* * *
Thirty minutes later, they drove up the long, dirt driveway lined with pine trees, and a white, rail fence.
Velia’s eyes widened when she saw the huge Victorian. “Good Lord, Caulder. You didn’t say you lived in a mansion with oodles of acres surrounding it.”
“Oh, it’s not a mansion, just a large home, you know, kind of like yours except this is an 1897 Queen Anne not a new modern estate like yours.”
“You called my house a mansion yet kept quiet about your own little palace in the hills?”
“Yep, it’s time you see the other side of me, sweetie. I’m not only rich from my career. My family is very rich, and I grew up with the best of everything.”
“I love a good mystery. You’ve been one since you walked into the photo shop.”
“Yep.”
Caulder’s parents came to meet them and both hugged him at the same time. Mrs. McCutchen reached for Velia’s hand then brought her against her in an embrace. “It’s nice to meet you. You’re even prettier in person, just like Caulder said.”
Velia felt her cheeks reddened. Would she ever get over blushing? “Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you.” Next his father shook her hand and then escorted them into the house. Grandma McCutchen sat in a rocker by the window, and Caulder went over and leaned down to hug her. He helped her up and turned to Velia.
She went to his grandmother and shook her hand. “So nice to meet you. Caulder speaks of you often.”
“Well, missy, I miss my boy when he’s off trying to ride those bulls. Where he ever got that idea from, I’ll never know. Good to meet you, honey.”
“He’s quite good at it, you know.”
“He must be if he’s still doing it.” She patted his chest and smiled with pride. “And look at him. It looks like it isn’t hurting him none.”
“It’s not hurting me at all, Gram.”
Mr. McCutchen called the valet to see them to their rooms. Velia and Caulder followed. “Are we sleeping together?” Velia whispered as they went upstairs.
“Hell no, not in this house. Yet another few nights I won’t be able to hold you.”
Velia poked him in the ribs. “There’s always the stable.”
He smiled as they continued. They stopped at the guest room in the middle of the wing. “This is for you, Ms. Armano.” The valet set her bags on the bed and left.
“I’ll be right back…don’t go anywhere.”
Where am I going to go? “I don’t even know where I am,” she whispered.
Minutes later, Caulder came in and closed the door behind him. “Let me hug you. Being here with you is remarkable.”
Velia pushed him away. “Open the door. Your parents will think I’m a floozy.”
Instead of opening the door, he tossed her to the bed and fell on top of her. “Come on, I’ll have to go a few more days without doing this so let me enjoy it for another minute.”
She wrapped her arms around him and brought him close. She kissed him back, tongues lashing against each other. “Okay, bad boy, let me up now. I don’t want to ravish you in your parent’s home, and your kisses make me weak.”
Caulder got up and smoothed his hair and straightened his shirt, tucking it back in tight at the waist. “Fix your hair. Do you want my parents thinking you tried to take advantage of me?”
“You! Now, get out of my room before you ruin my reputation.”
“Mom said dinner’s in twenty minutes. Don’t be late.”
“Okay, I’ll put my things away and freshen up. This room is quite grand.” She walked into the bathroom, admiring the room itself, and the fact she had her own in this gigantic house. “Come get me when it’s time?”
“Sure. I’ll be back in fifteen.”
* * *
Dinner was enjoyable and fancy with a butler and a chef. The wine tasted expensive and the meal totally delicious. Dessert would be taken in the parlor, or sitting room as Mrs. McCutchen stated. The room radiated coziness with comfortable, overstuffed, leather furniture and large tables for setting a plate and coffee or tea. A piano set near a window overlooking the meadow.
Velia leisurely walked over to the window and noticed the rolling, forested mountains as a backdrop, while a hint of light remained in the sky. She turned with a smile on her face. Caulder stood with an enormous grin on his, staring at her as if he were looking at the world’s highest scoring bull.
She sat on the sofa and he dropped beside her, his thigh pressed against hers. He clasped her hand and brought it to his lap. Velia noticed his mom glanced at the act and smiled then looked over at his dad. Caulder said she’d know by the way he looked at her. Apparently, she knew by seeing them together.
“How long have you lived in Tucson, Velia, dear?”
“Only about a year and a half.”
“And you moved from Chicago? It must be quite a change from Chicago to the western environment.”
“A huge change. I miss the big city, but I love the peacefulness of the west. I’m kind of torn.”
His mom glanced at Caulder. “Sounds like my son here. He’s not sure where he wants to settle down.”
“If I settle down, Mom. I’m not ready to leave bull riding yet.”
“Well, you’re not getting any younger,” said his dad as he poured a glass of Cognac.
“I’m older than most of the guys, but there are some older than me.”
“I understand, son. You’ll know when you’re ready.”
“Let’s get me through this year first, Pop.”
His dad turned to Velia. “So, you’re taking photos of this guy, huh. How’d he talk you into it?”
“It happened to be the right time.” Velia sipped her wine then sat the glass on the table. “I missed traveling, and it was hard to pass up the opportunity he proposed.”
“Speaking of proposing...” Caulder smiled when he glanced her way.
