Rodeo Ashes

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  That’s what it was—loneliness that made her heart giddy when she saw him, that made her anticipate their next meeting. Loneliness—and he made her feel safe. A safe man was too much for her lonely heart to deal with. Especially since something had stalled his walk with the Lord.

  Her grip tightened on the horse’s rein.

  But this was her last student for the day, and she hadn’t seen Quinn at all. Stop focusing on him, and focus on the boy on the horse.

  “Okay, you’re doing great.”

  At fifteen, the boy was her oldest student. Huge splashes of mottled red stained his cheeks if she even looked in his direction. He’d been terrified to even get near the placid horse at first. But she’d let him feed Trigger a carrot, and they’d made fast friends.

  “You want to take the reins?”

  “No, ma’am.” The answer came quick. He glanced at his father, standing outside the arena. “In fact, I think I’d like to get off now.”

  “You’ve still got another twenty minutes.”

  “I want off.”

  “All right. I’ll hold her steady. Dismount on her left. Swing your right leg up, and climb down backward.”

  The boy followed her instructions without any problem and exited the arena with a mumbled “thanks.”

  His father watched him walk to the truck. “You’re a very gifted trainer, Miss Gentry.”

  “I won’t charge you for the full hour.”

  “It’s well worth it. He hasn’t been on a horse since he fell off when he was six. This is only his second lesson, and you got him on.”

  Something warmed inside her. She’d helped her student. It had been so long since she’d felt the glow of accomplishment. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but I think he’d do even better if you didn’t stick around to watch.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll drop him off next lesson and find something to do for an hour. I want him to stop being afraid. Whatever it takes. He loves horses, but after that one experience, I never could get him to ride again. I’m so glad we found you.”

  “Me, too.” She smiled. So much for quitting her job. “See you next week.”

  He waved and jogged to his truck.

  If Quinn would stay away, she could do this job she loved.

  She got a firm hold on the horse’s reins, opened the gate, and walked the horse to the boarding stables, where the groomer took over.

  A few stalls down she caught a glimpse of Copper stomping the dust, obviously wanting out of her daytime home. Probably eighteen minutes left. She could get in a nice ride.

  “Want me to saddle her for you?” Quinn’s voice called from the next stall.

  Lacie jumped. “Quinn Remington, I didn’t know you were anywhere around.”

  “Sorry I startled you.”

  The horse in his stall already wore a saddle and bridle. Ready to go.

  Oh please, don’t let him be getting ready for a ride. She could pet her horse and leave, but Copper ached for a ride as much as she did.

  “I can saddle her.” Lacie gently laid a quilted pad on her mare’s back and lifted the saddle off its stand. Admittedly, it took all her strength to hoist it up onto Copper’s back, but she did it, just as she had thousands of times. She slid the bridle over the horse’s head and fastened it in place.

  “Care if I join you?”

  With every fiber in my being. “Of course not. But I don’t have long.” She led Copper out just as Quinn rode a gray-and-white-spattered Appaloosa out of his stall.

  “Does Copper run barrels?”

  “Like nobody’s business. Clay trained her and used her for folks training for barrels.”

  “Wanna see what she can do?”

  Something fluttered in her chest. She hadn’t run barrels in years. “There’s not enough time.”

  “Come on, the barrels are already set up. We’re talking a matter of seconds here.”

  “Okay.” It didn’t take much to convince her.

  Quinn urged his horse to a trot.

  Lacie mounted Copper and followed him around the huge boarding stables.

  He opened the center gate.

  Quivering with anticipation, Copper pranced in the arena.

  Lacie positioned the horse in line with the middle barrel. “I haven’t done this in a good five years. But you have, Copper. Yah! ” She dug both heels in Copper’s sides.

  The horse surged forward, slowed to make a tight line around the barrel, and then sped to the next. Horse and rider, one fluid motion, as if they’d been together for years. Warmth spread through Lacie; she couldn’t stop smiling.

  Copper rounded the last barrel and sped to the alley.

  Mel whooped.

