A Cowboy's Heart (Hitting Rocks Cowboys)

by Rebecca Winters

  But tonight she decided Reva Stevens had a fundamental selfish streak. Even if they still loved each other, it was cruel to call Connor with the kind of news she’d sprung on him right before his first round of competition to win a sixth world title.

  That insensitivity proved to Liz that his ex-wife didn’t value his former achievements or what he was hoping to achieve now. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared interfere with his concentration.

  According to Connor, his ex didn’t recognize boundaries if she wanted something. It sounded as if she wanted him back. Liz had no way of knowing if Connor wanted the same thing.

  But couldn’t Reva have waited until the pro rodeo finals were over? Ten crucial days out of his life to accomplish what no other bulldogger had done before? Liz decided his ex-wife didn’t deserve Connor.

  But in all fairness, Liz couldn’t rule out physical attraction and chemistry, those potent forces a person might wish to escape because of other problems, but couldn’t. Was that the case with Connor and his ex-wife?

  In turmoil, she turned over on her back.

  Before you start finding fault with Reva, better take a good look at yourself first, Liz Henson.

  * * *

  A LATE-MORNING SKY of high wispy clouds over Las Vegas greeted them as Connor pulled into the RV equestrian park at eleven. The temperature registered fifty-nine and was climbing.

  This was his fourth year bringing Firebrand. To make things more familiar, every year he reserved the same spot closest to the arena and barn, and the same stall, in order to cut down on any tension for his horse.

  Luckily the manager of the park had arranged to get him the stall next to Firebrand, as well. The surroundings might be new to Sunflower, but she’d grown used to being around Firebrand. As long as they weren’t separated, both ought to do fine.

  After he turned off the ignition, it occurred to him he hadn’t awakened this morning with that sense of dread over the unknown that was coming once the finals were over. He could blame this elevated change in his mood on the attractive woman seated next to him.

  He turned to her. “Shall we exercise the horses first?” To his amusement, she asked him the same question at the same time. They both chuckled before Liz jumped down from the cab first to walk back to the end of the trailer. In the side-view mirror he admired the way her feminine figure moved until she was out of sight.

  He shoved on his cowboy hat, thinking this had all been too easy. Something was wrong for everything to have gone so smoothly this far. But as Connor got out of the truck, he realized that if there was a problem, it was because he was looking for one. It had become a pattern of his.

  The other morning, after they’d stopped to visit his grandfather, Liz had picked right up on it and had gotten after him for it. That was the moment she’d come alive, treating him to a fiery side of her nature he hadn’t witnessed before.

  Last night he’d tensed up before telling her about Reva. But whatever reaction he’d feared, Liz didn’t even blink. Instead, she’d made the rest of the night so much fun, he hadn’t wanted to go to bed.

  He rebelled at the idea that their road journey down here was over. The only thing helping him was the fact that they’d be living together for the next twelve days, and then there’d be the trip back to Montana. Though they’d been neighbors all their lives, he’d only started getting to know her on this trip. Connor was already looking forward to the drive home with her.

  Together they backed their horses out of the trailer and took them on a walk before heading for the barn. With the finals starting on the fifth, the place was packed. Some of the competitors stayed here with their rigs. When they recognized Connor they shouted to him and tipped their hats to Liz.

  The two of them led their horses into the barn and found their stalls. Connor emptied some bags of soft shavings around both stalls.

  “This is really a nice setup, Connor. Every facility we need is here!”

  “On the fourth we’ll trailer the horses to the rodeo grounds and stall them there if you want, but for now this is a perfect place for them.”

  “I agree.” She patted her horse’s neck. “You like it in here, don’t you, Sunflower? You’ll have to thank Connor for these fabulous accommodations.”

  “She has already nickered at me. That’s all I need.” He put out the buckets for water and filled the hay nets. Buckets were a good way to measure the amount of water their horses were drinking.

  “They’re both nickering. Did you hear that?”

  Connor smiled. “Firebrand’s happy they’re together.”

  “I think they’re both pleased. Come on, little lady. Let’s get your boots off and give you a good rubdown. Then I’ve got to get over to the center and take Polly around the arena. I’m afraid she’s already feeling neglected.”

  Liz treated her horse the way she would a child. He watched her over the partition. It was touching to see and hear how she loved Sunflower. Given this kind of treatment, that horse would do anything for her. Never in his life had he wanted anyone to win a championship more.

  “When you’re through over there, doc, Firebrand needs a thorough going-over, too. I think he’s jealous of all the attention you’re giving his girlfriend.”

  Her gentle laughter was like an unexpected breeze on a hot day, refreshing him.

  Within a half hour they left the barn and cleaned out the stalls in his trailer. The first rule with horses was to take care of them before you did anything else. Liz understood that. They worked side by side while he unhitched the trailer from the truck.

  “After we’ve driven to the center to check out our other horses, let’s go buy you some reins. When we get back here, you can try them out. I’m curious to see if you feel any improvement with them.”

