Rodeo Sweetheart

by Betsy St. Amant

  “It’s not too late.” The whoosh of the air conditioner clicking on almost drowned out Daniel’s soft response.

  Ethan crossed his arms, his back still turned, eyes focused on the city bustling beneath their high-rise building. “Yes, it is. The deal is done and Sam will never forgive me.” I’ll never forgive myself.

  “It’s not done until Angie mails her signed paperwork in.” Daniel’s footsteps shuffled across the thick carpet and Ethan’s back straightened at the truth in his cousin’s words. “It’s not too late—if you can get to Appleback and convince Angie why she shouldn’t take the offer after all.”

  Ethan spun around, grabbing Daniel’s arms with both hands. “Why would you even suggest this? You already have my dad’s favor and the corner office.” His eyes narrowed. “What else is left to take? You’ve won.”

  Daniel stared back into Ethan’s eyes. “I don’t blame you for not trusting me. I’ve jerked you around as much as anyone else has in this business.” His gaze flickered over Ethan’s shoulder, then back. “But you’re different, man. You don’t want any of this. This isn’t your world anymore.” He offered a little shrug. “So why don’t you go back and save the world you do want?”

  Ethan’s heart blasted his chest in full force, and he shook Daniel slightly. His cousin might be unpredictable and not the trustworthiest, but he did have a point—a great point. “Do I have your word you won’t tell my father?”

  Daniel checked his watch. “You’ve got a four-hour head start. Some of us still have to do what it takes to make it in this business, and that means not suffering the wrath of Jeffrey Ames.”

  Ethan clapped his cousin’s shoulder and abruptly released him. He’d take what he could get. He reached over and grabbed his leather briefcase from under his desk and hurried for the door. Daniel remained in the center of the room, and Ethan paused briefly in the frame. “Thanks, cuz.”

  Daniel grinned. “Go get ’em, cowboy.”

  Ethan left the office before Daniel could change his mind. But three steps down the plush hall, he knew there was one more step he had to take—in the opposite direction from the elevator. He turned on his heel and pushed open the heavy glass door to his father’s office.

  Jeffrey Ames looked up with a start from his desk. “Ever heard of knocking?”

  Ethan crossed his arms over his pounding heart. “I’m leaving.”

  “Fine. Bring me a coffee when you get back. And see if Daniel wants anything.” Jeffrey continued marking on paperwork with his pen. “Make mine nonfat this time.”

  “No, Dad. You don’t understand. I’m leaving the company—for good.” Ethan widened his stance, prepared for the verbal blows about to fly.

  Jeffrey’s pen lowered and he finally looked up. “What’s that?”

  “I’m done, Dad. Enough is enough. Let’s be honest—I’m not what you want for this company, and believe me, this company isn’t what I want.”

  Jeffrey stood, his imposing figure seemingly towering above Ethan even though their height difference was only an inch or two. Ethan lifted his chin, refusing to back down. This decision should have been made months ago, maybe even longer, and he would stand his ground.

  Even if his knees shook a little.

  “Are you insulting my life’s work?” A growl formed in the back of Jeffrey’s throat.

  “I won’t, though trust me, it’s not from lack of material.” Ethan shoved his hands in his pockets, hoping the move made him look more casual than he felt. “Daniel is better suited for this job, Dad. Always has been, and you’ve never had a problem pointing that out. So don’t even pretend to be upset. You replaced me a long time ago.”

  Jeffrey harrumphed as he settled back into his chair. “That may be, but what do you think you’re going to do? With no money or prospects—”

  “I’ve got money.”

  Jeffrey’s eyebrows bunched but he remained silent.

  “I’ve been preparing for this day, and it’s here. So, I’ll be in touch.” Or not. Ethan would make that call later. After Jeffrey found out what Ethan was truly leaving to do in Appleback, he’d probably be denied access to his family for a long time. As much as that thought stung, it was the only choice. Ethan refused to sacrifice his morals, ethics and character for his shady father one more time. God would provide for Ethan, would surely bless his obedience for doing the right thing.

  And if Ethan still struggled financially, well, then at least he would be on the same page with Sam.

