Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  For the first time since learning of last night’s events, Lacey grinned.

  The moment Gary stepped out of the administrative office, Cody blocked his path. “I have a bone to pick with you, James.” He’d meant to track the bastard down first thing this morning, but didn’t want to leave Trinity’s side for a while, just to make sure she was really all right after last night. Finding her pretty much back to normal, he’d made a couple of calls, discovered Gary was presently getting his ass chewed by Jared, and decided to do a follow-up of his own.

  Gary sneered and tried to shove past. His red face, lowered eyebrows, and stiff movements told the story. He was pissed.

  Too fucking bad. That makes two of us.

  Cody stood his ground. “If I had my way, you’d be cooling your jets in jail right now.” He promised Trinity to keep the cops out of it. That didn’t mean he couldn’t beat some sense into Gary in order to make sure the fucker learned a hard lesson.

  “Get out of my fucking way.” Gary shoved Cody hard.

  Prepared for the move, Cody went with the motion, snagged Gary’s arm, then spun him around. When Gary threw a punch, Cody quickly ducked, then returned the favor. His fist landed on Gary’s jaw with a satisfying smack.

  Gary reeled, bent over, then glared up at Cody with fury in his eyes.

  Cody knew the feeling. A cauldron of boiling rage rolled through his gut since he entered the barn last night and found Gary on top of a struggling Trinity. “I suggest you listen up and listen good. Because I’m only saying this once. Stay away from Trinity.”

  “That’s between her and me.”

  Cody narrowed his eyes and leashed his temper. “Only a first class jackass would assault a woman like that.”

  “I was drunk!”

  “That’s no fucking excuse and you know it.” Cody grabbed the smaller man by the shirtfront and scowled down at him. “You get anywhere near Trinity again and you’ll have to deal with me.”

  Gary’s lips thinned. “What’s your take in this?”

  “She’s mine. And I’ll beat the shit out of the next man who wants to lay hands on her.” Cody dropped his voice to a stern growl when Gary opened his mouth. “Just in case you’re thinking about taking me on, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I’m a SEAL.”

  “So?”

  Cody grinned wolfishly. “Don’t you know anything about SEALs? There’s a reason we’re sent on black ops missions. We’re trained to kill in dozens of different ways, all silent and lethal.”

  Gary’s eyes widened before he looked away. His lips pursed before he tried to jerk free.

  “Get the picture?”

  “Yeah.” Gary spit out the word.

  Cody shook him. “You better have. Next time I won’t be this nice.” Satisfied the message sank in, Cody released him, shot him one last warning glare, then strode away.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “Going to give her another shot tonight, Gary?” one of the young bull riders prompted with an elbow nudge.

  Trinity overheard his words and bristled as she headed toward the ladies’ shower facilities. Since she didn’t rent a room, she relied upon what the huge tourist center in Vegas could provide. Not bad compared to some of the small town rodeo’s lackluster options.

  “Since you never strike out,” another added in mockery.

  A healthy shot of fear poured into her bloodstream. After last night’s unexpected attack, she couldn’t quell her nerves today and absolutely had to. Legacy picked up on all her moods and acted accordingly. For his best run, he needed to be calm and chipper, not pissed off and tentative.

  She took a couple more steps, intending to ignore their bantering, until another male voice caught her attention.

  “Keep your eyes in your head, boys, if you know what’s good for you.”

  Twisting, she spied the newcomer. An older man, dressed in jeans, boots, and a white shirt joined the gathering. An inch or two taller than the shortest of the group, he carried himself with confidence and ability. Right now his stiff motions shouted anger in a big way. His hat sat up high enough on his head to reveal his face. Buck Troutman. Her father.

  “She’s my daughter and you’ll respect her as such.” His low growl and glare seemed to straighten the men up immediately. They nodded and lowered their heads. He turned his fury on Gary, stepping forward to snarl in Gary’s face. “You’re one lucky son of a bitch. If it were up to me, you’d be cooling your jets in jail, not standing here ready to compete in the finals. But, know this. You ever try anything like that on my daughter or any other woman, you’ll find my boot planted so far up your ass, you’ll be belching shit for weeks.” He paused, then continued. “I still ought to beat the hell out of you for what you did.”

