Rodeo Hero

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  “Got six more. Want one?”

  “I’d love to take you home with me.” Kendra baby-talked as she held the kitten up above her face then cuddled him against her cheek. “But my apartment doesn’t allow pets.”

  He’d never seen her this soft, vulnerable.

  She frowned. “What?”

  “I didn’t realize you were such an animal person.”

  “I always wanted a pet growing up, but my dad said farm animals weren’t pets.” Her gaze no longer focused on him. “The cats were for keeping mice and snakes away. I used to sneak out to the barn at night and cuddle the kittens. I had a light-gray one once, he had blue eyes. He was my favorite. But when he grew up, he wouldn’t stay out of the chicken coop. So one day while I was at school, my father gave him away.”

  He touched her hand. “Tell you what, this one can be yours, but he’ll live here. You can visit him whenever you want, and he won’t be going anywhere since I don’t raise chickens. I’ll even let you name him.”

  Her eyes lit up. “Charcoal.”

  Stetson frowned. “Charcoal’s black.”

  “Not after it’s burned. Then it’s charcoal gray, just like him.”

  “Charcoal it is then. And speaking of charcoal, let’s get back and get those steaks on.” Being alone with her, seeing her tender side and childhood hurts, was doing a number on his heart.

  ❧

  “You grill a mean steak.” Kendra stacked the dishes by the sink. Her nerve endings stood at attention at Stetson’s nearness.

  “I was worried it might be dry since you wanted it so done.”

  “It was perfect. Not a trace of pink, but still juicy.”

  “Stetson’s a great cook. He’ll make some lucky girl a great husband.” Joan gathered the tea glasses. “You boys go on in the living room. Kendra and I will do the dishes.”

  “Actually, I was thinking Kendra and I could do the dishes.” Stetson scraped the leftovers into a big bowl.

  Another knowing look passed between the pastor and his wife.

  “I could use some time with my lovely wife.” Brother Timothy took Joan’s hand, and they disappeared into the next room.

  “I’ll wash if you’ll rinse.” Stetson dripped three drops of dishwashing liquid into the sink, and pineapple scent filled the air.

  “Sure.”

  He carefully stuck the washcloth in the glass and swished it around. But there was no way his hand would fit inside.

  “Why don’t you let me wash?”

  “No, I got it. I usually use the dishwasher, but I like washing dishes sometimes. It reminds me of when I was a kid.” He soaped the rim, dipped it in the water, and handed her the glass.

  Their fingers almost touched. Their arms did as she dipped the glass in the rinse water, and he started on the next one.

  “Oops.” The second glass broke around Stetson’s hand. The edge sank into his palm, and the sudsy water took on a pink cast.

  “Let me see.” Kendra inspected his palm, but blood seeped into his hand, and she couldn’t tell how bad the cut was. She dipped his hand in the cool rinse water. “It’s not bad. Not very deep.”

  “There’s a first aid kit in the pantry, on the right-hand side.” He pointed to beveled folding doors by the back door.

  Canned goods in glass jars lined the shelves in neat rows. She found the kit and hurried back to the sink.

  Stetson held his hand in the rinse water until she came back. The bleeding had let up.

  She carefully wiped away the moisture with a clean kitchen towel, dabbed the cut with antibiotic cream, and pressed a Band-Aid diagonally across his palm.

  “It was fun while it lasted.” He grinned.

  “I don’t find any fun in washing dishes. You sit at the table, and I’ll load the dishwasher.”

  He saluted her and sat.

  “You don’t seem like the canning type.”

  “That’s my mom’s handiwork. She still loves having a garden, so we have a small one here, and she cans a lot of the proceeds.”

  “Do you grow any crops?”

  “Just enough hay to get the stock through the winter.”

  “We grew wheat, sorghum, and cotton. You name it, we had it on the farm where I grew up. Chickens, pigs, and cows. But never anything fun like horses or dogs.”

  “You’ll have to meet my dog, Spike. But don’t worry, his name doesn’t fit him.”

  Kendra loaded the last plate into the dishwasher and turned to face him. “Shall we join the others?”

  “Sit down a minute.”

