Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Her guy?

  Yes, now she could say her guy. She had fallen for him and admitted it to herself. Being with him turned into everything she ever wanted in a man. A relationship? “Let’s see what happens when we get back to a normal life.” She looked around to see if anyone noticed she talked to herself, also wondering what a normal life is with a rich bull rider.

  There, he nodded. The gate man pulled the gate open, and they came bucking straightaway toward the center of the arena. Velia’s heart pounded. Caulder rode Mr. Scrunge like a professional, but it wasn’t an easy ride. At times, he lay in a supine position high in the air; other times, he nearly rode on the side of the bull. This one knew exactly which way to twist, and Caulder almost got bucked off a few times, but he shifted himself back to center. His legs were definitely strong. She could vouch for that in a heartbeat.

  Velia videotaped the whole thing but steadied the camera in front of her, so she could still watch with her own eyes. The clock counted down each second, and each second seemed like a lifetime. Caulder was down to 7.5 seconds and the next thing she knew, he hit the ground, slamming into the sand with a vengeance. He got up, bent at the waist, holding his arm against his body. Through her lens, she saw him glance toward her. Velia lowered the camera and stopped the play. He nodded, indicating he was okay. She smiled, making sure to hide the concern.

  She waited in the stands instead of following him. Focus, she had to let him focus because he still had one more ride for the night. He lost points on this last fall. He’d try like hell to make it up with his next ride.

  Soon he returned with his arm in a sling. He looked her way, and her raised eyebrows asked what she couldn’t from afar. He patted his arm and nodded then gave a thumbs-up. Maybe a strategy to let the other riders think his injury prevented another ride. She didn’t know if they played games to throw the others off.

  She focused her zoom lens in on his face, his handsome, chiseled face. As if he knew, he winked and puckered his lips in a kiss before ending with a smile. Tingly chills ran all the way to her toes. It didn’t take much from a man as sensual as Caulder McCutchen. She wondered how many cameras picked up a special moment meant only for her.

  During a break in the show, she moved her tripod and camera equipment closer to the private section of the stands and went down to talk to Caulder. As soon as he finished talking to Donna in an interview, he took hold of her elbow and escorted her to the back to a private, sectioned off room. He wrapped his one good arm around her and pulled her against him. “It’s so great to look in the stands and see you smile for me.”

  “Mm—I know exactly what you mean.” Dribbles of blood seeped from his wounded face.

  He tipped his cowboy hat to rest on the back of his head and leaned in, kissing her with more passion than a girl would expect in the middle of a rodeo show.

  “Goodness, your lips are warm, my sweaty man.”

  “I’m excited. My blood is boiling.”

  “And dripping.” She dabbed at his butterfly stitch with a folded up Kleenex. “So the bull—il toro—excites you, yes?”

  “Not il toro, love, the girl, the woman in my arms is what excites me.”

  “Mm, I think I like this side of you.”

  “Told ya.” He kissed her again before releasing her. “I gotta go.” He took her hand and led her back to the front.

  “How’s your arm, are you going to ride again tonight?”

  “Yep, gonna ride.” He winked.

  “The bull?”

  “You catch on quick.” Caulder laughed, tossing his head back until his hat fell off. The doctor walked past at that moment, picked it up, placed it atop his head, and then tipped his hat to Velia. “Yes, I’m going to ride the bull again tonight.”

  “I hope you’re going to be okay.”

  “I’m fine now. Go tend to your camera. This is going to be a ninety-plus ride.”

  She squeezed his hand and let her fingers slowly leave his as she walked away. He pulled her back, bringing her as close against him as he could in front of cameras. “I want to kiss you but I better not right now.”

  “Blow me one…I’ll be watching,” she said, as she slipped her fingers from his clasp and went to set up her camera.

  Like she told him, she would be watching. Before climbing on his next ride, he searched her out and indeed, blew her a kiss. Did the crowd in the direct vicinity get quiet or was it her imagination?