Velia’s eyes almost popped out of her head, glad her wine glass wasn’t in her hand. “Excuse me?” She nonchalantly glanced at his parents.
“Yeah, I propose a toast.”
She swallowed hard. The lump of surprise caught her off guard, as did his statement. Picking up her glass, she wondered if her hand shook.
“I propose a toast to Velia. I know her extra publicity has helped move my career along.” He looked into her eyes. “Your photos and videos are spectacular, and I’d like to thank you for coming along with me on this tour.”
They tapped their glasses together, but Velia held hers a little longer. “You’re welcome, but I don’t think I should get the credit. You’re the one out in the arena doing what you do, putting your life in danger. You’ve contributed to your high scores on your own.”
Mr. McCutchen held his glass and stood. “Now, wait a minute. The way I see it is you both have a role in this. Yes, son, you are doing the hard work, getting out there and being physical.” He tapped his glass against Velia’s. “But you, young lady, are getting his name out there with the blog, the photos on the website, and you’re contributing as much.” They tapped their glasses together. Velia couldn’t say anything. She saw his father held her in high regard and apparently followed what she did for his son. She found it hard to swallow the wine.
Caulder knowingly squeezed her hand and brought her a little closer. He smiled and motioned for her to sit and finish her cheesecake. The chef came in the room to gather dishes and smiled when she saw they weren’t ready. She nodded to Mrs. McCutchen.
“Shirley, hold up here,” said Mr. McCutchen. “I want to introduce you to our guest.”
Velia stood and reached for her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Shirley has been with us since Caulder was a little boy. James, the valet is her husband.”
“Oh, how wonderful, and I must say this cheesecake is the best I think I’ve eaten.”
“Well, coming from a girl who grew up in Chicago, I will surely accept that compliment, especially since you have your Cheesecake Factory.” She he
ld her hand out again. “So nice to meet you.” She picked up Caulder’s plate and smiled as she left.
“Very sweet.” Velia smiled and sat back down. Shirley brought in coffee for all present.
“When we’re finished here, go put some warmer clothes on and we’ll see the horses.”
“Do you like horses, dear? Caulder grew up riding. I’m surprised he isn’t a rodeo rider instead of a bull rider.”
“I thought Caulder told me you had bulls.”
Mr. McCutchen spoke. “I do, and I’m going to name one of my prize bulls for you.”
“I’d be honored,” said Velia as she took the last sip of coffee. “Now, I’ll go change if you’re ready, Caulder.”
“Meet you at the bottom of the stairs in ten minutes?”
“I’ll be ready.” She waited till he spoke to his dad.
“Oh, Dad, I have a name suggestion for the bull,” he smirked. “I think we need a bull named Devil Woman.”
“What, are you crazy? If I give a bull a lady’s name, I’ll be the joke of the bull pen.”
Velia snickered. “I have a good name. How about Gentle Man?” She smirked at Caulder.
“Now, that one, young lady, I will consider.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The temperature had cooled quite a bit and dew settled on the grass. Velia switched to boots. They walked about a quarter of a mile to what Caulder called the barn. She stopped and grabbed his arm. “This isn’t a barn. It’s the freaking Kentucky Derby!”
Caulder expressed amusement. He introduced her to each of the ten horses as they strolled along inside the stable.
She patted each horse’s nose as they stuck their head over the rail when Caulder passed through. “They’re exquisite…and so big! Are they expensive?”
“They’re retired race horses—thoroughbreds my dad loves to give a good home. Of course, he owned them before they started racing.”
“Your dad owns race horses and bulls? No wonder you live in a mansion.” She marveled at the tenderness Caulder showed around the horses, patting their sleek necks, and lovingly running his hand down their flanks. Her thoughts took her to his child, his daughter. He must have been the best father ever, so tender and caring. At the end of the barn, there was a small pony. Caulder went inside the stable and wrapped his arms around her neck. “This is Rose Petal. She was Christy’s. She loved sitting on her back.” He patted her nose before moving on. “Like to ride fast? These guys can go if you let them loose.”
Velia teared up and couldn’t remove her eyes from Rose Petal, picturing a little child sitting atop her and Caulder walking her around the corral. She wanted to see pictures of his Christy.
“Hey?”
“Huh? Oh, it’s been a while. Do you think it’s like riding a bike? I might have ridden once.” She didn’t mention the one time being a pony walking in a circle as a child.
“Sure, we’ll find out in the morning. Are you up for an early ride?”
“How early are you talking?”
“Daybreak. The best time to see this country other than sunset. We’ll see the sunset tomorrow from the overlook down the road if it’s clear.”
* * *
Caulder lightly knocked on her door at 5:00 a.m. He grinned, knowing he roused her from sleep when she opened the door rubbing her eyes. He had already dressed in a flannel shirt, Levi’s, and held his fleece-lined, denim jacket in his hand.
“You’re early,” she mumbled.
“You gonna let me in or do we have to wait till my mom gets up?” He pushed his way through the door.
“You can’t be in here.” She tried to fix her hair with her fingers.
“It’s my house,” he said as he tumbled to the bed, bringing her on top of him. “Mm, your bed is still warm.”
