“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Miss Adeline,” his assistant coach drawls out as he opens the door for Carson to get in. He stares at my face before his eyes wander lecherously up and down my body, making me feel like I need to take another shower from his grossness. I receive the evil eye from Carson as he gets into the car, warning me to be nice to his coach. Andrew Knox has been an assistant coach at Bear Creek for four years now and while most women would think he’s cute and a catch since he’s one of the younger coaches on staff, he’s always given off a creepy vibe to me. Plus, he’s my brother’s coach. I wouldn’t date anyone who has any association with my brothers.
“Good evening, Coach Knox,” I politely comment with a nod of my head. “Hope practice was successful tonight.”
“Oh it was. Your brother worked hard getting ready to play Beaumont this weekend. You coming to the game?” I take a peek at my brother’s face out of my peripheral vision and can tell he’s uncomfortable, knowing full well what his coach is up to. Andrew Knox doesn’t do small talk, especially with a female.
“No, I can’t this Friday. I already have plans.” My brother looks my way, relief shining bright in his eyes. Carson doesn’t care if I don’t come to his away games, but it looks like he’s especially grateful that I’m not coming to this one.
“That’s a shame. I was hoping you would finally take me up on my offer of dinner after what I know will be a victory.” He smiles at me and I can’t help but to throw up a little in my mouth.
“Since hell hasn’t frozen over yet, it looks like you’ll be waiting for a long time. I suggest you take someone who’s receptive to the idea of sharing a meal with you. I do thank you for the offer though.” My voice oozes out sweetness, but my eyes are as serious as a car accident. The smile on his face falters, the collective gasps of his players behind him fill the night air. My brother groans and covers his face with his hands in mortification.
Andrew’s eyes turn cold and he slams my car door shut before leaning inside the open window frame for one last word. “No wonder you’re still single, Miss Murphy. No man would ever want to put up with a mouth like that.”
“Their loss if they don’t like a little spice in their life,” I say with a bright smile and give him a wink. “Toodles boys!” I put the car into drive and press hard on the gas, my tires skidding out as we accelerate ahead. I look in the rearview mirror to see all of them still staring at us.
“Why? Why did you have to do that to me, Adeline?” Carson whines from behind his hands. “Everyone is going to be talking about this tomorrow at school.”
“Did you really want me to go to dinner with him? He’s a skeezball, Carson! I have more respect for myself than that!”
“Couldn’t you just accepted to go on one date with him and then turn him down nicely afterwards?”
“No!” I look at him incredulously, not believing what I’m hearing. “First off, he’s your coach! Do you know how many more rumors would start if I did go out on one date with him? Secondly, he’s a douchebag! I don’t date men like that.”
“No one would hit on you if you had a boyfriend they all knew about. Why aren’t you dating anyone right now? Is it because you prefer women over men?” At first I think he’s joking, but then my mouth drops open in shock when I see the seriousness in his eyes.
“Seriously, Carson? What do you think?” My voice goes up an octave, my frustration with my brother’s ignorance at an all-time high.
“I don’t think you do, but Dad is questioning it. When he isn’t talking about football, he’s talking about how he can’t understand why his only daughter isn’t married already.” I don’t answer as I pull into the drive-through of the BBQ restaurant. I collect my thoughts and tell myself to calm down while we wait in line. I’m livid that my father thinks I have to be married at the age of twenty-five. Why can’t he just be content that I’m happy with myself and am figuring out what I want to do with my life?
“Any guy who has shown interest in me has done so because of who Dad is. For once, it would be nice for someone to want me for me. Until that happens, I’ll stay single. Do you have a problem with that?” I narrow my eyes at him, challenging him to say that he does. My fist will have no problems connecting with his nose if he does.
“Don’t you think Colt and I wonder if people are interested in us for our talent and not because we’re his sons? Of course I understand what you’re going through and I have no problems with you staying single. Hell, you could become a nun for all I care.” I smile at his nun comment, despite being taken aback by his admission. I didn’t think my brothers were bothered by being in our daddy’s limelight. I thought they loved it, so I’m surprised to hear that they too question people’s motives and interests when it comes to them.
“You know, you would probably be the hottest nun alive. You in a nun’s garb would spark a whole new wave of men’s fantasies in Bear Creek. Maybe you should seriously consider that as your next Halloween costume.” I playfully punch him in his rock hard abs, shaking my head at where his mind goes. His eyes are gleaming with mischief, making me see how truly handsome he is. I feel bad for all the ladies that are already falling for him.
“I’m sorry I embarrassed you tonight, Carson. I just wanted him to get the hint that he’ll never have a chance with me. I probably delivered it a little too harshly,” I say before driving us up to the intercom. I place our order and continue to drive forward to wait our turn.
“That’s an understatement. You were brutal.” He rakes his hands through his hair and sighs. “It’s okay, I still love you. In all seriousness, I do want you to be happy, Adeline. Promise me you’ll never settle for anyone who doesn’t make you happy? Especially if Mom and Dad pressure you into it?”
