The Bull Rider's Valentine

by Cathy McDavid

  “What will the doctor say?”

  “Nothing. He’s not going to find out because you’re not going to tell him.”

  “Thank you for bringing him home.” She let out a weary sigh and moved aside, allowing Ronnie and Nate to wrangle Theo up the step and over the threshold.

  “We were at the Poco Dinero,” Ronnie explained. When Reese looked at Nate, clearly expecting an introduction, Ronnie found herself stammering. “Th-this is my...my...” What should she call him? “My friend Nate. Nate Truett. We competed together a long time ago.”

  An awkward silence hung in the air, which Reese ended by saying, “Nice to meet you, Nate. I wish it was under different circumstances.”

  “You have a beautiful home, ma’am,” he replied.

  “I’ll take him from here.” She held out her arms. “No reason for you two to stay. It’s getting late, and I’m sure you’re eager to head home.”

  Nate and Ronnie obligingly released Theo, who swayed like a tall stalk of grass in the breeze. When Reese gripped his arm, he swatted at her hand, his temperament changing in the blink of an eye.

  “Dad,” she pleaded. “You’re going to fall. Let me get you to your room and to bed.”

  “I’m not a child. I can get myself to bed.”

  Ronnie doubted it. Reese, too, given how she nervously fidgeted around her father.

  “Let me take him,” Nate said.

  Reese stared, her expression startled. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Hey, Mr. McGraw.” Nate put a friendly arm around Theo’s shoulder, smoothly taking charge of the situation. “I was wondering if I could ask your advice on a matter.”

  “What’s that?” Suspicion clouded Theo’s eyes, but he went along with Nate nonetheless.

  “Have you heard about that new equine influenza outbreak?”

  “No!”

  “Coming this way from Texas.”

  “You don’t say?”

  As Ronnie and Reese watched, Nate escorted Theo from the living room and down the hall to where Ronnie presumed Theo’s bedroom was located. Their voices grew softer, eventually dying.

  “I don’t believe it.” Reese turned to Ronnie. “Do you think he’ll be okay?”

  “Your dad or Nate?”

  “Both of them, I suppose.”

  Ronnie had to smile. “I wouldn’t worry. Your dad likes Nate. They were chatting up a storm at the bar.”

  “Okay.” Reese glanced around as if weighing her options. “You want some coffee? This could take a little while, depending on how cooperative Dad is.”

  “That’d be great.” She could use something warm to chase away the chilly night.

  Reese showed Ronnie to the kitchen, explaining that her husband was out of town on business. “Dad’s quite cagey. You’d think I’d be wise to all his tricks by now. Enrico probably drove him into town. He doesn’t have the nerve to refuse Dad. Not that Dad would ever fire him. Has your father ever smuggled Dad off the ranch?”

  “If he has, he won’t admit it.”

  “That’s the problem.” Reese motioned for Ronnie to sit. “Dad’s employees are loyal to a fault. If only I could find a reliable caregiver with enough gumption to stand up to him. He scares every one of them off in a week or two. A month, if I’m lucky.”

  Ronnie commiserated, thanking Reese when the mug of hot coffee was placed in front of her. She helped herself to some sugar from the cut crystal bowl on the table.

  The two women continued talking while they waited for Nate. Reese snuck off only once to eavesdrop on his progress and returned quickly. A half hour later, he tracked them down.

  “How’s Dad?” Reese asked, not hiding her concern.

  “Asleep in bed.”

  “His meds. He’s supposed to—”

  “He took them. He also showered and brushed his teeth.”

  “Oh. Really?” She exchanged looks with Ronnie.

  “Just a heads-up,” Nate said. “He’s not wearing his pajamas. I did convince him to put on some underwear.”

  “I guess I should be grateful for that much.” She offered Nate a warm smile. “You’re a miracle worker.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far.”

