Page 1 of Dirty Sweet Cowboy

one

. . .

Wayne

I'm staring at the tiny brunette standing at the end of my drive, looking like a startled doe in headlights, with a backpack slung over one thin shoulder. She can't be more than nineteen. Her sundress is threadbare, hugging curves that make my throat go dry. A girl like that shouldn't be out here alone, miles from town, with those big hazel eyes and that sun-kissed skin. Especially not on my land. Not when I've been alone for too goddamn long. Not when she looks like every filthy thought I shouldn't be having.

The ranch stretches quiet behind me. Two thousand acres of nothing but cattle, horses, and my own company. At forty-four, I've gotten used to the silence. Liked it, even. Until right now.

"Can I help you?" My voice comes out rougher than intended. She flinches, and something in my chest tightens.

"I—" Her voice catches. Soft. Like honey. "I'm looking for work. A place to stay." She lifts her chin, trying to look confident, but I can see her hands trembling. "I can cook. Clean. I'm good with animals."

I should send her away. Tell her there's nothing for her here. But my dick is already hard, pressing uncomfortably against my jeans, and my mind is racing with images of those plump lips wrapped around my cock, that tiny waist in my hands.

"What's your name?" I ask, stepping closer.

"Judy." The word comes out in a whisper.

"Wayne," I offer, not extending my hand. I'm afraid if I touch her now, I won't stop. "Why are you running, Judy?"

Her eyes widen. Caught. "I'm not⁠—"

"Don't lie to me, angel." The endearment slips out before I can stop it. "Nobody comes to a place like this unless they're running from something."

She hugs her arms across her chest, drawing my gaze to the soft swell of her breasts. "I just need somewhere safe. Please."

Safe. The word hits me like a punch to the gut. This little girl thinks she'll be safe with me? When I'm already imagining bending her over the kitchen table? When I'm thinking about how tight she'll be, how she'll cry out when I stretch her open for the first time?

But I also know, with absolute certainty, that I'd kill anyone who tried to hurt her.

"You've found it," I say, the decision made instantly. "You can stay."

Relief washes over her face, and something inside me growls with satisfaction. .

"Thank you. I don't—I don't have much money, but⁠—"

"We'll figure something out," I cut her off, turning toward the house. "Come on."

She follows me, hesitant steps crunching on the gravel. I feel her eyes on my back, taking in my height, my breadth. I'm a big man—years of ranch work have made sure of that. Next to her, I'm a fucking giant.

The thought makes my cock twitch.

Inside, she looks around with wide eyes. The ranch house isn't fancy, but it's solid. Clean. Mine.

"Kitchen," I say, gesturing. "Living room. My office is down that hall. Bathroom there."

She nods, taking it all in. Her hair is chestnut, catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows. When she moves, it shifts across her shoulders like silk. I want to wrap it around my fist while I fuck her from behind.

"Guest room's upstairs," I continue, leading her up the wooden staircase. "Mine's at the end of the hall."

The guest room is simple. Double bed with fresh sheets. Dresser. Nightstand. Window overlooking the pasture where my horses graze.

"This is...really nice," she says, setting her backpack on the floor.

I lean against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching her. "It's yours as long as you need it."

She looks up at me, those hazel eyes swimming with uncertainty and hope. "Why are you helping me?"