Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  Trinity cocked her head. She hadn’t seen Cody in forever, yet he seemed to know lots about her and her horse. She couldn’t say the same since she rarely participated in gossip and pretty much kept to herself at each stop so far. “You know his bloodlines?”

  “Who doesn’t?”

  She shrugged. Ever since she first showed up on the huge gray stallion with the four white stockings and a blaze, they received more than their fair share of attention. Since she didn’t care for the spotlight, it became a prickly thorn in her side. Not to mention Legacy didn’t play well with others. He bit, he kicked. Basically, he judged a person by his present mood and most of the time they came up short.

  His behavior had worsened lately. The blame rested on her shoulders. Since the funeral, she’d been on a roller coaster of emotions, mostly heartache and loneliness, and Legacy picked up on each and every one. As much as she lectured herself to pull it together, she couldn’t quite shake the constant companion of sadness.

  Time heals all wounds.

  How many times had she heard that particular quote? As many times as her mother said ‘if only.’

  “Damn lucky to get a baby out of Another Victory Gallop. I’d still love to hear that story.”

  So would a lot of others who barraged her with questions, both media and fellow competitors. Too bad she didn’t feel like talking.

  She took another bite and chewed slowly, refusing to give in to Cody’s curiosity.

  The click of horseshoes caught her attention. Turning her head, Trinity spotted Lacey leading her paint mare, Candy, down the aisle before opening the door, and placing her in the stall next to Legacy. The stud immediately plastered his nose to the bars separating them and nickered. Candy ignored him, turned around, and started pulling hay from the net tied in the corner.

  Lacey might be a couple of years younger than Trinity, but they meshed well. Both were in the business for the long haul, but not at the expense of their mounts. Their horses came first, something that most riders believed, but not all. She’d been Legacy tested and approved at the first event, which said everything in Trinity’s book. Add in the fact Lacey didn’t yap all the time, knew how to keep a secret, and had a good heart, Trinity counted her as one of the few close friends she possessed.

  Cody chuckled and nodded his head. “Spoken like a true stud.”

  Lacey stepped out of the stall and secured the door behind her. She glanced over at them, then gave a lopsided grin. “Legacy keeps trying, but Candy isn’t the least interested.” She chuckled and leaned back against the row of stalls. “Haven’t seen you in a while, Cody. Whatcha been up to?”

  “After I burned out steer wrestling in high school, I decided it was time to get serious. Went to vet school after a stint in the military first.”

  Trinity blinked. She hadn’t heard that juicy tidbit before. Especially the military part. She eyed him in another light. He carried himself differently than she remembered. More fluid, confident, and flowing. His gaze flicked here and there as if constantly checking out his surroundings. Definitely not what she remembered of his actions way back when. Oh sure, he’d always been cocky, but this spoke of something else. More confidence and ability than just conceit because the women flocked to him with his link to money and good looks. Pain flashed and departed in his eyes so quickly, Trinity wasn’t sure she even saw it. Still, she opted to avoid the whole topic of service. From what little she knew about war, none of it made for great memories.

  “Good for you. I always thought you would go in partnership with your father.” Cody’s family owned a large ranch where his father raised both bucking bulls and horses to provide for the many rodeos around the country each year. Cody had been born into the profession, although he made sure to enjoy himself along the way. More than once she caught him flirting with a woman, then sneaking off for some alone time after the events were finished for the night. A bona-fide playboy, that’s for sure.

  Absently she wondered if the term still stuck.

  Truth be told, she wished she were in the lucky woman’s shoes each night, absorbing all of Cody’s attention, as she had a crush on him almost from the first time she laid eyes on the strapping, good looking steer wrestler. Not surprising since every other girl appeared to feel the same way. Only she steadfastly refused to act on her whims whereas others jumped in with both feet. Of course, she’d been fourteen at the time so way too young for his attentions. That didn’t stop her from daydreaming.

