Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  “I’m learning.”

  “Can’t wait to taste-test your next cooking lesson.” He winked at her.

  “We’ll see.” She grinned wide and checked her watch. “Time to start getting ready.” Standing up, she folded up her chair.

  Cody finished in two large bites, tossed his stuff in the trash, and followed suit, clearing the aisle for her to lead Legacy from his stall.

  Trinity grabbed a lead rope, opened the door, snapped the clip on Legacy’s halter, then encouraged him to follow. Legacy complied, walking gracefully at her left side.

  They’d taken a few steps when Trinity’s voice carried back to him. “You coming with us?”

  He watched them for a long moment with appreciation. The stallion who personified careful breeding over generations and the woman who soothed the unpredictable beast. “Yeah.” Hurrying along, he caught up to walk on Trinity’s other side.

  She peered up at him. “You didn’t answer. What are you looking for in a woman?”

  He just about showed his hand, but held back instead. “A woman with brains, substance, and a good heart. If she can ride like the wind, even better.”

  A crooked grin crept over her face. “I thought men wanted cleavage and a shapely backside in a skinny package?”

  He shook his head. “Runway models are overrated. Besides, there’s more to a woman than curves and dimples.” He fed the words right back at her.

  She chuckled. “Touché.”

  “But it doesn’t hurt if she has it all.” He added on a whim.

  “Does that person exist?” She dug the keys out of her jeans pocket and shoved one into the lock.

  “Oh yeah.” He ran his knuckles over her cheek.

  Her eyes widened before her features softened. “I’m not perfect, Cody. And I’ll warn you now, a one-night stand isn’t happening.”

  “I didn’t even consider such a thing. As far as perfection, I think you’re pretty damn close.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, discovered her eager response, and opened in order to deepen the kiss. He licked the seam of her lips, then thrust his tongue inside for a deeper taste, tapping her teeth as he went.

  She licked his tongue, then parried, giving back as much as he gave. He broke the kiss, angled his head the opposite direction, and swooped in again. Gentle as a summer mist, he kissed Trinity, reveling in her acceptance. His libido crackled with renewed need as he did nothing more than cover Trinity’s mouth with his.

  He could have stood there for a good long time soaking up Trinity’s affection, but reality interrupted in the form of Legacy nudging him firmly in the back. Cody maintained his balance with the assist of one hand on the side of the trailer, but lost the lip-lock in the process. “Damn Legacy. Give a guy a break.”

  Trinity smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling. “I think he’s ready to go.”

  “I think he’s jealous.” Cody cupped her cheek and pressed a chaste kiss to her slightly swollen lips. “But, he’s right. You need plenty of time to get warmed up.”

  “Yeah, we do.” She sighed and handed over Legacy’s reins. “Here. Hold him while I saddle up.”

  Automatically accepting the rope, Cody turned to stare at the stallion, remaining still when the big horse snuffled him, then snorted. “Yeah, I know. I probably don’t smell too good right now. That happens when you spend half the day hanging around cattle.”

  In no time at all, Trinity had the saddle on Legacy and replaced his halter with a bridle. She double-checked the tack, then each of his feet, before giving a nod of approval. With fluid ease, she pulled herself up and settled on Legacy’s back, gathering her reins in the process.

  Cody watched in admiration. Not everyone could ride such a spirited animal. Trinity made everything appear effortless. He ran a hand over Legacy’s hip, noting the abundance of hard muscles.

  Trinity twisted in her seat to peer down at him. “You asked why I wasn’t dating any of the guys at the farm?”

  He nodded.

  She paused only a moment. “Because I’ve found a man who puts all others to shame.” She clicked her tongue, and Legacy trotted toward the warm-up area.

  Cody watched her go with equal parts relief, happiness, and longing. “Ditto.” The quiet confession felt right. He headed toward the back entrance to the arena, not about to miss her ride.

  An hour and a half later, Cody stood as he did before, beside Trinity’s trailer as she loaded up for the trip home. He carefully placed the cooler in the passenger seat, and shut the door securely, before walking to the back of the trailer. “You got everything?”

