When she looked back, Trent turned around and watched them walk out.
“Yeah, I think we can turn some of these into black and white. They’ll look terrific in this light.” When they got outside the arena, Caulder pulled her to the side. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close enough to kiss. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For saving our reputations back there. Quick thinking.” He kissed her again. “And for getting a couple off in the stable.” His smile lit his whole face. She wanted to capture this smile in her memory to keep forever.
“You’re bad, Caulder.” She knew her cheeks flushed.
“Yeah. I can’t help it when I’m with the woman I just made love to.” He moved her hair from her eyes. “With the woman I could surely fall in love with, if it hasn’t already happened. You, the woman I’m not finished with, yet.”
Velia peered into his eyes. Love? Could Caulder love her? Could he, did he, will he forget his pain from another relationship to love her? How about her? Could she trust again? Put her abused life with Justin aside and let another man inside? Maybe it already had happened. Caulder abruptly became a big part of her life. She had sex, made crazy love twice now. Two multi-orgasmic episodes. Yes, she could live with multiple orgasms on a regular basis. She rested her hands on his shoulders and leaned forward to kiss his lips. “Don’t fall in love with me so soon. This is a year of awakening for you. Life will change after this tour.”
“I want you in it. That doesn’t have to change. Please give this year a try with me. Because I don’t think I can do it without you.”
She surveyed his face, looking for distrust, but she only saw honesty. “I’ll try. I’ll stop denying what it is. Maybe we can have a working relationship with intimacy.”
“I want it to be more than intimacy. I want a real relationship with you. Not just sex.” He brought her against him. “Although sex is the best sex I’ve ever had. Sex with you is different. It’s whole, all the way around. I want the world to know.”
“Are you sure? The world to know we are...? What are we?”
“We’re a couple. Say the word.”
Velia put her arms around his waist and fanned her fingers across his backside.
“Blast it all to hell, now I want my own photographer.” Donna came around the corner catching them in each other’s arms. “What do we have here?”
They separated from their embrace. “We have a couple here.” Velia slid her arms around Caulder’s waist. “Yes, we’ve decided we can have a professional relationship—with perks.”
“She jests, Donna. We’re a couple, but we’ve tried to hide it. We can’t anymore.” He squeezed Velia tight. “We don’t care if the world knows.”
“Well, you’re talking to the right person.”
“I don’t want the news to interfere with my work, or Velia’s.” Caulder pulled her close and kissed her on top of the head. “I would rather it didn’t become the center of attention around here. Let it gradually happen. They’ll know when they know.”
“By all means, your secret is safe with me.” She turned and headed to the stable. “Guess I better find my next interviewee.”
“Yeah, I believe her like I believe no fat in potato chips.” He ushered her away from the stable and grounds. He didn’t hide his smug little laugh. “I wonder if they’re doing what we were doing in there.”
“We could go back and look, and then we’d have one up on her.” She stopped and put her hand on his arm. “We could catch them in the act, and we could use it if we had to.”
“A bit of voyeurism coming out there, ma’am? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to see Donna doing it with anyone.”
“Really?”
“Really.” They started walking again. “Where did this naughty girl come from? You surprise me.”
“Maybe a little rebellion left but not naughty.” She stopped, faced him. “What are we going to do about this, Caulder? I mean, can you work and concentrate with me behind the lens? I don’t want you getting hurt.”
“It’ll be better now. It was hell to know you were photographing me and doing those videos when it meant nothing. These few months of knowing you drove me mad. At least now I can stop the need. You’re quite good at satisfying my need, ma’am.”
“I’m still going to be maaaaa’ yaaaaammmm.”
“You say it so cute.” He patted her cheek. “Shucks!”
“So do you. Are you always going to call me ma’am?”
“Probably. It’s not what I plan, it happens.”
They walked on hand in hand. “Now what? Lunch?”
“Yep, how about room service in my room?” he said, slipping his arm around her waist.
“I don’t think so. Shouldn’t you save your energy so you can win again tonight?”
