A part of her wanted to remind Kiersten that she wasn’t trying to get Cull to jump out of anything, but again, thinking of Cull getting excited over her did amazing things in her lower belly.
Turning, Monica sighed. “Thank you for the invite, but I don’t think I can go.”
“Why? Do you turn into a pumpkin at midnight?” Kiersten teased.
Darting a glance to the floor, she brought her chin up to meet Kiersten’s soft blue eyes. “Because I’m nervous. I haven’t been away from this ranch since I arrived. Not knowing who I am…” She couldn’t finish.
“Honey, I know it must be a scary thing and I’m not a doctor, but something tells me that just because you’ve lost your memory doesn’t mean you have to hide away in the middle of nowhere. And what if this is exactly what you need to trigger some memories?”
“I see your point.”
“Of course you do, because it’s logical. You must get out and experience things to help gain back memories. No worries. You’ll be with the Cade clan and we’ll keep you safe.”
No more denying herself the pleasure of some evening fun. She even allowed Kiersten to do her makeup and hair although it would be hidden under a hat.
Chapter 12
TUGGING HIS HAT low on his forehead, Cull looked around as he made his way through the fairgrounds and to the arena. He kept his head down, not wanting to talk to anyone. The crowd was gathering at the rodeo gate. Several cowboys threw their hands up in greeting and he responded with a wave. “Good luck tonight, Cade,” one of them said.
“Luck ain’t got nothing to do with it,” he said with a chuckle and continued to the opposite side of the fence.
He felt a tug on his elbow and looked around to see a big smile and bright eyes. “Melissa.” He wasn’t surprised to see her here tonight, but he was shocked that she approached him. After all, he hadn’t spoken to her, or visited her, in a long time and a woman like her didn’t wait around for any man.
“Well, well, well…” She clicked her tongue, looked him up and down, then moistened her cherry-red lips. “You haven’t called me back, cowboy.” She tapped her boot impatiently and narrowed her eyes. Her long earrings clanked loudly.
“I’ve been busy.” He scratched his jaw.
“Too busy for me?” Her bottom lip popped out.
“Too busy for anything.” He wasn’t about to get into the details. Across the arena he saw his brothers. “I see my clan. I better get over there.”
She didn’t release her hand from his arm. “I came to see you ride tonight, Cull. How about we revisit old times, say my place after this shindig shuts down?” She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. Maybe that sexy look would have hooked him weeks ago, but tonight the only thing Cull could think of was getting the ride over with and back home.
“After the ride I’ll be dog tired. How about I take a raincheck?”
“Another raincheck? This is getting old,” she slurred.
He resituated his hat. “Yeah, you’re right. I just said it, but I won’t be needing a raincheck. You should find a cowboy who has more time.” He dipped his hat and moved through the maze of people. His brothers were pressed against the gate of the holding area, laughing and carrying on.
“What is it out here? A hundred degrees?” Cull said in a low voice.
Phoenix chuckled. “I’m just wondering why in the hell we still agree to do this every year. I ain’t getting any younger.”
“Yeah, I second that. Tyler complained that she’s as big as a house with the baby, but she didn’t mind coming out tonight and watching us ride. In fact, I liked seeing her excited,” Kace said with a smile. “Nothing like my girl being proud.”
“Speaking of, where are the ladies?” Cull asked.
“Grabbing cotton candy,” Nix said.
“And a pickle. Elephant ears. And I think one of them mentioned deep fried cookies,” Zander said.
“You boys missing single life yet?” Cull winked.
“Not in the least,” Kace said and the rest of the brothers nodded in agreement.
“Before you know it, Cull, you’re going to find yourself whistling a different tune, too,” Phoenix said. “I remember being in denial and then Ria showed me the right path.”
“You could have at least warned us, buddy,” Nix said.
“Warned you? That this event would be hotter than hell?” Cull laughed.
“No, that you had a date,” Kace added.