  “I won’t stop you.” Jeffrey shrugged, picking up his pen once again. “Good luck with whatever you choose to attempt. You’ll need it.”

  Yet another dig at his capabilities, but this time, the barb didn’t pierce as deep. Thank you, God. Ethan gave his father a brief nod before striding down the hall to the elevator, peace making his steps lighter—until grim reality settled on his shoulders. He’d just walked away from the only security he’d ever known, and a future with Sam was iffy at best.

  But like it or not, Sam’s prince was riding in to save the day. Ethan checked the time on his cell phone as the elevator doors opened with a ding, and grimaced.

  Even if he might be a little late.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The arena buzzed with the sound of excited chatter, stomping hooves, and cracking lariats. Horses snorted and bulls pawed the ground, cloaking the worn bleachers and fence rails with a fine layer of dust. Sam clapped her hands against her leather chaps, more of a nervous release than an attempt to rid them of dirt.

  “Don’t worry, Sam, you look great.” Kate smiled. “And you’re going to do great.”

  “Thanks.” Sam tried to return it but the effort made her nauseous. Too bad her appearance couldn’t be her top concern of the moment. She shook out her hands, wishing the adrenaline had a release from her tense body.

  “You okay, kid?” Cole gripped Sam’s shoulder with one hand, his eyes boring into hers. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “If you know me at all, then you already know my response to that.” Sam adjusted the white paper number on the front of her vest. Seven—her dad’s number. Hopefully the number would apply to her father’s successful career instead of his tragic last ride. She gulped. No point in thinking of that right now. She had a job to do—distractions would only get her hurt.

  Or worse.

  “All right, then.” Cole squeezed Sam’s arm and turned her toward the chutes. “Go line up. They’ll be calling your number in a bit.”

  “I’m going to get some lemonade. You want a drink before you ride?” Kate gestured toward the snack booth set up on the far side of the bleachers.

  Sam shook her head. “No, thanks. My stomach can’t handle it.” She managed a slight wave at Kate before turning to join the line of riders—all male. She straightened to her full height, refusing to let them intimidate her. Sam was competing against them, yes, but more than that—she was competing against herself. Her throbbing left shoulder testified to that, as did her sore back and tight quad muscles. She resisted the urge to rub the cramp forming in her calf. Maybe practicing the majority of the night on Lucy wasn’t the best idea. Then again, a full night’s sleep wasn’t much ammo against the thousand-plus pound animal in the chute, either.

  The bull nearest Sam huffed, and the fluorescent arena lights glinted off the giant ring in his nose. Sudden panic gripped Sam in a vise and she clutched Cole’s sleeve with both hands. “Am I crazy?”

  Cole pried his shirt from her grip. “You just said you made your decision. So quit acting like a greenhorn.”

  “I know.” Sam swallowed. “But it’s a crazy decision.”

  “An inexperienced female bull rider competing in the same rodeo her father used to? Nothing but crazy.” Cole’s voice softened. “But you can do it. You’re ready.”

  “I practiced on a steer, Cole. A steer.” Sam’s voice trembled and she couldn’t tear her gaze away from the bulls waiting their turn—for revenge. She shook her head to clear it. “4-H ki
ds ride steers. Those giant animals in those chutes are the real deal. I might as well have been practicing on a dairy cow.”

  “That’s not true, and you know it. Quit spurring on your fear.” Cole shoved his cowboy hat away from his eyes and held Sam’s gaze. “The same concepts apply to both steer and bull riding. Grip with your legs, keep your upper body loose, and counterbalance by leaning the opposite direction of the buck.” He tapped the top of Sam’s hat. “The rest is up here.”

  Sam nodded slowly. She could do this. She would do this—for her dad. Her mother might not believe in her, but Sam would prove her wrong. She’d avoided Angie the majority of the week, throwing herself into her chores and her training. Sam couldn’t look at her mom without the fury of the secret sale boiling in her stomach—right beside the guilt of her own kept secrets she tried to ignore.

  She’d prove Ethan wrong, too. Just remembering his betrayal sent a spark of anger trailing Sam’s spine. It also made her heart pound painfully in her chest, but she wouldn’t think about that right now. The love still residing within would catch up to her mind’s resolve soon enough. In the meantime, there were bigger issues to conquer. Her eyes narrowed. “I’m ready.”

