“Okay, now get off the horse and walk beside it.”
“Her. This here’s Mandy, and do you have any idea what sand and water do to a pair of CWW snakeskins?”
“Take them off then.” Kendra rolled her eyes. “Can you please work with me here? Rayna, get his boots.”
Rayna’s smart low-heeled pumps already had sand crusted along the sides. She slipped off her shoes and trouser socks, rolled up her pant legs, and sank her bare toes into the cold, damp sand.
“Socks, too.”
Clay stuffed his socks in his boots, handed them to her, and rewarded her with a smile. A wave rolled in around their bare feet, stealing Rayna’s breath.
The chilly water soaked the legs of his CWW jeans up to his knees. “Whew. Kind of nippy.”
They’d probably end up with pneumonia, but the pictures would be as gorgeous as the cowboy.
“Now walk along with the horse,” Kendra called. “Perfect. You were born for this. Now lose the shirt.”
“No,” Clay snapped. “I told you, no beefcake.”
“What if I told you your contract requires it?”
He threw his head back and laughed. “Lady, I’m not stupid. I read the contract. If it had mentioned anything about losing my shirt, I wouldn’t have signed. Now, I’ll work with you fine, but with my Cowboy Western Wear shirt on—the way my sponsor intended.”
Silence ruled the battle of wills. Finally, Kendra sighed.
Clay grinned.
The rest of the shoot went off without a hitch, except for the hitch he put in Rayna’s heart.
Why did he have to be so perfect? Committed to Christ, honorable, loyal, moral—all the things she’d want in a man—if she were looking. Clay would fully commit and never leave his wife for another woman. The perfect man—except he rode bulls for a living.
❧
Friday night, rodeo night at the Stockyards. What was she doing looking forward to a rodeo? A horn honked. Rayna rushed to the window of her condo to see Clay get out of the truck. She ran to the door, flung it open, and willed herself not to leap into his arms. He’d traveled a lot lately and she’d barely seen him, but she shouldn’t be missing him.
“Hey, little filly, you sure are pretty in pink.”
She frowned. Was he color blind? Her blouse was decidedly emerald.
“Your cheeks.”
Her face warmed more, and he gently chucked her nose.
“Shouldn’t we have left earlier?”
“I signed up already. I’m in the second bull round, so I don’t have to be there until steer roping.”
“Why are you still competing when you’re already the CBR World Champion?”
“I’m still in the running for the Stockyards Finals.”
“But why bother?”
“I started at the Stockyards. It’s where I rose through the ranks. It’s kind of like home, keeps me in bull-riding shape, and I hope to inspire some kid just starting out.”
Yeah, he was too perfect.
Thankfully, Clay kept the small talk impersonal during the hour drive.
As they entered the coliseum, the rodeo queen rode around the arena with a sponsor flag. Barely any dust stirred.
“Why is it dustier at your outside arena than inside? It seems it would be the opposite.”
“It’s a special mixture for indoor sites since the dust’s got nowhere to go. The elements have ’bout worn mine down to plain ol’ dirt, but I’m working on it.” Clay pointed toward the entrance. “There’s Adam and Gabby.”
Rayna shook her head. “Uh-uh, I don’t want to intrude on their date. I think I’ll find Lacie.”
“Shouldn’t you hang with the camera crew?” His jaw clenched.
“They know what they’re doing. I’ll just give final approval for what we present to you.”
She nibbled on the inside of her lip. “Why aren’t you comfortable with them being here?”
“Most of these guys aren’t pros. Cameras might make some of them nervous, or try to show off. I don’t like mixing business with work. And I don’t wanna be some hunk of the month either.” He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair with a groan. “I hate this whole thing.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to be a household name.” He shrugged. “I’m just a cowboy, a businessman, the guy next door.”
If you say so. She’d never met a swoon-worthy guy next door before. “Then why did you agree to be the spokesman for CWW and have them hire my firm?”
“My ranch hit a slump and my injury last year cut into my finances. I couldn’t afford to lose my sponsor.”
