Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  His mouth too dry to swallow, Cody waved to the others running behind him. “Back off. He’s spooked enough already.” Not waiting to see if they obeyed, he edged closer, holding his hand out to Legacy. “It’s okay, boy. Just me. Let me close so I can check on your crazy owner.”

  Trinity moaned, then ever so slowly sat up, clutching her chest.

  “Stay still, Trin. I’m coming.”

  She shook her head. “Fine. Breath…”

  He understood. She’d had the air knocked out of her when she landed. Still, he wouldn’t let the worry go until she got up, walked on her own power, and one of the sports medicine doctors declared her sound.

  Legacy nudged her and nickered softly, as if in encouragement.

  She reached up and patted his nose.

  Seeing his opportunity, Cody edged closer, until he could touch her. “Let me help you.”

  “I…can,” she panted.

  Keeping one eye on Legacy, Cody wrapped his arms around Trinity’s waist and lifted her straight up to her feet, not releasing her until she stood steady without his aid. “Okay?”

  She met his gaze, nodded, and continued to breathe fast and shallow, like she’d just sprinted around the barrels herself. “Yeah. When I…catch my breath.”

  He empathized. More than once he’d been in those shoes. Hurt like a bitch and took a while to expand those lungs normally again. His worry melted away, but he knew he’d see that fall in his nightmares for some nights to come. Impulsively, he pulled her into his embrace, nuzzled her cheek, then placed a kiss on her crown, reassuring himself that she indeed escaped harm.

  “Trinity? Are you hurt?” Lacey nudged Candy closer to them and gathered up Legacy’s hanging reins.

  “I’m okay. Just knocked…the wind out of me is all.” She smiled weakly. “Thanks.”

  “Want me to take him while you go get checked out?”

  “Nah. I’m fine. Besides…he’s upset enough already.” She stepped to the stallion’s side and put her foot in the stirrup.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Cody reached out and grabbed her hips.

  She spared him a quick glance. “Getting back on my horse. That old adage about falling off and getting back on? Well, it’s true. Not just for me, but for him. It’s a confidence thing.”

  He grumbled under his breath, but boosted her up anyway. As much as he wanted to carry her back to his RV and check her over himself, he knew she’d not only balk, but scurry back to her pet. While he admired her dedication and commitment to Legacy, someone needed to shake some sense into her thick skull. Namely him.

  Okay, maybe not shake. She already carried bruises from her run in with that bastard and now she added a few more compliments of her high-strung horse. Legacy didn’t deserve the blame, though. He’d just reacted.

  Fucking bad luck tonight.

  He watched her post as she trotted Legacy in large circles, presumably to cool him down after his run and work off the excess tension left over from his scare. Her curved rear lifted in unison with the stallion’s strides, offering him a nice view each time of those perfect cheeks.

  Damn.

  His adrenaline surge turned to lust. Fast. One minute he worried Trinity had just broken her neck. The next, he’s watching her calmly ride around and his cock began to throb with a full blown hard-on.

  After yanking his cell phone from the holder on his belt, he punched in a number. “Lucas? Cody. I’m going to check out that barrel racing stallion, then go off the clock for tonight.”

  “Good idea. Oh, and while you’re at it, check out that girl of yours too. That was a mighty hard fall.”

  Cody couldn’t help but grin. The head vet, Lucas, might be approaching seventy, but he didn’t miss a thing. Including how much time Cody spent around Trinity and her mount. Especially lately. “Will do.” He disconnected and turned his undivided attention back to Trinity.

  Shannon came trotting over on her horse. “I just heard. Are you all right, Trinity?”

  Trinity nodded. “Thanks for checking, I’m fine. Just winded a bit.”

  Shannon stared at her a few seconds. “I’m not sure if you have the best luck or the worst.”

  Ain’t that the truth. Cody shook his head.

  Trinity giggled, a bit breathlessly. “I don’t know either, but thanks for checking on me.”