“Good point.” He clenched her arm. “Come on. I have a great place to take you to eat. You’ll love it.”
“Where are we going? Are we walking? Is it safe to walk? Do I smell like a barn?”
“Yes to all.” He chortled. “Do you always ask so many questions?”
“Only when I’m nervous. You know what they say about walking around here.”
“I’ve done it a million times. You’re from Chicago. How can you be worried about New York?”
“My father doesn’t have people who know me in New York.”
“Make a call. I bet he does.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, wondering if he was being snarky or serious.
“Come on, he walks around with body guards…you’re Italian, I put three and three together.”
“You’re not the dumb hick you want people to think you are.”
“Nope. I pay attention everywhere I go.”
“So, you still haven’t told me where we’re walking, or how far.”
“We’re going to a little pub around the corner. It’ll be fine.” He moved to the outside of the walk near the curb. “Call your father. He’ll probably tell you everything is okay.”
“I will.” She pulled out her cell phone and Ric Armano answered right away.”
Caulder held her hand as they continued.
“Okay, so you were right. He said it was fine.” She squeezed his hand as she walked along side him. They went inside and took a seat. “This is a nice place. I’m glad we came here. How did you find it?” she said, looking around at the decor.
Caulder sighed. “Ah, Ms. Armano, your name automatically says you’re from Italian descent. What does McCutchen say to you?”
“Oh! Yes, Irish. You’re Irish. This place is Irish.”
“Close, but half right. Scotch-Irish. My mom is Irish, Dad is Scottish. Nice combination.”
“I agree.” She thought they made a handsome son no matter what the nationality.
After they finished lunch and the dishes were removed, he reached over and took her hand. “What are you thinking?”
“How fast everything moved. First, I’m with Justin. The next thing I know I’m living happily at Alice and Edward’s.” She squeezed his hand as she spoke. “Then I met you with your howdy, ma’am and those damn gorgeous eyes of yours. Now I’m on a tour for almost a year taking pictures of my lover while I smell like a stable.” She looked intently into his deep blue orbs. “I swear I turned around with my eyes closed, and when I opened them, I had a totally new life.”
“Sounds like you’re having second thoughts about us again. About this tour?”
She tried to pull her hand from his, but he didn’t let go. “I don’t know. It happened so quickly, Caulder.”
“If you’re thinking of dropping out of either, don’t.”
“I’ll stay and finish the tour.”
“And us?”
“I don’t know. I’m back to square one. Maybe saying we could be a couple is a mistake. I’m not sure now.”
“Stay with me tonight after the show. Explore this with me. I want to spend the night with you and not have you leave my bed. I
want to hold you after making love.” Caulder caressed her fingers. “Please, come to my bed tonight before making your decision final.”
Velia gazed into his questioning eyes, seeing so much emotion in his stare. “I’m not sure.” She diverted her eyes. “I’ll think it over.”
“Whatever you say.” He took the bill and left a generous tip. “Let’s go back to the hotel.”
Velia slipped out of the seat and walked ahead of Caulder. They headed back to the arena in silence. After a still cab ride to the hotel, Caulder unlocked the door and handed her the key card. She stepped inside, and he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I’ll pick you up later for the show. Get some rest.”
“Okay,” she murmured to the closed door. She clutched her head with both hands and almost screamed. “What am I doing?” She plopped down on the bed and covered her eyes with the pillow. “Why do I not want to be with him?” She rolled onto her side and a piece of straw fell out of her shirt, reminding her of their risqué rendezvous in the stable. Of all places to make love, but it was fun and thrilling, and she still had a warm rousing when she remembered. She jumped in the shower and thought maybe the memory would wash down the drain with the smell of straw.
She must have fallen asleep because a knock on the door woke her. Her watch read five o’clock. She slept two hours. When she looked through the peephole, she saw Caulder standing there in his best fitting jeans and plaid shirt. She pulled the door open and continued to the bathroom to freshen up, and almost screamed when she saw her wild hair after falling asleep with it wet.