  “Our minds must think alike. I was just going to ask if I could take the truck later to buy some.”

  “Would you rather go alone?”

  “No—” She sounded surprised.

  “Good.” He’d wanted to go with her. “I know a reputable place to get what you need.”

  Her eyes swept over him. “For a change, why don’t you shower first?”

  “Do I look that bad?”

  She grinned at him. “Even in a foot of muck you couldn’t look bad, and you know it, Connor Bannock.”

  He swept his hat off his head. “Well, thank you, ma’am. That’s the sweetest sweet talk I ever heard.”

  “Well, don’t get too used to it. Your head’s going to swell right up after your next championship. You’ll be too heavy for Firebrand to prance around the arena with you in front of your thousands of screaming fans.”

  Connor’s heart came close to palpitating out of his chest. “Are you a psychic, too?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. I’ve been studying the statistics on you. Barring a catastrophic force of nature, you’re favored to win. Nothing would make me or your parents happier. I’m sure they’ll be looking down at you.”

  “How did they get into this conversation?”

  “Once, when Ralph was giving me and Sadie some barrel-racing pointers, they both came out to the paddock. They’d been watching you practice at the arena with Wade. We heard your dad say that no one worked harder than you, whether it was ranch work or training for the rodeo. They both said they were so proud of you they could burst. Of course Ralph agreed.”

  A lump as large as a boulder lodged in his throat. “It’s kind of scary how well you know what went on at the ranch behind my back.”

  “We weren’t there all that often, but I’ll tell you this. Everything I heard about you would make you happy inside.”

  “You’ve forgotten Ned.”

  “I’m trying to, but there you go again, determined to stomp all over yourself. Those Corriente bulls from Mexico that you throw around have nothing
on you.”

  He laughed before hurrying to get cleaned up. Come to think of it, he’d been doing a lot of laughing since they’d driven away from the ranch.

  Once he’d showered and dressed in a clean shirt and jeans, he made them bologna-and-cheese sandwiches along with a fresh pot of coffee. “Nice,” he remarked when she joined him a few minutes later smelling like a meadow of spring wildflowers. She was wearing jeans and a red-and-blue-plaid hombre shirt with horn snaps.

  “Thanks.”

  He gave her another sideways glance. “It’s a good thing I’m going out shopping with you. I’m afraid you won’t be safe in those duds on your own.”

  “Throwing more bull, Bannock?”

  “Just stating the truth, ma’am.” He wondered how she’d react if he told her she was a knockout in that outfit.

  She gave him the once-over out of dark-fringed green eyes. “That shade of brown suits you.”

  “And here I was afraid you wouldn’t notice.”

  Her arched brows lifted. “You’d be surprised what I notice. Thanks for the lunch. I’ll be out in the truck when you’re ready to go.”

  * * *

  LIZ COULD TELL Polly was happy to see her. She kept nickering. They took a walk around the arena to help her get used to new surroundings, then Liz stalled her again. “I’ll be back later, I promise.”

  She gave the horse an apple, one of Polly’s favorite treats, and then she left the tent area to meet Connor at the truck parked out in back. She’d been to Las Vegas several times with her parents, but for short periods. With the horrendous traffic, she was glad Connor knew his way around town. It gave her a chance to look at everything.

  The marquees were dotted with the names of famous cowboys, cowgirls and celebrities who’d flocked here to enjoy the festivities of rodeo at its best. Entertainers were hosting special concerts at various venues across the city.

  “Did I tell you I’ve seen half a dozen marquees so far with the name Connor Bannock up in giant letters? You own this city.”

  “Me and a hundred others,” he mumbled, but she heard him. “Just remember one thing. Here today, gone tomorrow.”

  “This is your sixth year of being on top. That’s not peanuts, as my father says. Seriously, Connor. You’ve honored me by asking me to drive here with you. It’s a thrill of a lifetime, one I’ll never forget.”

  When his hand reached out to squeeze hers, she almost had a heart attack. “I have news for you,” he said. “Your company has been a bonus in ways I hadn’t anticipated.” He held on until he found a parking space in front of a local tack shop and had to let go. But his warmth continued to flow through her like sun-kissed Montana wild honey when you could find it out riding.

  As they got out of the truck and entered the store, several wolf whistles reached their ears. Connor flashed her a speaking glance. “See what I mean? You need protecting.”

  You walked right into this, Liz. When he’s back with his wife, you’re going to pay for it.

  She might have known Connor would be friends with the owner. He came out of his office, and after introductions were made he gave them the red-carpet treatment. Before they left with the reins Connor specified, the owner wished them luck and took pictures of them.

  “This bulldogger here is the greatest of all time,” he said, clapping Connor on the shoulder.

  Liz nodded. “I already know that. We’ve been neighbors from the time we were born. I watched him growing up. No one could beat him, and no one will beat him this year, either!”

  Another shocking thing happened when Connor put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him. “Mark my words, Stan. This year Liz will take the championship in barrel racing.”

  The older man smiled. “I’ll be there in the front row, watching.”