  “Sure. That’s what friends do. Besides, I’d hate to lose my strongest competition this close to the end.” She grinned.

  “Don’t worry. I’m tougher than you think.” Trinity matched her smile.

  “I know that already.” Shannon lifted her reins and gathered her mount. “If you need anything, just holler.”

  “Will do.”

  Shannon trotted back to the arena, presumably to prepare for her victory lap for tonight’s event.

  Trinity slid off Legacy’s back and started walking him in large circles, watching his steps carefully.

  He knew she was searching for any sign of injury, same as he. The only difference is he studied them both.

  No red alarms went off in his head as he watched Trinity walk Legacy around. The stallion’s steps were fluid as usual. Trinity moved a bit stiff, but she probably wouldn’t be able to take a deep breath without discomfort for a few more minutes. Hurt like a bitch, but, in the scheme of things, meant she got off pretty light this time.

  “Do you see anything?”

  He shook his head and approached. “He’s not favoring anything, but let me take a gander at his left rear.” Trinity obviously worried more about the leg that had been tweaked a couple of weeks ago from the fall. Her thin lips and pale face told him that particular fact.

  Sliding his hand along Legacy’s hindquarters, he made his way slowly to the foot in question, finding no bumps, lumps, or signs of tenderness. The stallion even lifted his hoof for a decent check before lashing out. A sure indication he was done with the exam. Cody stood back up and patted the stud. “I don’t see anything. He’s fine, if not a bit surly tonight.”

  A ghost of a smile played across Trinity’s lips. “That’s every night for him.”

  “Somehow I noticed.” Cody closed the distance between them, rested his hand on her cheek, and stared down at her. “You scared the shit out of me, sweetheart. First that stunt rider trick of running full speed hanging onto Legacy’s side. Then that tumble.” He blew out a breath and tried to slow his pounding heart. “I’m just thankful you’re in one piece after that.”

  She nuzzled his hand, then stood on tiptoe to brush her lips over his. A mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. “No one said barrel racing was for the faint of heart.”

  He grinned in relief and a hint of amusement. “True. I think you can attest to that.” Tugging her close, he pressed a kiss to the top of her crown. “Many more of those incidents and I’ll keel over from heart failure.” For a long moment, he hugged her tight until she started to squirm. Reluctantly, he let her ease back, but couldn’t relinquish his touch.

  Her gaze raked him from head to toe. “You? Heart failure?” She snorted. “You’re built like an ox and just as healthy. I’d say the only thing that would cause you to keel over would be a well-placed kick from one of those roping calves you seem to detest.”

  “Yeah, that would do it.” He chuckled and swooped down for another meshing of their lips. He plied and licked the seam until she opened up to allow him a deeper taste. He did a quick tooth count and settled in for a lingering foray.

  Legacy stamped his hoof, then shifted, bumping them both. He absorbed the less than gentle nudge without difficulty and steadied a slightly off-kilter Trinity at the same time.

  “Damn stud.”

  She laughed. “That reminds me.”

  “Of?”

  “I decided why I like you so much.”

  Intrigued, he waited impatiently for the answer.

  “Because you remind me of my horse. One big, strong, smart stud.” She blinked innocently at him.

  He smiled wickedly. If she on
ly knew how much she hit the nail on the head.

  Soon, very soon, I’ll show her how right she is.

  “Considering how much you love that horse, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  Trinity peered up at him from under her lashes, then turned away, leading Legacy back toward the barn.

  Cody fell into step with them. “You sure you’re okay?”

  She bobbed her head. “Yeah. Breathing is back to normal. I might be a bit sore tomorrow, but that’s it. Nothing to worry about.”

  Maybe not, but he couldn’t seem to help himself. When it came to Trinity, he needed her safe, happy, and preferably free of bruising.

  Together, they walked Legacy back to the trailer, removed his tack, gathered his dinner, then returned to his stall.

