Heart of Steele

by Randi Alexander

  Reno imagined Chase sitting in his trailer waiting for her. He would have taken those first ten minutes and cleaned himself up a little, straightened his place, maybe lit a candle or opened a bottle of wine. He’d check the door every few minutes hoping to see her.

  She sensed something good in him. All those long talks, sharing their life stories, discussing their plans for the future. She’d grown to appreciate him as a friend. Her lip quivered when she thought of him in his trailer alone, waiting for a woman who would never show up.

  She didn’t want to hurt him. “Crap!” Her cuss interrupted the director’s story. Everyone looked at her. “Sorry, um, my phone startled me. Excuse me.” She pulled her phone from her pocket and used it as an excuse to get away.

  Reno did that often, maybe too often, but underneath it all, she was still just a quiet, country girl. When things overwhelmed her—like a country western superstar getting too serious—she’d pull out her phone and excuse herself.

  Maybe she should call Mitzi and get some moral support for her weakening resolve. What time was it in South Dakota? Late, but she dialed anyway. Mitzi didn’t mind late-night calls if it involved Reno telling her stories about LA so Mitzi could ooh and aah over them.

  The phone rang once and her friend picked up. “Hi! What glamorous thing are you doing right now?”

  Reno sighed and put a finger in her other ear. “Trying to keep myself from doing something really stupid.”

  “Hon, you’re only there for another couple days. Do something stupid. Do it twice!”

  She laughed but had a hard time hearing her friend over the noise. She wound her way to the door and pushed it open. A storm had moved it and rain poured down as lightning zip-lined across the sky. She closed it and slid through a door into the next studio. Where his trailer sat among a dozen others at the far end, only about a football field away but a whole lot further than she was willing to go.

  “You know me and my moral compass.” The truth was, she already felt too attached to the cowboy. One night with him might tip her over the edge into an emotional whirlpool that would spin her heart out of control. Better to push away now than risk being hurt. Again.

  “Forget that damn compass. You’ll only get one—”

  “I know, Mitz, but this is something I have to work out for myself.” She hated to sound rude, but she and her friend had very different viewpoints on casual sex.

  “Is it because of Drake?”

  Reno stopped as surprise chilled her. She hadn’t really thought of her ex-boyfriend since filming started. Was she avoiding Chase because of Drake? “No. This guy’s nothing like that ass.” Chase wasn’t controlling, manipulative, or self-serving. Drake had been all three, and she was lucky to have gotten out of her relationship with the self-proclaimed “literary Phoenix” before he’d steered her career the wrong way down a one-way tunnel.

  “Good. You need to find a man who’ll love you for the wonderful, sweet woman you are.”

  Reno smiled sadly. “You are too good for my ego.” She took a breath and searched for a new topic. “How’s everything back there?”

  Reno heard a catch in her friend’s breath. “I didn’t want to tell you this until you got home, but I guess you should know—Jane lost the baby.”

  “Oh no. What happened?” Reno strolled along the wall.

  Mitzi went into detail about the miscarriage.

  “I’m glad you told me, Mitz. I was going to call her tomorrow.” Reno stopped. She was too damn close to the trailers. She should turn around…

  Was that smoke?

  Chase’s trailer, fronted by lawn furniture set on a piece of artificial grass, glowed with a long string of tiki lights running along the top. The trailer door stood open and small puffs of smoke curled up out of the trailer.

  “Oh God!”

  ####

  Connect With Me

  Thanks for reading Steele and Tracy’s story. I had a great time writing a relationship that started with a punch and ended with a new love and a new home for them both. I'd love to hear from you. I've listed all the places I hang out, and I hope you'll connect with me at one or more of them.

  All my best,

  Randi

  "Rode Hard and Put Up Satisfied"

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  About the Author

  USA Today Bestselling Author Randi Alexander knows a modern woman dreams of an alpha cowboy who takes the reins, and guarantees they’re rode hard and put up satisfied.