“Huh?” Cull narrowed his gaze. Did the fellows see Melissa and misunderstand?
Looking in the direction that his brothers pointed, Cull held his breath. At first, he didn’t recognize the cowgirl coming his way, but then he realized it was Monica and she seemed to glide as she walked toward him. She wore a hat that shaded her face, but he could see her beautiful lush pout and that smile…that one that hooked him. He slowly traveled his attention over the slight bounce of her breasts under the shirt and the sliver of her stomach exposed above the waist of the daisy dukes. His mouth salivated as he followed the length of her firm, thick thighs, slender legs to the tops of the boots. She had a make over and he didn’t mind one bit, as long as she was happy.
Their gazes met across the dirt and she shyly looked down. Three heart beats later, she brought her eyes back up and boldly held his stare. Hell, all he could do was watch her like a teenage boy seeing his crush.
He heard his sisters-in-law saying something, but Cull couldn’t concentrate on anything except for the heavy, uncontrollable pounding of his heart. A beautiful smile parted Monica’s lips and his knees weakened—a man who’d never been weak around anyone. He realized just how happy he was that she was here.
He excused himself and whispered in Monica’s ear, “Can we have a moment?”
“Sure.”
Leading her through the crowd, he pressed his hand against the small of her back and they stopped near the corner of the stables.
“I hope this is okay. Kiersten invited me. I don’t remember ever having something as delicious as a fried cookie on a stick.” Monica brought the treat to her mouth and bit into it. She purred in delight. He’d never witnessed anything sexier. His balls tightened and he needed to get over this before he sat on the bull.
“It’s fine that you’re here. Just stay close to the family. You have a little powdered sugar on your lip.” Not thinking, just acting, he brought his thumb up to trace the plush curve of her lip. She stared at him, wide-eyed, and he leaned in to whisper, “I think you’ve drawn the attention of every red-blooded male in this place.”
Her cheeks flushed. “That wasn’t my intention.”
“I’m going to have to keep you close to me, otherwise one of these cowboys will get the idea of taking you away.”
He liked how her eyes sparkled. The arena lights seemed to suddenly become hotter.
“That won’t happen. I’d just have to tell them I don’t have a clue who I am and someone wants me dead.” She laughed and it made him grow hard. “That would spoil any attraction.”
The last thing he wanted to do was break this moment with her, but he was the first Cade to ride and if he didn’t get his head in the game, he was going to break his neck…and his dick. “We better get back to the family.” He took her hand and entwined their fingers, realizing just how perfect they fit together.
“Doesn’t she look like a cowgirl, Cull?” Wynn said when Monica and Cull approached.
“It doesn’t take long for the country to work its magic on even a city girl,” Cull said with a wink.
It seemed like Monica was getting along just fine with the other women. A part of him liked seeing her smile, enjoying herself, but another part warned him that not only did he need to protect her, but he also had to protect his family. Although it was easy to forget who she was, he couldn’t forget the danger she had on her back.
****
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She moistened her lips. “Yes.” Swirls of anticipation assaulted her stomach
and her knees weakened. His voice was deeper, low and intriguing, vibrating her nipples. Would he kiss her? She wanted him too, more than she wanted her memory back, and yet she knew he wouldn’t because his brothers were close.
“Any new memories return?” He lifted a brow.
“No, nothing worth mentioning,” she said, her voice a little more than a whisper. He met her gaze with a calm, steady certainty. She took a deep breath.
“Stay close. You hear?” He tucked her hair behind her ear, making her squirm.
“I didn’t mean for you to have to babysit me.”
“It’s not babysitting. You’re not a baby and I’m not a sitter. I’m keeping watch over you.” He touched her shoulder lightly.
She lifted her chin, her mind searching for something. “I’ll stay close,” she promised.
“I have to go with the guys and get ready to ride. You and the ladies can stand along the rail and watch us. Okay?”
