Her Rodeo Man

by Cathy McDavid

  Tatum glanced over her shoulder at the parking lot. “We should probably get going.”

  “That’s right. You have to pick up the kids.”

  “Actually, it’s Cassidy’s turn. She’s dropping Gretchen off at the boys’ day care for me. One of the other children is having a birthday, and they’re throwing a small party. I’m free until seven-thirty.”

  “What are you going to do with all that extra time?”

  “I’m not sure. Maybe sit down and have an uninterrupted dinner for once. Read a book.” She sounded almost gleeful. “Watch a grown-up TV show.”

  Ryder was both glad and relieved that they were back on an even keel. Perhaps they could remain friends after all.

  At the arena, they each returned to work. Tatum hit the office, and Ryder reported the good news about Lynda Spencer and the new contract to his father.

  “Tatum did well today,” he said.

  “Taking notes again?”

  “Actually, she led the meeting.” Tatum might disagree, but Ryder believed differently.

  “You put her in charge?” Frown lines creased his father’s brow. “This could be an important new client.”

  “Tatum negotiated the terms. Lynda agreed to them. She’s expecting a contract ASAP and committed to signing it. Tatum’s drawing up the paperwork now.”

  “You’re coaching her?”

  “Mentoring her is a better word.”

  “Why bother?”

  His father set the rake aside. He’d been cleaning horse stalls in the main barn. It was a task normally performed by one of the hands, typically the lowest on the totem pole. But Mercer Beckett wasn’t above helping out in any capacity when needed, and, at the moment, they were shorthanded.

  “She has potential. And I won’t be available for long. She could fill in for me.”

  “You find a new job yet?”

  Here was a perfect opening if Ryder ever saw one. “I’ve been approached by a couple of companies looking for an account exec.”

  “Is this because of the argument we had last week?”

  “I’m glad to be home, Dad. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. But let’s be honest. You’ve created a position where there wasn’t one. A position that, between you and Tatum, isn’t entirely necessary.”

  “We’re growing. Every week. I may have created the position, but it won’t be long before we can’t run this place without you.”

  “You’re cleaning stalls, Dad. Hire another wrangler and you’re going to have plenty of time to do my job.”

  “I called Harlo Billings this morning and put in an offer on those bulls and heifers.”

  “Mom agreed?”

  “She didn’t disagree.”

  It occurred to Ryder that his father may have another agenda. “I don’t want your half of the arena.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Cassidy and Liberty will take over the Easy Money when you and Mom retire. Not me. You can’t dangle part ownership like a carrot on a string and expect me to bite.”

  “That’s a crock of horse crap if I ever heard one.”

  “It isn’t, and you know it.” Ryder tried a different approach, one that would strike a chord with his father. “You’re paying me a good wage. Think how much livestock you could buy instead.”

  “We could increase to five rodeos a year. Generate more revenue.”

  “Come on. Be reasonable.”

  His father grunted.

  “I took this job only until I got my feet under me,” Ryder said. “And to make you happy.”

  “I don’t want you to leave.”

  That was closer to the truth. “Whatever happens, Dad, I won’t stay away like before. I’m committed to reuniting this family and returning often. Besides, I haven’t said yes to anyone yet.”

  Ryder’s father pulled him into a fierce and unexpected hug. “I reckon you have to do what’s best for you. Much as I’d like the Easy Money to be your calling, it obviously isn’t.”

  “I love this place. I always have. But I want to, need to, work for a company where I can make a real difference. Where my contributions are valued. Where I earn my keep.”

  “You can do that here, son.”

  Ryder wasn’t convinced. “You’re the driving force behind the changes and growth. I’m just riding your coattails.”

  “I don’t see it that way.”

  But Ryder did, and, in the end, that was what counted.

  Later that afternoon, he returned to the office to find it empty. His mother was helping Liberty set up for the team penning practice starting at five. Tatum had already left for the day.

  Using the computer at her desk, Ryder checked his emails, answering the urgent ones and leaving the remainder until tomorrow. Next, he returned a half dozen phone calls. During the last one, his cell phone rang. It was Myra.

  “Good news,” she announced in a chipper voice. “The head of HR from Velocity Concepts called. They’ve made you an offer.”

  The company Ryder had interviewed with yesterday. “That was fast.”

  “Apparently you were heads and tails above the other candidates.”

  Unlike the interview last week, this job was a good fit. Velocity Concepts had been formed fewer than three years ago. The founders were young, aggressive and innovative. He’d get in mostly on the ground floor.

  “Which branch office?” The recruiter had mentioned several.

  “Here’s the best part,” Myra said. “They want you for the northwest Phoenix location.”

  Not next door to Reckless but less than a two-hour drive, depending on traffic. Very doable, Ryder decided.

  For what? Keeping his promise to his father that he wouldn’t stay away like before? Getting to know Liberty and Benjie better. Dating Tatum?

  Why not? He and Tatum would no longer be coworkers, and she could feel assured he wasn’t going away. Excitement coursed through him.

  Myra’s mention of the offered salary jolted Ryder from his mental wanderings. He asked her to repeat the amount.

