Free Virgin Cowboy by Lacey Wolfe Page A

Let’s get this place spick-and-span
so we can get back to the good stuff.”
    That definitely motivated her. They busied themselves
cleaning up Long Necks. She tackled behind the counter, and he cleaned the area
where everyone hung out. He mumbled several times about the mess. Peanuts were scattered
on the floor and beer bottles had been left all over. She had to agree, not
able to understand why folks just couldn’t place the bottles in the garbage
bins.
    It took them about thirty minutes, but in that time, she caught
him staring at her several times, which gave her butterflies. The man had no
idea how sexy he was with his blue jeans and t-shirt. Tonight, he wore a ball
cap instead of his usual cowboy hat. The cap looked good on him; she’d have to
ask him to wear it once they were finally intimate.
    “So.” Braden set the mop against the wall. “On your day off
this week, I’d like you and Anna to come over for dinner.”
    “Sure.” Sounded like a good idea to her. It wouldn’t be long
before she’d tell Anna about her and Braden.
    “There is a catch.”
    She didn’t like the sound of his tone. “Okay...what is it?”
    “I’m going to invite my parents.”
    Parents? Were they even at that point yet? “Why?”
    He rubbed his forehead. “My family is a big part of my life,
and I want my mom to see you’re good for me.”
    “Does she not like me?” Gail Carver was friendly with
everyone. Courtney couldn’t believe there was a chance the woman disliked her.
    “It’s not that…”
    She crossed her arms. “Then what is it?”
    He groaned. “I don’t know how to explain it. She just isn’t
sure you really like me.”
    “I’m not sure I’m ready to be at the ‘meet the parents’
stage.”
    “Please.” His gaze pleaded. “I’m not trying to push things,
but if she can just see you’re wonderful and do like me, then she’ll get off my
back.”
    It was hard for her to believe that Mrs. Carver had been
giving Braden a hard time about her. What could she not like about me? She looked at Braden. This was important to him, so it was for her too. “Okay.
But remember, I haven’t told Anna we’re seeing each other. I want to make sure
we’re serious first.”
    “I understand.”
    “So make sure your mom understands that.”
    He took her in his arms. “She will be respectful. It’s just
dinner among friends.”
    “So, can you cook?”
    He smirked. “I’m excellent at ordering take-out.”
    She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. This
was already serious, even if she tried to pretend it wasn’t. Now that she’d
taken the steps to being with Braden, she couldn’t see herself with anyone
else.

Chapter 11
     
    Braden trailed kisses down Courtney’s slender neck. She
moaned and gripped his shoulder, pushing him back. He grinned, enjoying the
fact she was on edge as much as he was. He yanked her back to him, pressing his
mouth to hers again. She sighed, but melted into him.
    At first, he’d been upset that Courtney hadn’t brought Anna
today for the meal with his parents, but now that he got some time alone with
her, it had been a brilliant plan. Caressing her sides, he lifted her shirt.
    “Braden,” she whispered. “We can’t.”
    “Why not, sweetheart?”
    “Because your parents will be here very soon.”
    He groaned. “All right. You have a point.” He stepped back
and adjusted his jeans. “Everything is ready.”
    She glanced around his half-clean place. He’d done the best
he could to straighten it up. As long as no one went into his spare bedroom,
he’d be okay.
    “I still wish you’d brought Anna.”
    She leaned against the wall, looking sexy as hell in the
white blouse that was very conservative. He wanted to pop each button off then
slide it off her creamy skin.
    “I wanted her to be here too, but I thought it was best she
wasn’t since I haven’t told her yet that we’re seeing each other. And since your mother isn’t sure about me, I don’t want