Wrestlin' Christmas: (Sweet Western Holiday Romance) (Rodeo Romance Book 2)

by Hatfield, Shanna

  Unfortunately, love, marriage, and fatherhood had softened both Cort and Tate. With their heads muddled by their idyllic domestic existences, they were slightly less useful than an oversized teddy bear.

  First, Tate had married Kenzie Beckett, a beautiful woman he’d met at the airport. Once their baby, Gideon, arrived, he barely left their ranch, content to stay home as a devoted husband and father.

  After a career-ending injury the previous spring, Cort had gone through a rough patch before falling in love with a widow and her son. Kaley Peters had hired him to work on her run-down ranch in the fall and they wed Christmas Eve. Kaley and Cort were blissfully happy. The adoption papers making Jacob, her six-year-old boy, officially a McGraw had been finalized a few weeks ago, adding to their euphoric state.

  Celia couldn’t be happier for Cort or Tate, who had always been like a brother to her.

  Nevertheless, nothing had been the same since they both quit competing. Even though she had plenty of friends in the rodeo business, or so she thought, Celia missed their teasing presence and the security of knowing they had her back, no matter what.

  If they’d been in attendance, she could guarantee the whole debacle with Wayne would never have transpired.

  That smart-aleck clown Cooper sure wouldn’t have held his mic out so the crowd could hear every word spoken between her and the knuckle-headed cowboy who bordered on having a creepy personality disorder.

  The wise guy running the music wouldn’t have dared to play such an appropriate yet entirely unappreciated song with the looming threat of Cort McGraw cleaning his clock.

  Still fuming over the ordeal, Celia paid no attention to her surroundings as she slid between the rails of a fence panel on her way to the truck. She needed a few minutes to pull herself together and eat a handful of peanut M&M’s. The candy-coated nuts never failed to improve her mood.

  The rumble of pounding hooves snapped her out of her musings. Terrified, she gawked to her right. A group of bucking horses ran toward her as the stock company moved them from behind the chutes to a waiting stock trailer.

  Without time to move forward or back, Celia squeezed her eyes shut and sent up a prayer that her end would be fast and painless.

  Shock rippled over her when she was lifted rather than trampled into the dirt. Her eyes popped open, and she looked into a pair of blue eyes filled with concern.

  “Someone like you should be smart enough to know better than to do something that stupid, Miss McGraw.” The man frowned at her as he held her across his lap, riding over to the fence, out of the way of the horses and the men on horseback behind them.

  Too stunned to reply, Celia gulped and continued staring at him, gradually comprehending she hadn’t been killed.

  At least she assumed she hadn’t died, unless angels wore dusty cowboy hats, dark blue chaps, and were breath-stealing handsome.

  Those engaging eyes bore into hers, making her heart skitter in her chest while an entire bushel of butterflies burst into flight in her stomach.

  She observed her rescuer. He sat tall in the saddle and had muscles to spare, or so she presumed from the way he easily hoisted her off the ground and onto his horse. A hint of light brown hair peeked out from beneath the brim of his hat. The pale blue shirt he wore almost matched the fascinating shade of his eyes.

  Celia experienced the most unreasonable urge to run her fingers along the stubbly expanse of his cheeks, down his square jaw, and over his strong chin. Mesmerized by his full bottom lip, she inhaled a deep breath and nearly choked.

  The very scent of him hinted at a lethal combination of freshly fallen snow, a warm winter fire, and sweet seduction rolled into one incredibly enticing package.

  About to tumble headlong into a yearning unlike any she’d ever known, Huck ran up to the fence and yanked her back to reality.

  “Celia! What in the heck are you trying to do?” He reached up and helped her over the panel then set her down beside him. “If you die on my watch, your brother will never let me hear the end of it. Even worse, my wife and kids might kill me.”

  Huck handed Celia her camera and stretched his hand up to shake that of her rescuer. “Thanks for saving her bacon, Kash. This girl has had quite an interesting evening.”

  “So I heard.”

  At Celia’s perplexed glance, Huck studied her for a moment. “You’ve met Kash before, haven’t you, Seal?”

  Still incapable of speaking, she shook her head.

  “Celia McGraw, this is Kash Kressley of the Rockin’ K Rodeo Company. Kash, this is one amazing rodeo photographer, when she isn’t breaking hearts or blindly walking in front of buckin’ broncs.”

  Kash removed his glove and extended a hand to Celia. “Pleasure, miss.”

  Celia accepted the hand he held out. A tremor raced up her arm, seared the roots of her vibrant hair and made her wonder if her toes might melt off in her boots.

  Determined to pull herself together, she released his hand and took a step back from the fence. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Kressley. How did you know my name? You said it earlier when you were taking me to task for my temporary loss of sanity.”

  What could have been the beginnings of a grin lifted the corners of Kash’s mouth upward. “I’ve seen you around a few rodeos. In fact, you aged one of the bullfighters by a decade or two last month when you almost got run over by one of my bulls.”