  “He’s been losing more and more of his abilities every day, and it’s hard on him. Sneaking out to the bar is a last stand for independence.” She jumped up from the table. “Would you like a cup of coffee? A sandwich? A piece of blueberry pie? Anything? I feel I should feed you in exchange for your help.”

  “I’m fine, ma’am. Appreciate the offer, though.”

  “Reese. Call me Reese. Please.”

  Ronnie watched the two of them, unsure what to be more amazed at. Nate’s easy handling of Theo or Reese’s quick acceptance of him.

  Reese walked over and deposited her empty mug in the sink. “Are you in town for long?”

  “A while,” Nate answered.

  “Hopefully, we’ll see you again soon.”

  Ronnie interpreted that as their cue to leave and stood. Nate’s next words caused her to hesitate.

  “Possibly tomorrow.” He flashed a wide grin. “Your father mentioned he might be hiring. Told me to drop by.”

  Reese brightened “Are you looking for work?”

  “Something part-time. I’m not picky. Wrangler. Handyman. Laborer.”

  “What about caregiver? For my dad? I’d gladly pay.” She named a generous hourly wage.

  Ronnie stared. Had Reese really just offered him employment?

  He shook his head. “Kind of you to offer, but I’m not accredited. If you ever need a hand, though, give me a call.”

  “I don’t care that you aren’t accredited,” Reese said. “Or can only work part-time. Any help would be a relief.”

  Ronnie couldn’t see Nate refusing such a heartfelt plea, but he did.

  “I really can’t accept, ma’am. Reese.”

  Her shoulders drooped, and she exhaled a long, miserable breath. Ronnie’s exhale was one of relief.

  “I won’t take your money,” he said. “But if you let me park my truck and trailer here and if there’s a pasture where I can put my mare, we might have a deal.”

  Reese leaped forward and grabbed his hand, shaking it vigorously. “We most certainly do have a deal, Nate. Welcome to The Small Change Ranch.”

  Ronnie glanced away, struggling to absorb this latest, unbelievable turn of events.

  * * *

  BY THE TIME Nate pulled into the Poco Dinero parking lot, only three vehicles remained, including Ronnie’s truck. She’d hardly spoken on the drive from the ranch. Come to think of it, she’d hardly spoken from the moment Reese and Nate had made their agreement.

  “Are you okay?” he asked, stopping behind her truck and shifting into Park.

  She removed her keys from the small purse she carried. Ronnie was a boots and jeans gal, except for that one accessory. She’d always adored designer purses. This particular one was glossy red with black stripes, short straps and a huge gold clasp.

  Nate found her one feminine indulgence to be extremely sexy. Tough and strong on the outside, yet toting a purse straight from the shelves of a high end fashion store.

  “I’m great,” she grumbled as she tugged the door handle. “Just great.”

  “Ronnie, wait.”

  “What now?”

  “I get you’d rather I wasn’t here.”

  “What I want, Nate, is that you not disappoint everyone or make my life difficult.” She let go of the handle in order to confront him. “Sam is my sister. Theo McGraw and Reese are my father’s employers. Bess is my business associate and someone I’ve known for years. They’re important to me.”

  “I’ve been completely up-front with them about my plans and how long I intend to stay. I won’t promise more than I can deliver, and I won’t
make your life difficult. Not if I can help it. You have my word.”

  “Okay. Fine. Whatever.”

  She automatically assumed he’d fail, which was hardly fair. He hadn’t been the one to end their relationship. If anything, he’d tried to save it. And though he might have disappointed her or let her down, his actions weren’t intentional.

  Nate found his frustrations returning. He waited until Ronnie was halfway out the door then, unbuckling his seat belt, reached across the console and captured her arm.

  She glared at his hand. “What are you doing?”

  He pulled her toward him, not stopping until she was close. Very close. “I’ll give you three guesses.”

  “Stop this. Now!” Her warm breath caressed his cheek and fire danced in her eyes, making her impossible to resist.

  “Too late.”

  She stiffened. “I will not let—”

  He ended their discussion with a swift, hard kiss.