“The cab’s downstairs. Grab your camera and let’s go. I’ll be waiting down there.”
He acted different. He didn’t have the pep in his step or the joy in his voice. Because of her? She brushed her hair and wrapped an elastic band around a ponytail. Quickly she sprayed perfume and donned her black Levi’s and grey-and-white checkered shirt. She wrapped a red scarf around her neck and grabbed red earrings. “Oh, forget the hat. I can’t wear it when I take pictures.” She sat on the bed to pull on her boots but grabbed her face between her hands. She wondered why she led him on and then dropped him like a stewed apple that missed the pot. She cried, big tears running down her face. She wanted Caulder, but she didn’t want a relationship right now. What the hell is the right answer? If only she could put him in a little camera bag, and zip it up tight until she was ready.
When she got in the cab, Caulder shut the door and went around to the other side. He scooted to the edge of the seat and lowered his hat over his eyes, his long legs having barely enough room. He didn’t say a word all the way to the arena. Once they arrived, he saw her in through security and went on without her. She made her way around the stands, choosing where she would get photos. She would get everything whether she wanted to or not. When he asked, she would have them. She was the creative genius here not him.
The crowd arrived early and the seats filled fast. It would be interesting to see if the same man went to the groupies, or “buckle bunnies” as Caulder called them. It’s true, most of the men had wives or girlfriends, but there were the single few. Their main goal was the bull and their riding, but a pretty face was always nice to end the night with, or to be seen on their arm. The attached guys were a different breed. Take the past champ, Paulo, for instance. He was happily married and doted after his wife all the time. Even when he won, he ran to her in the stands and hugged her in front of the world. She saw it in the videos. Maybe Caulder would, too, if she gave him the chance.
The show would soon begin, so she checked her camera and set up the tripod. She stood with Donna on the raised platform when she finished. While there, she caught a glimpse of the same man walking up to a pretty brunette spilling out of a low, pink top. Velia stood on her tiptoes so she could get a better look. The girl’s jeans might as well be painted on. She smiled as they spoke. Velia watched the man as he looked over to where the riders waited. He nodded as if giving a signal. Looking to where the man pointed, Velia saw Caulder nod. “Oh, my gawd!”
“What is it? What did I miss?” Donna turned her head in every direction then got distracted with another man.
“Nothing! Nothing at all.” She raised her camera and snapped a picture of Caulder at the same time he glanced over at her. He did it on purpose! I can’t believe he did something so childish. Velia stomped her foot and crossed her arms. If he wanted to play games, she knew how to play games. Except for one thing. She didn’t want anyone else… Still, she’d show him. She scanned the area behind the chutes, tapping her fingernail on her camera. Hmm, now if I wanted to be with any of these guys, which one would I choose? At the right moment, Foley glanced her way. He nodded. Oh, it looked like he winked but hard to tell from the distance. “Perfect.” She stepped down and turned to Donna. “I’ll be back.”
She appeared behind Foley and asked him to smile. When he did, she clicked then checked the display. She smiled back. This escapade teetered on making a big mistake and she knew it. “Hey, Kenny, come here a minute.” The bullfighter, or some called him a clown, came over. She handed him the camera. “How about snapping a picture of me and Foley? I think it will brighten up my scrapbook.”
“Sure, anything for you, Ms. Armano.” He took the camera and waited while Foley put his arm around her shoulder. She wrapped both arms around his waist. Cuddling next to him, she put her cheek against his and smiled like it was the most fun she ever had. When she glanced at Caulder, she noticed the girl in the stands had walked up and sat behind the chutes, and he smiled at her, apparently, not caring she was standing with her arms around someone else. After he finally saw her with Foley, he went over and sat next to the girl. Velia steamed inside, boiled. She kissed Foley on the cheek, and Kenny snapped another photo.
She went too far.
“So, Velia, how about a drink with me afterward? The hotel bar about midnight?”