  Cody borrowed a spare brush and went to work on Legacy’s off side while Trinity took the other. Since Legacy presently ate like he’d missed a week of meals, he didn’t worry about the big stallion getting all pushed out of shape with a man in his stall.

  “Just a couple more nights.”

  He looked at her over Legacy’s back. “Ready for this to be over?”

  “Yes and no.” Trinity ran the soft brush over Legacy’s shoulder. “It’s a marathon of a rodeo and being here is amazing, but I think I’m about ready to go home.”

  “Then what?”

  She sighed and grinned sheepishly. “Get that milkshake that I’ve been craving.”

  “That’s right. Sit under the stars and drink your treat.”

  “You remembered.” She beamed at him.

  “Yep.” Her expression was his reward. He craved her smiles and cheerfulness, which proved contagious, turning his glum days into bright, sunny ones. She made him forget about his scars, about the restlessness, and fidgetiness that relentlessly stuck with him since he returned home after graduating vet school.

  He’d been with lots of women, been around the fairer sex most of his life. Yet, he’d never met anyone like Trinity, who refused to stay down after life dealt her hard, dirty blows. Each time, she bounced back. He respected her, found her compelling, and felt more for her than he had another woman. Ever.

  All season long she’d grown on him, a bit more each weekend. Now, with his protective and possessive instincts fully engaged, he realized something. Their time together was drawing to a close and he wasn’t about to watch the love of his life walk away.

  Trinity peered up from under her lashes, watching Cody brush her horse. Long, smooth motions showcased leashed power as the muscles of his arms and shoulders bunched and extended under his western shirt. His face, now relaxed, notched up his handsomeness all the more as his blue eyes focused on his task. Her stomach flipped over in delight and opened the floodgates on her dormant libido.

  Lacey’s right. I’d be a notch on his bedpost, given the chance.

  His eyes lifted to meet her gaze. A lopsided grin followed. “What?”

  She smiled softly. “Just enjoying the view is all.”

  He arched an eyebrow, an ability she found both amusing and endearing. “You don’t know what you do to me when you say things like that.” The sultry quality to his voice only whetted her desire all the more.

  She chewed her lip, then jumped into the game feet first. “Why don’t I want to know that?”

  His blue eyes darkened with sensual heat. “Because I don’t trust those cots to handle the workload.”

  “Oh.” Her eyes widened at his response.

  He stepped around Legacy and trailed his fingers along her jaw. “Don’t worry. I’m not callous or tacky enough to take you at a rodeo. Kisses are one thing. Sex is another.” Leaning in, he brushed his lips over hers, a brief caress before delving deep when she opened.

  Trinity held her brush in one hand, resting the other on Cody’s shoulder as she accepted his exploration, played a bit of tag with his tongue, then returned the favor by following his example in order to get a taste of him. Apple pie. The sweetness with a hint of cinnamon both rewarded her and compelled her for more. She leaned into his body, enjoying the strength and motion of his chest as her breasts rubbed the area in her effort to get close. Really close.

  Cody wrapped an arm around her middle and pressed one of his legs between hers, allowing the top of his thigh to press against her cleft. The heady sensation zinged through her bloodstream, stole her breath, and sparked a raging fire.

  He lifted his head and stared down at her, his face taut, jaw clenched, and eyes flashing. Arousal radiated off him in a major way.

  She found herself enthralled with the expression, the knowledge that her kiss could ramp up his need to such a point. “Wow.”

  “Damn, Trin.” He stepped back, removing his leg, and taking with him the delicious pleasure of his intimate caress combined with one hell of a kiss.

  She sighed in disappointment.

  He grinned at her. “You’re a temptation all right.”

  “Is that good or bad?”

  “Good. Very good.” He glanced to the stall door and her small makeshift living room. “Except when we’re bedding down on cots, in an open barn, where anyone could wander up at any given moment.”

  “There’s that.” She shivered.

  “Cold?”