  She resisted, of course. Then again, he hadn’t expected her to surrender willingly. She’d require some coaxing on his part, and Nate was up to the task. He started out by increasing his hold on her while gently moving his mouth over hers. It took some doing, but he finally got the response he wanted in the form of a tiny moan. After that, her mouth softened beneath his, and her arm slowly climbed the length of his, all the way to his neck.

  At that point, he abruptly ended the kiss and pulled away. He tried not to smile.

  She blinked in surprise, and then her eyes narrowed. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I won’t be any part of it.”

  “Let’s just call it a test. To see if there are any sparks.”

  “I can assure you, there aren’t.”

  She was lying. He didn’t call her on it, however. No point. She’d felt the crackle of desire and rush of excitement every bit as much as he had.

  “We’re going to talk, Ronnie. Soon. You owe me that much.”

  She didn’t dispute him. “Sam’s practice is at 2:30 sharp. Don’t be late.” With that, she shoved open the door and made good her escape.

  Nate waited until she was inside her vehicle before leaving. Even then, he kept her in his rearview mirror until she turned onto the road taking her home. He continued to Frankie’s house where he parked on the street and, as quietly as possible, crept through the gate into the backyard where his trailer was parked. After a quick check on Breeze, who appeared to be adjusting well, he headed into his trailer for a shower before climbing into bed.

  Though the hour was late, he didn’t immediately fall asleep. So much had happened in the span of one day, and his mind ran through each event, carefully examining them. He spent the most time dwelling on the kiss he and Ronnie had shared.

  In hindsight, he should have resisted. For a multitude of reasons. High on the list, they’d hurt each other once. Terribly. Working together would be hard enough. Getting involved again was just plain stupid, what with unresolved issues the size of boulders standing between them.

  When sleep finally claimed Nate, it was troubled. Rising early the next morning, he unhooked his trailer from the water hose and electrical outlet, then readied it for transport to The Small Change Ranch. Frankie’s fiancé, Spence, came out and, after introducing himself, lent Nate a hand hitching the trailer to his truck.

  “Tell Frankie thanks for everything,” Nate said to Spence once Breeze was loaded and ready.

  “Good luck. I hope things work out for you.”

  There was something in the other man’s tone that gave Nate pause. Was he referring to the jobs Nate had landed or something else? Like, for instance, Ronnie?

  He reached in his jacket pocket for his wallet. There wasn’t much money in it, but he intended to compensate Frankie and Spence for his stay.

  The other man held out a hand, objecting. “Your money’s no good here.”

  “I told Frankie I’d pay rent.”

  “You were here overnight.”

  Nate sensed arguing would get him nowhere. He also sensed Spence was someone he could be friends with, if he stuck around town. “Maybe you’ll let me take you and Frankie and the girls out for dinner one night.”

  “We’d like that.”

  Giving a friendly wave as he pulled out, Nate drove directly to The Small Change. Reese had sent him a text, telling him to meet Enrico, the ranch manager, at the horse stables. After settling in, he was to come to the house.

  Nate hated admitting he was relieved that Enrico and not Ronnie’s dad was meeting him. He and Ray Hartman had gotten along once, but that was before his botched Valentine’s Day proposal and Ronnie’s swift departure in the wake of it. Who knew what she’d told her father or if he’d even been informed Nate was now a fellow employee.

  At the horse stables, Enrico directed Nate to drive around behind the building and park his trailer beneath a metal overhang. Nate guessed some ranch equipment had previously occupied the spot and been moved to accommodate him. He and Enrico got acquainted while Nate hooked up the trailer and unloaded Breeze.

  They continued talking while Enrico led Nate and Breeze to a small pasture behind the hay shed, where the mare was introduced to a pair of older horses and a donkey. She made friends with the horses and ignored the donkey before burying her nose in the feed trough.

  How much Enrico knew about Nate’s employment arrangement with Reese was anybody’s guess. He said nothing, though he did expound at length on the ranch and its daily operations. Nate respected the man’s loyalty and discretion. Would Ronnie’s dad be as loyal and discreet?