  She had to win. Losing would only earn Sam a permanent job at the dude ranch and the title of laughingstock among the male competitors—not to mention a likely ride in an ambulance. She forced back a shudder. Focus, focus.

  “Up next, number thirteen, George Daniels.” The announcer’s drawl boomed over the loudspeaker with a burst of static. “On deck, contestants number four and seven.”

  “That’s you.” Cole nudged Sam toward the chutes. “Eyes on the target, kid. You can do it. I’ll be there in a few to help you mount.”

  Sam’s boots—and previous burst of self confidence—felt connected to someone else as she shuffled her way toward the line of riders. God, help me. I don’t want to make the same mistake Dad did.

  Ethan thrust a handful of bills into the taxi driver’s hand and jumped from the cab. There’d been no time to arrange a car rental from the airport. He slammed the door and raced up the walk to the main house. Please let them be inside, please let them be inside. The prayer echoed in rhythm to his pounding heart as he banged on the front door. He waited, then knocked again.

  Clara opened the door, a spatula in one hand and a firm wrinkle nestled between her drawn eyebrows. “Can I help you?” Attitude radiated from her apron-covered body and Ethan took a step back.

  “I’m looking for Samantha—I mean, Sam, and Angie. Are they here?” He craned his head to look over Clara’s shoulder, but she pulled the door halfway shut.

  “I believe that’s none of your concern.” Her arms crossed over her chest and Ethan took another step away.

  “It’s important. Please.” He heard the panic in his voice and cleared his throat. “I can’t let her—It’s urgent. Trust me.”

  “Can’t let her what?” Clara’s hand holding the spatula lowered and the frown on her face eased.

  Ethan ran a hand over his hair and huffed an impatient breath. “I can’t let her sell the ranch to my father’s company.”

  “Your father’s company? I thought it was yours, too.”

  “Not since I left a few hours ago to come warn Angie and Sam about his intentions.”

  Clara’s lips twitched to the side. “Well, why didn’t you say so in the first place? You better stop her quick. Angie signed the papers and just left for the post office to mail them. Never seen a body so discouraged. But she was taking ’em anyway.”

  “She’s already gone? Where’s the post office?” Ethan’s hands balled into fists. He couldn’t have come this far to be too late. Maybe he could fly back to the office in New York and catch the letters in the mail before they reached his father—assuming he would even be allowed back on the premises after this move he pulled.

  “You can still catch Ms. Jenson. The post office is only a mile or two away. Take one of the horses.” Clara pointed to the barn. “Looks like Wildfire is still saddled from the afternoon ride. I know Cole won’t mind if you borrow him, he’s not here anyway.”

  Ethan stopped on his trek down the stairs. “Where is he?” Cole never left the ranch except for supplies, not even when he was sick last weekend.

  Clara glanced over her shoulder, then back down at Ethan. “You didn’t hear this from me, but Cole and Sam are at some rodeo in town. I don’t know what they’re up to, but I know they have secrets. Big ones.”

  Ethan’s heart jumpstarted with a jerk. The rodeo. That was tonight? His head swam and he gripped the staircase railing. Sam was going to ride—and he wouldn’t be there. What if she got hurt? He squeezed his eyes shut as panic racked his senses.

  He couldn’t be in two places at once. Stop Angie from mailing the contract, or stop Sam from making a huge—and potentially deadly—mistake?

  Sam’s breath came in tight gasps. The cowboy on her right nudged her with his shoulder. “You okay there?”

  She forced a smile and squeezed the rail with both hands. The dirt ground under her feet felt as sure as quicksand. “Fine.” Just perfect. I’m about to die the same way my father did. Terror gripped her with two hands and she struggled against the panic clawing at her lungs.

  “Good luck.” The cowboy, number four, tipped his hat to her and moved up in line to take his turn.

  Sam couldn’t help but stare as he easily scaled the chute and settled on the bull’s broad back. He made it look so easy. She squeezed her eyes shut. You can do this, you can do this. Oh, no I can’t! Was the farm worth it? Worth her life? If she died, there would be no breeding business to enjoy again. No more horseback riding. No more campfires and trail rides and long talks with Kate.