  Her stomach did a little flip. Couldn’t they just join the others? She needed to relax before Clay’s final ride. And with Stetson so near, she couldn’t. Goodness, he looked good. Good enough to steal a reasonable woman’s breath. She pulled the chair across from him. “How’s the hand?”

  “Fine.”

  Focus on something besides him. “I wonder when Rayna and Clay will get back. They probably won’t be at church tomorrow. And Clay has surgery first thing Tuesday morning.”

  “Is his shoulder bothering him that much? Seems like he’d want to rest a few days first.”

  “He promised Rayna he’d have surgery as soon as the Cinch was over and scheduled it before they got married.”

  Stetson slid his thumbnail under the edge of his bandage.

  “Stop picking at it. It’ll come off.” She grabbed his hand.

  His hand covered hers, and their eyes met.

  “It’s time,” Brother Timothy called from the next room.

  ❧

  Stetson muted the television and took Kendra’s hand. “Brother Timothy, will you say a prayer?”

  The foursome formed a circle.

  “Dear Lord, please place Your protection over the riders, the fighters, all the cowboys riding tonight. Give their families peace. Lord, we especially pray for Clay tonight on his final ride. Put a hedge around him, between him and the bull, and give Rayna comfort. In Your precious name, Amen.”

  Stetson didn’t let go of Kendra’s hand. His teeth clenched as he turned the sound up. His dad had died during his final season. Lane Frost had died during his final season. Mel Gentry had died during his final season.

  At least they didn’t have long to wait for Clay’s final ride.

  The gate burst open, and Nightmare lunged into the arena. This black bull was a spinner, bucking and twisting in tight formation. If Clay could stay on, it looked to be a great ride with a huge score.

  Stetson longed to be out there doing his job, keeping the cowboys safe. Watching was torment.

  The bull changed direction, and Clay lost his balance for a moment.

  Kendra gasped.

  He squeezed her hand.

  The buzzer sounded. Clay dismounted. The bullfighters derailed the bull, and Clay climbed the fence.

  Kendra let out a whoop and jumped into his arms. “That had to keep him in the ninety-point club.”

  He hugged her, enjoying her brand of celebration.

  She pushed away and patted his shoulder. “Boy, am I relieved that’s over.”

  “Me, too.”

  They all seemed to relax.

  Brother Timothy and Joan claimed the love seat. Stetson sat on the couch, and Kendra joined him there. But she left enough room for two people between them.

  He liked her better in his arms. Does she belong there, Lord? Is she the one?

  ❧

  The door to Clay’s hospital room stood open as Kendra neared.

  “Knock, knock,” Stetson called as he pecked on the door.

  “Come in.” Clay sounded weak.

  Rayna sat on the bed beside him. Her eyes radiated complete peace for the first time since she and Clay met. The picture of contented marital bliss.

  Kendra’s heart warmed. “How’s the patient?”

  “Better yet, how’s the four-time CBR World Champ?” Stetson clutched his hat to his chest.

  “I feel like a bull dislocated my shoulder eight months ago, and some
doctor wrangled it back in place.”

  “Kendra got these for you.” Stetson handed Rayna the yellow roses.

  Rayna buried her nose in the blossoms. “That’s so sweet.”

  Kendra crossed her arms over her chest. “Somehow I think all of this was harder on you than on Clay.”

  “You’re right about that.” Clay repositioned his pillow with his good arm. “Do me a favor, Kendra—take Rayna somewhere and make her eat.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  Clay cupped Rayna’s chin and made her look at him. “I’m fine, and I want you to eat something.”

  She kissed him. “Okay, but I won’t be gone long. I’m only going to the cafeteria.”

  “Ugh, hospital food.” Kendra groaned. “I’ll do it for you.”

  “Actually, the food here’s pretty good.” Rayna linked arms with Kendra. “Or at least it was eight months ago when I camped out here with my cowboy.”

  “If things go as planned, I’ll be camped out here with my cowgirl in nine more months.”

  Kendra’s jaw dropped as Rayna tugged her out the door. “Are you pregnant?”

  Rayna giggled. “Maybe. Now that Clay’s rodeo days are over and no more traveling, a baby is our top project.”

