Flames and Feathers Book 1

Hunter the Hansome Cowboy

Reaching my arm out into the far back seat of my jeep, I grabbed hold of the strap of my backpack. I pulled it towards me and tossed it to the passenger seat beside me.

I yawned loudly into my clenched fist, one on the wheel, almost there.

With my free hand, I reached into my bag and pulled out my wallet.

Still had a few hundred dollar bills left in a cash and a credi card with no limit. My cash flow, wasn’t going to last but I would be okay for a little longer.

At some point, I would have to find a way to make a little extra or I could always dip into my savings.

When I was very young my father put an account together for me, to ensure, if anything ever happen to him or my mother, I would always be taken care of. God, I was truly thankful for at the very least the money he sat aside for me, otherwise, I would have never made it as far as I had.

Coming to the end of a dirt road, a large wooden sign with bright green letters appeared just before a black metal farm style fence.

Making a right turn, I followed a pebble road, it was lined with tall Pine trees and wildflowers.

A tall wooden log fence blocked off the winding path leading up to the main building, which sat next to a very dark windowed building marked " General store". Cute black metal lantern style lights hung on tall poles here and there, lighting up a path leading up the visitors center. Large red bolder style rocks, were placed symetricaly in line in front

Lowering my window so I could see alittle better, I heard a soft bark just outside my car door. A black and white dog then ran out from the inside of a doggie door near the visitors center.

Staying far enough away, I left plenty of space between us and parked in front of makeshift wood fence, which was made out rough dark timber from the forest.

When I opened my door, I found Mr. happy pants, prancing twords me, wagging his tail in my direction. His dark brown puppy dog eyes watched me from outside. His tongue was sticking out the side of his mouth, his large oval eyes watched me calmly, now being closer to him, he did not look like he would attack a fly.

He was one of the cutest little border collie's I’d ever seen. Kneeling down on one knee, I gave the dog a pat on the head and then a scratch behind the ear. His black and white coat was smooth like silk, whatever they fed them, it showed. He was a gorgeous specimen of a woking dog.

His tail vigorously wagged behind him in appreciation.

I patted him on the top of his head and pulled myself off the ground, allowing him to finally complete his job. Waiting patiently he looked over his shoulder as he ushered me to follow him up a set of wooden steps that led up to a wraparound porch.

Big cedar planters sat on either side of the screen door of the building and most beautiful array of multicolored tulips that I’d laid eyes on, grew tall in cedar buckets. I let the tips of my fingertips glide across the tops of their petals, the soft tips felt like the softest velvet in my fingers.

My ocd, having a very overwhelming urge to break loose and feel everything around me.

A tall guy with a black cowboy hat and a huge grin interrupted my weird touching fetish, which was not only embarrassing but also a little humiliating but he didn't seem to be the least bit intrigued by my obsession with object touching, not all,

With one arm, he held open the screen door and welcomed me inside. I quickly jerked my hands away and put them deep into my jacket pockets, hoping he didn’t think I was weird.

His blue eyes didn’t seem to linger on me, but they were rather, looking at me, right into the very depths of my inner soul.

His eyes, oh wow, they were gorgeous.

The color of the deepest ocean waters, deep intense blue, hues of green and grey with in them. I had a hard to time not looking at him, I can only imagine how much drool was beginning to accumulate at my lower lip. Lifting the sleeve of my flannel sweat to my lips, I made sure to get rid of the evidence before he saw it. As I stepped inside the very warm and inviting cabin, I wiped away whatever might be clinging to my lips and let the door bang slightly behind me.

“I see you met Jake! " The guy beamed enthusiastically, praising the dog with a small milk bone.

" He is my very hansom doorman as well as my, best friend, and colleague. Such a gentleman, helping this nice lady find here way inside. ” Kneeling down on one knee he patted the dog on his head, all the while, gazing up at me with an amazing warm smile.

He was seriously one of the hottest guys I've ever seen. His honey brown wavy hair framed his face, cut short at the top and longer at the ends. His chin stubble was just barely visible clinging to the curves of his skin.

I’d love to feel it brush against my face tickling me, as his lips gently brushed against mine. My cheeks warmed at the idea of it, and I turned my attention to my surrounding instead. Looking around I had a better chance at stumping over my words, then falling on face.

His body was tall and toned, I can only bet he had a six pack hiding underneath his long sleeved blue jean jacket.

He had to be well over 6 feet tall flat footed, with my smaller stature, I would fit perfectly under his chin.

I can only imagine what he looked like with his demi shirt off, better yet, I’d love to help him take it off. Well, well, well....

Wow, where is this coming from ? Had one cute smile broken the ice on the top of my mountains I'd been hiding behind? I mean I wasn't a cold prude or anything but I had to keep my heart protected, I'd already been hurt once and I did not plan on letting my guard down so easily again.

Man, he was one hot specimen of a man and even a cowboy, wow ! The best kind and my favorite kind.

I’d always had a thing for cow folk. I mean what girl wouldn't enjoy a eye full of tight bootie jeans, boots, big belt buckles, and Stetson hats? Oh yeah!

