Racing Christmas

by Shanna Hatfield

  He grinned and Brylee could see exactly where Shaun inherited his charm. “I thought you’d agreed to call me Jason. Mr. Price is my dad and I refuse to feel that old yet.”

  Brylee smiled. “Jason it is.”

  She made her way to the table and found herself seated between Frank and Jason, which was fine with her. Shaun sat by Barb and Kash.

  Brylee knew she needed to thank Shaun for all he’d done to help her, but she’d rather do that without an audience present.

  As soon as everyone finished eating, Celia helped Barb with the dishes while Frank and Jason went to the media room to see what they could find to watch on television. Billy claimed he needed a nap and Kash said he wanted to check on his injured bull.

  Brylee rose from the table and balanced on her crutches.

  “Here, honey. You take that pain pill and go rest on the couch for a while with some ice,” Barb said, handing Brylee a glass of water. Brylee took the pills from her pocket, popped one in her mouth and swallowed a sip of water.

  Barb tossed an ice pack to Shaun. “Make yourself useful, Shaun. Help that girl get settled.”

  “I can take it,” Brylee said, reaching for the ice pack, but Shaun moved it beyond her reach.

  “I’ve got it. Barb has spoken and no one around here wears big enough britches to argue with her.” Shaun winked at the housekeeper then followed Brylee as she made her way down the hall to the living room. She sank onto one of the leather sofas. Before she could swallow it down, a pain-laced moan rolled out of her.

  “Overdid it, didn’t you?” Shaun asked as he gathered a few throw pillows and set them on the couch then guided her leg so it rested on top of them. He disappeared down the hall but soon returned with the ice pack wrapped in a towel and carefully placed it on her leg. “Is that okay?”

  Brylee felt sparks shooting all the way up to her head from where his fingers had brushed her bare skin. In fact, she thought the electricity must have short-circuited her brain because she wanted him to touch her again.

  “It’s fine,” she said, battling the need to close her eyes and cry. But she didn’t have the time or luxury for tears. Besides, if she started crying, she wasn’t sure she’d ever stop. From experience in their mutual past, she knew Shaun did not do well with tears anyway.

  “Can I get you anything? A glass of water? Some iced tea? A magazine? You want to watch TV?” he asked as he stood staring down at her.

  “Really, I’m good, Shaun, but thank you.”

  “Liar!” the voice in her head accused. She wasn’t good at all. In fact, she felt worse by the second. The pain pill, or her emotions, had left her stomach churning. Her leg throbbed, keeping a painful rhythm with her pulse. And her heart — that cold, dead lump that had just taken up space in her chest the last several years — hurt so badly she looked down to see if something had somehow pierced it.

  She glanced up at Shaun. The sky-blue shirt he wore made his eyes look the same color. Without his hat on, thick hair the color of a new penny glistened in the light streaming in the window. Unlike many redheads she’d met, not a single freckle dared reside on his taut, tan skin. In truth, she had no idea where he got his unique hair color. Jason had dark hair, as did Shaun’s sister. From photos she’d seen of his mother, she also had dark hair. Maybe he was a throwback to an ancestor from generations ago.

  Wherever it came from, it was certainly an intriguing shade. He wore his hair a little shorter than he used to, with the sides closely cropped and the top slightly longer with the most enticing little wave right in the front.

  Perturbed by the direction of her thoughts, Brylee dropped her gaze from his hair, avoided his eyes, but couldn’t help but notice that darn little indent in his chin. How she used to love to trace it with her finger. Then Shaun would flash a crooked grin that made her knees turn to pudding and he’d kiss her.

  She winced, recalling how much she’d enjoyed his kisses, how much she’d once loved him.

  “Bits, are you sure you’re okay?” Shaun asked in a soft voice as he hunkered down beside the couch and took her cool hand in his. His eyes held hers as he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

  The jolt of his touch rocketed up her arm and made her toes tingle.

  “I’m fine,” she said, concerned when her hand disobeyed the screams in her head to jerk out of his grasp. She didn’t need him doing whatever it was he was doing. There was no way on earth she’d let him work his way past her defenses a second time.