  Velia continued to point the video camera on him. Again, there he went, nodding to the gate man to open. And again, the bull flew out like a bullet from a gun, doing whatever it could to shake the rider off. A leap in the air and a twist at the same time almost did it, but with Caulder’s strength he was able to move himself back on top. The whistle blew with two seconds left in the ride. Velia looked around at the clock, and it stopped at 7.8. “How?”

  Caulder jumped off the bull and threw a total fit. He flung his arms in the air and stomped. He yelled and demanded a replay. They said he slapped the bull with his free hand. He swore he didn’t. Minutes went by as the judges studied the replay. Velia replayed hers at the same time. But she only had one advantage point. The official cameras could see from all angles.

  The crowd yipped and hollered, and when she looked up, Caulder took a bow in the center of the arena. He didn’t slap the bull; he was within millimeters of touching it. The camera could see what the human eye couldn’t. Caulder would get a reride.

  Velia paced, while the other riders took their turn, and then it was Caulder’s turn again with the new bull. He made eight seconds, and she could tell the points wouldn’t be as good as the previous bull. She raised her camera to the scoreboard but kept videotaping him as he waited.

  The instant the score appeared on the board, confetti dropped all over where Caulder stood. Velia jumped up and down in the stands like a little cheerleader would at a football game. Not allowing herself to celebrate long, she focused on him once again, as he ran around the arena with his hat held high in the air and his bull rope swinging from his arm. He had a decent score. Ninety-two was hard to come by, but he managed. Velia had tears rolling down her cheeks.

  He searched the stands, but she already made her way down to the rail. Caulder ran to where she would be, and when she reached the railing, he jumped up on the fence rail and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her right in front of the world. Velia was thrilled! She smiled, leaned in, and kissed him one more time.

  Watching as he jumped down, she noticed more cameras on her, most people thinking nothing of it, but the other riders, and Donna only stared. It finally came out. Donna had kept her word and not told about them being a couple. But now…now the world knew her as someone important in his life. She hoped her parents and Edward and Alice watched.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Tonight’s celebration included the guys after Caulder’s controversial win. Velia didn’t quite understand what the slap meant, but learned you could not touch the bull with your free arm or any part of the body in any way, and if you did, it meant instant disqualification. Caulder stuck up for himself, knowing he hadn’t touched the bull.

  Eating scrumptious, expensive dinners wasn’t new for her, being a part of her past, but she tried to avoid late meals. Her job meant so many changes. Now her new lifestyle seemed almost normal. Fancy, late dinners fit right in this circuit. Already hippy enough due to her southern Italian, ancestral line, eating late on a regular basis would have to turn to lettuce instead of steak. Rich chocolate cake drizzled with a thick sauce of Kahula and Bailey’s Irish Cream sat in front of her. Caulder held a huge forkful to her mouth, and she gazed into his eyes as she opened and accepted. He offered her another sweet bite, and she took it but waved off the third, giggling and licking her chocolate-covered lips.

  All night long, people came up asking for autographs. Caulder always obliged and didn’t hesitate for a picture request. Velia sat back and admired the way her popular cowboy handled the public. She longed to learn mo
re about this long, lean hunk of handsomeness. Their life as a couple seemed to be the future. Every now and then Caulder gawked at her, his smile lingering before he ended it with a wink. Warmth fled over her skin and heated her very soul. A gentleman was he, a rogue at times, as well. Her man oozed sensual perfection.

  * * *

  The ride to the hotel didn’t take long. Velia went easy on the wine because she wanted to do some work on the computer when she arrived. Caulder opened the door to her room without removing his arm from her waist. “We leave early.”

  “Oh, I keep forgetting to look at the schedule. How early?”

  “We need to be at the airport by eleven.” Caulder pulled the drapes closed as soon as he turned on the lights.

  “Eleven isn’t early, amore mio.”

  He examined his watch. “It’s two thirty now. Not much time to sleep, missy.” He circled his arms around her waist. “Come to my bed.” He kissed her slowly, long.