  “Someone already did.” Gary cupped his cheek and wiggled his jaw with a slight grimace.

  Buck fisted his hand in Gary’s shirt. “You sorry asshole.”

  Gary threw up his arms in surrender. “I crossed the line. Big time. I know it and I’m sorry.”

  “I’m not the one you need to apologize to.” The low growl vibrated from Buck’s throat.

  Glancing toward her, Gary met her gaze, then flicked back to Buck. “If you’ll let me go, I’ll do that right now.”

  Buck relented, then crossed his arms over his chest as he watched.

  Trinity steeled herself as Gary approached, a sheepish look on his face. He eyed her before stopping a few feet away. “I’m sorry, Trinity. I was drunk, but that’s no excuse. I promise it’ll never happen again.”

  While she wanted to believe his words, she couldn’t. Not with his actions still so fresh on her mind. “I’ll hold you to that promise.”

  “You forgive me?” The corner of his mouth hitched up slightly, almost in relief.

  She shook her head. “No.”

  Surprise flashed through his eyes.

  Taking the opportunity, she strode past him and waited several feet from her father.

  Gary mumbled to himself, then walked away, the other two falling in behind him, leaving her alone with her father.

  Hope and confusion intermixed with Buck’s threats. He’d never had anything to do with her growing up, but now he stepped up to be a paternal figure. The realization perplexed her entirely and no matter how she tried to wrap her mind around the facts, she just couldn’t.

  She closed the distance between them, not sure what to say to the man she’d only known in pictures and stories from her mother. “Thanks.”

  His green eyes expressed sadness while his face remained stoic. “I should have been there before now.”

  Trinity shrugged. Old news in her book.

  “I’m sorry about your mother. Hell, I’m sorry about lots of things.” He glanced away, drew in a breath, then focused on her once more. “If only I could go back and have it to do again.”

  She bit her lip at that all too familiar, yet groundless expression. “We can’t change the past, only move forward.” Another favorite phrase of her mother’s slipped out.

  He remained quiet for a couple more beats. “I know it’s too late, but I’d like the chance to get to know you. To learn about the girl I helped created.”

  Her heart fluttered. For years, she would have given her pigtails to hear such words. Finally, when she did, she found herself lost and bewildered. “I…might like to try.” Indecision carried in her tone.

  He nodded. “I know it’s not a good time and you’re still rattled from last night. But, I’m sincere.” Digging in his pocket, he pulled out a card. “Call me. Any time. I’ll always answer for you.”

  “Thanks…Dad,” she uttered the word, trying it on for size. A bit awkward, but workable.

  A small grin covered his face. He tipped his hat at her. “It’s a good start, daughter.” He turned around and walked away, leaving Trinity strangely optimistic, yet tentative.

  “‘Bout time you stepped up to your responsibility.” Jared stepped out of the shadows and into Buck’s path. He scowled at the
slightly shorter man with checked anger.

  Buck met his gaze unflinchingly. “None of your business, Winters.”

  Jared didn’t back down an inch. He’d bit his tongue far too many times and refused to do so again. “Seems to me you dropped the ball years ago. Now, she’s grown into a fine woman. Still missing her momma, big time, so don’t go screwing with her right now.”

  “I fucked up. Yeah, I get it. And, I know it’s too late to fill in the role as her father. But, by damn, I’m going to try. Not because of what happened, but because she’s a good kid. Whether you believe it or not, I’m proud of her.”

  Studying Buck’s face, Jared determined he spoke the truth. About twenty-five years too late in Jared’s opinion, but better late than never. “If you hurt her…” He trailed off with a growl.

  Buck snorted derisively. “You know me better than that. I might have gotten hit with the stupid stick, but I learn from my mistakes.” His gaze shifted to the left.

  Jared twisted to see what caught the other man’s attention.

  “I just hope that asshole learns from his.” Buck’s tone turned threateningly.

