The Rodeo Rider (Harlequin American Romance)

by Roxann Delaney

  Her smile reached her eyes. “I need to get a room,” she said as he closed the door. “I hope there is one.”

  “If there isn’t, we can work something out.” What came to mind wasn’t something he thought would be best to share with her. And it wouldn’t be a good example for his nephew. “I can always give up my room and bunk with Rowdy and Shawn.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to have to do that. I can check in somewhere else if I need to. I don’t want my being here or not being here to make a difference.”

  “It makes a difference. To me.”

  This time her smile was warm and loving. “I don’t want it to make a difference in the way you ride. If you were forced to share a room with Rowdy and Shawn—”

  “You worry too much. I won’t let that happen.”

  She nodded. “We have enough differences between us.”

  He read the regret in her eyes and wondered exactly where it came from. “Being different has its pros and cons. You sure didn’t hurt my ride last weekend in Dodge City, so all I know is that you’re good for me. I haven’t thought beyond that.”

  Closing her eyes, she nodded. “As they say, all good things must come to an end. Sometime.”

  Just hearing the possibility of losing her put into words caused him pain. Stepping closer to her, he placed his finger under her chin and tipped her head up, forcing her to look at him. “Maybe. Maybe not. I missed you, darlin’. It’s only been…what, six days since Dodge City?”

  “Five, but who’s counting?” When he released her, she shaded her eyes with her hand, looking toward the swimming pool. “Is that Shawn I see?”

  Tanner laughed and turned his attention to his nephew. “He keeps telling me we need a pool at the ranch, as if any work would get done if we had one.”

  “A lot of people with pools don’t use them much,” she said. “We never did.”

  The remark caused him to look back at her.

  “I’d better go see about that room,” she said quickly.

  “Would you like me to go with you?”

  She pressed her hand to his arm. “I’m a big girl, Tanner, I can get my own room. How long before you ride?”

  “A while yet.” Walking to his pickup, he reached for his bag and hoisted it over the side. “How long are you staying?”

  “Through the weekend, if that’s all right. I changed around some appointments to free up today,” she said with a shrug. “Two had already canceled, which was what gave me the idea that I might be able to get away early.”

  “Maybe you should do that more often.”

  “Maybe I should. And maybe you should give that pool a try while I get a room.”

  “I think I will,” he said. She left him with a smile that gave him hope. Not necessarily for anything permanent, but for now, he was ready to live for the moment.

  He was enjoying a swim in the pool when she returned. “All done,” she said when she reached the edge where he waited. “And there’s no need for you to give up your room.”

  He hauled himself out of the pool and grabbed a towel from a nearby chair. “I’ll help you with your bags.”

  “No need to do that. I pack light. I’m on the other side of the building, so I’ll have to drive around.”

  Aware that they were alone, Shawn having gone to the room, he slipped an arm around her and pulled her closer. “Smart woman.”

  “You’re all wet,” she said, playfully shoving at his chest.

  With a sigh of frustration, he let go of her. “Our timing couldn’t be worse. I have to ride in—” Picking up his watch from a small table, he checked the time and frowned. “Too damned soon.”

  “Maybe I should go on to the rodeo grounds while you get ready.”

  “Yeah, maybe you should.” He didn’t want her to leave, but if she stayed a minute longer, he’d never make it back in time to ride, and he had a feeling it could be his best ride yet. He had his own satisfied smile when he thought of what Rowdy would think of it.

  INSTEAD OF IMMEDIATELY finding a seat in the stands, Jules wandered around the rodeo grounds. Dusty had told her that the area behind the chutes wasn’t a good place for her, so she was careful to steer clear of it. That didn’t present a problem. She stayed far enough away from everything so she could watch the entrance to the parking lot to see when Tanner and Shawn arrived. Only then could she really watch the competition from the stands. She had managed the Dodge City rodeo all right, except for an ever-present queasy feeling in her stomach, but she had ignored it as much as possible. It was when she’d watched Tanner’s rides that she had the most trouble. After her own accident and knowing how bad a fall could be, she couldn’t stop worrying about him, even though she knew she shouldn’t.