  “I’ll let you rest then,” he said, rising to his feet.

  “Wait, Shaun, I, um…” Brylee cleared her throat and swallowed her pride. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

  He shrugged. “I didn’t do much.”

  “Yes, you did. You took care of me last night, found me a place to stay, made sure Rocket was okay, and even bought my pain meds.” She forced a smile. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it.”

  “You’re welcome, Bitsy. I’d have done the same for anyone who needed a hand.” He turned and left the room, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

  Shaun spoke the truth. He would have done the same thing for anyone who needed a hand. Why, then, did it bother her so much?

  Exhaustion, frustration and pain made her eyelids heavy with sleep. When she closed her eyes, a vision of Shaun’s smile met her in her dreams.

  Chapter Four

  “Have you lost your ever-loving mind?” Cooper James asked as he helped Shaun stow his tack in the trailer after the end of a four-day rodeo. The rodeo clown and barrelman had been Shaun’s good friend since high school days.

  Cooper was one of the few people who knew the majority of Shaun’s deep dark secrets, including most of his past with Brylee. There were one or two secrets nobody knew and never would if he had anything to say about it.

  With a cocky grin, Shaun continued working. “No more than usual.”

  Cooper shook his head. “Then why would you even think about doing what you’re planning to do?”

  A shrug rode Shaun’s shoulders as he closed the back of the trailer and unbuckled his chaps. “What is it you think I’m planning to do?”

  His friend crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the side of the trailer. “I’m just spitballing, but I’d say you’re going to offer to drive Brylee around to the next few rodeos until the doctor tells her she can drive herself. Am I close to right?”

  Shaun’s gaze narrowed. “Maybe.”

  “What are you doing, man? Do you not remember how messed up you were for months after you tangled with that girl the last time? I honestly thought you’d end up marrying her for the way the two of you couldn’t stay away from each other. Then, in a blink, you broke up and went your separate ways.” Cooper gave him a knowing look. “It was like you were trying to fill the void she left in your life by dangling your toes off the deep end of crazy.”

  Shaun glowered at Cooper then released a long sigh. “I know I should stay miles and miles away from her, Coop, but she needs a little help. It’s easy enough for me to give it. I’d do the same for anyone else.”

  “Yes, you would, but it’s totally different and you know it. I think Brylee is your one.”

  Shaun’s brow furrowed in confusion. “My one what?” he asked.

  “The one, you moron.” Cooper gave him a look like he was trying to educate a recalcitrant student. “The one that got away. The one you shouldn’t have ever let go. The one whose ghost screws up every relationship you’ve been in since you told her goodbye. The one who grabbed hold of your heart the moment you met and still hasn’t let go. The one you think about at night, wishing you’d fought to keep. The one who haunts your dreams. The one who made you want to set down roots and turn your hopes into your future. The one you’re going to love until they lay your cold, dead body deep in the ground. That one.”

  Stunned, Shaun stared at Cooper, unable to even formulate a reply. When had his friend gotten so smart? And how in the world had he so accurately described
Shaun’s feelings for Brylee. Never in a million years would he have articulated them like Cooper had, but they were there all the same.

  Rather than admit he was right, Shaun plastered on what he thought of as his joker’s smile and slapped Cooper on the shoulder. “Have you been reading Paige’s romance novels or something, man? Don’t let the others hear you talk like that or you might end up wearing flowers and a tutu at the next rodeo.”

  Cooper snickered and rolled his eyes. “Are you ever gonna be serious? Even for a minute?”

  “Probably not anytime soon, Coop, but I do appreciate your concern.” Shaun gave his friend a sincere smile. “It’ll be fine, man. It’s only for a few weeks, anyway, and that is all contingent on her agreeing to go along with us. In case you’ve forgotten, I’m her least favorite person.”

  “I don’t know about the least, but you’re definitely in the top ten.” Cooper smirked and pushed away from the trailer. “Just be careful, Shaun. I don’t want to see you hurt again, at least not like you were the last time you two called it quits.”