  She tugged on the large latch and secured it with a chain. “I think so.” Obviously satisfied with the safety catches, she turned with a sigh. “You’ll be in Lexington next weekend, right?”

  “Yep. Last stop on the circuit. After that, it’s Vegas.” He leaned up against the side of the trailer and crossed his arms.

  “I’m ready.” She peered up at him.

  “Ready for the finals or ready for the season to be done?”

  “Both.”

  Her answer didn’t surprise him. The pace of the season proved grueling and daunting, even to veterans of the rodeo circuit. More than one competitor limped into the finals from a plethora of hard knocks along the way. Fortunately, barrel racers typically missed out on the injury list, especially compared to bronc and bull riders. Still, that didn’t mean they weren’t worn out like everyone else.

  “How about you? Ready to trade in the RV for a name plate on a door?”

  He shrugged. “Haven’t thought that far ahead.”

  “How far ahead have you thought?”

  “This far.” He bracketed her head with his hands and pulled her close enough to seal his lips over hers. With gentleness and controlled passion, he supped from her once more, knowing he’d have to wait a few days to earn another opportunity. All too soon, he withdrew and stared down into her face.

  Slowly, Trinity opened her eyes, the act both sensual and alluring.

  A sense of rightness hit him along with a healthy dose of contentment. For the first time in ages, he wanted a woman without harboring fear of rejection. Something told him Trinity could and would overlook his imperfections.

  They just needed time. The one thing neither had right now.

  Soon, though.

  He gave her a quick peck before releasing her completely. “You can always call me. I keep my phone on all the time.”

  “The phone lines run both ways.”

  He chuckled. “True.” After one final glance, he nudged her toward the driver’s seat. “You better get a move on if you want to beat all this traffic.”

  “Yep.” She hurried over to the passenger side and pulled out the remaining pie. “Almost forgot.”

  He accepted it happily. “Thanks.”

  “Welcome.” She climbed up into the seat, slipped the key in the ignition, and stared at him. “I guess I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “Bet on it.” He shut the door soundly and stepped back. Returning her wave, he watched her pull out of the parking area and out onto the side road.

  “You plan on sharing that?”

  Cody turned to find his uncle eyeing his gift with a look of unapologetic hunger and intent written clearly on his face. “Maybe.”

  Jared snorted. “Better make that a yes if you want to ride home with me.”

  Cody rolled his eyes then chuckled. “You got me there.”

  “Uh-huh.” Jared led the way across the grounds toward their vehicle. “Seems to me that girl has a softness for you.”

  “I’m hoping so.” Cody kept careful hold on the pie as he navigated the uneven ground.

  “Did you ask her out yet?”

  “No. She won’t leave her horse’s side for more than five minutes at a time.”

  Jared slowed his steps to walk even with Cody. “If you can’t take her out on a date, maybe you need to bring the date to her.”

  “Ahead of you already.” Cody grinned rue
fully at his uncle. “I just have to find a good restaurant in Lexington that does take out. I’ll get online this week and see what I can come up with.”

  “I knew you’d learn something in college.”

  Cody shook his head. “Strategy and planning came with the SEALs.”

  Jared blinked. “What in the hell did you learn your first four years in college, then?”

  Cody rubbed his forehead. “Nothing I want to share.”

  “Uh-huh.” Jared unlocked the RV and stepped inside before turning to pluck the pie from Cody’s hand.

  “Hey!”

  “Can’t take a chance on losing this.” Jared laughed and disappeared into the vehicle.

  Cody shook his head and followed.

  Things are looking up. Big time.

  Chapter Twelve

  Lexington—a mere half hour from home. Trinity stood at the entrance to the barn and breathed in the fresh Kentucky air. Still a bit chilly from recent rains, the fall temperatures promised a much more comfortable stay than on the plains earlier this summer.

  “Get through this. Finals in two weeks.”

  “Yep.” Lacey approached, feed bucket in hand. “We’re both on the fence for making the top twenty-five. Best I can figure if we can take the first couple of places, we’ll be set.”