“Wait, is there something I should know about? They aren’t trying to do an arranged marriage with another former football player’s son are they?” I wouldn’t put it past my father to do something like that so I’m dead serious when I ask Carson this question.
“No, he isn’t planning an arranged marriage, although now that you mention it, Dad would do something crazy like that if you aren’t married by thirty.” I groan at his words because he’s probably right and I better get the heck out of dodge soon.
“Please don’t even put that idea in his head by asking if he would ever do that.” We laugh together at the mental image as I pull up to the drive thru window to collect our food. Even though I initially didn’t want to pick up my brother tonight, I’m glad my dad forced me into it. It has been awhile since I had one-on-one time with Carson and hearing that we have a lot of the same concerns about trusting people makes me feel better. Hopefully after tonight, Carson will talk some sense into our parents, especially our father. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll leave me alone for the time being.
I’ll never settle for someone just to be in a relationship. I’m learning that I don’t need to have a man to take care of me. I quite like that I can take care of myself emotionally, financially, and physically. Besides, I have a feeling that the love of my life isn’t from Bear Creek. Tessa and I have plans to get out of Bear Creek and move to Austin once her books make her more money than her current job at the rodeo. When we’re settled and living in Austin, I’ll warm up to the idea of dating. I already have a list of pre-requisites that my future dates must check off before I even say yes to going out with them:
They better be cute… at least in my opinion.
They better not be from Bear Creek.
They better be taller than me.
They better have a job.
They better not like football.
And they especially better not know who my father is.
Chapter Three
RYAN
I was never one who took naps before we came to America, but I have learned within these last seven months of being on the road, backseat naps in the car are mandatory. Our schedule on the circuit is brutal, far worse than what we experienced in Australia and Spain. We ha
d an inkling it was going to be taxing, especially if we wanted to make it to Nationals. But until you’re actually doing it, you can’t even begin to imagine how draining it is, both mentally and physically.
I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling of the rental car. I wish I was on an airplane right now instead of this cramped backseat, but our next rodeo was within driving distance from our last one. Texas is a huge state and lots of these rodeos are in smaller towns. We have a slight break coming up while being here that is appearing at the perfect time. Our bodies are hanging on by a thread before being seriously injured. We need rest, relaxation, and good food.
I also need a woman.
Fat chance that is going to happen!
My mood immediately blackens at the thought. I have done the unthinkable - I haven’t touched a woman since we landed. With the way Rhett set our schedule, I’ve even been too tired for my own hand to relieve me. All we do is compete, travel, eat and sleep. And with Rhett watching my every move, I don’t see any beautiful American women in my future.
My stomach rumbles, bringing my thoughts back to my current situation of hunger. I look out the window to see that dusk is settling in, making me wonder how long we’ve been on the road for and if we’re ever going to stop driving.
“Can we please stop for dinner soon? I’m starving!” I whine when a hunger pain ricochets through my stomach. I don’t care where we are at this point - I need food. Hangry Ryan is starting to rear his ugly head.
“We only have thirty minutes left until we reach the hotel. Can you wait or are you going to pass out on me like a sissy?” Rhett responds, a smirk playing on his lips when he looks at me in the rearview mirror.
Thirty minutes sounds suspiciously like one more hour to me. I have no choice but to wait as he’s won’t pull off the road for food if we are that close.
“Fine,” I groan, not liking that I have to wait. “We need to strategize this better for next year. I’m bloody tired.” There’s no way we can sustain this type of schedule and dominate the pro rodeo circuit.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Rhett flashes a smile while glancing back at me. “Let’s talk more at dinner about how we’re going to maximize our winnings by which rodeos we choose and how to minimize our traveling expenses for next year.” I nod at him, my eyes gazing back out the window. Once we started to compete and people saw how talented we really were, sponsors started to pay attention and offered us their sponsorship to help pay for our travel and registration fees. We still have a long way to go with gaining more sponsorship support. Our desire to make as much money as we can is part of our driving force. Fortunately, we both saved while we took that year and a half off helping out on the farm. Any money we’ve made so far has gone right back into funding this tour.
My thoughts are interrupted when I feel the vibration of my phone in my jean’s pocket. I pull it out to see I have a text message from Cody Burr, one of the cowboys we’ve been competing with. Cody is a great guy and has taken it upon himself to try to help us anytime we’re at the same rodeo together, which has been wonderful since we don’t know who to trust. We’ve heard plenty of stories of who the assholes of the circuit are and because of that, we’ve kept to ourselves. There are cliques in the pro rodeo just like anywhere else and with us being fresh competition, some of the other cowboys haven’t been so welcoming. It would be nice to hang out with someone who seems trustworthy.
“Hey, are we near Austin?” I ask, praying that we aren’t too far away. “Cody just sent me a text saying they’re eating dinner downtown and that if we’re close, we should join them. I really think we should, Rhett. We’ve been snotty pricks this whole time by not getting to know at least the nice guys. He didn’t even have to invite us,” I reason, hoping that Rhett sees the importance of us socializing with some of the guys.
“You’re right, we should stop and take him up on his offer. Find out where he is so we can put it into the navigation.”
