“All right?” Cody paused and stared down at her, their faces inches apart.
She grunted with the effort to wiggle, to move, to find the right path straight to rapture. “More than that. It’s…”
He levered backward, then pushed in again, hitting dozens of hot spots along the way.
“More.” Frantically, she clung to him, gripping his back in an effort to stabilize in a world of rampant arousal and exploding lust. “Oh, God. More.”
Cody must have gotten the hint because he set a moderate pace with short jabs, each one landing him deeper than the last.
Trinity arched her hips, tightened her legs, and mewled with each hard thrust. She pressed her lips to his throat and kissed a trail up to his lips. Whimpers carried. Belatedly, she realized they emerged from her as she urged Cody to greater power and speed. Straining, her world narrowed down to the man covering her and the delicious pleasure he poured on her.
He groaned.
Trinity felt as much as heard the sound. She turned her head and nibbled on Cody’s shoulder, unable to remain still with such spears of fire igniting her raging desires to previously undiscovered heights.
“Fuck.” Cody peppered her face with kisses. “So fucking good. Better each time.” He surged deep, their bodies slapping together each time.
“Cody…”
“Right here, Trin. Come with me. Let me watch you come.”
Something broke loose inside Trinity at his words.
She dug her nails into his back and braced herself for the storm about to explode. She yelped, tilted her hips, then screamed as strong, hot, tidal waves ripped through her body. Stars blinked before her eyes as her core clamped and clung to Cody’s cock, milking him with clenching contractions that drew out her rapturous bliss.
Cody threw his head back with a great shout, then growled. “Oh, fuck.” He ground his hips against hers, maintaining their connection and his deep penetration.
Time passed before Trinity could find the strength to even open her eyes. When she did, she found Cody staring down at her with a satisfied grin on his face. “Hi.”
He chuckled and brushed her lips with his. “Hi.”
She blew out a deep breath and took inventory. Cody’s erection still resided deep inside her, but the fullness had faded. Shivers raced through her body as she settled into the languid aftermath of the best sex she’d ever had.
“Cold?”
“Not even close.” Lowering her legs back to the bed, she stretched out her overused muscles.
He nuzzled her cheek, then kissed her again. “If this is the way we’re going to work through my nightmares, I like it.”
Trinity smiled, very pleased with her man. “I’m glad. Because you’ve turned me into a sex addict.”
“Mmmm. Sex addict has so much potential.”
Trinity rolled her eyes. “Maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that. Your ego is big enough already.”
Cody grinned ruefully. “That’s not the only part of me that’s big.” He rocked against her, adding a demonstration to his statement.
Her breath hitched. He had a point. A very large one.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and sealed her lips over his, giving him a sample of the passion he’d awakened inside her.
“Before you go in, sit with me a minute.” Cody patted the tailgate of his truck.
They had gone out to eat for dinner, stopped by the local ice cream shop for milkshakes to go, and driven directly to his house. All after she spent the day with his mother while he and his father visited a nearby jewelry shop.
Cody grabbed Trinity’s waist and gave her a boost. Once she settled, he plopped down beside her, picked up his treat, and sipped.
Trinity eyed him before a wide smile broke out. “You remembered.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You mean your goal after the finals? Drinking a milkshake and looking at the stars?”
She nodded.
“I wouldn’t forget such a dream as that.” He smiled at the joy he spied on her face, knowing he’d put it there. Wrapping her hand in his, he turned his attention to the night sky. “I used to look up at the stars now and again in Afghanistan. Odd, how they looked the same no matter I was half a world away.”
“Were they a comfort or make you all that much more homesick?” Trinity asked quietly.
“Both, I guess.” He shrugged. “Most of the time we were too busy to have much time to miss home.”
Trinity scooted closer, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You’re a brave man, Cody. Something special.”
He sat his drink aside, jumped down from the tailgate, and stood in front of Trinity.
She watched him with curiosity and love shining in her blue eyes.
His breath caught. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever make it back home from war. When I was injured, I thought getting back on my feet was my biggest battle to date. Then, I came home, found that I had changed, and nothing seemed to fit any more. Nothing I tried seemed to calm the restless feeling. Until you came along.” He cupped her cheek and continued. “I couldn’t wait for the weekends when I could see you, spend time with you. You offered me peace and understanding. I hoped you could see past my scars, accept them, and me.”
“I do, Cody. Truly. They remind me of your courage, your determination, and sacrifice. I hate that you were hurt, but I love you for you. Scars, sexiness, and expert lover in all.”
Her words surrounded him with warmth on the temperate night. “Sexy, huh?”
“Yep.”
“You turned me on from the first rodeo. Each time I saw you, I wanted you all the more. Big time.”
She grinned impishly.
He laughed. “Yeah, even that foot rub had me so hot and bothered, I just about spontaneously combusted in that chair.”
“That would have been horrible. To lose the guy with the best hiney in the region. All the women would suffer from a deficiency of eye candy.”
“Uh-huh. They can look, but I’m only interested in your touch.” He traced his thumb over her cheekbone and pushed ahead, eager to get to the finale. “I see how much you love Legacy, all the stallions back at the farm. You glow with happiness there.”