  Published with Cleis Press, Wild Rose Press, and self-published, Randi writes smokin' hot romance with heroes who'll have you begging to ride off into the sunset with them. When she's not dreaming of, or writing about, rugged cowboys, Randi is biking trails along remote rivers, snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday forming a tropical rock-band.

  Forever an adventurous spirit with a naughty imagination, Randi is also family oriented and married to the best guy in the world, her own cowboy, Kick. Give in to the allure of erotic passion, strong but vulnerable heroines, and irresistibly seductive cowboys, as Randi's emotional love stories sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with passion.

  Saddle up! And prepare yourself for the sexier side of happily ever after.

  Other Books by Randi Alexander

  Redneck Romeo: Red Hot Valentine - When Genevieve Riley sneaks onto the O’Bannon Ranch to return a stolen heirloom, the boy she’d fallen in love with as a teenager, Nick O’Bannon, catches her before she can slip away. The problem is, he’s now a big, rugged cowboy, and those feelings from a decade ago resurface. She can’t concentrate on anything but picking up where they left off.

  Nick can’t believe what his dogs cornered. Beautiful ‘Jellybean’ Riley, all grown up and sexier than sin. He never knew what tore her from his life when they were teens, just as their relationship was starting. With the heat radiating between them, he knows he can seduce her, but can he make her stay this time?

  Double Her Fantasy - At a comic book convention, artist Megan Shore is amazed to find action movie hunk Garret McGatlin sharing the same elevator. Usually reclusive, she jumps on the rare opportunity and flirts shamelessly with the man who has starred in more than one of her sexy fantasies. He responds strong and seductive, and she agrees to meet him for a drink—in his suite. When she arrives, it's his rancher brother, Trey, who opens the door and unleashes Megan's cowboy fantasy. Both men pour on the charm, and she's uncertain which of them she desires more.

  The McGatlin brothers have shared many women, but Megan is an irresistible combination of brains, beauty, humor, and sensuality. They want her, need both of their cocks sliding deep inside her. Working together, they execute a potent seduction. When one hot night turns into an amazing week, the three-way relationship becomes emotionally charged. But some bad publicity sends a terrified Megan running, and Garret and Trey have to devise a way to make the headlines disappear. Can they pull off the impossible, or will they lose Megan forever?

  Double Her Pleasure - The Sequel to Double Her Fantasy - Megan Shore had spent a fantasy week in Chicago with two of the sexiest men she’d ever met. Now she’s a guest on their ranch, and the McGatlin brothers, Trey and Garret, are heating up their ménage under the bright Texas sun. But when strange messages and mysterious gifts begin appearing, Megan fears the threat from her past has followed her from Canada.

  Trey and Garret McGatlin decided they wanted Megan for more than just that mind-blowing week in Chicago. Now that she’s with them on the Silver Spur, they’re thinking long-term. But she’s spooked by a past that won’t leave her alone and by people’s questions about their relationship. Will Megan bolt for home, or can they assure her she’s safe as well as desired in their bed?r />
  Chase and Seduction - Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has yet to be denied anything—and he’s never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. So when the film they are working on is finally finished, Chase decides to turn up the volume on seducing Reno.

  Reno Linden lived a quiet, rural life until she was thrust into the Hollywood scene when her book was adapted to film. Chase Tanner is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Skittish after a failed wedding engagement, Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, and is surprised that her good girl self can keep up with bad boy Chase.

  Though Chase returns to his cowboy roots often, and Reno cherishes the time spent with him on his ranch, the two find their careers pulling them in different directions. Will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?

  Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas - Award Winning Novella A lucky first kiss in front of a Las Vegas slot machine pays off big for bull rider Boone Hancock and New York college student Gigi Colberg-Staub. As they celebrate their win, an intense attraction develops, and they spend a hot, sensual night in each other’s arms. When Boone inadvertently reveals his true objective, Gigi walks out of his life. Boone quickly recognizes his mistake and acknowledges his deep feelings for her. He's willing to take a chance on love, but is it too late to win her back?