  Trinity nodded. “That’s what I figured too. Close, definitely, but I think we’re just about there.”

  Lacey walked toward their small camp out area and set the bucket down in the empty stall next to Candy where she stored all her stuff for the weekend. Trinity followed, automatically stroking Legacy’s nose when he stuck his head over the door and nickered. After exiting the area, Lacey pulled out her lawn chair and plopped down, her gaze locked on Trinity. “How’s things with Cody coming along?”

  Trinity blinked and glanced at her boots for a long moment before looking up again. “Fine. Good.” She sighed. “I think.”

  “You think?” Lacey arched an eyebrow.

  Normally, Trinity wouldn’t speak of such private matters, but she needed to spill the beans to someone, to get a second opinion. New to relationships, she sought affirmation that she hadn’t misread any signs along the way. “I told him that I found the man I wanted to date last weekend. Meaning him.”

  “And?”

  “We kissed, and parted ways. Again.”

  “Did you call him during the week?” Lacey rubbed a smudge of dust off the knee of her jeans.

  “A couple of times. We chatted for a bit, nothing much, really. More like checking in, I guess.” She shrugged.

  Lacey pursed her lips and nodded. “That’s something.”

  “Yeah, but…” Trinity bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know. I feel like we’re moving the speed of a giant tortoise pacing himself during a half marathon.”

  Lacey giggled. “That’s probably because you are.” She sobered to a wide grin. “Anyone else would have thrown that cowboy to the ground and mounted up already.”

  “I want more than sex.” Trinity frowned at her friend.

  “Noted and I do think Cody gets that. He wouldn’t be hanging around the barns every weekend if he didn’t.”

  “Then why do I feel like something is missing?”

  Lacey peered out the large open door at the huge arena just waiting for tonight’s activities. After a moment, she turned back to Trinity. “Maybe because you’ve finally found something you want, and you’re second guessing yourself.”

  “Could be.” Trinity found the observation to be spot on. “I guess finding love is like riding a feisty stallion. You just have to climb in the saddle and hang on for one wild ride.”

  Lacey smiled humorously. “In so many ways.”

  Trinity rolled her eyes. “You’re so bad. Speaking of, did you goat-tie that man you’ve been after?”

  Sadness replaced the spark in Lacey’s eyes. Her mouth turned down and her face took on a pinched appearance. “No.”

  “Why not?” Trinity hated to see Lacey so unhappy. Normally vibrant and upbeat, Lacey seemed to take life in stride. Yet, this man, whomever he was, obviously meant a lot and wasn’t cooperating in the least.

  “He’s dating someone else.” The words came out flat.

  “I’m so sorry.” Trinity patted Lacey’s upper arm. “Is there a chance you can catch his eye when you get back?”

  “I don’t know.” Lacey blew out a breath. “Not even sure he’s worth it.”

  “You’re a great lady and deserve only the best. Whoever that might be.” Trinity offered up a soft smile. “Don’t give up. One day the right man will come along and sweep you off your feet.”

  Lacey snorted. “You’ve been reading too many fairy tales.”

  “Romance novels, actually. But, look at it this way, we all want a prince charming. We just have to cull out the rest until we find him.”

  “I’ve misplaced my cattle prod.” A glimpse of humor returned to Lacey’s eyes.

  Trinity laughed. “I hear you can buy a good one in the booth area out back of the arena.”

  “Not sure that will work, either.” Lacey shook her head, then grinned slightly. “Although the thought of zapping him with a prod in the ass makes me feel quite a bit better.”

  “There you go. Just cling to that idea.” Trinity smiled wickedly. “A bit sadist, but hey, whatever works for you.”

  “Gee, thanks.”

  “Welcome.” Trinity dug through her cooler and pulled out two bottles of water. “Drink some water while you daydream of such things. Staying hydrated is good for you.”

  Lacey took the bottle, opened the cap, and took a long drink. “You’re a good woman, Trin.”

  Trinity stared over at Lacey in puzzlement. “Thanks, but what brought that on?”