  ❧

  Stetson wanted that. A wife, tender kisses, and baby plans. “Aren’t you afraid you’ll miss the rodeo?”

  “No.” Clay’s response came without a moment’s hesitation. “I’m tired, I’m sore, and I feel like I’m eighty instead of twenty-eight. All I want is to run my ranch and spend my days with Rayna. No bulls or rodeos lurking on my horizon.”

  “I can understand that. The road gets long and old. I’m real thankful to have gotten on at the Stockyards.”

  “So things are working out with you and Kendra?”

  Stetson smiled. “You can tell Rayna we’re getting to know each other better.”

  “Joan told her Kendra was at your place for supper.”

  “We had a prayer watch party for you.”

  “Wow, no wonder I managed to stay on the bull when he changed directions on me.” Clay closed his eyes. “I think my meds are kicking in.”

  “I’ll let you get some rest.” Stetson stepped outside the room.

  Nurses in squeaky shoes hurried to and fro carrying clipboards.

  He scanned the signs for a mention of the cafeteria and headed to the elevator then followed more signs until he got a whiff of food.

  Kendra and Rayna sat at a table with a couple of extra chairs.

  Not wanting to interrupt, he leaned against the wall.

  The ladies were having an animated discussion. Kendra was talking with her hands like she did when she had a strong opinion on a particular subject.

  Rayna saw him and waved him over.

  He pulled the chair closest to Kendra. “Clay’s tuckered out.”

  “Poor guy. He’s got a good two-month recovery in front of him.”

  “Do you think he’ll be up for the press conference and photo shoot with Stetson?” Kendra’s fingers tapped a rhythm on the table.

  “Probably. It’s almost two weeks away. But if not, he won’t be there. I’ll make sure he gets plenty of rest and takes it easy, if I have to tie him up to do it.” Rayna stood. “I better go see about him and prepare for that wonderfully comfortable fold-out couch thingy in his room.”

  “We could take you home.” Stetson pushed his chair back.

  “Thanks. Clay would like me to go home. But it would be like leaving part of myself here.” Rayna hugged Kendra. “Thanks for all your support. Both of you.”

  Oh, to have a woman love him like that. Two halves of a whole.

  Kendra? Lately she’d grown on him.

  Who was he kidding? She’d grown on him from the beginning. He’d just tried harder not to let her, there for a while.

  “What?” Kendra’s eyebrow rose.

  Stetson cleared his throat. “Nothing. Did you eat?”

  “Just a small salad. I thought you might be hungry, and I didn’t want you to have to eat alone.” She pushed her plate away. “They’re sweet, aren’t they? It almost makes me wish. . .”

  He hung on her next word. But it didn’t come. “What?”

  “Nothing. I just hope Clay recovers quickly so they can get on with the next phase of their lives.” She sipped her drink.

  ❧

  It had been odd sitting in Rayna’s box seats with only Gabby and Adam. Just a few more rodeos for the ad campaign. After that she wouldn’t have an excuse to come and watch Stetson.

  She leaned against the wall in the private lobby. Maybe Wyatt had left already. She’d seen Natalie head to the lobby earlier, but there was no sign of her now.

  A giggle sounded down the hall. There she was. The brunette clung to a cowboy Kendra didn’t know. He whispered something in Natalie’s ear as they passed by.

  So she’d moved on already?

  “Kendra. Waiting on the clown, I guess?” Wyatt’s sneer sounded in his voice.

  Ignore him, and maybe he’d go away.

  “I’m a free man again. My choice. Maybe we could take up where we left off.” He tried to pin her against the wall.

  She dodged him, but caught the whiff of alcohol on his breath. “Bulls and beer don’t mix. Wyatt, you could get hurt.”

  “You sound like you care. You miss me, don’t you, baby? You miss the way things used to be.”

  She caught a glimpse of Stetson headed in their direction, scrubbed free of makeup, but his face burned red.

  “Get away from her, Wyatt.”

  Wyatt turned on him, but swayed. “Who’s gonna make me, clown?”

  “You’re drunk.”

  Wyatt swung, his fist missing Stetson’s jaw by mere inches.