  Cowboy Jackpot: Valentine’s Day - A fortuitous spin of a Las Vegas roulette wheel links New York accountant Kira Morrow and rodeo bareback rider Dallas Burns. The heat that has flared between them since their first meeting threatens to burn out of control as they share sinful nights and hot days. As their mutual distrust resurfaces, the flames quickly die. Only when Kira walks out of his life forever does Dallas realize he needs to stop letting past hurts prevent him from opening his heart to love. Is it too late to repair the damage he’s done and reclaim the heart of the woman he’s fallen for?

  Cowboy Jackpot: St. Patrick’s Day - Stormie Thompson has only one reason for being in Las Vegas; to seduce rodeo bronc rider Jayden Hancock. Thinking she’s the reason for all his bad luck, Jayden wants only to avoid her. But when a lucky mistake at a video poker machine makes them both big winners, Jayden realizes Stormie may be the best thing that’s ever happened to him, especially when he gives in to her seduction. When she finds evidence that Jayden is interested in what she has instead of who she is, can he convince Stormie to ignore her suspicions and trust her heart?

  Cowboy 6 Pack - Six Smokin’ Hot Cowboy Novels by Six of Today’s Hottest Cowboy Authors

  Cowboy Heat - Hell Yeah! Series, Book 1 by Sable Hunter – Aron McCoy has sworn off women - except for sex. When Libby Fontaine arrives at Aron's Tebow Ranch, she is determined to cram a lifetime of living into a few short months. The doctor has told her she can't count on her remission from leukemia being a permanent one. Their attraction to one another is instantaneous and overwhelming. But when Aron finds out Libby is innocent - he backs off. He has nothing to offer a girl who deserves white lace and promises. Then Aron catches Libby pleasuring herself in his stock tank and hears her cry out his name - and the heat is on.

  Cowboy Jackpot: Christmas - Cowboy Jackpot Series, Book 1 by Randi Alexander – Award Winning Novella. A lucky first kiss in front of a Las Vegas slot machine pays off big for bull rider Boone Hancock and college student Gigi Colberg-Staub. An intense attraction develops, they spend a hot night in each other’s arms, but a mistaken communication sends Gigi storming out of Boone’s life. He recognizes his deep feelings for her, but is it too late to win her back?

  Her Fated Cowboy - Harland County Series, Book 1 by Donna Michaels – Unruly cowboys and the women who tame them. Widower and software CEO, Cole McCall fills his days with computer codes and his free time working the family’s cattle ranch. Blaming himself for his wife’s death, he’s become hard and bitter. When L.A. cop Jordan Masters Ryan, his visiting former neighbor, sets out to delete the firewall around his heart, he discovers there’s no protection against the Jordan virus. Though she understands his pain and reawakens his soul, will it be enough for Cole to overcome his past and embrace their fated hearts?

  Ride Of Her Life - The Buckle Bunnies Series, Book 1 by Paige Tyler – This ride lasts a lot longer than eight seconds.

  Barrel rider Daisy Hollins has run into bronc riders Sawyer Jones and Beau Monroe quite a few times on the rodeo circuit. She’s flirted with them, but things have never gone any further than that. However, when she runs into the two hot cowboys in the hotel bar at the Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, there’s a different vibe in the air. When the flirting starts this time, it doesn't stop, and Daisy goes upstairs with both of them for a completely different kind of rodeo ride.

  Sex Ed Cowboy Style - Ugly Stick Saloon Series, Book 1 by Myla Jackson – Kendall's 21, legal and ready to be more than friends with cowboy Ed Judson. To get his attention, she asks him to show her what makes a cowboy hot. Ed promised Kendall's brother he'd keep an eye on his little sister. Ed's certain Sex Education lessons aren't what big brother had in mind. He struggles to keep his word, while giving Kendall what she wants—Sex Ed.

  Cowboy Up - The Sweet Shop Series, Book 1 by Melissa Schroeder – Linda Wheeler is back in her little hometown after leaving Dallas flat broke. Her only choice is to work on the dude ranch she co-owns with her old crush Nicodemus McCabe. Nic had always tried to ignore his attraction to Linda but it is getting harder by the minute. Fudge and shared erotic dreams dissolve the barriers, but will they be able to take a chance on love or will old prejudices and fears cause them to lose everything?