  “I did. Still help out around the ranch, but spend most of my time on the road treating large animals in my practice.” His focus shifted back to Legacy. “Just be careful with that one, Trin. He’s the last horse I want to have to work on.”

  “You’re the vet here?” Lacey asked.

  “One of a handful, yeah. I signed up to be at all the events for the circuit this year.” He smiled at Lacey wide enough to show a hint of straight white teeth. “My luck, they’d assign me to that stud and laugh as he kicked the shit out of me. All part of being the new guy on the block.”

  “No worries. Legacy’s an angel.”

  Cody snorted.

  “With women,” Trinity added with a wry grin.

  “Like that helps me. A bit short in the estrogen department lately if you haven’t noticed.” Cody shook his head. “Lacey’s been around for a while, but I haven’t seen you, Trinity. When did you come back?”

  She met his gaze steadily. “This year.” For the life of her she really disliked this topic of conversation which inevitably led to the question about her mother.

  “Miss the sport?” He tilted his head and met her eyes as if trying to read between the lines.

  She didn’t give him the chance as she gestured toward Legacy. “Finally got a horse to get me back.”

  “We’re lucky to have her,” Lacey chimed in. “She reminds the rest of us about the good old days.”

  Trinity rolled her eyes. Like I’m that much older than Lacey and the other younger riders. At twenty-five, she was hardly ready to be put out to pasture.

  “Yeah, those were the good times.” The corners of Cody’s lips hitched up but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.

  “Yeah, they were,” Trinity answered on a somewhat sad note. If only she could go back.

  His cell phone rang. Plucking it from his belt, he answered the call, listened for a moment, then held up his hand. “Got to go, ladies. See you around.” He spun on his heel and strode out of the improvised barn.

  “Holy crap. Did you see that ass?” Lacey whispered, still watching where Cody disappeared out into the sunlight.

  “Unfortunately.” Trinity sighed. She’d always been a sucker for a man with a great rump covered in Wrangler jeans. Cody possessed one of the finest. She drew in a breath and committed the sight to memory. Because that’s all it would ever be.

  Cody couldn’t shake the image of Trinity out of his head as he strode back toward the arena. She was a gawky girl the last time he’d seen her, just entering the high school circuit. Damn if she hadn’t grown up, filled out, and turned out pretty. More than that. Beautiful and downright sexy.

  Long, dishwater blonde hair framed an oval face with big blue eyes, the window to her soul where he could easily lose himself. From what he could tell in her sitting position, jeans covered a nice curve to her hips while the western shirt, though loose, hinted at modest, yet perky breasts. The top of her head might tickle his chin, but good things came in small packages. Trinity did.

  Odd, he hadn’t thought much about her before, when as a freshman in high school, she attended a handful of the same events as he. He noticed her, saw a child, and turned his attention elsewhere. In truth, he’d spoken perhaps a dozen sentences to her in the past, a fact he now regretted.

  Now, it seems fate deemed him worthy of another chance.

  He’d been surprised to see her back in competition after such a long absence. He thought she’d exchanged her boots for chasing men, and had long since gotten married and popped out
a couple of kids like most of the girls who barrel raced as kids. Not that he put them down. No way. Everyone deserved the chance to do what they thought best, even if the phase lasted a short time. Besides, he’d essentially followed a similar path. Well, the part about leaving the rodeo and moving on to other things, anyway. The marriage and kids part, no.

  A trickle of longing meandered through his system. Absently, he shoved the morose thoughts aside. He’d come to terms with everything that had happened and moved on.

  Yeah, right.

  The mocking voice in his head refused to allow him to live in a fantasy. In all honesty a good thing, but now and again he wished things could be different.

  If only…

  Shaking the useless phrase aside, he turned his attention back to the little unforeseen, yet intriguing contestant by the name of Trinity. After noticing her name on the docket and double-checking, he decided he had to have a peek for himself. And glad he did.