“You know what I mean.” She slipped away and ran into the bathroom. “I need to brush my teeth and hair. Go away.” She returned and stood beside the bed. “Why are you in my bed?”
He jumped up and pulled her pajama shirt over her head then pulled her down on top of him. “Cute PJ’s, but get out of them.”
“No, we can’t do this here.”
“It turns me on, kind of like my fantasy when I was a teen.”
“It turns me off. I can’t do this with your parent’s down the hall.”
“Oh, hell, they’re in another wing, but my dad is already up and out. Mom sleeps in nowadays.”
“Please leave my room and let me get dressed.”
“For real?”
“Yes, please, don’t make your parent’s mad. I don’t want them to lose respect for me.”
“For God’s sake, Velia, they aren’t going to lose respect for you. Maybe me, though.”
“Please?”
“You’re serious? We have a chance for a quickie and you’re kicking me out on my ass?”
“I’m kicking you out.” She pulled her pajama top back on.
Caulder got off the bed and stood in front of her. He grasped her arms and brought her against him. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t a gentleman.”
“No you don’t.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re a perfect gentleman, and I’m proud of you.”
“Don’t press your luck. I liked it better when you called me bad.” He turned to leave.
“You are a bad boy, but a gentleman, too.”
“Which do you prefer?”
Velia giggled a little then saw the look on his face when he turned all serious like. “Um, both?”
“Both?” He raked his eyes over her, starting at her silky, dark hair and working down to her dainty feet then back to her sleepy eyes. He stared at her breasts, when only moments ago there was no cloth covering them. He took a deep breath before checking out her thin waist, her curvy hips. Without hesitating, he pulled her against him and lifted the top over her head again. “Right now I’m choosing bad.” He knelt and took her flannel bottoms off then sat on the bed admiring her nakedness.
“You’re making me uncomfortable with the lustful look on your face right now.”
“Get used to it. This is how I look when I’m tired of being a gentleman. Deal with it...”
* * *
Spent and sated Velia questioned their ability to sneak out of the room one by one without getting caught. She sniggered.
“My lovemaking makes you laugh?”
“No, not at all, sweetie. Your lovemaking makes me screammmmm and feel warm inside.”
“My mom has breakfast waiting by now I’m sure.”
“Maybe she thinks we’re gone.” She whispered as if she could be heard. “I thought you said she sleeps in.”
“Probably not with company here. She’ll have Shirley fixing the biggest breakfast you’ve ever seen.”
“Caulder! Then why did you do this?”
He silenced her with his mouth against hers. “Hush. I needed you more than breakfast.” He glided his hand over the curve of her hip. “But now I need breakfast because you’re an animal, and I need nourishment.”
“Your fault. Now get outta my room, bad cowboy.” She watched as he stood and took off for her bathroom. “Damn, you look good naked.”
He turned, holding his clothes in front of him. “Shush, you want to ruin my reputation with my mother. Quiet woman, or she’ll know you ravished me.” He ran the rest of the way, leaving Velia laughing into the pillow.
* * *
After breakfast, Velia tried helping his mom with the dishes and cleanup, but she wouldn’t let her, so they went to the barn and grabbed saddles.
“I’m not sure I remember how to do this. I mean, it’s been since I was a little girl.”
“I’ll do it for you,” he said as he pulled the girth tighter.
“I can do it once I have a refresher course. I’m not helpless.”
“Oh, Velia, just hush and let me do it this time. I’ll let you do yours and mine later if it makes you happy.”
“Smart ass.”
“What did you call me?”
>
She backed against the stall, chuckling. “You heard me.”
Caulder tightened the girth on Sage then moseyed toward her. He pinned her against the wall in the stable.
“Do you think you’re being cute or just trying to manhandle me?”
She couldn’t stop laughing and tried to push him away, losing the battle when he took her hands and placed them behind his neck. He grasped her face with both hands and kissed her, and didn’t release her until her heart raced. “There,” he said when he let her go. “Call me names and see what you get.”
“Come on and give me a lesson in this saddling business.” Some of it came back to her from the times she’d helped her aunt in Italy, but it had been years. Tacking a horse was one thing—riding would be a whole other issue. When he leaned over to pull the cinch tighter, Velia whacked his backside with an open hand. “Nice.” Her eyes shone bright.
“Oh, yeah, remember who will be doing this later? But, guess what, sweetheart?”
“Huh?”
“I’m making you bend over and clean the hooves. Know what that means?”
“I assume my little swat gave you a big idea.”
“Uh huh.” He winked. “Your fault.”
His sassy smirk made her want to call him a smart ass again, but she figured they’d never get on their ride if he kept his word. She might end up getting laid in a stable again.
“You ready to hike it up? Get on over here, and I’ll cup my hands together for you to step into, and give you a boost. Unless, of course, you’d like me to get you something else to stand on.”
“Smart ass,” she whispered as she rested one hand on his shoulder and the other on the side of the horse. She stepped into his cupped hands, and he lifted her high enough to swing into the saddle. “I could do this myself you know.”
“Nah, it’s much more fun this way.” He got on Rebel and gave a slight kick. “Let’s go, babe, let’s see what ya got.”
Howdy, Ma'am Page 31