  “Thanks, Coop.” Shaun shared a brotherly bear hug with him then shoved Cooper toward his trailer. “If I had a pretty wife like Paige waiting for me, I sure wouldn’t be out here spouting nonsense. Go see your girl.”

  “You should give that settling down and falling in love thing a try,” Cooper said, grinning as he backed away. “Talk to you soon, man.”

  “You can count on it. Tell Paige I will definitely model for the holiday ads. She just needs to tell me when and where to show up.”

  “She’ll be happy to hear that. Night, dude.” Cooper turned and headed off into the darkness.

  Shaun released a long breath and took a moment to gather his thoughts as he stared up at the stars. Cooper was right, on more counts than he cared to admit.

  It was foolhardy, stupid, and dangerous to offer to be Brylee’s chauffeur for the next few weeks. Despite knowing that, the thought had niggled at him until he’d taken out the idea, looked at it from all sides, and decided to run with it.

  His dad had been oddly close-mouthed about it, but Shaun was grateful he’d decided to refrain from meddling. Most likely, his father doubted Brylee would ever agree to go with him in the first place.

  Shaun climbed in the truck and started it, ready to get on the road and head back to the Rockin’ K. Back to Brylee, if he cared to own up to it, which he most certainly did not.

  A week ago, when he’d packed her out to her pickup, he’d thought he could offer his help, move on, and try, again, to forget about her. All he’d done was knock the lid off a box of memories that buzzed around him like he’d kicked a hornet’s nest.

  Six years ago when they met, she hadn’t even been twenty-one. She had big blue eyes, and gorgeous golden hair, and a smile that could bring him to his knees. The first time he’d noticed her was in Las Vegas at the finals the year she’d taken the world champion title in barrel racing. He’d thought she was cute, but she’d looked so young and inexperienced, he’d stayed away from her. Then he’d bumped into her when they were both registering at a rodeo in June that following summer. The attraction between the two of them sizzled brighter than the fireworks that had gone off that night at the end of the rodeo.

  From that moment on, he’d been a goner, but he hadn’t wanted to admit it. Even later, when he was in so deep with her he was dreaming of what they’d name their first baby, he refused to acknowledge that he loved her completely.

  In the end, love hadn’t been enough. Not nearly enough. If it had, he wouldn’t have walked away when he did. He knew it would break her heart, because it had destroyed his. The only excuse he had was being young, stupid, and scared of emotions he couldn’t identify or process.

  As he pulled onto the freeway and headed toward Twin Falls, Shaun considered what would happen if Brylee did agree to his plan. Would the buffer of having his dad there be enough to keep things on an even keel? Was it possible to set aside their differences and the wounds from the past long enough to make it through a few weeks of attending rodeos together? Could he leave her alone? The moment he’d gazed into her eyes he felt that same inexplicable tug for her he’d felt all those years ago. It defied description or reason, but was there just the same.

  It didn’t help matters that she’d gotten prettier in the years since he’d seen her. Her eyes seemed bluer. Her hair glistened with a deeper golden hue. And those curves of hers. Man, they had filled out to magnificent proportions. The other day when he’d walked in the house for lunch after church, his mouth had flooded with so much moisture he thought he might drown before he got control of himself.

  She’d stood in the doorway of the kitchen wearing a form-fitting tank top and a pair of shorts that showcased the fact she’d kept in great shape. Incredible shape if his reaction to seeing her tanned legs was any indication.

  Shaun was still contemplating the what-ifs of his plan when he arrived at the ranch a few hours past daybreak. After he unloaded the horses, fed and watered them, he took a shower then climbed into bed and slept for a solid four hours.

  When he awoke, he dressed, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair then stepped out of the trailer he and his dad shared both at the ranch and on the road. He made his way toward Kash and Celia’s house.

  Brylee was sitting on the porch with her casted leg propped up on a pillow while she sipped tea from a glass filled with ice. The shorts she wore provided a great view of her tanned legs while the tank top made him think thoughts he quickly chased away. Her hair looked like spun gold as it hung in waves around her face and down her back.