  It wasn’t long before she spied Tanner’s black pickup turning into the parking area, pulling a horse trailer. Walking in that direction, she saw them stop and Shawn jump out of the truck.

  “Shawn!” she called.

  She knew he’d heard her when he turned in her direction, then pointed at her when Tanner and Rowdy got out of the truck. Tanner waved, and then turned to speak to Shawn, who then hurried her way.

  “We’re running late,” Shawn told her when he caught up with her. “We might as well go find seats. Rowdy will stay with Uncle Tanner.”

  Seeing the wisdom in that, Jules nodded. “Lead the way.”

  It didn’t take Shawn long to find them two good seats. They watched two other cowboys ride while Jules caught up with what Shawn had been doing all week.

  “He’s up next,” Shawn said, nodding toward the arena.

  “My fingers are crossed.” She held up both hands as evidence.

  She had a clear view of the chute. Because of the weekend before in Dodge City and what Dusty had said, she’d concentrated on becoming more accustomed to watching the sport Tanner loved so much, but she doubted she could ever enjoy it. It was something she knew she needed to work on, and maybe, once she overcame her fear of riding, it would be easier to deal with.

  When Tanner’s name and scores from his previous ride were announced, her nervousness kicked in. Folding her hands in her lap, her fingers still crossed, she felt the familiar chill chase away the natural warmth of her body. Here we go again, she thought. But this was what he lived for, being bounced, jerked and pounded beyond reason, and she couldn’t deny him the thing he loved. As she had the week before when she watched him ride, she took a deep breath, praying he stayed on for the full eight seconds.

  When the chute opened, the noise of the crowd around her intensified, and she focused on the action in the arena. No matter what she might want to do, she would watch his ride until it was over and he was safely behind the arena wall again.

  The bronc twisted and bucked beneath him, but Tanner stayed with the horse, his arm raised in the time-honored pose. Spinning first in one direction and then the other, the animal was determined to shake the weight from his back. Tanner held on.

  “He’s doing great!” Shawn shouted from beside Jules.

  The ride was nearly over when the bronc took a sudden, unexpected twist.

  “Damn,” Shawn said beside her. “A suck back?”

  “What?” Jules asked, shouting to be heard above the roar of the crowd.

  “See how the horse twisted? That makes it really hard for Uncle Tanner to keep his seat.”

  Jules held her breath. Tanner slid to the side, and the bronc twisted again, throwing him in the other direction. But he still held on, attempting to right himself as the horn sounded the end of the eight-second ride.

  Tanner let go of the rope and was tossed to the ground, and Jules let out the breath she’d been holding. As he scrambled to his feet, the pick-up men took control and he walked away. The crowd thundered when his score of eighty-two was announced.

  “Do you want to watch the next rider?” Shawn asked.

  From the look on his face, Jules guessed he wanted to. She, however, only wanted to get to Tanner. While the leader readied himse
lf for the last ride, she scanned the area behind the fence where Tanner had disappeared.

  She couldn’t spot him among those watching. “I think I’ll go find him,” she answered, “but you can stay if you like. We’ll meet you at the pickup.”

  She pushed through the crowd and wove around the paraphernalia and people behind the stadium, knowing she was heading into forbidden territory, but not caring. She found Tanner, standing with his arms folded on top of the fence that looked out into the arena as the cowboy currently in first place finished his ride.

  “Tanner?” she called to him.

  He turned around to face her, a grin on his face. “There you are, darlin’. I was just getting ready to come find you.”

  “Shawn wanted to watch this last ride from the stands, but I wanted to see how you’re doing.”

  As he walked toward her, the final rider’s score was announced, and Tanner’s grin widened. “Seeing that I’m now in first place, I’m doing pretty good.” When he reached her, he put his arm around her shoulders. “But I have to admit that I’m worn-out after that ride. That was one tough bronc. I’m thinking about grabbing a bite to eat and skipping any celebrating.”