  Giddy, Lacie turned to face him.

  But it was Quinn, not Mel.

  Her smile melted.

  “Fifteen–five. Thirteen or fourteen seconds is usually a winning score. You sure you haven’t been practicing?”

  “If we’d been practicing, it would’ve been thirteen–five.” She patted Copper. “Good girl.”

  She pointed her mare toward the barn.

  “Hey, aren’t we going on a ride?”

  Flee—turn Copper over to the groomer and fly back to the ranch as quick as she could. But Copper loved to run. It would be cruel to take her best friend for one barrel run and then lock her up until the riding finished for the day, when she’d be free to roam and graze the pastures.

  “A short one, I guess.” She checked her watch and aimed Copper to the riding trail.

  Copper whinnied her appreciation.

  ❧

  Quinn stole glances at her as they rode.

  He’d loved watching her dash around those barrels, just as she had at eighteen. The last ten years had melted away for him.

  And she’d smiled the first genuine smile he’d seen from her, other than when she was with Max.

  But then she’d gone all stiff. And he’d remembered Mel.

  The trail narrowed, with moss-draped live oaks creating a canopy above them. A chorus of birds twittered and called to each other.

  “You really should compete at the Stockyards. It’s obvious you still love barrel racing.”

  “I might.”

  “I’ll even pay your fee to get you started.” He rode side by side with her, within touching distance of one another.

  “I can pay my own fee.”

  “I know you can, but I’m figuring you won’t. So I—”

  “Can we drop it?” Her tone went tight, cold.

  “Sorry. I’m only trying to encourage you. Sorry if I stepped on your toes.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I appreciate the encouragement. It’s just. . . Mel was the last person to encourage me to get back into barrel racing. He just about had me talked into it, and then I got pregnant. And then. . .”

  A knot lodged in Quinn’s throat. And then I killed him. “I’m sorry.”

  “Me, too. I don’t know if I can do it without him cheering me on. I mean, we met at a rodeo, and even before our first date, he cheered me on.”

  Quinn let her sadness sink into his soul. “I know it would never be the same, but I’d love to cheer you on.”

  He heard her sharp intake of breath, and she reined her horse to a stop.

  “Course I’d have to be neutral if I announced, but Kendra would cheer you on. And Wyatt.” He forced the name out. “Clay and Rayna might even come to watch you.”

  “I’ll think about it.” She turned Copper around. “I really have to get back now. I need to get home to Max.”

  If only he could shore up the holes in her soul.

  ❧

  Lacie let Copper rest and glanced toward the house. She wanted Quinn to leave her alone, but she wanted to see him. He made her crazy. How had this happened? This was only her third week of working for him.

  Her heart hammered in her chest.

  Did she have feelings for him? Or was she lonely and reading too much into it because he was familiar?
Comfort-able. But nothing about him made her comfortable. Safe, but not comfortable.

  One more run. She positioned Copper in line with the first barrel and felt the horse’s body tense. “Yah! ”

  She clicked the stopwatch on the chain around her neck as the horse sailed into action. With precise turns, the mare rounded each barrel and bolted to the gate. As she crossed the line, Lacie clicked the stopwatch. Fourteen–five. Not bad. They’d shaved off an entire second.

  “Good girl.” She patted her horse and swung down from the saddle. “That’s enough for the day.”

  She glanced toward the house one more time and led Copper out of the arena and to the stables.

  Her cell rang, and she dug it from her pocket.

  “Lacie.” Her mother’s soothing voice washed over her frayed nerves. “Are you settled enough for me and your father to come up for a visit?”

  “Perfect timing, I’ve been meaning to call you.” Family. Exactly what she needed to get her mind off Quinn. She patted Copper. “When are y’all coming?”

  “Got any plans next weekend?”

  “I don’t. And I might have a surprise for you Friday night.”

  The only problem was—if she surprised them, she’d have to deal with Quinn’s presence.

  ❧

  Who was she talking to? Wyatt? She sure smiled a lot.