  Lacey shrugged. “Seemed like the right thing to say to a wise friend.”

  “Oh, now I’m wise?” Trinity giggled. “Maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

  “Could be.” Lacey’s eyes twinkled.

  Two hours later, Trinity stood at the arena entrance, waiting her turn for the first ride in the Lexington Rodeo. She’d drawn last, not an optimal position to have when trying to win. As each horse circled around the barrels, their hooves dug into the soft dirt, leaving grooves. After several riders had their turn, the ground developed a crater, making it that much harder for the horses to not only find traction, but to scamper in and out close to the barrel without knocking it over.

  Not much to do about the draw. Just had to dash in, do their best, and hope tomorrow would bring a better placement.

  As soon as the judge gave her the green flag, she set her heels to Legacy.

  He blasted into the arena, heading for the first barrel. His hooves dug deep in the already carved out dirt. For a moment, he slipped, lurched, then found his footing and lowered his haunches in order to arch around the barrel. Off balance, his hind leg slipped and he went down.

  Trinity didn’t have time to do more than gasp as Legacy landed on his side, some of his body weight directly on her leg, not to mention the hard punch to her hip as she hit the dirt along with him.

  “Legacy!” She managed to kick free of the stirrup, relieving him of her weight entirely. Her only thought on her downed animal.

  Immediately, he got his feet under him and stood, unmoving from the spot. He extended his neck and nosed her in the chest.

  She sat up and winced. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to stand.

  “Trinity!” Cody charged to her side followed quickly by a couple of medics on the rodeo’s sports injury team.

  Legacy flattened his ears at the newcomers. Trinity grabbed his reins and waved them off. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

  Cody pulled up right in front of her, his observant gaze raking her from head to toe and back again. “You shouldn’t be up walking.”

  She met his gaze for a split second. “I’m fine. It’s Legacy I’m worried about.” A bit shakily, she ran her hands down Legacy’s side, over his rump, and down his left rear leg. L
ifting slightly, she checked out the area, and nearly cried when he flinched with her gentle touch. After she released his leg, Legacy kicked out with the foot, then held it up as if it hurt.

  “Let me see.” Cody ran his hands over the area, tenderly, but thoroughly. Setting the hoof back down, he moved to the other side and repeated the action. After only a few seconds, he returned to Trinity’s side and wrapped an arm around her waist. “He’s tweaked it. Not sure how bad yet. Let’s get him back to the barn so we can check it out further.”

  Biting her lip, Trinity let Cody take them out of the arena, as she held tight to Legacy’s reins. He didn’t seem to be gimpy, but that didn’t give her much reassurance.

  Slowly, they made their way back to his stall. She stripped off his saddle and tack quickly, setting it in the aisle, something she had never done before. Switching halter for bridle, she soothed her horse while Cody had another look at his leg.

  He touched the area, moved the joint with gentle motions, then finally released the foot and stood. “He doesn’t seem to favor it, but that was some spill. What I’d do to get an x-ray or ultrasound on the pastern and fetlock, just to be sure.”

  Trinity pulled out her cell phone and punched in a number. “Carmen? I’m so sorry to bother you. It’s Legacy.”

  “What happened, Trinity? I can hear the upset in your voice.”

  “He fell. Cody thinks he might have tweaked his rear fetlock. He’s needing an x-ray, ultrasound, or something to check it out further.”

  “Say no more. Thank God you’re already in Lexington. Head on over to the university equine hospital right now. I’ll call Dr. Hayward and tell him you’re coming.”

  “Thanks Carmen.”

  “Just keep me updated.”

  “Will do.” Trinity hung up and turned a worried look toward Cody. “We’re taking him to the university hospital. The stallion farm’s vet will meet us there.”

  Cody blew out a breath and nodded. “That’ll help.” He slipped out of the stall and secured the door.

  Trinity stared at Legacy and felt tears overflow.

  “Hey, it’s going to be all right.” Cody appeared by her side and wrapped her in his arms. “He’s going to be fine. It’s just a precaution.”