  “I think he just might.” Jared turned back to meet Buck’s gaze. “Between my nephew knocking him out last night, then reading him the riot act today, Lacey taking him to task and slapping him in front of several of the other competitors, your little scene, and my raking him over the coals and threatening to ban him from the association, I believe the stupid shit might have gotten the hint.”

  Buck blinked. “You didn’t.”

  Jared grinned wolfishly. “Oh, I did. In small words so he could understand. Even the slightest whisper of him harassing another woman and he’s out of here. Not just for the region, but for the whole country.”

  “Damn.” Buck shook his head as his blue eyes twinkled. “Talk about bringing down the hammer.”

  “Yep.” Jared rubbed his chin. “Take a lesson. Trinity is going through a lot right now. So, don’t make any promises you can’t keep.” An intense stare followed right on the heels of the stern warning.

  Satisfied that Buck had received the message loud and clear, Jared walked away.

  He found Cody in the RV collecting a couple of blankets and a pillow. He noted the folded up cot leaning against the couch and arched an eyebrow. “My snoring driving you to bunk down with the bulls?”

  Cody spared him a glance complete with wry grin. “Something like that.”

  “Or perhaps there’s a cute little barrel racer who invited you to a bunking party?” Jared already knew Cody’s plan. Hell, he would have done the very same thing. Still, he couldn’t let the opportunity pass to yank his nephew’s chain.

  Cody stood up and met Jared’s eyes. “I’m staying the nights with Trinity until the finals are over.” Leashed tension and anger radiated off Cody.

  “She’s lucky to have you.”

  “I’m doing a pretty shitty job of taking care of her.” He ran on hand through his hair, leaving the locks a bit tousled.

  “No one had a clue Gary would dip to those depths. But, I guarantee it won’t happen again.”

  Cody tilted his head and furrowed his eyebrows. “How do you know?”

  “Because he might be dumb, but he’s not totally stupid.”

  “That doesn’t fill me with warm fuzzies, Jared.”

  Jared smirked at Cody’s phrase. “Sit down. Let me bring you up to speed.”

  Cody slid into the dining booth. Jared took the seat opposite.

  “I walked into the medic room this morning to find Lacey giving Gary both barrels. Slapped the hell out of him too.”

  Cody’s eyes widened before worry replaced surprise. “I told her to leave Gary to me.”

  Jared snorted. “I thought you had enough experience with women to know that when one gets an idea in her head, she’s going to out stubborn a mule to make it happen.” He waved his hand. “Anyway, she read him the riot act in front of everyone in the room.”

  “Damn.”

  “Yeah. You know how fast gossip spreads around here.”

  “Yep.”

  Jared intertwined his fingers and rested them on the table. “After Lacey tore a few strips off his hide, it was my turn. I hauled his sorry ass into the office and gave him the ultimatum. One more whisper of misbehavior and I’d ban him from the circuit and personally call the president of the association to push to have him banned for life.”

  “Oh, shit.” Cody blinked. “That’s…”

  “Deserved.” Jared finished for him. “Rodeo cowboys have a certain reputation to uphold. If the public starts to believe the guys are drunks and sexual predators, it would hurt the whole industry. It’s not just about what Gary did to Trinity, it’s about the image of the rodeo.”

  “True.”

  “It gets better.” Jared blew out a breath. “Seems Gary hitched up with a couple of his buddies. They caught sight of Trinity and started egging him on about hitting on Trinity and falling flat.”

  Storminess gathered in Cody’s eyes.

  “Buck Troutman marched right up, got in Gary’s face, and told Gary to keep his eyes in his head and hands off Trinity, his daughter.”

  “Wow. He actually admitted Trinity was his daughter?”

  “Yeah. Shocked the hell out of me too. After dismissing the bastard, Buck talked to Trinity. Wants to start being in her life, to make up for his mistakes.” Jared’s skepticism carried over in his tone.

  Cody must have picked up on it. “You don’t think he was truthful?”

  Jared shrugged. “I don’t think he lied. I just question his motivation and how far he’s willing to go to bring Trinity back into his life.”

  “Seems a bit late to turn into a doting father and too damn convenient. Wait until her mother passes away and Trinity is rattled from an overly aggressive jackass, then step in and try to be the man he should have been from the start.”