  Her Cowboy Stud - Trace McGonagall’s quiet life on his Houston stud ranch is shaken up when gorgeous Macy Veralta arrives to claim an inheritance left to her in his uncle’s will. Trace sees her as just another gold digger, but he also can’t resist her curvy body. When she hints at being the perfect submissive to his Dom, he has to have her.

  Macy wouldn’t have been three months late to claim her inheritance if she’d known Trace was sin in jeans. The cowboy’s dominant bearing and the smoldering glint in his eyes send shivers to her toes and stirs images of being bound in his bed and disciplined at his hand. But could Trace’s perfect seduction be part of his plan to reclaim her inheritance?

  Turn Up the Heat - During the filming of the reality show America’s Newest Chef, finalist Mackenzie Jarvis falls desperately in lust with actress Gina Volto. Mackenzie’s never been with a woman, and her strict Wyoming upbringing has her questioning whether she can loosen up enough to live out her fantasy.

  When Gina shows Mackenzie how sensual their nights could be, Mackenzie ignores her doubts for one wild weekend. Monday morning, she returns home to her ranch, her horses, and her busy career as the owner and chef of a restaurant. But a week later Gina shows up at Mackenzie’s home. She’s come to Wyoming-for Mackenzie.

  Gina teaches Mackenzie the sweet pleasures of loving a woman, the naughty sting of a whip, and the seductive submission of bondage. But Gina admits she wants more than just a few days. Can conservative, family-valued Mackenzie ignore the plans she’s made for her life, and find her future in the tender arms of a woman?

  Cowboy Bad Boys - Randi Alexander has created ten male/ female (M/F) erotic romances starring sexy cowboys and the ladies in their lives. Each story combines the heart-pounding heat you expect from Randi, as well as the touching romance she does so well. Randi’s stories take you from an early summer High Country Ride in the Rockies, to a dangerous buck off a rodeo bull with a Hard Headed Cowboy.

  Body Heat – When a rancher and his gorgeous passenger are buried in his truck under an avalanche, they discover a sensual way to keep warm.

  Breakfast in Bed – A ranch foreman devises a plan to keep his woman from bolting out of his bed every time they’re through making love.

  Hard Headed Cowboy – When a rodeo bull rider needs a lift, his sexy equipment sponsor makes him a proposition.

  High Country Ride – Fulfilling her father’s last wishes, a city gir
l hires a hot cowboy to guide her into the Rockies.

  Kill Me or Kiss Me – With her life in danger, an exotic dancer has to trust a sexy cattle rustler to keep her alive.

  No Way Out – The town sheriff and the beautiful bank president he’s been lusting after are cornered by a killer.

  Private Lessons – When her girlfriends buy her a mechanical bull lesson with a real bull rider, a college girl gets a sensual ride from her high school crush.

  Stubborn Redhead – The rancher’s woman left him because of rumors of his cheating, but what will it take to make her believe his innocence?

  Takin’ a Chance – A barrel racer has one last opportunity to seduce the sexy rodeo bullfighter she’s fallen for.

  Where We Left Off – In desperate need of help, a country veterinarian contacts the man she’d loved but booted out of her life years ago.

  Banging the Cowboy (short story in the Cowboy Lust anthology) - Every Saturday for a year, Annie Paris has lusted after Rafe McCord from behind her drumset on stage at the honky tonk. The Big Cowboy, they call him, and rumors say he likes it rough in the bedroom. The thought of banging him makes Annie’s pussy tingle and cream.

  But Rafe is a one-night-stand kind of guy, and Annie couldn’t handle seeing him every Saturday, knowing she’d already had her one night with him. That there’d be no more.

  Tonight, something’s different. Rafe doesn’t leave with a woman. And he’s been staring at Annie since he came in the door. At closing time, he sets his longneck on the bar, and swaggers toward her, his gaze locked on hers, his smile pure sexual invitation. Annie’s slit contracts and her nipples harden. Oh God, if he asks her to his house for a rough ride on his big, hard cock, where would she find the strength to say “no”?.