Pressure Rising (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 2) by Rhonda Lee Carver Page B

ease the tension in his body, he was going to have to throw trepidation to the wind and toss her back on the couch, even if she slapped him into tomorrow. He had a feeling if he sampled those sweet lips he’d want more and more.
    She shrugged. “When Mom and Dad named the ranch Rhinestone, I guess they just thought it was fitting to name us girls after stones. Pearl is a bit old fashioned, but I’ve never had any problems with my name getting confused with someone else’s.” She cracked a grin. “Poor Emerald always hated her name. When she was in elementary school, a boy she had a crush on couldn’t pronounce her name. He called her mermaid and she thought it was the worst thing ever. That’s the reason why she goes by Em—makes it easier on the boys.” She leaned closer and he could see her reflection as she tried to find the best bandage to fit the wound, trying out several from the box.
    He liked watching her without her having a clue. “I hear your sister Jewels is getting married. Ever think about it yourself?”
    “Marriage? No. There is a natural procession of events that have to happen first, and I can’t be a bride without a groom.” She laughed. He liked how her face softened as she relaxed.
    “Sure, but I find it hard to believe you haven’t been swept off your boots yet.”
    A thick lock of hair fell to her cheek. Move the hair . He couldn’t see her. She brought her slender hand up and pushed the tendrils away. He wished he could see whether her cheeks were pink tinged. From what he’d seen so far, she blushed with the slightest provocation. Wonder how red she got when she was made love to?
    “Call me particular, my dad does, but I’m looking for someone special. I haven’t found him yet. Speaking of special, your friend Diana certainly is something.”
    “Wow, there wasn’t any sarcasm in that statement at all.” He glanced back at her.
    “How else would I put it? She’s the typical woman that most men are attracted to, nothing against her. She’s a beautiful woman with a huge…smile.”
    “No wonder you aren’t hitched, lady. You have pegged men all wrong.”
    “Oh, have I? Well, obviously Diana was more than a friend. We women know these sorts of things.” Her fingers moved across his skin as she secured the bandage. “All done.”
    He was a little disappointed. She wasted no time and moved to the chair. He stood up to fix his jeans realizing that talking did little to ease his hard on. Hell, that was a new one. While keeping his eyes on her, he shifted his hips enough that she couldn’t see his package.
    A part of him hoped she might want to examine him a little closer sometime in the near future.
    Fuck! He was slowly losing his ability to think clearly.
    He stared into her eyes, the same color as warm chocolate. “Yes, Diana has a set of big knockers, but that’s not what attracted me to her.” Seeing accusation in Pearl’s eyes, he rechecked his words. “Okay…yes, I did notice her chest, as well as other things, but Diana’s a good hearted woman. Just unfortunately she doesn’t make my head spin and my palms sweaty,” he admitted.
    “You mean to tell me you’re a man who wants more than a big chest and tight ass? I just pegged you as a cowboy who didn’t give much care how big a woman’s mind is.” She batted her eyes.
    “I’m not a caveman, darlin’.”
    “Of course not. Ever had that physical reaction before, sweaty palms and head rush?” One thin brow curved.
    Right now. But he couldn’t divulge that. “Once or twice.”
    She trapped her bottom lip between her teeth, then a smile curved that pretty mouth. “And you let her go? Foolish man.”
    “Can’t let go of something you never had. And that was years ago behind a barn.” He sat and stretched his legs, propping them on the edge of the table. There went those cheeks of hers turning a color that matched the pink on her fingernails. The temperature rose and he tugged at his shirt. “Anyway,