She leaned into his touch. “I was alone after Mom died. Didn’t know where to go. Figured I’d just find a job, do a season on the barrel racing circuit, then call it done. Heritage allowed me to do that, provided boarding for Legacy, and all the amenities.” She paused for a second. “The more I thought about leaving, the deeper the tap root grew.”
“I know. I saw it when we were back at your place. To leave there would tear a chunk out of your heart.”
“Possibly.” Her lips thinned as her eyes clouded with worry.
The change in emotion prodded him to put happiness back on her face. “I always thought I’d return to Oklahoma and start where I left off. Only nothing here suited. Still doesn’t. Sure, it’s great to visit, but this isn’t home for me anymore.”
Hope surged in her eyes. “Where do you call home then?”
“With you. In Kentucky.”
She lit up like a Christmas tree. “You want to come back to Kentucky with me? Live with me?”
He reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out the box, and dropped to one knee. “I’d like to do more than just live with you. I want to marry you. Trinity, will you be my wife?”
She teared up immediately, using one hand to wipe at the overflowing drops. “Yes. Cody, yes!” Leaping down, she rushed into his arms. He managed to stand before she bowled him over in her enthusiasm.
She squeezed him tight and pressed kisses to his neck and chin.
His heart soared. Unable to keep his hands off her, he held her close and swooped down to capture her lips in joy.
All that he’d been through now was worth it as he held Trinity in his arms, his bride. No longer did he worry about the future. The present, filled with Trinity, was enough to brighten his days and give him steadfast knowledge that things would work out right.
I’ll make damn sure of it.
Epilogue
Trinity sighed, glanced at her sparkling new wedding ring, and then looked for her husband. Cody walked her way, a dimple in his cheek, an expression she’d come to recognize as mischievous in their time together. Her stomach somersaulted as she considered what Cody might have in store for her. “What are you up to now?”
He only grinned. “Come on. I’ve got something to show you.” He reached out.
She took his offered hand and allowed him to lead her out the back door of their new home and onto the covered back porch. He paused for a moment and stared out over the countryside.
Trinity did the same.
As much as she loved living in the stallion barn, Cody pointed out a few drawbacks, namely the lack of space and room to spread out as their family one day grew. She balked at first, then readily agreed once she saw the small ten acre spread located five minutes away from Heritage. The single story, three bedroom home fit their needs. Not too big or too small. Just right. Combined with the horse barn and large field, the place called to her and lined up with her expectations of a home for a lifetime.
Already they’d upgraded the barn, made some adjustments to the house, and found some reasonably priced furniture and decorations. The king sized bed had been the first addition, well worth the expense and effort to drag all the parts into the master bedroom. They worked hard to make the modest house their home.
“How’s Legacy today?”
Trinity grinned. Her horse still claimed his typical stall at the farm, but now enjoyed a reasonable breeding schedule. Quarter horse owners lined up their mares for a chance to produce the next champion, a foal out of Legacy to follow in his footsteps. She’d even had a couple of event jumpers sign their mares up. Obviously, Legacy’s accomplishments and accolades spread far and wide.
All deserved.
“Frisky as ever. He’s liking his new role in life, I think.”
She’d fretted about retiring him, but knew it was time. Barrel racing took its toll on a horse and after the scare of his fall, she didn’t want to push her luck. Besides, at nearly ten years old, he could retire at his peak and still have a few good years in the breeding shed.
Cody snorted. “Every need catered to and he gets to breed mares now and again. Rough life all right.”
She chuckled. “Jealous?”
“Of staying busy in the breeding shed?” Cody arched an eyebrow and grinned wickedly.
Trinity rolled her eyes. Cody didn’t need any ego boost in the sex department. He turned her into a puddle of mush with just a touch, a look, and then sent her rocketing to the heavens. She’d never guessed how addicting erotic pleasure could be until Cody. Now, she couldn’t wait for him to take her into his arms and make her absolutely wild.
Later. I’ll push him down on the bed and climb on board like a true cowgirl rides her man.
The thought jacked up her arousal and added heat to her veins.
Time for a topic change before she did just that. If he stuck with the teasing, she would be too tempted to drag him back inside, and have to wait all that much longer to see her surprise.
“You didn’t say. How was work today? Any interesting cases?”
“Not really. A relatively slow day.” No sooner had he moved in with her months ago, he started beating the bushes for a job. Luckily, he caught up with Dr. Hayward at the Lexington Equine Clinic, found they had an opening, and immediately applied. With the help of Dr. Hayward’s recommendation and Carmen’s two cents, he landed the position. They were even kind enough to give him flexible hours during the summer months, in case he opted for another tour of the rodeo circuit. Thus far, Trinity hadn’t heard him commit one way or another to that particular offer.
The sound of voices drew her attention. Perplexed, she picked up the pace as she and Cody headed toward the barn. They turned the corner and she put on the brakes before she barreled into Cody’s parents. Madeleine and Carmen stood farther back in the aisle.
Trinity glanced at Cody, then at their guests. “Hi. I’m sorry, I wasn’t expecting company today.”