“You won’t lose the ranch, will you?” She touched his arm.
“No, but I was on the verge of laying some people off. And I didn’t wanna do that. Most of my employees have families. They depend on the ranch for income. I needed CWW to keep backing me so I could get to Colorado and win, so I could keep my ranch hands. Now I’m stuck keeping my end of the bargain. Just be sure none of this comes out with a beefcake slant, will you?” He blushed.
“I’ll try.” But it wouldn’t be easy. He was beefcake without even trying.
“Do better than try.”
As time for the second round of bulls neared, the stands filled with spectators. Why would this many people show up? Willingly?
“Clay, thanks for inviting me.” Kendra launched herself in his path. “I’m so excited. My first Clay Warren rodeo.”
Rayna frowned. Apparently the photographer had gotten over her battle of wills with the handsome cowboy.
“Can I get a picture before you get all dirty?” Kendra tucked her hair behind her ear.
Rayna’s jaw dropped.
“Sure, if you must.”
“Don’t just stand there. Work it. Lean on the fence.”
Clay rolled his eyes but dutifully propped one arm on the fence for a heart-stopping shot.
As the camera flashed, Natalie joined them.
“Clay, darling. There you are.” She moved in for a hug, but he stepped aside.
“Good seeing you, but I gotta git.” He turned to Rayna. “There’s Lacie. See you later.”
Lacie waved, and Rayna left the women alone.
“What’s going on over there?” Lacie greeted her with a fond embrace. “Who’s that woman?”
“Part of my camera crew. I think she’d like to give Natalie a run for her money.”
“Don’t let her move in on your territory, hon.”
Rayna gasped. “Clay is not my territory.”
“Maybe not, but he’d like to be. Why don’t you take him up on it? Y’all would be perfect. That other one”—she waved her hand toward Kendra—“seems too forward for him.”
“Now, that’s one of the biggest understatements I’ve ever heard. How are you feeling?”
“Fine.” Lacie pressed a hand to her stomach. “Except this poor baby is destined to be nervous every Friday and Saturday night. Want to get something to drink and hide out in the lobby until the roping’s over?”
“Good idea. Can we hide there all night, except for the barrel racing?”
“I wouldn’t mind at all. But I gotta support my man. It might be a good idea for you to stay back there during the bull riding though.”
They rounded the coliseum toward the concession stands.
“No. I’ll be fine. I’ve spent a lot of time around bulls lately. I’m getting used to it.” She hadn’t even used her inhaler before coming. She’d face life head-on, one bull at a time.
“Do you have to take pictures tonight?”
“No. I’m here for the show, I guess.”
A group of women stood in a circle, but no Natalie. Rayna’s tensed muscles relaxed. She wouldn’t have to deal with the other woman’s venom. Maybe Natalie would focus on Kendra as her true adversary. If the rivals knew Clay at all, they’d realize neither one of them had a chance.
This time, she got their drinks while Lacie visited with the other wives and girlfriends. Rayn
a joined the circle as they swapped pregnancy, kid, and husband stories. Though she laughed in all the right places, she was out of place as usual in Clay’s world. She sipped her bottled water while everyone else drank sweet tea. As the evening progressed, a few of the women left to prepare for upcoming events.
“We’d better get back.” Lacie tossed her empty cup in the trash. “Roping’s over.”
As they made their way to the arena, they stepped around a man in a wheelchair.
“Why Dusty, you’re a sight for sore eyes. We’ve missed you.” Lacie hugged the man then the stocky woman with him.
“Thanks for all the cards, Lacie.” The woman squeezed her hand. “It meant a lot, especially the ones from the church. We might just come visit sometime.”
“Oh, please do. You could even ride with Mel and me.”
“Y’all’s truck wouldn’t accommodate Dusty’s chair.”
“Then maybe we could come ride with y’all. Let’s do that. I’ll call you to make plans.”
The woman looked uncertain. “Okay.”
“Good seeing you.”