  From his bedroom window, Quinn had watched Lacie charge Copper around the barrels. And he’d spent the last three hours before that staring out his kitchen window as she worked with students. She’d turned him into a stalker.

  If he gave her some space, she’d be more comfortable and focused. And maybe he’d be more comfortable and focused on finding ways to help her. But he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

  She twisted him in knots, those complicated Boy Scout knots he’d had so much trouble with.

  She led the horse around the stables, and he went into the living room, making a point to stay away from the windows. He was here to help her. But what had he done for her? He’d given her a job and encouraged her to barrel race. That’s all. He wasn’t here to spy on her—or fall more deeply in love with her.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  He hurried to answer and caught a glimpse through the glass. Lacie. On his porch. To see him. His heart did a silly, giddy dance as he swung the door open.

  Her windblown hair tumbled out of her ponytail. Damp strands hung around her face. His hand ached to tuck them behind her ears, trace the soft line of her jaw with his fingertips. His hand clenched.

  “Hey. Did you see me run barrels? I thought you might’ve happened by those windows at the back of the house.”

  “I noticed one run.” One of the biggest lies he’d ever told, but he couldn’t admit he’d camped out in his bedroom to watch every run.

  “Good.” She smiled. “How did my form look?”

  “Beautiful.” Oh. She meant her form on the horse. “I mean—you ride like you’re part of the horse. You always have.”

  “I tried to time myself. Kind of hard to do while riding, but I got 14:5 once.”

  He’d timed 13:43. “The run I saw looked faster.”

  “Really?” She did a little excited bounce. “My folks are coming to visit this weekend. I’m thinking I might compete at the Stockyards Friday and surprise them. Daddy always loved to watch me compete.”

  “I think you should do it. You’re ready.”

  “You really think so?” The wind blew a strand of hair across her face.

  His fingers itched to smooth it away. Incapable of thought except for how beautiful she was, he barely hung onto the conversation. “I think so.”

  She threw her arms around him. “Me, too. Thanks for encouraging me.”

  His arms encircled her, never wanting to let go. For ten long years, he’d wanted to hold her like this. Well not quite like this. But it would do.

  She pushed away, backed up. A confused frown marred her features. “I’d better get home.” She ran to her SUV.

  ❧

  A whole week had passed, and that hug still haunted Lacie.

  She took a couple of deep breaths, inhaling manure fragrance galore. She hadn’t been behind the gate in Cowtown Coliseum in over five years. And never on a horse. Copper’s hide danced with nervous energy. They were both a mess.

  She and her parents had missed the first round of bulls, and by the time they’d arrived, Quinn was already announcing. Barrel racing came next then the final round of bulls.

  Nerves from listening to Quinn’s voice for two hours collided with nerves over the coming event and turned her into one big jumble.

  He’d made himself scarce during her riding lessons this week, and she was glad. If only she could get through the rest of the evening without running into him. Especially with Mama and Daddy in tow.

  They thought she’d gone to get drinks. She grinned. She’d love to see Daddy’s face when Quinn announced her name.

  Her ride was next.

  “Next up, Lacie Gentrrryyyy,” Quinn echoed her name. “I’ve had the privilege of watching this little lady’s practice runs. This former homecoming queen and Miss Rodeo Texas Teen tears the arena up. Hold on to your hats, cowboys.”

  Lacie’s cheeks burned by the time he finished his introduction. So much for him remaining neutral. Copper pranced down the center alley into the arena.

  “Yah! ” Lacie hunkered low, her body in sync with Copper’s. Each turn perfect—fast and tight. It was a good ride. She could feel it. Last barrel. Copper made the turn and charged back to the center alley.

  “Thirteen–fifty-two. Didn’t I tell you? Boy howdy, that was some ride.” Still not sounding very neutral up there.

  Lacie swung down from Copper and hugged her neck. “You did great. We just might place in this thing.”

  ❧

  Quinn wound up the announcements quick as he could after the final round of bulls and hurried down from his booth. She was probably gone by now, but maybe he could get a glimpse of her.