  She eased away from Connor and hurried out of the store. It was one thing for him to grasp her hand in the truck from a surfeit of emotion to do with his parents. That, she understood. But the feel of his arm around her shoulders was something else.

  He’d been paying her a supreme compliment in an effort to make her feel good, of course. To be held by Connor for a brief moment didn’t mean anything to him and shouldn’t mean anything to her. She needed to get over it. It was the unexpectedness of his doing it in front of someone else that had thrown her.

  On the way back to the arena, they stopped to fill up with gas. Connor looked at her. “I want some gum. Can I get you anything while I’m in there?”

  “Not for me, thanks.”

  “Be right back.”

  While he was inside the crowded station, her cell rang. When she saw the caller ID she felt a stab of guilt before clicking on. “Kyle?

  “Hey, you—are you in Vegas yet? I thought I’d have heard from you by now.”

  She shut her eyes tightly. In truth, she’d forgotten all about him. “Sorry. I got in late last night and have been out shopping for some gear for my horse. I was going to call you this evening. Where are you?”

  “Yellowstone. I had a delivery here and will be flying home in another hour, so I thought I’d try to reach you now.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “Are you nervous? Excited?”

  “Both,” she said as Connor got back in the cab and started the engine.

  “I’ll bet. I’m looking forward to next weekend. I’ve got three days off so I can enjoy the rodeo and spend some time with you after you’ve won the championship.”

  “Don’t I hope,” she said as they drove away. Liz might not be able to spend much time with Kyle after the rodeo if Connor wanted to get right back to the ranch.

  “There’s no doubt in my mind you’ll win.”

  “Thanks for your support. It means a lot. Now, I’m afraid I have to hang up and start putting my horse through our routine. I don’t want her to think I’ve deserted her.”

  “I think I’m jealous.”

  “Don’t be. After Las Vegas, my barrel-racing days are over.”

  “Forgive me if I tell you I’m going to be glad you’ll have more time for us. When is the best time to phone you?”

  “Maybe it would be better if I call you.”

  “I’ll be waiting. I miss you.”

  “Me, too.” She wished it were the truth. “Thanks for the call. Take care flying back.”

  “Always.”

  No sooner had she hung up than Connor said, “Which one of your favorites was that?”

  “Kyle.”

  “Where is back?”

  “The airport in Bozeman. He’s an air-cargo pilot.”

  “I presume he’ll be coming to watch you compete.”

  “Yes.”

  “When?”

  “On the last night.”

  “Has he ever seen you in action?”

  She took a deep breath. “Not yet.”

  “He’ll be blown away by the good doctor.”

  “You’re good for my ego.”

  “Then we’re even.”

  Connor...

  He drove to their spot in the RV park. “Leave everything else in the truck and I’ll lock it. First person to reach their horse gets a free Milky Way.”

  “You’re on!” A good race was exactly what she needed to expend her nervous energy.

  The two of them took off running. She was fast, but no match for him. They whipped past other people. When she tried to enter the barn, he turned around in front of her, preventing her from reaching the stalls.

  “Connor—” She was out of breath. “You’re cheating!”

  “Is that what I’m doing?” He blocked every advance she made. There was fire in his eyes. Her pulse raced off the charts. “Sorry, sweetheart, but no Milky Way for you.” He’d backed up to her stall.

 
“You’re the one who’s going to be sorry for this. I’ll get you when you’re not expecting it.”

  His smile was wicked. “Before or after midnight?”

  “Maybe while you’re mucking out the stall.”

  “Whoa. Just remember you’ll be in there with me.”

  She laughed. “You’re shameless.”

  “I’m not the one with the halo.”

  Was he trying to rile her with comments like that? Daring her to do something outrageous? While she was trying to figure him out, he went into Firebrand’s stall. In a minute they walked their horses out of the barn to the trailer where they saddled up and put the new reins on Sunflower. Liz had no idea if she would like them or not.

  “Let’s find out how those work for you.” Connor brought along her bagged set of barrels. Once they’d mounted, they rode around the park several times and finally headed to the arena. Some riders were there for pleasure; others were putting in practice sessions before the first night of rodeo events coming up day after tomorrow. Competitors would be out here every day from sunup to sundown to get in the needed workouts.

  “I’ll set these up for you.”

  “No, Connor. You need to practice.”

  “Wade will be over later and we’ll work out then. Right now I want to help you.”

  “I didn’t expect this.”

  “Well, you’ve got me, little princess, so use me!”

  “Little princess—?”

  “That’s what Grandpa calls you behind your back.”

  “You’re kidding!”

  “I know a few things you don’t know.”

  “I’m sure you do,” she muttered. She was touched that he would share something that personal with her. “Thank you for your help.”

  “That’s better. This is fun.”

  He was like a kid out there setting up the four red, white and blue pop-ups with weighted bottoms. After placing them in a diamond pattern, he got back on Firebrand to watch her from a distance. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes!” Her heart raced because it was Connor watching her every move with his expert eye. She wanted to put on a good show in front of him.