  Celia blushed. While photographing the bull riding at a rodeo, a cowboy behind the chutes caught her eye. Although she knew better, she turned her attention to him and lost track of the bull until she glanced up to see him heading straight for her. Just in time, she scrambled out of the way, aware that one of the bullfighters had been hustling to get to her side.

  As the man gave her a curious once-over, she realized he looked a lot like the cowboy who’d unknowingly diverted her attention from the bull that day. “I guess I owe you a double thank you.”

  Kash studied her, his face impassive. Powerless to pull her gaze away from his, she’d forgotten anyone else was around.

  Huck snickered, forcing her back to the present. “Someday you’re gonna have to quit hiding out in the arena and check out what happens behind the chutes, girl.” He patted Celia on the shoulder as though he encouraged a clueless child. “Now, wish me luck. I need to get ready to ride.”

  She gave him a hug and watched him hurry toward the chutes. Her focus shifted back to the man staring at her with eyes that looked like a winter sky — soft blue with a bit of ice around the edges.

  The fact he made her think of toasty fires and frosty windows left her disconcerted. After all, it was early summer, pleasantly warm, and the sky overhead was a deep shade of blue.

  “Despite what you’ve witnessed, Mr. Kressley, I don’t make a habit of looking for trouble. On a normal day, I’d never have done such a dumb thing.”

  He quirked an eyebrow, indicating a hesitancy to believe she didn’t step into danger on a frequent basis. “On a normal day, I might have let the horses plow right over you, but I figured you’d had enough excitement for one evening.” Kash touched his fingers to the brim of his hat and turned his horse away from the fence. “Take this as a warning to stay out of the way of my animals.” He glanced back and gave her a half-smirk. “But if your wannabe boyfriend wanders by when I’m moving the bulls tonight, I might not be so inclined to stop.”

  Celia gave him an impish smile. “By all means, run them faster. Maybe back and forth a few times while you’re at it.”

  Kash guided his horse behind the bucking chutes without another word, but she thought she heard him chuckle.

  Her eyes remained glued to the seat of his jeans visible above the back of his saddle as he rode away.

  Huck was right.

  If someone as fine looking as Kash Kressley hung out behind the chutes, she might need to revisit her policy of never setting foot back there.

  Years ago, at the first rodeo she’d attended after getting her photographer pass, Cort and Tate co
nvinced her that the best action took place back where the cowboys prepared to ride.

  They weren’t completely wrong.

  Plenty of action burst around her when she boldly marched into the midst of the cowboys while the majority of them stood in various stages of undress. She’d never seen so many pale, muscular legs and white briefs in her whole life.

  Mortified, she’d started to make a hasty retreat but Tate and Cort blocked her way, laughing uproariously. After punching both of them, she ran back to the pickup and stayed there until well after the rodeo began.

  As her thoughts wandered to what Kash would look like if she caught him in the midst of changing, heat burned her cheeks.

  Quickly reeling in her wayward imagination, she took a deep breath and returned to the arena. Regardless of the embarrassing proposal, she had a job to do.

  Capturing Christmas

  Rodeo Romance, Book 3

  Available on Amazon

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  or extremely exciting news happens.

  The Christmas Cowboy (Rodeo Romance, Book 1) — Among the top saddle bronc riders in the rodeo circuit, easy-going Tate Morgan can handle the toughest horse out there, but trying to handle the beautiful Kenzie Beckett is a completely different story.

  Wrestlin’ Christmas (Rodeo Romance, Book 2) — Sidelined with a major injury, steer wrestler Cort McGraw struggles to come to terms with the end of his career. Shanghaied by his sister and best friend, he finds himself on a run-down ranch with a worrisome, albeit gorgeous widow, and her silent, solemn son.

  Capturing Christmas (Rodeo Romance, Book 3) — Life is hectic on a good day for rodeo stock contractor Kash Kressley. Between dodging flying hooves and babying cranky bulls, he barely has time to sleep. The last thing Kash needs is the entanglement of a sweet romance, especially with a woman as full of fire and sass as Celia McGraw.

  Barreling Through Christmas (Rodeo Romance, Book 4) — Cooper James might be a lot of things, but beefcake model wasn’t something he intended to add to his resume.

  Grass Valley Cowboys Series

  Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon. Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this sweet contemporary western romance series.

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan (Book 1) — Cadence Greer’s plans for a happy-ever-after are quickly derailed when her fiancé runs off with his secretary a week before their wedding. Homeless, jobless, and jilted, she escapes to Grass Valley, Oregon, where she takes a job as a housekeeper and cook to seven cowboys on a sprawling ranch.

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance (Book 2) — Trent Thompson has carried a torch for the new schoolteacher since she moved to Grass Valley more than three years ago. Instead of asking her out, he’s dated every single female in a thirty-mile radius, giving her the impression he’s not interested in her at all.

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love (Book 3) — Always the wild-child, Travis Thompson doesn’t disappoint as he rolls from one adventure to another in his quest to keep his adrenaline pumping. He needs a release for the tension constantly building inside him, especially after he discovers the girl he’s loved his entire life just moved back to Grass Valley.

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall (Book 4) — Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of schoolgirls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intriguing woman.