She thought about it a moment and looked to where Caulder sat with the pretty brunette, but as Velia watched, the girl got up and walked away, glancing back at Caulder. Velia swallowed a lump, knowing if she continued, Foley might end up getting hurt as would her reputation.
“I don’t think so. I want to get back and start editing tonight’s pictures.”
“You’re passing up a good thing here.” He ran his hands down his sides.
“Oh, Foley, maybe I’m crazy, but I really need to get busy on the photos.” She glanced at Caulder again and saw him watching. He scowled and turned away. “Thank you for the offer though.”
“Last chance. Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Call me nuts, but I’m sure. Maybe what’s-his-name will find you a hot chick for tonight?”
“I don’t get involved.” He stepped off the bleacher seat. “I gotta go.”
“Bye, Foley. Good luck tonight.”
Chapter Sixteen
Caulder grabbed her arm before she turned toward her spot on the bleachers, angry eyes focused on hers. She glanced at his hand squeezing her arm. He lessened his hold. “What the hell are you trying to do?” he whispered against her ear before he climbed into the chute. “Is this what you want?” His words burned along with his glare.
She picked up her camera, clicking from any angle she could. When she lowered it, her sodden eyes blurred. She blamed it on the pressure from the eyepiece. Did she fool him? She purposely tried to hurt him and it cut deep. She always had empathy for others and now sensed his anger. Anger? Or hurt? No matter now for she lifted her camera and kept shooting. When the biggest bull she ever saw bucked in the chutes, she held her breath and even screamed once, dropping her camera. It swung on the strap around her neck.
Time dragged by while he tried getting the right fit on the bull’s back. Velia watched his muscles flex as he tightened the rope against his hand. His anxiety floated in the air toward her, and she could smell his sweaty scent. She didn’t dare close her eyes to enjoy it for fear of the gate opening and she’d miss something. She observed the intensity on his face,
and then he nodded. It happened so fast afterwards. The gate swung open and the bull barged out, ready to run over anything in his path. He bucked and twisted, kicking his hind legs high in the air at the same time, definitely high points for Caulder.
Again she pointed her camera in his direction, zoomed in to capture the look on his face, and then panned to the crowd. Three seconds left and the audience jumped to their feet. The buzzer rang, but instead of Caulder jumping off like normal, his gloved hand got stuck in the rope and the bull dragged him, legs flopping like the wings on a grounded hawk. The bullfighters gave chase, trying to distract the raging force, but Caulder had to get himself untied. Finally, a horseman came along side the bull to slow him down, giving Caulder a chance to free himself with help from a bullfighter.
Velia took a deep breath and didn’t remove her eyes until he dropped to his feet, swinging his rope high in the air. The crowd went crazy, yelling and screaming and stomping in the stands. Immediately after, she noticed he searched for her. She waved her camera in the air and smiled. He nonchalantly smiled back, nodded. Raising her camera high above the waving arms in front of her, she captured his moment. The crowd became silent while they waited for the score. Then it showed on the scoreboard—92 points. Again, confetti dropped from the ceiling. Caulder had a big smile on his face when he headed out into the arena to take a bow. He proceeded to the center circle to sit with the main announcer. On the way, he glanced at her in the stands, but she concentrated on taking a video of him walking out there, freezing a frame so she could capture the confetti falling around him.
When it all ended, Caulder had won for the night, and when all points were tallied up for the weekend, he came out the winner. This would help his career. He started out with a win, which automatically gave him an advantage. Out of the corner of her eye, Velia caught a glimpse of the pretty brunette walking in the direction of the guy who talked to her earlier. She spoke close to his ear. The man took her by the arm and escorted her back behind the stands out of sight. Velia gathered her equipment and took her time stepping down the bleacher seating. She headed for the dressing room in the back where she met Caulder the night before, but when she arrived, there was no sign of him. She made her way around, peeking behind the curtains where the injured guys would have been waiting. The doctor came out and stopped to say hello.
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