  “Stop it.” Kendra screamed.

  Stetson grabbed Wyatt’s arm and twisted it behind his back. “Stay away from her. Do you hear me?”

  “What’s going on here?” A man’s voice boomed from behind her.

  The man glared at Stetson.

  thirteen

  Stetson winced and let go of Wyatt. Of all the people to come upon this scene. His boss.

  “I’m sorry, sir.”

  “Wyatt took a swing at him.” Kendra jumped in.

  “I’ll handle this.” Stetson shot her a glare.

  “In my office. Now.” Bob jabbed a finger at Stetson and stalked toward his office. “Mr. Marshall, I’d appreciate your side of the story as well.”

  Stetson followed.

  Wyatt brought up the rear.

  “Mr. Marshall, wait here.” Bob ushered Stetson inside and closed the door. “What exactly did I interrupt out there?”

  Stetson sank into the nail-head chair, searching for something calming to concentrate on. Flags shaped into draping curtains graced the top of the window. “I lost my temper, sir.”

  Bob propped his elbows on his desk and tented his fingers. “I trust that you won’t lose it again.”

  “No, sir.”

  “If you do, you’ll be looking for another job.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I sense something brewing between you and Mr. Marshall. Your job is to protect the bull riders here at Cowtown. All of them. Whether you like them or not.”

  “Of course, sir.”

  “You may go. Send Mr. Marshall in.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you for a second chance. You won’t regret it, sir.”

  ❧

  Kendra paced beside Stetson’s truck.

  The back door of the coliseum opened and Stetson stepped out.

  She hurried to meet him. “What happened? Who was that?”

  “My boss.”

  She blew out a big breath. “He didn’t fire you, did he?”

  “No. But he will if it happens again.”

  “What did Wyatt say?”

  “I don’t know. He took me in the office first. Wyatt’s in now.”

  “Did you tell him Wyatt started it?”

  “No.”
<
br />   “Why? Why wouldn’t you let me help you?”

  “Because it doesn’t matter what Wyatt did or what he said. I shouldn’t have lost it.”

  “You’re only human.”

  “Regrettably.”

  “I could have handled him, you know?”

  “You shouldn’t have to.”

  “I wish. . .” I’d never met him. Never slept with him.

  “What?”

  “That you hadn’t gotten in trouble.”

  “Me, too. Where’s your car?”

  She pointed in the general direction.

  “I’ll see you get there safely.”

  ❧

  Kendra refocused her lens. The building originally housed horse and mule barns, but now served as the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The perfect place for Clay’s final press conference.

  “I’d like to thank my sponsor, Cowboy Western Wear, for getting me to all those rodeos.” Clay tightened his grip around Rayna’s waist. “I want to thank the fans for supporting me all these years. I won’t miss the bulls.” He grinned. “I won’t miss the aches and pains. I won’t miss the hospital stays. But I will miss the fans, the other riders, the behind-the-scenes staff who work to make the rodeo come off without a hitch.”

  The small gathering of press, fans, and rodeo staff applauded.

  “I’d like to thank the heroes of the rodeo—the pickup men, the barrel men, the bullfighters. Without last year’s Bullfighter of the Year—Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame inductee, Stetson Wright, I might not have made it to the championship.”

  Applause silenced his words once more.

  Clay’s jaw tensed and he looked at Lacie. “I always thought I’d dedicate my fourth and final CBR World Championship to my father, Ty Warren. But I lost a real good friend last year. I’m dedicating this last season and my title to Mel Gentry.” Clay’s throat muscles constricted. “In his honor, I’m officially hanging up my chaps. It was a good ride.”

  Clay backed away from the microphone.

  Billy Joe Thornton held up his hands as the press sparred with questions. “One at a time, Clay will be happy to answer your questions.”

  ❧

  Stetson stepped out into the sunlight and settled his hat back in place. Couldn’t Clay embrace his moment without dragging him into it?

  A familiar woman with a big camera around her neck strode a few paces ahead. He should avoid her. Especially after he’d almost come to blows with Wyatt and gotten called down by his boss. But like a magnet, he was drawn to her.