  Their short conversation ran through his mind. He recalled her facial expressions, the surprise at his approach, and when he called her by name. Also the spark of interest in those baby blues before they clouded over with sadness once more.

  Curiosity piqued. He’d wager his next paycheck she grappled with emotional turmoil and discomfort instead of anything physical. After all, she appeared healthy as a horse with her trim build and slight rose hue to her cheeks. For all intents and purposes, she looked to be in tip-top shape, which pointed him back to his original assumption. Something must be bothering her.

  Wracking his brain, he tried to remember any hint of rumor including her, to no avail. Not surprising since he’d been out of the loop for a while, first in the SEALs, then busy in vet school before graduating a few months back and struggling to establish his practice. Now that he’d been hired by the rodeo association to help oversee the health and care of the livestock through the long season, he’d no doubt hear a few tidbits. Always did. After all, with pretty much the same group each weekend and ample opportunity for trysts and gossip, word would get around soon enough. He’d just have to either be patient or ask a few subtle questions here and there to appease his inquisitiveness.

  On the other hand, that gray stallion of hers proved a hot topic. Understandably so. Best damn horse he’d ever laid eyes on, and he’d seen a lot over the years both on the rodeo circuit and on his father’s ranch. Despite being only half quarter horse, he had been put together just right. Muscles to his ears and a conformation judges would drool over in the halter class at shows. That horse could get the job done, whatever the task from show jumping to racing to cross country at the Olympics. While he had yet to see Legacy in action, he didn’t doubt the stud could perform. Hell, she wouldn’t be at this event if he ranked in the mediocre range. No, Legacy earned Trinity’s place here and, if speculation held true, would carry her all the way to the finals.

  Anticipation washed over him at the thought of watching their first run tonight. Odd since not much had captured his interest and brought excitement to his life lately. Barring a few one-night stands over the past few months, he’d been too busy working and plodding along through daily life to feel any sort of rush. Compared to active duty with the SEALs, jet setting all over the world, battling the worst of the worst, his life tamed to a dull beige. He enjoyed his profession, reveled in the slower pace of life, but still knew his life lacked something important.

  Something told him Trinity and Legacy might just change that. At least for now.

  Chapter Two

  “Time to get ready, buddy.” Trinity grabbed the lead rope, entered Legacy’s stall, then snapped it securely to his halter. He playfully nipped at her sleeve before dutifully following her outside into the evening breeze.

  Long ago, Trinity learned to leave all the tack hidden and locked away inside the storage area of the trailer. Too much to lug around and a temptation just sitting by his stall for anyone walking through. Most of the other girls did the same, not willing to take a chance on losing valuable and necessary equipment. Besides, Legacy preferred to be outside most of the time and this allowed him some fresh air before warm-ups.

  They had almost exited the barn when a man turned the corner and nearly plowed into her. Legacy startled and sidestepped, preparing to lash out with teeth first and hooves second.

  Trinity shoved against his side, blocking him from the man who stared at her with furrowed brows. “Trinity?”

  She raked the man with her gaze. “Gary.” She’d recognize him anywhere. Tall, dark, and handsome on a large scale. Most cowboys tended toward lean and light, except for the steer wrestlers and some of the ropers. They resembled football players in build, height, and sheer bulk. Gary James fit the bill exactly as a typical steer wrestler. Perhaps not as big or powerful as Cody appeared, but certainly more than the shorter, leaner bull riders.

  They’d run into one another now and again over the years, including this one. She couldn’t say each time made an impression. While the other girls cooed and awed at him, she never understood why. Sure, he happened to be built like a professional athlete with sculpted arms, a wide chest, and a face too handsome for his own good. His brown hair matched chocolate eyes and full lips, kissable according to some of the girls. Personally, she found Gary lacking. His eyes didn’t convey warmth nor did his carriage of extreme self-worth make her stomach flip over with desire. One of the most popular men on the circuit, he lapped up the attention, flirted with all the girls, and, if rumor held true, had screwed just about all of them at one time or another. Trailer. Chutes. His truck. Anywhere, anytime he could get his hands on a pretty lady, he’d go at it.