  Jared nodded. “I warned him to not play with her emotions. If he wasn’t prepared to back up his words, then just leave it be.”

  “How did Trinity take it?”

  “She was shocked. Hell, anyone would have been. Here’s a man she’s been told was her father for twenty plus years, who never had anything to do with her. Suddenly, he shows up at the finals, confronts her attacker, announces his paternity, and declares he wants to make amends. That’s enough to rattle the hardiest person, let alone someone who’s suffered some hard knocks recently.” Jared felt for Trinity, and truly liked the girl, which was why he stepped in with the verbal warning to Buck.

  “So, you think what happened spurred him to finally accept and speak to Trinity?” Cody asked.

  “Probably.” Jared rubbed his chin. “I don’t have a damn clue what goes through Buck’s head. Never have. Any man who would turn his back on his responsibility is beyond my understanding and lower than the dried shit on my boots.”

  “I agree. Even if it was a one-night stand, he still bore responsibility.” Cody sighed. “Trinity doesn’t really speak about it, but I know her and her mother had a tough time, especially financially.”

  “While Buck topped the money earnings for a handful of years, married another woman, and had a couple of kids. Spoiled rotten, useless children at that.”

  “From what I’ve heard, yeah. Because he gave them everything they wanted while Trinity and her mother did without.” Cody’s lips thinned. “Trinity turned out great despite the difficulties, but it’s not fair. She should have had a father, some financial support, something.” He rested his elbows on the table.

  “Life’s not fair, son. You know that.”

  Cody grimaced. “Yeah, but Trinity doesn’t deserve any of this. Never has. Whether Buck wants to enter her life or not, he’s a loser as a father in my book.”

  Jared agreed wholeheartedly. “Sad, but I’m sure she’s not the only one in that particular boat.” A few beats of silence followed. “So, what are you intending to do about her?”

  Cody met his gaze steadily. “I�
��m going to camp out with her every night, make sure nothing happens again.”

  “Guard dog.” Jared grinned.

  Cody arched an eyebrow. “I prefer bodyguard.”

  “Who’s in love with the woman he’s watching over?”

  “I don’t know yet.” Cody didn’t twitch or squirm, just sat completely still as he answered.

  That told Jared many things. “But you’re on the way?”

  “There’s a couple more hurdles to overcome.”

  Jared stared at Cody for a long moment. “She won’t care about those scars.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Jared studied his nephew for a bit. “If she accepts you inside and out, you going to keep her?”

  Cody’s eyes flashed. “If she’ll have me, nothing on this earth could tear me away.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Legacy flew to the final turn, bumping against the barrel in his hasty direction change.

  Cody sucked in a breath as the third barrel tipped precariously.

  Trinity leaned way over, steadied it with her hand, and ended up without a stirrup and halfway out of the saddle as Legacy galloped full speed toward the finish line and past. She rode the rest of the way on sheer guts, skill, and a prayer. He knew because he said a quick one himself.

  Legacy thundered by him with Trinity still clinging to the saddle horn for dear life as she stuck to the side of her mount, using her remaining stirrup and strength to keep from taking a bad spill. Cody followed, predicting what would happen, even as the huge stallion slowed.

  Just when he saw her start to right herself, bright media lights flashed in the dark night directly on Legacy. He screamed and reared in panic.

  Already in a precarious position, Trinity couldn’t adjust and quickly tumbled to the earth, landing hard on her stomach with a sickening thud.

  Fear lodged in his throat.

  Cody grabbed the top rail of the pen and vaulted over before sprinting to within a few feet of the fallen rider. He would have dropped to the ground at Trinity’s side, but his quick appearance along with the hurried arrival of others set Legacy off and brought out his wild instincts. The stallion reared once more, coming down hard with his hooves on either side of Trinity’s head. The whites of Legacy’s eyes shined brightly. The pole lights illuminated the area enough for him to see Legacy’s pinned ears, rippling hide, and total body tension. All blatant warning signals to keep away. Unlike most horses, Legacy didn’t run. Instead, he stayed in order to protect his downed rider. Throwback instinct from his wild ancestors.