I text Cody back and within seconds, he sends me the address of the restaurant. I put it into the navigation for Rhett and fortunately, it says we’re only fifteen minutes away. It takes awhile to find parking, but once we do, we quickly make our way into a restaurant on Austin’s famed 6th Street. The restaurant is packed, but Cody and his friends stick out with their cowboy hats on. I laugh and shake my head at how goofy they look among this crowd. This is not a country bar. This is a trendy restaurant that features anyone but cowboys. I’m happy that Rhett and I don’t wear our hats outside of work. Sure, I love the attention from the ladies, but I can get that without wearing a hat.
We make our way through the crowd to the bar where Cody and his crew are sitting. Cody is with three other cowboys from the circuit — Tate Reynolds, Luke Reno, and Casey Jennings. All three men are extremely talented and have been respectful to Rhett and I since the day we arrived. We greet everyone with handshakes and settle in, placing our drink orders with the bartender and taking a seat. While we wait, I decide to look around and check out the view.
And when I mean look around, I don’t mean at the restaurant decor.
This place is crawling with gorgeous women, so much so that I decide to double up on my drink order because a plan is starting to form in this brilliant brain of mine. If I can get Rhett drunk and have some pretty little thing distract him, I can finally get some female attention that I so desperately deserve. The bartender serves us our drinks and I place a glass of Guinness against Rhett’s chest, drawing his attention away from whatever he was looking at. With his back facing me while he people watches, I decide this is the perfect opportunity to involve Cody in my plan.
“Hey Cody, I need to talk to you.” I make sure my voice is firm, but not loud enough for Rhett to hear what I’m about to say. “I need your help with distracting Rhett’s attention away from me tonight.”
“How do you mean?” he asks, his eyes squinting in confusion.
“Rhett has this horrible idea that we need to be celibate during competition. Some bullshit that it will help us focus better and that girls are just distraction, blah, blah, blah. This is the longest I’ve gone without having me a lady and it’s really messing with me. So I was thinking, since this is our first night out and all, that maybe you and the boys can play wing men and help show Rhett a good ol’ Texas time?” I wiggle my eyebrows at him, hoping he gets the hint at what I need him to do for me.
“So you want me to babysit your older brother while you go out and try to get laid tonight?” He gives me a skeptical look, as if he doubts my ability in charming a woman that quickly. I have a huge advantage over every other good looking bloke in this bar — my Irish accent.
“That’s exactly what I need you to do,” I confirm, causing him to laugh at my serious tone. “This is no laughing matter, Cody. This is a cruel and unusual punishment my brother is putting me through.”
“Actually, I think your brother has a point. Not that I’m saying not to have sex while you’re on tour, especially if you already have a significant other, but you definitely don’t want to be messing around with some of these ladies.” My mouth falls open in shock, not believing what I’m hearing from him. He chuckles at my expression and shakes his head at me.
“Gentlemen, back me up here. This young stud is complaining about no sex during competition. Tate, you’re the single one of out of all of us, what’s your take?” Tate Reynolds is the poster child of your stereotypical good-looking, all American guy and is a fan favorite with the ladies. Yet, I never see him with anyone. I need to find out what his deal is when I’m not knee deep in Operation: Getting Laid.
“If I’m not dating someone, then yeah, no sex with randoms during circuit season, especially girls from the rodeo.” All three of them nod their heads in agreement and I feel my chances of any help with Rhett slipping away from me.
“You know, we all heard that you were a bit of a man whore before you got here and since we haven’t seen that type of behavior from you, we chalked it up to just be
ing malicious gossip. Now I know your handler over here has a muzzle on your balls.” Cody slaps me on the back while the other guys laugh. “Ain’t that right, Rhett?” Cody yells over to Rhett, who doesn’t acknowledge him.
“Rhett! Are you listening to us?” I ask, surprised that he didn’t chime in with Cody’s joking. He glances back at me, but not before his eyes venture back to a table close by him.
“Clearly someone else has his attention. Who are you looking at?” All four of us follow his line of vision to see two beautiful women talking adamantly to each other. My eyes are immediately drawn to the blonde, whose gorgeous smile temporarily renders me speechless. She’s speaking rapidly to her friend in excitement, her eyes wide and shining with happiness. No wonder my brother was staring at them.
Oh shit, is he interested in the blonde?
I’ve never competed with my brother for a woman’s attention and I pray that tonight won’t be the first because this woman is exactly what I’m looking for. Rhett and I have only been out together in a socialized setting maybe a handful of times and of those times, I was already zeroed in on my next guaranteed good time. With him and I having different tastes in lifestyles, this was never a conflict before.
“Tate, doesn’t the brunette look familiar?” Cody says out loud and I see my brother’s demeanor immediately change. His body tenses and he now gives our conversation his undivided attention. Thank goodness, he likes the brunette! His sudden change of behavior is probably because he has a non-negotiable rule of not dating anyone who has been with someone he knows. If he finds out she has dated one of the cowboys on the circuit, he will immediately lose interest.
The Celtic Cowboy: Bear Creek Rodeo Page 2