  “That’s not as much as I’d hoped.”

  “We can always ask for more. But, considering your circumstances and the current job market, it’s doubtful you’ll be able to get as much as you were earning at Madison-Monroe.”

  Ryder read between the lines. His “little mistake” had cost him dearly and was forcing him to start lower on the pay-scale ladder. Being prepared for such an outcome didn’t lessen the sting.

  “Look at the pluses.” Myra continued selling the company by listing the many positive aspects.

  “Email me the offer,” he said. “I’ll look at it tonight.” And likely accept it, he told himself.

  “I’m sending it as we speak.”

  “Thanks, Myra, for believing in me.” He’d needed someone in his corner, and she’d been there.

  “They want an answer within forty-eight hours.”

  Ryder was already heading toward the office door. “I’ll call you by nine tomorrow.”

  He’d long left the arena and was driving in the direction of town before admitting to himself his destination.

  Tatum’s apartment was easy to find. He’d looked up her address a few days ago. At his loud knock, she called, “Coming,” and a moment later, opened the door.

  His jaw literally dropped. She’d changed from her work clothes into teeny shorts and a snug T-shirt that outlined every curve of her hourglass figure.

  “Is something wrong?” she asked.

  “Something’s right.” He scanned her face, wanting to see her reaction.

  “What?”

  “Invite me in, Tatum. I have news.”

  * * *

  OUT OF HABIT, Tatum searched the small l
iving room for her children. Then, she remembered. They were at the birthday party and would be for—she checked the wall clock—two more hours.

  “What news?” She shifted uncomfortably. There was no reason for her to feel incredibly nervous and vulnerable.

  Yet, she did. For she was truly alone with Ryder. For the first time since they were young. Possibly ever.

  She trusted him. Of course she did. His kisses hadn’t been inappropriate. It was herself she didn’t trust. Not when his sexy smile melted her resolve and caused her heart rate to quicken.

  “The company I told you about, they came back with a formal offer,” he said. “A decent one.”

  She went over to the couch and sat, trying not to think of what this meant for her and what a good opportunity it could be for him. A chance to rebuild his career, which was important to him.

  Still, shock rippled through her like a small quake. He’d be leaving any day. She was bereft already.

  “Where?” she asked, amazed at her composure.

  “Velocity Concepts.”

  Removing his cowboy hat and setting it on the coffee table, he joined her on the couch—which usually felt plenty big, even with her entire brood piled upon it. Ryder, however, took up most of the available space. Not crowding her but making her acutely aware of his presence. Her body responded despite her mind’s strict instruction to remain indifferent.

  “I’m not familiar with them.” Frankly, she wasn’t familiar with any marketing company.

  “They’re relatively new but with an impressive portfolio of clients.”

  She’d wanted to know where the company was located, not their name. Perhaps it was best that he’d misunderstood her. Then he wouldn’t see the depths of her disappointment at his leaving.

  “Well, good luck.” What else was there to say?

  “This is a positive thing, Tatum.”

  Was it? Probably. She’d secretly pined after Ryder since his return. But despite their passionate kisses, she doubted he really wanted her. Not in the way she craved to be wanted. Desire differed from love or even genuine affection. Desire didn’t demand a commitment.

  Perhaps the story about his coworker was simply an excuse, one he’d given to let her down easy rather than admit he wasn’t emotionally available.

  “How did your family react?”

  “I haven’t told them yet. I came here first. I figure I’ll break it to them at our staff meeting on Friday morning. After I’ve formally accepted the offer. I did tell Dad I was looking for a job.”

  She would beg off the meeting, she decided. Better than having to sit through the news a second time. Sunny, she was sure, would be watching her for any response.

  “Your mom and sisters will be upset.” At his leaving, of course. But Sunny had also been hoping for, counting on, a reconciliation.

  “I promised Dad I’d come back often. It won’t be like before.”

  “I’m glad for you,” she said with all the sincerity she could muster. She’d seen this coming. Ryder had warned her repeatedly. Nonetheless, it hurt.

  “You could be glad for us.”

  “Us?”

  He slid closer, the cushions dipping beneath his weight. If she wasn’t mistaken, his eyes darkened as they fastened on her. The vulnerability she’d felt earlier gave way to awareness.

  “We won’t be coworkers anymore,” he said, his gaze intense. “We can see each other without crossing any of those boundaries you mentioned.”

  “See each other?” She felt like a parrot, repeating everything he said.

  “Date. I want to go out with you, Tatum.”

  She turned away, fearing her expression reflected too much of her feelings. How was it Ryder could disarm her simply with a look?

  “You’ll be far away. I can’t handle a long-distance relationship.”

  “Phoenix isn’t that far.”

  She stared at him in amazement. “The job’s local?”

  “Local enough. Off the 101 and the 17.”

  Tatum was familiar with the area, having driven past it dozens of times on her way to her ex-mother-in-law’s house in Glendale.

  “I won’t leave you, Tatum,” he stated. “Not like Monty did.”

