He stood there, watching her, with his hands on his hips. “What did you have for dinner?”
“Breakfast.”
“He took you to breakfast?” The scowl on his face spoke volumes.
“It’s my favorite meal.”
“I know.” His head reared. “Did you tell him that?”
She was beginning to believe Connor really was jealous.
“Only after he told me it was what he wanted for dinner. Why don’t you sit down?” She made coffee and set a place for him. Pretty soon she’d served him breakfast and added some of the toasted English muffins he liked.
To her satisfaction he ate every bite.
“That was delicious. Thank you. Wade wanted me to go eat with them, but I didn’t feel like it. When I got back here, I didn’t feel like cooking, and I apologize for my behavior.”
“The king of the steer wrestlers has every right to experience an off night.”
“You never have one.”
“Don’t worry. My turn is coming, so be warned.”
When he’d finished, she cleared his place. Then she took some thin chocolate after-dinner mints out of her purse and put them in front of him.
“Where did these come from?”
“The restaurant. I thought you’d like them with your coffee.”
“So you were thinking about me.” He sounded happy about that.
“Of course. Since you and I left the ranch, it feels like we’ve been joined at the hip. I thought you might like a breather, but you knew I’d be back. I didn’t want to return empty-handed.”
It seemed those were the magic words. On that note, he undid the foil wrappers and gobbled the mint down, causing her to chuckle. “You remind me of Sunflower enjoying her favorite treat.”
The light had come back into those dark brown eyes. “I like treats.”
She smiled. “I know.”
“If ever you feel like giving me more, make them chocolate.”
“I know your tastes by now.” Liz cleaned up the kitchen. Connor obviously wasn’t up to partying. He’d done all those things with Reva once upon a time. She couldn’t blame him for brooding over his situation now. “How did your workout go?” she asked over her shoulder. “Feel like you’re ready?”
“I never feel ready,” he muttered.
She leaned against the counter. “Neither do I. I’m so glad you admitted it first. Maybe you’ll think this sounds crazy, but I feel at a loose end without Sunflower tonight. She’s in a new place. Even with Polly there, I’m sure she’s missing me and Firebrand. The barrel horses are in a different row inside the barn.”
“Tell you what. Tomorrow night we’ll bring them both back to the RV park and give them a shampooing. Might as well keep them here for the rest of the competition. It will be much quieter and friendlier for them.”
“That would be wonderful,” she blurted.
“You never wanted to move them there, did you?”
“I didn’t know.”
“Well, we know now.” He got up from the table. “I’m glad there’s a smile on your face. In the meantime, will I do for company?”
She turned away from him. “Always.” The word slipped out before she could prevent it.
“Want to go for a swim? The indoor pool is open all night.”
She’d forgotten there was a pool. “That’ll be the perfect place to unwind. I’ll change into my suit.”
After finding it in the bottom of the suitcase, she hurried into the bathroom to change. Then she put her clothes on over it and grabbed a towel. Connor carried his suit and towel with him. They left the trailer and made their way to the building that housed the pool. Several guys were in the shallow end, talking along the edge.
When Connor left to change, she removed her clothes and got in at the deep end. Two men promptly swam over to her, forcing her to tread water. She figured they couldn’t be a day over nineteen.
“You’re that barrel racer we’ve seen out in the arena with Connor Bannock.”
He had fans everywhere. “That’s right. Are you two here to compete?”
“Don’t I wish,” one guy said. “I’m Bart. We’re students at the university, but love the rodeo.”
“Ah.”
“We both work here during the day,” the other guy said. “I’m Casey. We found out he was registered here and hoped to meet him and get his autograph. I saw you working with him earlier. You’re a sensational rider, too.”
“Thank you.”
“Since you’re friends with him, what do you think? He’s so famous that after he wins his sixth gold buckle, we won’t be able to get near him.”
“I’m sure he’ll give you one. Have you got something for him to write on?”
“Be right back!” They both charged out of the pool and disappeared.
“What was that all about?” Connor had plunged into the pool and emerged at the deep end next to her. The water made his hair look darker, giving him a different look she couldn’t resist.
“Two fans who work here at the RV park and are dying for your John Henry. I told them you’d do it. Do you mind? You’re their idol.”
The way he appraised her sent licks of flame through her body. “As long as that was all they wanted.”
They did some laps together, taking their time to reach the other end. Before long, the two guys came back to the pool carrying the things they wanted autographed. Liz turned her head toward Connor, who’d edged up close to her. His closeness caused her heart to thud.
“Go ahead and make their night with that thousand-dollar signature, cowboy.”
“Come again?”
“That’s what it will be going for down the road.”
She stayed in the water while Connor bounded to the patio and talked to them for a minute. They were all smiles as he signed what looked like a poster and a magazine. Before they left she heard them call out, “Thanks, Dr. Henson. We didn’t know you’re competing, too. We’ll be cheering for you tomorrow night, as well.”
Curious how Connor always referred to her as doctor in front of other people.