  “What? No honky-tonk tonight?” Jules teased.

  “Not tonight, darlin’. I keep forgetting that I’m not as young as I once was, but it’s rides like that last one that keep reminding me.”

  “You’re not that old,” Jules said, looking up at him.

  “I’m not that young, either.”

  “To be honest,” she said, “I won’t mind making it an early night, too.”

  From behind them came another voice. “I agree with that.”

  Jules turned to see Rowdy and Shawn, and she and Tanner slowed their steps to let them catch up. Rowdy seemed to be in good spirits, and there was no doubt that Shawn was eager to talk about Tanner’s ride.

  “What say we grab some fast food somewhere and take it back to the motel?” Rowdy said, stepping up on the other side of Tanner. “Rodeo’s not over yet, and you have a full day ahead tomorrow. Won’t hurt none of us to get some extra sleep.”

  They all agreed it was the best plan, and by the time they arrived at the motel with the food, it was getting late. They chose to eat their supper by the pool, and Jules enjoyed listening to the men talk about past rodeos.

  When Shawn yawned for the third time, Rowdy nudged him. “Come on, boy, let’s head to bed.” He glanced quickly at Jules and then turned to Tanner. “You need to do the same real soon, too.”

  “I won’t be long,” Tanner told him.

  No one spoke again until Rowdy and Shawn had disappeared into their room. “It’s a beautiful night,” Jules said, looking up at the sky, sprinkled with stars.

  Tanner pulled off his boots and socks and rolled up his jeans. “Come on, let’s go stick our feet in the pool.”

  “We really aren’t supposed to be here so late.” But she couldn’t resist and quickly removed her own boots and socks, ready to enjoy the water and the quiet of the night.

  Settling next to each other on the side of the pool, they let their legs dangle in the water. Tanner leaned back, propping himself on his hands. “For a lady who doesn’t like rodeo, you seem to be enjoying yourself.”

  Afraid to look at him, Jules stared at the play of nearby lights on the water. “It’s definitely different,” she said, and even tried to add a soft laugh.

  “Maybe the time has come to give riding a horse again a try.”

  She’d known something like that was coming, and her whole body stiffened. “I can’t do that yet, Tanner,” she answered in a voice harsher than she’d intended.

  “I only want to help.”

  His voice was gentler than before, and her breath hitched as she forced herself to relax. Maybe it was time to tell Tanner about her past so he could understand what she was dealing with.

  “I was a competition jumper long ago,” she began. “When I was twelve, my mount balked at a jump, and I sailed over his head.” A shiver shook her, and she had to wrap her arms around herself to stop it.

  He moved as if to touch her, but he didn’t. “Were you hurt?”

  Having recited it to herself and others a thousand times over the years, she knew how to answer without emotion. “I was in a coma for two weeks. When I came out of it, the injury had affected my speech. I couldn’t talk.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

  “Of course you didn’t,” she hurried to say. “There’s no way you could know.” She took a deep breath before continuing. “I’m the one who’s sorry—for reacting so strongly.”

  “Like I said, I only want to help.”

  She knew he was being honest and sincere, and he deserved the same from her. Reaching out, she placed her hand on his. “You don’t know how much that means to me. But there’s more I should tell you.”

  “What’s that, darlin’?” he asked, turning his hand to lace his fingers with hers.

  “It’s…I think you should know that I’m concerned you might get hurt.” Before he could say anything, she hurried on. “I know it’s partly because of my fear of riding, but it’s also because I know just what can go wrong in a split second.”

  “Accidents happen,” he said, brushing his lips across the back of her hand. “I’m an experienced rider and I know the risks I’m taking. Anything worth doing has a risk.”

  She knew he was right, but she still wasn’t ready to take that risk and move on with her life. She wondered if she ever would be and if that would affect the way they felt about each other. It was all the more reason she needed to screw up her courage. But that was something more easily said than done.