Lacie turned back to Rayna and whispered as they continued on their way. “Sorry I didn’t introduce you, but I can’t for the life of me remember her name.”
“What happened to him?”
“Bull riding. Last year.”
Oh, for a tranquilizer. Maybe she should have used her inhaler, but she felt like such a wimp. Rayna shuddered. “Will he walk again?”
“Oh yeah. He had a head injury, so lots of therapy. But he’s doing real good. If I know Dusty, he’ll be riding again by next season. Mel and Clay have witnessed to him for years, and I finally roped them right into church. Did you see her face? Well, she’s not getting out of it now. Nope. No way.”
They hurried back to their seats.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed over the speaker. “And now for one of the buckingest events of the evening. They’re rough, they’re ready, and they’re willing. It’s time for our second round of bull riding.”
Six cowboys fell before the buzzer, but the bullfighters did their jobs well, and no one was hurt. One man got his hand caught in the rope. Dangling from the mammoth bull’s side, he bounced and spiraled until finally the pick-up man managed to get him loose.
By the time the gate burst open, with Clay straddling a colossal black monster, she’d worked herself into a frenzy of dread. Her stomach knotted.
The bull twisted, spun, and jerked. Though Clay took each jolt in stride, something large and heavy settled on Rayna’s chest. Her breath wouldn’t come.
“Rayna?” Lacie called.
From far away.
Rayna’s three-year-old feet dangled as she sat in her mother’s lap. Mom’s muscles went taut, her gaze glued to the cowboy. He fell and the bull went after him. Mom screamed. Rayna did, too.
The clown distracted the black bull. For a moment. Mom’s fear choked Rayna’s breath. The bull turned back toward the cowboy, methodically pawing the ground before it charged. Someone screamed, bloodcurdling and desperate.
seven
Back in the stands, Rayna realized the sound came from her constricted throat. Clay leaped from the bull, somehow remained upright, and ran with the creature in pursuit. As two thousand pounds of fury reached him, Clay climbed the fence and jumped over to safety. Tears blurred her vision.
“Sorry for digging in your purse, but here.” Lacie jabbed Rayna’s inhaler in her face.
Rayna coughed and sucked in two puffs, but she still couldn’t get air.
“I’m calling Clay.” Lacie’s voice sounded nearer. “You hang in there, hon.”
But she still couldn’t breathe. The driving beat of a rock song ended, and for a moment, she could hear her own raspy, hacking struggle.
After a few minutes, her coughing let up, the pressure lessened, and air filled her lungs.
“You’re gettin’ better.” Lacie patted her shoulder.
Clay ran into the stands, and nearing her seat, he knelt beside her, his eyes filled with worry. “Did you call an ambulance?” He tenderly stroked her cheek.
“No. She’s better. It’s an asthma attack, and she took her medicine.” Lacie blew out a breath as if she’d been holding it. “A lot better. You should have seen her a few minutes ago.”
“Should we call an ambulance, darlin’?”
The weight on her chest had eased, and Rayna shook her head. “Better,” she gasped.
“I’ll take her.” Clay tried to pick her up.
“No.” Her hands clamped onto the edge of her seat. “Please, I don’t want to make any more of a scene than I already have. Just help me walk.”
He nodded and helped her stand. “Steady. Keep breathing, darlin’. You’ll be fine. Thanks, Lacie.”
She clung to him as they descended the stands. His mere presence provided comfort, and her breath came easier.
As they took the back exit, Clay gently lifted her into his arms and effortlessly carried her to his truck.
Her airflow was almost normal.
He set her inside. “I’ll lay the seat back.”
“No, I’m okay.” An odd wheezing gasp escaped, and her face warmed. He’d never want to take her anywhere again.
“We’ll sit here awhile. Just relax. Lean on me.” He got in the driver’s side and pulled her against his shoulder.
“Could we get away from here?”
“Sure.” He started the engine and backed the truck out.
Silence invaded the cab, and she didn’t pay any attention to where he headed. Sightlessly, she stared out the window. Breathing normal. Everything’s okay.