Madeleine waved her hand. “Of course you weren’t. Cody swore everyone to secrecy.”
“Under threat of a butt kicking if they blabbed,” Roger added with a bit of a snort.
More confused than ever, Trinity peered up at her husband. “I don’t understand.”
Cody nodded his head toward the end of the barn. “I know you’ve been beating yourself up over retiring from barrel racing after putting Legacy up for stud. It’s in your blood and whether you admit it or not, you can’t just walk away from the sport, yet.”
She blinked. They had discussed her further rodeo participation now and again. Always, she him-hawed, unsure what to do. Truth be told, she caught the bug again after such a tremendous season last year and winning the finals only fanned the flame. But, with Legacy retired, she would have to find another horse, train it, and start from the ground up. All that took time and money. Both items in short supply in her life.
The sound of hoof beats caught her attention. Turning, she found a tall, thickly-muscled mare standing in the aisle. Her shiny golden hide contrasted perfectly with the three white stockings and the star on her forehead. A white mane and tail completed the package, making for one gorgeous looking horse, both in attention grabbing color and build.
Trinity’s mouth fell open. “She’s gorgeous.” A lump formed in her throat as she approached the horse. Reaching out a hand, she rubbed the mare’s neck. Her eyes began to well up. For a long moment she appraised the horse, then kissed the horse’s nose when she snuffled her shirt. “Where…”
“I’ve been on the lookout for a barrel horse since you told us you were retiring Legacy,” Roger answered. “Thanks to Shannon, who saw her run, and called to let us know that she might have found what we’ve been looking for. Sparkle here, came available. She’s quick and smart. Lots of potential. She just needed an owner who could put the finishing touches on her barrel racing abilities.”
“We didn’t know what to get you for a wedding present. Roger came up with the idea and Cody ran with it.” Elise wrapped her hand around Roger’s arm. “Everyone chipped in.”
Trinity blinked back tears. “She’s perfect.” Turning, she smiled happily at each of them. “I don’t know how to thank you all. I didn’t think I’d be able to race again, but now…” She choked up.
Madeleine, still holding the mare’s halter, grinned at Trinity. “There’s more.”
“There is?”
“Yep. She comes with a free breeding to Victory. It worked before. Maybe it’ll do so again.”
Trinity beamed and threw her arms around Madeleine, hugging her tight. “Thank you for everything.” She stepped back and wiped at the tears trickling down her face, before turning to face the others. “Thank you all. I don’t know what to say.” Touched and humbled, she grappled with tender emotions.
“Say you’ll go on the rodeo circuit with me this season.” Cody grinned at her, his eyes shining with love and happiness.
She closed the distance between them, her heart near bursting with joy and love for everyone there, especially Cody. “Since you seem to have been gifted with the best rear around, I suppose I have to tag along to all the events, just to make sure the girls only look and not touch.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Don’t trust me, huh?”
“Oh, I trust you. That’s a given.” She ran her hands up his chest. “But, I’ve gotten pretty darn used to having a snuggle buddy.”
Cody gave her a lopsided smile. “Does that mean you’re going to race again?”
“Yep.” She brushed her lips over his. “Where you go, I go. Although,” she tapped her chin, “we might need to retire my old lumpy cot and invest in a double bed.”
“For the barns?”
“Uh-huh. I’m not about to leave my horse unattended, after all.”
His eyes flashed mischief. “You expect me to trade
in a perfectly good couch in the RV and sack out on a plain, rickety cot. In the aisle of a horse barn during all kinds of weather?”
“Yep.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted up on her tiptoes. “Because you adore me, can’t keep your hands off me, and worry about me spending the nights alone. And, oh yeah, happen to love me to pieces.”
He laughed and pulled her snug against his body. “Guilty to all of the above.” He swooped down and covered her mouth with his.
Applause broke out.
Trinity broke the contact in order to rest her head against Cody’s chest. She couldn’t stop smiling as she gazed upon the faces of the people standing close by.
Almost a year ago, she thought her world had ended with the loss of her mother. Alone and unsure, she followed the one dream left, intent to complete the task, then walk away only to start over somewhere else. Far away from the pain of a broken heart. Yet, somewhere along the way, she’d learned a few things and picked up a few friends.
Now, she stood in her husband’s arms, surrounded by people who loved her, and stared at the beautiful palomino mare who held the reins to Trinity’s barrel racing future.
Sometimes the past repeats itself. In a good way.
“Trin?”
She peered up at Cody. “Hmmm?”
“What are you thinking?
She sighed in contentment. “That for a girl who once considered herself alone, I’ve got an awful lot of family and am pretty damn lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one.” He smiled down at her.
“Not even close. And let me tell you why.” She nuzzled his chin, then pulled away just enough to study his face. “I’ve got the best husband in the land. Smart, sexy, caring, and generous.”
“Don’t forget his great ass,” Madeleine added, tongue-in-cheek.
“Or his talent for rubbing feet,” Roger said.
Cody rolled his eyes. “What are we going to do with them?” he stage whispered.
Trinity glanced around, then turned her focus back to Cody. “I guess there’s always some goofy ones in every family.”
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