a clearing at the top of a hill, Wyatt brings Lady to a stop. I gaze out over the sprawling valley, the green pastures and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. I can make out the glittering ribbon of a river snaking through the landscape in the distance. It’s breathtaking.

Wyatt dismounts and offers me a hand down. His touch lingers, his calloused palm rough against my skin. He doesn’t let go once I’m on the ground, instead interlacing our fingers.

“I come up here a lot,” he says, his gaze still on the horizon. “It helps me think. Clear my head.”

I understand completely. The tranquility of this place is already working its magic on me, quieting the anxious thoughts that have plagued me for months.

“I can see why. It’s peaceful here. Like the rest of the world just falls away.”

Wyatt turns to me then, his blue eyes intense as they search mine. “I’ve never brought anyone else up here before. It’s always just been my place. But something about you, Melody...” He trails off, shaking his head as if in wonder.

My breath catches at the rawness in his voice. “What about me?” I whisper.

He reaches out and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re special. Different. From the moment I saw you in that wedding dress, looking lost and scared but so damn beautiful... I haven’t been able to get you out of my head.”

My pulse pounds at his confession. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you either,” I admit breathlessly. “Which is crazy because we barely know each other. But I just feel this connection to you. Like it was meant to be.”

Wyatt smiles, slow and sexy, his dimple flashing. “Guess fate had a plan for us, sweetheart.”

And the next thing I know he cups my face in his strong hands and kisses me.

The first brush of his lips is soft, almost tentative. But it quickly deepens into something hungry and urgent. His tongue teases the seam of my lips, and I open for him with a soft moan. I slide my hands into his thick hair, reveling in the silky strands between my fingers as he plunders my mouth. He tastes like mint and coffee and pure, masculine temptation.

Wyatt’s large hands skim down my back to grip my hips and haul me closer. I can feel every hard inch of him pressed against me. Need pulses between my thighs, hot and achy.

I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want Wyatt. It’s an almost primal urge to have him inside me, completing me.

As if reading my mind, Wyatt tears his mouth from mine. We’re both panting. His eyes are dark with lust. “We should head back,” he rasps.

I nod, even as disappointment floods through me. “Yeah,” I agree reluctantly, my voice husky. “We should.”

Wyatt rests his forehead against mine for a long moment, his breath mingling with my own. Then he steps back, putting some much-needed distance between us.