  “I need to do some editing. You should go get your beauty rest.” She examined his wound. “Does this hurt much?”

  “Nah, it’s nothing I told you. I probably won’t even have another scar.”

  “Oh, povero bambino, un’altra cicatrice.”

  Caulder brought her against him and started unbuttoning her lacy blouse. “Yes, I know, poor baby, another scar.”

  “What did you say?” She stopped his fingers. “You understand Italian?”

  Caulder buried his face in the hair at her shoulder, nibbling her neck, and he grasped the long ends and balled it up in his fist. “Umm, you smell so delicious. Sì, capisco un po’ di Italiano.”

  Velia rested her hands on his shoulders, pushing him away an inch. “I don’t believe it. You speak and understand Italiano?”

  “A teeny bit.” Caulder pinched his forefinger and thumb together. “A teeny, teeny bit.”

  “How come you didn’t tell me?” She clasped his hands as he continued unbuttoning her shirt.

  “You didn’t ask, amore mio.”

  “I see, my love.”

  “You mock me?”

  Velia giggled. “Yes, I mock you because I speak better Italian than you.”

  “Because you’re Italian, girly girl. I ride the bull better than you.”

  “Touché!” Velia’s eyes sparkled. She lifted an eyebrow, waiting for a response. His response was to grab hold of her and lift her to the bed. “Caulder, I need to work.”

  “Sleep with me, I mean really sleep with me.” He plopped down beside her and went for her buttons again. This time she allowed it, and soon, he had the front of her shirt open. He pulled her white, lacy bra down a bit to expose a jutting nipple, hard with anticipation of what might happen next. Velia moaned as he suckled her hardened peak, and even more when he took as much of her breast as he could into his mouth.

  “I love making love with you, teasing you,” he whispered.

  “Work, I have to work.”

  “And pass up my lips against your flesh...everywhere?” He nibbled his way to the curve in her throat, lingering as her pulse beat against his lips.

  “Yes, for now, for tonight. Please.”

  He stopped and leaned on an elbow. “Really?”

  Velia nodded.

  “Okay.” Caulder rose from the bed and went towards the adjoining door. “Remember, babe, we have to be there at eleven. Packed and breakfast by eight thirty?”

  She reluctantly sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ll be ready. Good night.”

  “Good night, love.” The door closed behind him.

  Velia changed into her light blue, shorty-pajamas and loaded the videos and photos into her photo program. She couldn’t stop yawning and must have been more tired than she realized. She covered her mouth as a long yawn slipped out. Raising her arms in the air, she stretched then stood and did some bending exercises and leg lifts. If she rose early enough, she could go to the fitness room to work out a bit or do a few laps in the pool. But for now, sleep won the battle, and if she stayed up much longer, she wouldn’t be able to do the morning workout. Velia glanced at the door.

  She turned off the lamp and opened the drapes. The bay glistened with the reflection of colored lights, rippling with the languid flow of the currents. All looked quiet and serene. Again, she yawned. Reaching for her brush, she ran it through her hair and brushed out the tangles until it lay smooth down her back. She pushed it back from her forehead with a hair band. After washing her face and applying her nightly moisturizer, she again glanced at the adjoining door. Before she realized it her hand turned the knob. The door opened. Gingerly, she whispered, “Caulder?”

  Silence.

  She closed the door and tiptoed to the bed. Yearning for sleep and comfort, she slipped in beside him. Scooting as close as she could get, she wrapped her arm around his waist and rested her cheek against his bare shoulder. Before long he edged back against her and took her hand to his lips. “Thank you, Velia.”

  “Mmm.”

  * * *

  Morning came as if sleep had been only a couple hours. When the alarm sounded, Velia thought she dreamed until Caulder’s arms engulfed her. “Time to rise, sleeping beauty.”