  The Cowboy’s New Heart (Book 5) — Years after her husband died unexpectedly, Denni Thompson can’t bear to think of giving her heart to anyone else. With three newly married sons, a grandchild on the way, and a busy life, Denni doesn’t give a thought to romance until she meets the handsome new owner of Grass Valley’s gas station.

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Book 6) — With his siblings and friends all entangled in the state of matrimony, Ben Morgan is more determined than ever to remain blissfully single. Despite his vehement refusal to commit to a relationship, he can’t help but envision a future with the sweet, charming woman who unknowingly captures his heart.

  The Women of Tenacity Series

  Tenacious, spunky women give the wild, rugged men who love them a run for their money in this contemporary western romance series.

  Heart of Clay (Book 1) — Easy-going cowboy Clay Matthews is a respected college professor. He's the man family and friends turn to for help, or when they need a good laugh, since he's a huge tease and practical joker. Life would be almost perfect, except for the strained relationship with his once beloved wife... (Available FREE for electronic downloads.)

  Country Boy vs. City Girl (Book 2) — A confirmed city girl finds herself falling for a wanna-be country boy. Sparks fly as a battle of stubborn will ensues.

  Not His Type (Book 3) — After spending her entire twenty-four years hiding in the background and perfecting her status of wallflower, Anna Zimmerman arrives at the astounding conclusion it’s time for a change. Tired of living life in the shadows, she steps into the light, unprepared to handle the attention of the charming, handsome cowboy who works across the street.

  Learnin’ The Ropes — All Ty Lewis wanted was a job... He didn't plan on a beautiful boss, a crazy dog, and a ranch in the middle of nowhere.

  Mechanic Ty Lewis is out of options. Homeless and desperate to find work, he accepts a job in the tiny community of Riley, Oregon. Resolved to embrace a new adventure with an elusive boss, he leaves behind everything he’s ever known in Portland to live in the middle of nowhere.

  Lexi Ryan, known to her ranch hands and neighbors as Lex Jr., abandons her corporate career to keep the Rockin’ R Ranch running smoothly after the untimely death of her father. It doesn’t take long to discover her father did many crazy things during the last few months before he died, like hiding half a million dollars that Lexi can’t find.

  Ty and Lexi are both in for a few surprises as he arrives at the ranch and begins learnin’ the ropes.

  Hardman Holidays Series

  Heartwarming holiday stories set in the 1890s in Hardman, Oregon.

  The Christmas Bargain (Hardman Holidays, Book 1) — As owner and manager of the Hardman bank, Luke Granger is a man of responsibility and integrity in the small 1890s Eastern Oregon town. When he calls in a long overdue loan, Luke finds himself reluctantly accepting a bargain in lieu of payment from the shiftless farmer who barters his daughter to settle his debt.

  The Christmas Token (Hardman Holidays, Book 2) — Determined to escape an unwelcome suitor, Ginny Granger flees to her brother’s home in Eastern Oregon for the holiday season. Returning to the community where she spent her childhood years, she plans to relax and enjoy a peaceful visit. Not expecting to encounter the boy she once loved, her exile proves to be anything but restful.

  The Christmas Calamity (Hardman Holidays, Book 3) — Arlan Guthry's uncluttered world tilts off kilter when the beautiful and enigmatic prestidigitator Alexandra Janowski arrives in town, spinning magic and trouble in her wake as the holiday season approaches.

  The Christmas Vow (Hardman Holidays, Book 4) — Sailor Adam Guthry returns home to bury his best friend and his past, only to fall once more for the girl who broke his heart.

  The Christmas Quandary (Hardman Holidays, Book 5) — In need of a place to recuperate from a work injury, Tom Grove heads home for the holidays. He didn’t plan on his parents acting like lovesick newlyweds, being asked to teach at the school, or falling in love.

  Books by Shanna Hatfield

  FICTION

  HISTORICAL

  Baker City Brides

  Crumpets and Cowpies

  Thimbles and Thistles

  Corsets and Cuffs

  Pendleton Petticoats

  Dacey

  Aun
dy

  Caterina

  Ilsa

  Marnie

  Lacy

  Bertie

  Millie

  Hearts of the War

  Garden of Her Heart

  Hardman Holidays

  The Christmas Bargain

  The Christmas Token

  The Christmas Calamity

  The Christmas Vow

  The Christmas Quandary

  CONTEMPORARY

  Learnin’ The Ropes

  Love at the 20-Yard Line

  QR Code Killer

  Grass Valley Cowboys

  The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan

  The Cowboy’s Spring Romance

  The Cowboy’s Summer Love

  The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall

  The Cowboy’s New Heart

  The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye

  Holiday Brides

  Valentine Bride

  Rodeo Romance

  The Christmas Cowboy

  Wrestlin’ Christmas

  Capturing Christmas

  Barreling Through Christmas

  Silverton Sweethearts

  The Coffee Girl

  The Christmas Crusade

  Untangling Christmas

  The Women of Tenacity

  A Prelude (Short Story)

  Heart of Clay

  Country Boy vs. City Girl

  Not His Type