“Thank you!” Liz waved while she waited for Connor to get back into the water. That was when the idea to “get him” took root. As he swam up to her, she did a strong kick, splashing him in the face, something he wasn’t expecting.
He sputtered for a second. “So you want to play?”
“Better here than giving you a muck bath in the stall.”
In a lightning move he caught her ankles and pulled her to the center of the pool, where he swung her around with her arms flailing, making her dizzy. “Connor—” she shrieked in laughter, helpless to defend herself. “Stop!”
He kept going. “Had enough?” His devilish smile shook her to the foundations.
“Yes—”
Connor towed her to the shallow end and sat down on the step, where he pulled her onto his lap so she sat across him with his arms around her. His eyes bored into hers. “You always seemed so untouchable to me. For years I’ve wanted to get close to you like this, to find out if you’re really real. It’s been such a long wait, don’t deny me what I want right now. I couldn’t take it.”
She heard his ragged voice implore her before his mouth covered hers. A moan escaped her lips. Surely this wasn’t happening. The urgency of his kiss caught her off guard. He’d stolen her heart years ago, but right this minute he’d stolen her breath.
Mindless from the sensations he was arousing, let alone the warning bells, she forgot everything except her hunger for him. This incredible man was kissing her as if he really meant it. As for Liz, she did mean it with every fiber of her being and was letting him know.
When his hands roved over her back, drawing her closer still, she realized what she was allowing
to happen. Afraid of her needs spiraling out of control, she wrenched her mouth from his.
“No more, Connor—” She refused to look at him. “I’ve crossed a line I swore I wouldn’t do this trip. It’s my fault, not yours.” She tried to get away, but he wouldn’t let her.
“Now look who’s apologizing. Fault doesn’t come into it. I caught this enchanting mermaid in an aqua bikini swimming in my territory. What else is a man to do?”
“Or a woman,” she admitted. “But since we’ve had our fun, let’s quit while we’re ahead. Believe me when I tell you you’re the best of the best, whether rodeo champion or second son of a rancher. It’s my privilege to know you and be your friend. But tomorrow the competition begins in earnest for the last time in our lives. I don’t want to do anything that distracts us from realizing our dreams. I know you don’t, either.”
She slid away and dashed up the step to the changing room off the patio. Her hands shook as she removed her suit and got dressed in her clothes. Sharing accommodations had made this moment inevitable.
Connor was waiting for her when she stepped outside the building. The temperature had dropped. They hurried toward the trailer in the distance.
“If you think I’m sorry for what happened back there, you’d be wrong.”
Liz darted him a smile. Keep it light. “I enjoyed it, too.” The unimaginable had happened and she was still reeling.
“Good. When we get back to the ranch, we’ll pick up where we left off.”
But with Reva waiting for his rodeo career to come to an end, was he trying to convince Liz or himself? Was that what his kiss in the pool was all about? “By the time we get back to Montana, the focus of our lives will have completely changed.”
“Thanks to you, mine already has.”
Her pulse sped up. “In what way?
“A feral stud farm. The possibility has taken hold of my mind. If I were to undertake a venture of that magnitude, I’d need a vet I could trust with my life. Would you be interested?”
She swallowed hard. His ex-wife was coming to Las Vegas on the last night. Liz was afraid of what it meant. To work with Connor for the rest of her life while the happily remarried couple lived next door?
Liz’s conversation with her mother came forcefully to mind.
I’m convinced that driving to Las Vegas with him will be a revelation and provide the cure I’ve been needing.
And if it isn’t?
If it isn’t, then I’ll have to take a serious look at my life and make changes.
That’s what has me worried. Bannocks never pull up roots. That means you’ll be the one who’ll end up moving somewhere else.
A shudder swept through Liz as they entered the trailer. Millie Henson’s words might just have turned out to be prophetic.
“That would mean stretching my practice in too many ways, but I’m flattered you would even consider me.”
“At least promise me you’ll think about it.”
There was no reason to give him a flat-out no yet, not when he was actually considering her idea for using ferals. If anyone could do it, he could. “Let’s get through the competition first.”
“Agreed. Do you want to shower first?”
“Do you mind? Then I’ll blow-dry my hair while you’re in the bathroom. It’s so noisy, it will keep you awake otherwise.”
She grabbed a clean pair of pajamas and hurried into the bathroom. But after she’d closed the door, she sank down onto the floor and slumped over her raised knees for a minute while she tried to recover.
Love’s first kiss.
Any other kisses before this didn’t count.
She’d read about it in the fairy tales. Now she understood why it had brought Snow White violently awake. Prince Charming’s passion had created a bonfire. Liz was burning up.
Chapter Seven
The day of the first round of the pro finals was upon them. “What do you think I should wear for the opening ceremonies?” While Liz cooked eggs and ham, Connor held up two Western shirts, one black, one brown.
She glanced at them. “Black will make a big statement.”
“Black it is. Why don’t you wear the royal-blue shirt I saw you hang up in the wardrobe? When we parade in front of the crowd with the other competitors from our state, every eye will be focused on you.”