“Want to talk about what happened back there?”
What had she remembered? Who was the cowboy? Did he die? She gasped, and her heart sped up.
“Never mind. Just breathe.”
The only sound was her steady inhale and exhale.
“Want me to stop and get you anything?”
Feeling stronger, she replied, “No. This is so embarrassing. Just take me home.”
“Asthma isn’t anything to be embarrassed about, and you’re in no shape to be alone.”
“My dad’s then. Take me to my dad’s house.”
“It’s late. Almost eleven.”
“I have a key, and besides, Daddy’s a night owl.” And surely his woman friend would be gone by now.
“Okay. Lay your seat back and tell me where.”
❧
Her breathing eased even more. Clay glanced over to make sure she hadn’t passed out. Fast asleep. Poor gal was exhausted.
What on earth had triggered the attack? Allergy to dust, bulls, horses? Lacie said it started during his bull ride. Surely she hadn’t panicked over that. Though he was falling for her, could she feel so strongly about him that a bull ride could take her breath away? A nice thought, but no, it went deeper than that. He’d seen complete, utter terror in her eyes.
He pulled into the drive of a neat, contemporary house with a large front porch.
Wake her up? After the evening she’d had? But he didn’t want to deliver her to the door of the wrong house. The mailbox read Dr. Nick Landers. Right last name, but she’d never mentioned anything about her dad being a doctor. Gently, he shook her.
“Rayna.”
Her eyelids flew open.
“It’s me. Everything’s okay. We’re at your dad’s. I think. Just wanted to make sure this is the right place.”
“This is it. Thanks for bringing me.” She fumbled for the door latch.
“Hey, wait up. Let me get that for you.” He hurried out the driver’s side and around to her.
Wobbly. He steadied her.
“Let me carry you.”
“No, I’m okay. Just exhausted.”
“I’ll carry you.”
“No. What will my father think if some guy he’s never met carries me in?”
“Point taken. Where does he hang out this time of night?”
“His
study in the back of the house.”
“Okay, how about I carry you inside, then I’ll prop you up somewhere before you call your dad?”
Weak as a newborn foal, she handed him the key.
He scooped her up and headed to the porch.
Inside the door, a man stood waiting, his face as red as his daughter’s hair.
“Rayna, I thought I heard something. Are you all right?”
Shaking her head, she started to cry.
“Young man, what have you done to my daughter?”
“Nothing, Daddy. Clay brought me home.”
“If you’ll tell me where to put her, I’ll explain, sir.”
“I’ll take her.”
“Oh, for goodness’ sake, I can walk. Put me down, Clay.”
Unwilling to upset her again, he set her down. As she staggered toward the pale green couch, her father steadied her despite her protests. After pulling a throw over her, he turned back toward Clay.
“Young man, you’ve got some explaining to do.”
Clay swallowed hard. “My name’s Clay Warren. Your daughter’s been working on an ad campaign for me. I’m a bull rider, and she had an asthma attack at the rodeo.”
With a worried frown, her father turned to Rayna.
Tears coursed down her cheeks.
“Oh Daddy,” she sobbed.
Anger evaporated, the worried father sat beside his daughter and gathered her in his arms. “Did you take her to the emergency room?”
“No, sir.” Clay tried to stay still, afraid his boots might scuff the hardwood floors. “By the time I got there, she’d taken her medicine and just wanted to go home. I didn’t want to leave her alone at her place, so we came here instead.”
“Thank you for bringing her home. I can handle things here.”
“Yes, sir.” Clay turned away.
“Thanks for taking care of me,” Rayna managed through her tears.
“I’ll check on you tomorrow. Get some rest.”
❧
The door shut behind Clay.
Rayna sucked in a deep breath. “I remember being at the rodeo, Daddy. A long time ago.”
“Shh. I was afraid of that. Let’s get you to bed.”
“No. I can’t. Every time I close my eyes, I see—” she squeaked.
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