  No more kisses with Ethan.

  Her heart skipped a beat and Sam opened her eyes. Dust flew as a bell dinged and cowboy number four charged into the arena. She stared unseeing as a dozen memories with Ethan flickered before her. His taut arm muscles as he lifted bale after bale of hay into the bed of her truck. The expression of content he wore while ambling beside her on a trail ride. His dark chocolate gaze daring her to hate him. Oh, how she’d tried. But Ethan’s true character overcame the prejudiced, city-slicker label she’d stuck on him at his arrival, and he quickly became a real cowboy in her eyes.

  If he hadn’t betrayed her, she’d have easily entertained ideas of him being the one.

  A buzzer sounded and jerked Sam from her thoughts. She swallowed as contestant number four slipped from the bull and jogged to the chute. The horned beast galloped toward the clown attendants waiting for him, and they quickly corralled the animal at the other end of the arena.

  She was next. It would take several minutes to ready the next bull, so she had five, eight minutes tops to stall.

  Or escape.

  Sam rubbed slick palms down her jeans. Just breathe. She inhaled deeply but the anxiety refused to let go. God, if I’m making a mistake, stop me!

  “Sam!”

  Sam’s eyes widened at the familiar voice calling to her from the stands. She turned just in time to see Ethan and her mother running to her through the crowd, pushing past a man in a black hat and nearly knocking over a young girl with braided pigtails.

  Ethan reached Sam first, grabbing her shoulders with both hands. He panted, trying to catch his breath. “You can’t—please don’t—” He squeezed her arms and tried again. “Don’t hate me.”

  Tears crowded Sam’s eyes and she blinked rapidly against the threatening torrent. “Why not?” Her heart screamed a thousand reasons why not and she begged them to shut up. Ethan had betrayed her, had kissed her as if he meant it and pretended to like her. To love her. All for the sake of a real estate sale.

  But could he really have pretended that realistically?

  “Why not?” Ethan’s voice pleaded over the sudden applause from the stands behind them. “Because I’m here.” His eyes searched hers and Sam turned away. But her hands shook for reasons completely outside her pending bul
l ride, and she couldn’t deny it another minute. She opened her mouth, still unsure what to say, but her mom interrupted.

  “Sam, don’t do this.” Angie brushed messy hair from her eyes and futilely tried to push the loose strands into her ponytail. “I should have told you about Jeffrey’s offer. But I wanted to make the best decision for us, and knew that you would influence me toward keeping the property. Sometimes you’re too strong for your own good. I wanted you to be able to get on with your life.” She let out her breath. “But I had no idea how much the breeding farm really meant to you until Ethan talked to me on the way here.”

  “What choice do we have? If I don’t ride, you’re going to sell.” Sam’s voice caught in her throat and a few of the tears pressing against her lids slipped free. “You might still sell anyway.”

  “No, she’s not. Or rather, she shouldn’t.” Ethan reached toward Sam, then let his hand fall to his side. Her fingers burned just imagining the contact and she squeezed her hand into a protective fist. Ethan continued, turning to Angie. “My dad can’t be trusted. The highway is being relocated near your ranch. If he buys your property, it’s being turned into a strip mall. He lied about his intentions in order to offer a lower price. I’ve known that, but thought if I could just play his game long enough, I could escape it all. But there’s no escaping his level of lying and manipulation.” He exhaled slowly. “I just thought if I held in there a little longer and stayed on the inside, I could protect you, Sam. I’m sorry for deceiving you. I never meant to.”

  “I know.” The words left her lips before she could fully process and Sam blinked in surprise.

  “You do?” Ethan’s head dipped toward hers.

  She nodded and wiped at her eyes. “I do.” The truth filled her heart in sweet relief. She knew Ethan couldn’t hurt her that badly, not after all they’d been through together. The doubts scratched the surface but deep down, Sam knew better. The overheard conversation and anger at Angie over selling the ranch had pushed Sam over the edge. If she’d just thought long enough about Ethan’s true character, the man he’d been slowly revealing himself to be these past couple weeks, she would have seen it was a mistake.