All she could do was nod.
“Great.” He laughed as if he was amused with her.
“Is riding a bull safe?” Her bottom lip trembled.
“Well, yes and no.” He touched her chin lightly. “I won’t really be able to answer for sure until eight seconds have passed.”
“Eight seconds? Why eight seconds?” Her brows scrunched.
“Eight seconds is the length of time I must stay on the back of the bull.”
“Eight seconds isn’t long…at least I don’t think so.”
There was that bemused grin again. “Yeah, not long at all.” Then he did exactly what she wanted him to do. He kissed her, but not on the lips as she’d hoped. It was on her cheek and then he strolled across the dirt toward another metal gate.
It took her a good five minutes to calm down. Her hands had been shaking and her panties were soaked, her cheeks burned with a combination of excitement and intrigue.
“You look like you’re about ready to pass out, Monica.” Kiersten patted her on the shoulder. “Relax. Cull knows what he’s doing.”
How was she supposed to relax? A loud buzzing sound went off somewhere in the arena as the doors to a gate came crashing open. Monica watched intently as a bull shot out with Cull on it’s back. She couldn’t tear her eyes away from the scene before her. He had one gloved hand held high above his head and the other was holding tight to a leather strap. The bull bucked wildly, spinning one way, then the next as Cull held steady, keeping his posture in the saddle. She replicated the action by grasping the top rail of the fence and held her breath, staring and feeling fear tighten her muscles.
He whipped around like a rag doll as the bull continued its thrashing. She leaned her body to the left, to the right, forward and backward as if she were the joystick to the bull. The crowd cheered and she heard a few chants. Were they rooting for Cull or the bull?
“We love you, Cull!” A woman screamed from the bleachers.
Finally, the buzzer sounded again and Cull dropped from the back of the beast and raced for his exit, only the bull was pissed and wanted revenge. He raced up behind Cull, but he was quick and darted over the fence just as the bull slammed its head into the metal.
“Can I breathe now?” she muttered.
“Yes, you can breathe now,” Kiersten said with a laugh. “Welcome to our world, my friend. I have a feeling you’re going to see a lot more of these events.”
Chapter 13
HOURS PASSED AND, one after another, the Cades took their turns on a bull’s back. All the while Monica and Cull sat on a bench close to the arena watching. She enjoyed that he didn’t leave her side and even held her hand at times.
“I didn’t realize you and your brothers are local stars,” she said.
He chuckled. “What? People just like to watch us make fools of ourselves.”
“No, I’m pretty sure I heard more than a dozen women yelling that they love you. And did that woman actually flash you her breasts, asking for your autograph?”
“Oh, you saw that, did you?” He lifted a brow.
“I think everyone saw that. I don’t have any paper, but since I’m a fan of yours, I’d like your autograph too.” She wagged her brows and held up the pen she’d borrowed from Ria.
“A cowboy is always ready and willing to oblige a pretty lady.” He took the pen. “Where can I sign? Hopefully no breasts. I mean, I’m not saying I wouldn’t mind, but I’m here to protect you, not to fight off men.”
“How about here?” She held up her palm. He took her hand into his larger one and he signed his name. “I’m never going to wash this hand again,” she teased.
“I have an idea.” He stood and helped her up.
“I’m not getting on the back of a bull,” she said adamantly.
He laughed. “Not on one of these, sweetheart. If you ever want to ride I know a place that has a mechanical bull that I’d love to see how you do on.”
“Slow down there, cowboy. Just because I’m wearing country attire doesn’t mean I’m ready to get on the back of a bull, fake or real.”
“Point taken.” He led her toward the back side of the fairgrounds and when they reached the Ferris Wheel, he stopped and nodded his head. “Let’s ride.” He handed the controller a few dollars.
Her stomach flip-flopped. “I don’t know about this.”
“What’s to know? It’s a ride.” He still held her hand.