Just being near this man, was making every ounce of my better judgement a fool. Shaking my head back and forth... I just stared, I was simply pathetic.

I had to have been fifty shades of red, I could feel the heat radiating off my cheeks, and his eyes had me mesmerized. He had the most gorgeous blue eyes I’d ever seen, aside from my dad’s , at the very center they had a greyish warm glow to them.

On the outer most part he had two different hues of deep sapphire blue. I can see his smile could melt just about any girl’s cold heart. I was already turning into a puddle of melted ice, god I was pathetic.

Snap out of it Emma, he must think you’re a complete weirdo, stop staring ,Just stop !

I quickly shifting my gaze again, to the doggie, Jake and I seemed to have an understanding. Kneeling on to the floor beside Jake I smiled down at the dog.

“He seems like a sweet boy.” I guess I was a girl of very few words, at least in the presence of sexiness.

I scratched the top of Jakes head, and nudged my hand for more. Silly boy! I thought, petting him a few moments more.

When Jake seems satisfied with the attention, he licked the back of my hand as if smiling and saying thanks. He then pranced away. Wagging his tail wildly behind him. He then walked over the large fireplace in the corner of the room and lay down near the warmth.

Mr. hot cabin then guy stood up from his knees and brushed off the front of his blue jeans. Tilting his black Stetson hat, he introduced himself.

“Hi! I’m Hunter! Hunter Bishop! ” He held out his hand waiting for mine to meet his in a handshake.

“I just help him on the weekends so he can have extra time to hang out with his wife and kids. " Walking over to a desk in the corner I followed him as he continued to talk.

" On the weekdays, you can usually find me at the stables with the horses. I live in a loft style apartment up there.”

He laughed but it sounded like more of a nervous one, like he was embarrassed.

Of course, I would never think bad of him because, in fact, I lived in my jeep.

That seemed a lot worse, I was more or less homeless! What I wouldn't give to have a home let alone, be near horses. It would be like paradise to me.

I reassured that it was not silly that he lived the way he lived at least he had somewhere to call home.

He seems to relax and understood and nodded. " It works for me, and keeps me near the animals."

“I’m the guy who fixes things and I’m also the honorary horse whisper. Jake keeps me company and all the while making sure the horses behave.Thats why I call him my comrade, we work together."

Jake’s ear perked up when heard his name and he lifted his head for a minute before rolling back over enjoying the warmth of the fire.

All work and no play make a cute cowboy a dull boy, if that’s how the phrase goes.

There is never a dull moment in my life! I could help make his very exciting. If only, I knew what fun was anymore!

Up to this point, my life has been anything but exciting, or fun, more like complicated. I don’t even remember the last time I’d even kissed a guy.

How boring is that? Eighteen years old and I haven’t even been in love yet…. let alone , "made love" . Sad, very sad…

I dated a boy once, on and off through high school but it was never anything serious. My path in life and his, was very different, and he couldn’t handle all of the baggage I carried. He said I was too high maintenance!

How would he know? Then again, I’d never let him get close enough to find out.

I’m not a, “High Maintenance” girl ! I don’t even understand the concept of such a thing. How could he have put me into that category?

I wasn’t into expensive handbags, I could care less, about name brand clothes. I didn’t need a boyfriend with a fast car, and I definitely didn’t enjoy wearing high heels.

Those, certain types of girls, “the popular girls” were what I would call, “high maintenance”.

I was more of what you might call, emotionally unavailable, permanently damaged, maybe! Never, “high maintenance”!

Jacob was into basketball and well, he was looking for more of the cheerleader type.

I was more of a, watching sports from a distance kind of girl. Honestly, don’t even know why he was ever interested in me to begin with.

I’m not ugly by any means, at least I hope I’m not, but I’ve never been told otherwise. I’ve got my mother’s figure, but look nothing like her. I think I may have gotten my dad’s facial features. I had a bit of an athletic build but luckily it didn’t leave me with a flat chest. I stood about five feet, six and my eyes are smoky blue with a hint of grey around them. My hair falls to my lower back in wisps and curls and when it was down, it was up in a braid or messy bun. I like to dress comfy, no need to try and look cute not when I was always on the road. Clothes are a need but cute is a want. Looks don’t mean a lot right now!

I needed to worry more about where I was going to go next, not what I was going to wear. Clothing was a necessity, looking cute, well I didn't have time for that crap.

Hunter let out a throaty laugh as if a he just heard joke that had been shared between us. His grin widen as he stared down at me. My cheeks started to burn as his eyes and lips drew me in, and I couldn’t look away.

It was like I could almost see the ocean in his eyes. The blue hues crashing against one another in waves of color. A whirlpool pulling me, seeing into my vary soul. If I wasn't careful, I would drown in the sea of colors and have no hope for returning to shore. Not even a life boat could free me, as the rip tides pulled me under into watery grave.