  “The day is upon us already? Wasn’t it just night time?” She turned onto her back and stretched her spine. Caulder took advantage of her position and rolled on top of her, kissing her throat before working his way down to her breasts. “Umm, sexy as hell,” he said, as he nuzzled her breasts through the thin tee material. He ran his hand along the smooth skin of her waist and slid his fingers inside her waistband, as far as he got before she caught his hand.

  “Shower please.”

  “Sure, let’s go then this material won’t get in my way.” He tried again to explore, but she jumped out of bed. “Cute little ass in those jammies.”

  She closed the adjoining door and turned the lock before jumping into the shower. Afterwards, she scanned the photos she downloaded last night and wished she had taken the time to sort. She would need a whole day to edit what she had so far. She wondered when she would get a whole day to edit again.

  Caulder knocked and she turned the lock to let him in. He stood there wearing black Levi’s with a blue shirt, two top buttons left unbuttoned, and the blue enhancing the color of his eyes. His hair was still damp when she ringed her arms around his neck and played with the sable locks. “I’m sorry I’m not quite ready.”

  “We have to get going. Breakfast will be over before we get there.”

  She left his embrace and brushed her hair. Caulder came up, took the brush, and continued brushing. “I love doing this.”

  Velia sighed, enjoying the experience, remembering her mother doing it as a child. “Thank you. I think I might let you do it more often.” She ran her hands down the back of her hair, touching the soft silken strands. Caulder did the same thing then handed her the brush. “We have to get going.”

  “I’ll be quick, just a bit of makeup. Have a seat and look at the photos if you’d like, but keep in mind they aren’t edited. Everything will look different when I finish.”

  * * *

  Once again, it was time for another flight, this time to San Diego. The plane lifted off and Velia’s body language showed fear. Her fingernails dug into the palm of one hand, and her head pressed against the seat. Her eyes closed. This time she clenched Caulder’s hand. He patted her fingers when she released her grip. “It’s okay now. We survived another takeoff.”

  “Don’t mock my fear.”

  He pulled her fingers to his lips. “I’m sorry.”

  “I doubt it will change by the end of the tour.” Velia took a deep breath, releasing the tension. “When we get to the west coast, how much time will we have before the show?”

  “Oh, we get a whole days rest when we fly cross country.” Caulder leaned over and grasped her chin, turning her face toward him. He kissed her. “I want to take you to dinner. To a nice place where you can get dressed up.” He leaned in close to her ear. “And maybe take a walk along t
he beach afterward.”

  Velia gave a big smile. “Sounds nice. I hear San Diego is delightful.”

  “It is. You’ll see it’s true.”

  “I’m sleepy,” she said, as she closed her eyes.

  Caulder rested his hand on Velia’s thigh as they swooped over the airport and prepared to land in San Diego. Sand the color of clear champagne stood out against the indigo color of the ocean. Resting his hand on hers, he clasped her fingers, holding tight as if his life depended on saving her. Holding her hand reminded him he wanted to protect her in every way. Take away her fear of landings and takeoffs, remove her nightmares from memories caused by a monster, and give her the things she deserved. Again, he brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. He wanted his touch to bring her a feeling of security. He watched her face, eyebrows pinched, lines of worry on her forehead, as she tightened the seatbelt and forced her head against the seat. “It’s okay, take a deep breath.”

  Velia inhaled and let it out slowly.

  “Is it only the landing?” Caulder asked as he rested their clenched hands against her thigh.

  “Oh, and taking off.” She gulped a breath of air. “Once I’m in the air I’m okay, as long as it isn’t turbulent.”

  “I’m the opposite.” Caulder unhooked his seatbelt. “I love the taking off and landing part, I guess it’s the speed, a rush. I like the feeling. But when I’m in the air and realize there’s nothing between me and the ground, I’m apprehensive.”

  “Really? I never would have known. You hide it well.”

  “Show my trepidation to someone who already has a fear? I don’t think so.” Caulder waited for the others to deplane. “Ready?”

  Velia nodded. “Sunshine here I come. Maybe a few hours on the beach will be good for my soul.”