  Trinity shook her head. The seasonal temperatures for late autumn didn’t faze her in the least. Not when her heated body hungered for more. “No. Just…” She grappled for an explanation. Nothing came to mind.

  Cody’s grin widened. “Ah. I see.”

  She blinked at him. Obliviously his experience far outweighed hers. No surprise there considering his playboy past.

  Legacy rattled his feed bucket, snorted, then shifted around to bump into Cody. He hardly budged. “I think he’s done and it’s our bedtime. Tomorrow will be another long day.”

  “That’s a given.” She blew out a breath. The three or even four-day rodeos appeared endless before. Ten days at the finals made them seem more like a rapidly passing weekend.

  “Two more days.”

  “And it’s going to come down to the wire for the win.” Lacey had fallen back a few places, but Shannon and Trinity both battled to hold the top spot. Whomever claimed it, would become the champion. So close yet still so far away. Whatever happened, happened.

  Trinity frowned. She’d focused so long and hard to make it to this moment, now the near obsession had gradually slid away, being replaced by a sense of accomplishment and a realization that perhaps life offered more than just one barrel race after another. In the form of Cody.

  “What is it?” Cody’s voice carried concern.

  She peered up at him. “Just an odd thought, I guess.”

  “What about?”

  She read the curiosity in his face, smiled, and kissed his lips. “That win or lose the finals, I’ve already won.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “How are you doing?”

  Trinity spun around to see Cody striding toward her, wearing his typical outfit of jeans, dusty cowboy boots, and a white western shirt unbuttoned at the top to allow for comfort. His dark hair appeared freshly combed while his blue eyes raked her body up and down before flashing with a curious mix of want and concern.

  Her heart skipped a beat as her stomach performed a slow somersault. While she might not have a lot of experience with men, she easily read his expression. He wanted to protect her, possess her, wrap her up in his arms and kiss her until the cows came home.

  By damn if she didn’t want to let him.

  “I’m fine.” She smiled warmly and stepped into his widespread arms for a hug. “I should be asking how you’re doing. Sleeping on a cot isn’t the Ritz after all.” Stepping back, she peered up at him, enjoying the moment of amusement, which relaxed his features and turned his lips up at the corner.

  “You’ll have to do worse than banish me to a cot in order to chase me off.”

  Warmth flowed over her. “Well, you can always sleep with Legacy…”

  His grin widened. “Trying to do me
in?”

  “Nah.”

  “Uh-huh.” He shook his head, his focus flicking to Legacy who stood in the back of his stall half dozing in the early evening chill of fall. “While he might halfway tolerate me when you’re around, I don’t doubt if I tried to snuggle with him at night, he’d decide I resembled a rattler and stomp the shit out of me.”

  “I suppose there is that possibility.” She tilted her head and blew out a breath. Last night had been precious and wonderful. Too good. Now, she didn’t know whether to go with the flow or brace herself for disappointment. Cody had been her hero in more ways than one, but with only one more race to go, they would part ways. Maybe forever.

  No!

  Her mind protested the difficult reality. Her heart echoed the sentiment. For the first time, she wanted to lose herself in the arms of a man, to forget the trials and tribulations, to simply enjoy. Not just any man, though. Only Cody would do.

  Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to follow him back to his RV for a night of decadent bliss. One-night stands would never be her thing. Nor would dropping her pants in the barn and climbing aboard Cody for a quickie. While those ideas might work for other girls, she wanted more. So much more.

  The question became what did Cody want?

  “You’re looking serious all of a sudden.” He traced his knuckles over her cheek. “What are you thinking?”

  Oh, nothing. Just wondering if you might take me home with you soon and decide to keep me for a while.

  She mentally shoved the thought aside and focused on the present by leaning into his gentle touch. “Just a bit antsy, I guess. The title is in no way cinched up for me. Heck, knocking over a single barrel could spell the end of my chances to take the average. As it is, I have to place in the top two or three to even have a chance.”