As if in a trance, his drawn out laughter brought me back. I had ahold of his hand and it looks like quite strongly in fact. I released his grip regrettably, the warmth of our fingertips bushing against one another, until my hands dropped to my side. I didn't even remember taking his hand, but then again, we were past that now.

My face had to be beat red now, I closed my eyes for brief second and tried to regain my composure. I was so embarrassed.

“ I love holding the hand of a pretty lady, but I wasn’t sure If I was going to get my hand back in one piece or if I’d have to rent it out to you for the evening.”

Hunter, gave me a wink as he slid behind the desk with a lap top behind it.

Oh my gosh ! kill me now….Emma pull yourself together.....

Wholeheartedly embarrassed, I apologized profusely , “I’m so sorry! I don’t know why I did that ! I am Emma by the way, it is so nice to meet you. I don’t want to rent your uh, ..Hand, although it is a very nice one." Looking down at the wood floor more a moment, I blinked back at him and gulped.

" I’m sorry I haven’t held a hot guys hand, umm, I mean a cowboys hand before, I mean, uh... sorry! ” I continuously stumbled over my words over and over again. I was such a dork and he was so hot…and Oh my gosh! What a dork I am, indeed.

“Do you have a cabin I can rent for a night or two? “I pushed my golden hair out from the warmth invading my cheeks and bit down nervously on my lower lip. Gosh, I am so embarrassed. Could I even have a simple conversation with a hot stranger without making a total ass of myself?

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Emma!" Hunter replied, eyes lowered to the laptop infront of him, his hands then began typing and searching.

"Tomorrow we are having a horseback ride into the woods, for visitors. I don’t know if you have ever gone horseback riding but our horses are as gentle as they come, I would take very good care of you, I mean they would but of course, I would not lead you astray, either." He added , a touch a pink forming on his cheeks. Even hot guys got embarrassed? Whoa...

" No pressure of course. I’d give you time to think it over. ” He backed up slowly , grabbing hold of stack of paperwork that sat behind hi.

He handed me the monthly entertainment calendar and event lists for the week.

I caught myself taking a peak at his very cute backside but then quickly looked away. I'm only human! Cowboy butt's drive me crazy or was it something that rhymed with butts? Either way, he looked pretty nice from behind, in those wrangler jeans. I'd always wanted to own one of those bumper stickers in pink and stick it on the back window of my jeep. It would be pretty cool! Focus, Emma, I reminded myself.....

Eyes on me and an infectious grin on his face, Hunter handed me a pamphlet with a picture of a couple, riding horseback into the sunset. Our fingertips touched all of a second, and heat instantly rushed to my cheeks. He really had a way of making me weak in the knees when he looked at me like that. I didn’t even know this guy and was I so drawn to him.

If I were a man, I would need to take a cold shower tonight! Sorry but not sorry, it was the truth... He made places inside me come to life that I didn't even know existed.

If he could make me feel like this from just one touch, I could only imagine, what would it be like in a kiss?

I shuddered to even think of that possibility right now, I would not only have to mop myself up off the floor but take more than a cold shower.

I looked down at the paper in my hands, trying to ignore that fact that I could not keep my eyes off the prize.

He was amazingly sexy and staying right infront of me in arms reach.

I reminded myself, all I needed to do was breathe and keep it cool!

Good luck with that!

I’ve already made an ass of myself at least once tonight.

The women in the picture looked so happy, her hair was blowing in the wind, her arms wrapped around the man’s waist, her chin resting on his shoulder. The sun was setting into the mountains in front of them cascading beautiful colors of gold and orange into the lake in the distance. It looked like heaven, so warm and romantic.

I could envision myself as the women in the picture.

The breeze starting to blow my hair in wisps of curls behind me as we rode through the valley. The man of my dreams, holding the reins of our chocolate brown mare as we run through a bubbly stream. The water droplets are falling all around us, I could feel the cool mist against my skin.

The laughter and warmth of the sun is against our faces, warming our cheeks. The heat of the sun, drying the water droplets rolling down our arms, and faces.

We stop by the water’s edge and let the horse drink. His arms reach for me as he helps me down into the moist grass below.

We look into each other’s eyes, his dark sapphire orbs are looking at me, through me, with such love, such adoration.

He holds my hand is his and with the other, caresses my cheek in soft swirls under his fingertips. He then bends his head down, his lips meet mine ever so tenderly, gently melding into mine and for a moment the world pauses around us. Only he and I exist, only the kiss is real, nothing more.

He pulls back and just stares at me, watching me, his fingers still entangled in my hair.

He pulls me to him and we hold each other in a long embrace.

In that moment, my life is truly complete. I have the love of my life in my arms and nothing else matters but this moment.

I move my fingers up to my mouth to touch the softness of my lips, trying to savior that sweet kiss

A soft sigh escapes me, as I unfortunately, come back to reality.

Oh how I wished it were real but it was just glimpse of what could or what would, never be.

When I look up from the picture, Hunter was looking down at some papers at the front desk. His eyes hiding behind his long dark eye lashes, a soft smile forming on his lips.