  He’d tried to keep his distance after that spontaneous hug she’d given him. His heart couldn’t handle touching her, but he needed to at least see her.

  He cut through to the rear lobby. And there she was, a huge smile on her face, surrounded by fans. Rayna and Clay, Kendra and Stetson, and her folks and Star. He hung back, and no one noticed him.

  Wyatt joined the gathering.

  Something boiled inside Quinn.

  “Wyatt Marshall, meet my parents and my sister, Star.”

  Wyatt’s gaze lingered on Star a little too long. What a loser. Checking out his girlfriend’s sister right out in the open.

  Star was a dark-haired version of Lacie. Beautiful, but not as delicate and lovely as Lacie, at least in Quinn’s opinion.

  “We should’ve known you were a rodeo queen the first time we got a load of you.” Wyatt winked at Lacie.

  Winked at her.

  seven

  Quinn’s fists clenched.

  Lacie rolled her eyes. “That was a lifetime ago.”

  “Well you still got the horsemanship part down pat. And the beauty, too, I’d say”—Rayna hugged her—“Miss From-Out-of-Nowhere Second Place.”

  “I can’t believe you never told us you were homecoming queen.” Kendra shook her head. “And a barrel queen for that matter.”

  A cluster of cowboys herded through, shouting, guffawing, and interrupting for a moment.

  Wyatt grabbed the opportunity to move closer to Lacie, and the lobby cleared. “Still is. On both counts in my book. Mel would be real proud of you.” He squeezed her shoulder. “So how long you folks staying?”

  Checking out her sister and invoking her husband’s name to warm up to her. This guy was some piece of work.

  “We’re leaving Monday morning,” Lacie’s dad answered.

  “Maybe I’ll see y’all in church tomorrow. Maybe even at Moms.” Wyatt tipped his hat and headed for the exit.

  Quinn closed his eyes. At least Wyatt went
to church. Which was more than Quinn did these days. But if Lacie’s relationship with Wyatt was close enough that she visited his mom with him, why was he checking out her sister? What had Lacie gotten herself into with this guy?

  At least Lacie’s mom and dad were here, and he didn’t have to watch her leave with Wyatt.

  “Mom’s.” Star’s left eyebrow arched. “Did he invite us to his mother’s?”

  “No. Moms on Main. It’s a restaurant where lots of our church folks eat lunch after morning services.”

  Maybe they weren’t so serious after all. The boil in his chest slowed to a simmer.

  Lacie’s mom caught sight of him. “Quinn Remington.”

  Busted. He joined the celebration.

  She hugged him. “Lacie told us that was you announcing up there.”

  “Mrs. Maxwell. Nice seeing you again.”

  “You can drop the Mrs. Maxwell.” She patted his arm. “Just call me Karen.”

  “And I’m Gerald.” Lacie’s dad shook his hand.

  “I’m not sure I can. My mama would tan my hide.”

  Mrs. Maxwell laughed. “We’re all adults. No need for such formalities. Gerald and I have always thought the world of you and your family.”

  Lacie grimaced.

  “Same here.”

  “Lacie told us you live here now.” Gerald kept pumping his hand. “I’m pleased to know Lacie has such good neighbors and friends.”

  “Dad. Let go,” Lacie whispered.

  Gerald looked at their hands as if he hadn’t realized they were still clasped and pulled his away.

  Rayna giggled, and Lacie shot her a glare. Rayna meandered to the exit with Lacie’s other friends.

  Say something. Fill in the awkward silence. “I try to be neighborly. Speaking of which, I can load up Copper in my trailer and take her back to my ranch.”

  “I can handle it.” Lacie was quick as ever to decline his help.

  “There’s no need for you to take her, when I’m going there anyway.”

  “Quinn boards Copper for you?” Mrs. Maxwell grinned. “I thought she was at Clay’s ranch.”

  “She was. But his arena is always busy, and I’ve been working with her on barrels, so I moved her to Quinn’s.”

  “Well he’s right then. It doesn’t make sense for you to take Copper—unless y’all had a date or something.”