  Just another reason she didn’t care for the man. Too much like her father in his younger years.

  “So this is the stud everyone’s been talking about.” His attention turned to Legacy.

  “I suppose so.” She sighed, hating the polite manners pressed into her from an early age. “If you don’t mind, I’ve to go get ready.”

  He didn’t budge, simply stood there and blocked her path. “What do you say we get together after the rodeo tonight?”

  She blinked, hardly believing his blunt offer. They had never been friends and she couldn’t recall a single time where he’d actually shown even a remote sincere interest in her. Sure, he’d stared at her with lust in his eyes at the first rodeo of the season when she walked into the arena to collect her ribbon, but she didn’t think much of it. Most likely Gary flirted with any girl. Either he was hard up for a lay tonight or he thought she’d bite with such a weak pick-up line. Neither made a difference as she had no intention of spending the evening with anyone except her horse. “No thanks. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Starting forward, she kept her body between Gary’s and Legacy, hurrying past before the stallion got antsy and kicked the snot out of him.

  Thankfully, no one else impeded their progress and she soon slipped into the saddle, headed toward the warm-up corral, and started loosening Legacy up for his seconds of fame. They had the pen to themselves, which allowed her to move at her own pace, and let her thoughts wander for a brief time.

  So much had changed, yet stayed the same. While time passed since she first attended this rodeo as a kid, she could have taken a picture back then, compared it to now, and still easily recognize the landscape, the vendors, the stands, and some of the competitors.

  They had grown up together, but headed separate ways long ago. A few couldn’t stay away, but most followed an entirely different path these days. A trail she might follow after this season.

  Legacy snorted, bringing her attention back to the present. She signaled him with the pressure of one boot and rode with the gliding motion that followed.

  The intricate steps of dressage came almost naturally after seven years of practice. She’d studied and learned the sport while attending college from one of the English riding instructors. While no expert and far from top notch, she found the movements calming for both her and Legacy, efficient in warming his muscles, and prep
aring them both for the few seconds of flat out speed. She signaled him for a trot, changing leads every other step, making a decided rocking motion in the process, before allowing him into a slow, controlled canter.

  He snorted and chewed at the bit, but didn’t protest. In fact, he tossed his head now and again, nearly brimming with energy.

  “Soon enough, boy. Soon enough.” She patted his neck, finished a few more circles in the small corral, and exited the area to head straight for the arena.

  Her first run of two began tonight, then stretched over the next twenty-four hours. Long and drawn out. Not as much as other events, but still more than enough in her opinion. Ideally, she could show up, race, then leave right away. Not an option in some cases, namely the big name shows which drew in thousands of fans.

  “Hey, Trinity. Legacy’s looking full of vim and vinegar tonight.”

  “Yeah.” She pulled him in beside Candy so she could speak to Lacey. Legacy eagerly obliged so he could nuzzle the paint mare’s neck. Trinity rolled her eyes. “He’s infatuated.”

  Lacey laughed. “That he is.”

  Together they rode toward the long chute in the back entrance which allowed the girls to not only get a running start but to charge out of the arena still at full speed, and finally stop within a one-hundred yard span of barren dirt. The last thing barrel racers wanted to do was sit on their haunches trying to stop immediately—hard on both horse and rider. Much like thoroughbred racing, they slowed first before coming to a halt.

  The loudspeaker broadcast the barrel racing competition. As this was the first night the girls had to wait between runs to allow the announcer enough time to introduce each rider and their horse. Typical, but a bit frustrating since Trinity would rather just dash in, zip around the barrels, and sprint back out.

  Legacy busily snuffled Candy, who patiently tolerated the fuss, but basically ignored the lovesick stallion. Trinity could only shake her head at his antics. Poor guy. Found a girl he wanted and she pretended he didn’t exist. The story of many romances, both equine and human.