  “I heard you pull in this morning,” she said, holding the glass in the direction of his trailer. “How was the rodeo?”

  “Good. Dad and the rest of the guys decided they wanted to head home as soon as it ended rather than wait until daylight. We won’t have to leave again until Tuesday morning.” Shaun lowered himself into a chair beside her and stretched out his legs. “See you got the cast on. How are you feeling?”

  “Antsy and ready to do something besides sit around. When Barb was busy cooking yesterday and Frank was gone to town, I snuck out and saddled Rocket. We went for a slow, careful ride, but my boy is ready to race.”

  Shaun grinned. “I’m sure he is. Rocket always did love competing and running.” He glanced over at her. “I can take him for a run later if you want me to work off some of his energy.”

  “I’d appreciate that, Shaun, but you don’t have to. I really do need to get in some practice if I hope to go to a rodeo this week. The doctor forbade driving, but since my pickup is automatic, I think I could handle it.”

  Shaun made a grunting noise that clearly expressed his disapproval. “I have a better idea and I’ll share it with you if you promise to listen to it before you start calling me names that might hurt my feelings.”

  Her gaze narrowed as she turned to look at him. “I’m listening.”

  “I don’t know where you’re planning to ride the next few weeks, but if you want to enter the rodeos where we’ll be working, you can ride along with us. We can make room for Rocket in one of the trailers. You won’t have to worry about driving and we’ll be around to help you if you need it because I’m fairly certain the doctor told you it’s probably best to stay off that foot as much as you can. Am I right?”

  She lifted her chin stubbornly, but didn’t argue with him. “The doctor may have said that.” Brylee shifted her leg. Although she didn’t wince, he saw the pain in her eyes.

  The woman had no business competing, but since she would refuse to listen to reason, he hoped she’d at least have sense enough to take him up on his offer. Kash had told him his plans were fine with him. Celia had even offered to help Brylee if she needed it. Shaun just had to get her to agree to go with them first.

  Brylee set her glass on the small table between her chair and Shaun’s and gazed out over the ranch. She remained so still and quiet, he couldn’t help but wonder what thoughts tumbled through her head.<
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  Finally, she released a resigned sigh. “I’d really appreciate the help, Shaun. Thank you. And it should only be for a few weeks, until the cast comes off. After I get a brace on, I’ll be fine on my own.”

  “You’re welcome to come along with us as long as you need to. Kash and Celia don’t mind and neither do the rest of us.” He tossed her a rascally grin. “Maybe you’ll add a little class to our entourage.”

  Brylee laughed. “Yeah, I don’t see that happening.”

  Shaun smiled and took a drink from her glass of tea. She scowled at him but didn’t say anything when he set the glass on the table between them. “Is there a reason you haven’t asked your mom or dad to help you out?”

  Brylee’s face turned white and she swallowed twice, like she had to work past her emotions.

  Shaun knew she had a good relationship with her parents, at least she had when they’d dated. It had been clear to him, though, that she and her dad were remarkably close. He always assumed it was because they were so much alike. And she adored her little brother. Maybe something had happened to change that. To change her.

  “Shaun, my dad… um… Dad passed away four years ago.”

  He leaned toward her and placed a hand over hers where it gripped the arm of her chair. “I’m so sorry, Brylee. I had no idea. Brad was a great, great guy.”

  Slowly, she nodded. “Dad was one of the best. I miss him every single day.”

  “What happened?”

  “He was working on a flat tire on the pivot and it blew up. They said he died instantly, but it was such a random, freak accident. We’d just had breakfast together. I’d gone out to move a pivot on the other side of the hay field and heard the explosion. He was… it was…” Brylee drew in a deep breath. “It’s been hard on all of us, but especially Mom.”

  “I really am so sorry, Brylee.” He squeezed her hand again, wishing he hadn’t asked, but glad he knew. “Doesn’t your mom need your help on the ranch?”

  Brylee nodded her head. “She does, but she needs the money from my winnings more.”