  When Nate knocked on the back door to the house, Reese promptly greeted him, this time dressed for work.

  “Morning!” She swung open the door. “Come in. Dad’s just having breakfast. Have you eaten?”

  “Not yet,” he admitted before he could stop himself. The smell of bacon was just too overwhelming.

  “Come. Join us.”

  Her enthusiastic attitude felt forced. Could be Theo wasn’t exactly thrilled about the new arrangement. Nate mentally prepared himself.

  The kitchen was large and shiny yet comfortable, and with all the latest appliances. Theo sat at the table, a scowl on his face.

  “Dad, look who’s here,” Reese said. “You remember Nate from last night.”

  The older man grumbled and stabbed a fork into his eggs.

  She smiled apologetically at Nate. “Flora will fix you anything you want.” A plump, middle-aged woman in a uniform and apron appeared beside her.

  “I’m not picky,” Nate said. “Please don’t go to any trouble.”

  “No trouble.” Reese continued infusing her voice with false cheer.

  “Whatever Mr. McGraw’s having is fine with me.”

  Flora nodded and busied herself at the stove.

  “I should leave for the work.” Reese chewed her lower lip.

  “Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” Nate assured her. He’d heard this morning from Spence that Reese was manager of the local bank.

  “I left a list of instructions on the counter,” she said. “Call if you have any questions.”

  Nate smiled at Theo. “We’ll be fine.”

  “I know you have to be at the Poco Dinero later this morning.” She reached for her briefcase. “Just stay as long as you can.” Walking to the table, she bent and gave her father a kiss on the top of the head. “Be good. Please.”

  “You don’t need to remind me.”

  “I love you.” With a sigh, she left through the door.

  “Mind if I have some coffee?” Nate asked Theo once they were alone.

  “Pot’s on the counter.”

  Nate went over and helped himself to a mug from the rack, liking that the McGraws used a drip coffee maker and not one of those modern contraptions with the little plastic cups.

  When he rejoined Theo at
the table, Flora set a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon and toast in front of him. He thanked her, and she melted away, probably having received instructions from Reese to leave Nate and Theo alone while they got acquainted.

  “Don’t think just because you drove me home last night I’m okay with you being my new prison guard.”

  Nate bit into a piece of generously buttered toast. “I’m not your guard, Mr. McGraw. I’d like to be your friend.”

  “A friend who just happens to help me on and off the toilet.”

  “Reese didn’t mention that.” Nate feigned surprise and shock. “I might have to reconsider.”

  “Not funny.”

  “You’re a lucky man, Mr. McGraw. You live at home with a daughter who loves you and has the patience of a saint, and a son-in-law who doesn’t consider you a burden. That’s a damn sight better than residing in a nursing facility.”

  “I’d never tolerate that. This house, this entire ranch, is mine. I won’t leave until the day they carry me out of here.”

  “Good. I like having job security.”

  He grumbled and pushed away his mostly finished breakfast, his hand shaking more than it had last night. Could be anger, Nate thought, or he was a bit hungover.

  “Come on, admit it.” Nate shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth. “I’m a damn sight better than some of your other caregivers. I can guarantee, I won’t baby you.”

  “I get enough of that from Reese.”

  He probably did. She clearly adored her father and wanted only the best for him. Without meaning to, she might be micromanaging him. Nate had learned from his brother the importance, even necessity, of allowing the individual some degree of independence.

  “I have an idea.” He drained his coffee mug. “I’m meeting Bess at nine to start learning the ropes. I’m her new manager for the recreational bull riding, in case you didn’t know.”

  Theo’s answer was an interested lift of his bushy gray brows.

  “That’s less than two hours from now,” Nate continued. “If you’re ready by then, dressed, shaved, pearly whites brushed, you can come with me. Or, you can stay home. The choice is yours.”

  “Come with you?” Theo’s tone was ripe with suspicion.