  For a moment, she dreamed. Until reality returned. “You can’t make that kind of promise. Truthfully, we don’t know each other well. You’ve only been home a few weeks.”

  He rested an arm on the back of the couch, his fingers finding and sifting through the long strands of her hair. “That’s the purpose of dating. To get better acquainted.”

  She should ask for time to think about it. “How soon? Until you take the job at Velocity?”

  “I’m requesting two weeks. That should give me enough time to teach you more about my job and to convince Mom and Dad that you deserve a raise. You’ll get that bigger place to live, Tatum.”

  A sudden thought unraveled her. “You’re not doing this for me, are you? Taking the job? Because I won’t—”

  “I’m not. But neither am I ignoring the benefits. For both of us.”

  Wasn’t this what she’d always hoped for? A chance to be with Ryder and the ability to earn more income? What in the world was holding her back? She should be throwing herself at him.

  “I’m high maintenance. You’ll probably regret getting involved with me.”

  He laughed. “Not possible.”

  “Seriously. I have three children. You haven’t begun to see them at their worst. And a nosy, interfering ex-mother-in-law.”

  “I happen to like your kids. And your mother-in-law doesn’t scare me.”

  “But are you ready for a family? I don’t think so,” she answered before he could. “And I don’t date casually.”

  “Okay.”

  “Really? Because there’s no other way I’ll consider going out with you. Not saying I need a gold ring, but I do need a serious commitment.”

  If she’d thought to dissuade him, she thought wrong.

  Reaching over, he pulled her into an embrace. “I want that, too, sweetheart.”

  She was desperate to believe him. Nothing would make her happier.

  “Two weeks.” He leaned in and brushed his lips across her cheek. “Let’s date until I leave for my new job. It’ll be like a test run.”

  She resisted. “You’re not a car I’m thinking about buying.”

  His lips moved to her mouth. “Take a chance, Tatum,” Ryder said against her lips before covering them in a crushing kiss.

  The compelling evidence of his desire pressed into her leg as he eased her backward onto the couch cushions, his mouth tasting the sensitive skin of her neck. Softly uttered endearments filled her ears.

  Gorgeous. Sexy. Incredible. She hadn’t felt any of those things in a long, long time.

  Wait. That wasn’t true. She’d felt them and more each time Ryder had kissed her. He’d told her with his lips and words and touch that she was much more than an overworked, dowdy mother and office employee. With him, she was a sultry and sensuous beauty.

  “Have dinner with me on Friday.” His breath was warm, and his masculine scent filled her senses.

  “The kids.” She opened her eyes, momentarily disorientated.

  “Ask Cassidy to watch them.”

  “All right.” How could she say no? Impossible with him tugging her earlobe into his mouth.

  Another deep, incredible kiss left her limbs boneless. Oh, dear. What would making love with him be like? Tatum had an overwhelming urge to find out.

  “I’ll pick you up at seven,” he said. “There’s a new band playing at the Hole in the Wall.”

  “You dance?” She hadn’t been in years.

  “I won’t embarrass you.”

  “You could never do that.” She thou
ght of being in his arms, gliding across the dance floor to the strains of a slow song. Suddenly, she couldn’t wait.

  “Unless you want to go into Globe instead. Then, let’s make it six-thirty.”

  “I don’t care.” She didn’t. “The Hole in the Wall is fine.”

  All she wanted was to be with Ryder. Experience the heaven he could take her to in three seconds flat. To that end, she arched against him, expecting another kiss and perhaps a hand exploring the parts of her body left too long unattended. Instead, he pushed away from her and practically jumped to his feet.

  “Ryder?” She blinked, stupidly she was sure. “What’s wrong?”

  “I should go.” Something akin to desperation filled his eyes. Or, was it frustration?

  She took the hand he offered and rose. “So soon? The kids won’t be home for a while.”

  Heat seemed to radiate off him. “If I stay, I’m going to want to do more than kiss you, Tatum.”

  His words poured over her and ignited a thrill. “What if I want you to stay?”

  The heat intensified. “Think about what you’re saying.”

  “I am.”

  “I won’t ruin what we have by moving too fast.”

  He made perfect sense. Tatum didn’t want to ruin what they had, either. But neither did she want him to go.

  “I’ve been simply existing for years now. Making it through every day as best I can.” She looped her arms around his shoulders and lifted her face to his. “You make me feel special, Ryder. You’ve opened doors for me. Shown me that there’s a life out there waiting to be lived.”

  He lowered his head until their lips were a hairsbreadth apart. “You need to be absolutely sure. I won’t take you to bed any other way.”

  “Who knows what tomorrow will bring? This could be the start of an amazing future or just the best two weeks of my life. Regardless, I’m going to enjoy the time we have without regrets.”

  When Ryder moved to kiss her again, she retreated. His look of question turned to raw hunger when she clasped his hand and led him down the hall to her bedroom.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Ryder’s hands on her naked body. Strong. Firm. Possessive. Eliciting seductive moans and tiny shudders from her, then an exhilarating climax. Without being told, he’d understood where to touch her, how much pressure to apply and that kisses and nibbles along the base of her neck drove her absolutely crazy.