A part of her wanted to refuse because the ride went up in the air, but another part enjoyed the idea of being next to him, alone, high up from everyone else. So, she bravely sat down with him in the cart, the controller locked the door, and the ride jolted forward. The cart swung back and forth, but it wasn’t too bad. No doubt that their bodies touching helped her relax. She was more focused on the waves of desire sweeping through her then looking down.
They rose almost ten feet higher as the controller allowed more people to board. The breeze was a bit cooler and Cull must have sensed that she was chilled because he put his arm around her, pulling her close in the nook of his body. Yes, that was exactly what she needed.
“Sorry you had to be stuck watching bull riding.” He removed her hat and set is aside.
She shrugged. “I didn’t mind. In fact, I enjoyed it.”
“Ah, you are getting used to all this country stuff, huh?”
“It was scary watching you, though.”
“Why is that?” His eyes were on her.
She swallowed hard, a tingle at the corners of her lips where a smile started. “I didn’t want to see you get hurt.”
His thumb made figure eights on her neck, causing an eruption of heat and desire in her bloodstream. “You must like me a little,” he teased. “That’s good because I like you too.”
She lifted her chin to look at him, nibbling her bottom lip. He liked her too? “I’ve come to count on you. If you’re hurt what would I do?” Over the time that she’d known him, which wasn’t long, she’d learned to care for him.
“I’m sure you’d go on.”
He misunderstood what she meant. “That came out wrong. I-I care about you but not only because you’re the person I can rely upon.” She moistened her lips, feeling her hands shake. He moved his fingers to the curve of her shoulder, caressing her with his callused palms. Then he tugged a tendril of her hair behind her ear and kissed that spot. His lips were so warm, inviting.
As much as she wanted to believe in this fairytale—hero saves heroine and they live happily ever after—she realized it wasn’t that simple. How could she plan her future without knowing who she was, what her life was like? “What are we doing here, Cull?” There was a tremor to her voice.
His beautiful blue eyes met her gaze, holding it, drawing energy from her. “I’m not the person to ask. I’m just as confused as you are.”
“Well, take a stab at the question. I need to know considering you have dodged me for days and now we’re here together. Am I wrong in believing there’s something between us?” The cart jerked forward again and they were now at the very
top.
He blinked. “Monica…”
“Are you going to try and deny it? Am I imagining things?”
“No. You’re right. There’s something here.”
She shifted so that she faced him. “Is that why you’ve been away? I understand this situation…well, it’s crazy to say the least…”
“I have been intentionally staying away.”
Was his confession supposed to make her feel better? “That’s not right. You can’t stay away from home because of me. I can leave, Cull.” Tears filled her eyes and one slipped down to her cheek. “There are options and one of them isn’t you disappearing.”
“Hey, what’s wrong?” He tenderly wiped away the moisture.
“I don’t know. I-I just feel so overcome with emotions. Like this ride, I feel like I’m flying high in the air, then suspended.” A grinding noise sounded from the ride as the gears shifted and it lurched forward with speed. She gripped the bar tightly, feeling her stomach turn too.
“I don’t want you to leave the ranch, but I need to speak to you about a few things. I need to clear the air before we—” his eyes widened slightly. “Are you okay?”
“This might not be the time for me to realize this fact but I’m afraid of heights.” Her hands were tingling and her heart beat quickened. It could very well be a combination of Cull’s touch and the ride.
His arm tightened around her again. “Lay your head against my shoulder and close your eyes. It’ll help.”
His gentle voice soothed her and she did as he requested. It did help.
He touched her arm and in a soothing rhythm, he gently scraped his short nails over her skin. Goosebumps scattered her flesh and butterflies went crazy in her stomach. She’d totally forgotten the ride. The cool breeze swept against her face and his warmth surrounded her.
“I’m still upset that you’ve been ignoring me,” she said. “Don’t think you’re off the hook.”
Sheltered by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 5) Page 11