  THE NEXT AFTERNOON, Jules sat on the pickup tailgate between Dusty and Tanner in the parking area of the arena, watching Shawn rope a makeshift dummy calf. She’d taken an instant liking to Dusty and was glad he’d joined them that morning. Even after he’d taken her to task, she considered him a friend. She’d needed that push to decide whether to put an end to what she’d begun to think of as a relationship with Tanner or to see where it would take her. She was glad now that she’d decided on the latter.

  “He’s a natural,” Dusty said. “Won’t be long before he’ll be begging to enter,” he went on when no one commented. “I can’t put him off much longer.”

  “He’s not even fifteen yet,” Tanner said. “There’s plenty of time.”

  Dusty shifted on the metal. “You’re not going to solve anything by holding him back. Lots of kids are already competing.”

  “He’s still too young.”

  Jules glanced at Tanner and saw the stubborn set to his jaw. After spending time with Shawn, she knew the teenager resented his uncle’s resistance to his getting involved in much rodeo.

  “Tanner,” Dusty said, his voice low, “Shawn’s not going to run off like Tucker did just because you let him—”

  “I guess it’s my decision.” Tanner stood and walked away from them, his back straight and proud. “Pay attention to what your horse is doing,” he shouted to Shawn.

  Dusty grunted beside Jules. “He’s as stubborn as that old mule Rowdy.”

  At the mention of the foreman’s name, Jules sighed. “I don’t think Rowdy likes me very me much.”

  “Rowdy doesn’t always know what’s best for Tanner.”

  She turned to see Dusty studying her, his eyes serious. “If you’re referring to me, that remains to be seen.”

  “Not if those broncs haven’t bucked all the sense out of him.” He turned to look at Tanner and Shawn. “’Course sometimes I do wonder if they haven’t already.”

  Not sure what Dusty meant, Jules remained silent and watched the action in front of them. Tanner stood with his legs spread and firmly planted while he shouted instructions at his nephew, whose scowl had reappeared, replacing his excitement of the night before.

  Suddenly Shawn dismounted, threw his rope on the ground and stomped away. “Forget it!” he shouted over his shoulder.

 
“Shawnee!” Tanner bellowed. The boy stopped but didn’t move to look his way. Tanner’s voice dropped. “Why don’t you let Jules get acquainted with Sundancer?”

  Shawn answered with a curt nod and tied his horse to a post.

  Jules turned to Dusty. “Who’s Sundancer?”

  Mischief danced in his eyes. “The extra horse they brought.”

  She jumped off the tailgate, her hand in front of her to halt Shawn, who was approaching her and leading a horse. “Oh, no,” she said. “I am not getting on a horse.”

  “You don’t have to get on her if you don’t want to,” Shawn said. “Just come get used to her. Uncle Tanner won’t make you ride and neither will we.”

  Tanner had disappeared. Just as well, she thought. He’d only have reason to be disappointed in her, and there were already enough obstacles between them without forcing the horse issue again.

  Still, he’d know soon enough. Taking a deep breath, she turned to Shawn. “Oh, all right.”

  Shawn held the reins out to her. “Why don’t you lead her around? Let her get used to you. You don’t have to get on her.”

  “That’s okay.” Jules shook her head and took a step back. The temptation was strong—she yearned for the years she’d ridden—but not strong enough.

  Before she knew what was happening, an arm caught her around the waist and scooped her off her feet and into the air. She let out a shriek and found herself atop a horse, Tanner behind her, his strong arms wrapped securely around her.

  His warm breath caressed her ear. “I won’t let anything happen to you, darlin’. You know that.”

  Fear left her without a voice, and she could only nod. Trembling from head to toe, she closed her eyes and prayed nothing would happen.

  “Swing your leg over,” he whispered.

  “I can’t,” she whispered back, her eyes squeezed shut.

  “Jules,” he said patiently, “I’ve got you. I’m holding you tight. You are not going to fall. I’d have to fall, too, and that isn’t going to happen. And this horse isn’t going to throw either of us. I promise.”