“You’re throwing bull again.” But her pulse throbbed from his compliment. Liz couldn’t believe she was actually going to be a legitimate competitor in front of thousands of people at the Super Bowl of rodeos with Connor. Everything was starting to feel surreal.
“What? No argument?” he teased.
“Not today.”
“Well, that was easy.”
She chuckled. “Come and eat. I’ve made French toast, too.”
“I love being spoiled rotten.”
Liz loved being with him, period!
After breakfast, they cleaned the trailer, washed sheets and made beds. Then came the phone calls to and from family and friends. She received a text from Kyle wishing her luck. She sent him a message back with a thank-you. Keeping busy was the best way to handle the countdown.
At 11:00 a.m. Connor drove Liz to the South Point hotel to attend the Women’s Pro Rodeo Star Celebration. There was a banquet program where they were handed out gift packs of an NFR ring, a jacket and a backpack. The finalists drew for the saddles.
Wade carried hers and put it in the back of the truck, then they headed out into the desert.
Later in the day, Connor fixed them lunch. After eating, they drove back to the trailer to shower and get ready. Once they’d reached the Center, Connor reached for the silver charm bracelet.
While he held on to one end, he motioned for her to catch hold of the other, their link to Ralph. “Shall we have a moment of silence?”
“Yes,” she whispered, moved by his suggestion. Since driving with him, she wanted the best for him, not only for the rodeo, but for his very life.
He squeezed her hand before rehanging the bracelet around the mirror. She felt his warmth steal through her. “After our events, I’ll wait for you here and we’ll drive over to the South Point together. Later we’ll load up the horses and take them back to the RV park.” He leaned across the seat and kissed her cheek. “My bet’s on you, Liz.”
“I think you know how much I want you to win.”
Within the next hour it was time to get in line for the parade. She’d watched it on TV for years. Incredible to think she was finally a participant. After the presentation of the American flag and the national anthem, there was the laser light and fireworks show.
It thrilled Liz to be riding alongside Connor. When their horses nickered back and forth, Connor flashed her a smile that turned her bones to liquid. He leaned closer to her. “They know something big is about to happen.”
She nodded. “Sunflower is excited. I can tell.”
“Firebrand has more nervous energy than usual, too.” In the background, the music blared. “It’s time,” he said in his vibrant voice. “Ready?”
Liz heard the announcer introduce the contestants from each of the twelve pro circuit regions. A thunderous ovation greeted their ears when she and Connor rode out of the alley into the spotlight.
“From the State of Montana, give a huge welcome to Connor Bannock from White Lodge, unprecedented five-time world-champion steer wrestler hoping for his sixth on his champion horse, Firebrand. This triple-crown winner two years in a row has raised the bar.”
The crowd went absolutely crazy with applause and cheers, raising the noise level. Liz heard thousands of people chanting Connor’s name. She was so proud of him she could burst.
“New to this arena, also from White Lodge, is Liz Henson, number two in the standings of the world barrel-racing championship, riding Sunflower. W
hen she’s not competing, she’s known as Dr. Elizabeth Henson, veterinarian.” More cheers and whistles erupted. Sunflower fairly pranced. Sometimes she almost seemed human.
“Next is Pete Marshall from Ennis, sixth in the world standing in tie-down roping on his horse, Foxy. This is his third appearance at the finals. Finally, let’s greet Greg Pearson from Gardiner, number ten in the world standings in bull riding. This is his fourth appearance at this arena.” The applause continued before they exited the stage and the competitors from the Prairie Circuit made their entrance.
Liz followed Connor to Firebrand’s stall. His event would be coming up soon. “I’ll leave you and Wade to get ready. Go for it, Connor. Go all the way.”
His eyes searched hers. “I’ll find you after my event is over to cheer you on. There’s no one who’s better at what you do than you. Just remember that, and forget everyone else. This is your time.”
Those words sustained her as she put Sunflower in her stall. Anxious not to miss anything, she made her way through the crowds to get the best view of the steer wrestlers. They were walking their horses in preparation for their event. She watched Connor from a distance talking with Wade, no doubt assessing the steers for tonight.
When it was time for the steer wrestling, she moved to a spot by some of the rodeo livestock support staff. This was the first night of the competition, which meant Connor, who was number one, came last.
The first twelve bulldoggers clocked times from 3.6 to 4.2. She heard Shorty Windom’s name announced. The Floridian put a 3.5 on the board. “That’s the winning time so far!”
It was a terrific score.
“Next up is Clive Masters, number three in the winnings from Amarillo, Texas.” He took off and was fast, tying with Sonny Anza from Ojai, California, for a 3.6.
The crowd grew louder as the Arkansas champion Jocko Mendez’s name was announced. Number two in the winnings, he was Connor’s competition. Liz’s heart began to thud as she watched him take off, but he went too fast.
“Uh-oh. Hitting that barrier too soon wasn’t in Jocko’s plans for this first round. That’ll cost him, but he could still be number one if his overall average beats everyone else’s.”
A Cowboy's Heart (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) Page 11