“Come here,” he said as he reached for her.
She unhooked her seatbelt then slid across the seat and wrapped her arms around his waist, nuzzling her cheek against his chest. Tears rolled down her cheeks as he held her.
“I have to get photos for the article, but I’m not going to like it.” She raised her head to look at him. “You said you’d retire if you won the belt.”
“Buckle...not belt...and I said I’d think about it.”
“Oh.” She’d hoped for more of a confirmation that there was an end in sight.
“Let’s just see how it goes.”
“All right.” Her fears still unabated, she slid back across the seat to her side and put her seatbelt back on. Roark put the gear into Drive and pulled out onto the road.
It wasn’t long before they were pulling into the area where the competition would take place. They climbed out of the truck, silence once more having descended on them, and walked into the arena together.
Cowboys greeted Roark and slapped him on the back or shook his hand as they walked by. Roark stopped in his tracks when Justin Burke walked toward them.
“Good luck, Callahan. You’re going to need it,” Burke said with a smirk.
“We’ll see, Burke.”
“Hey, you still hanging with this loser, sugar?”
Roark stepped forward but Priscilla stopped him.
“He’s not worth it, Roark. He’s just trying to get under your skin.” She looked at Burke. “You need to grow up and shut the fuck up.”
Roark laughed pulling her against him then walked around Burke. “I seriously love you.”
Priscilla laughed. “I seriously don’t like him. I hope you beat him.”
Later, while she sat on the rail of the fence around the arena with her camera, the butterflies were going crazy in her belly just as they had the last time as she watched Roark lower himself onto the one bull he had trouble beating. The one bull he hoped he wouldn’t draw but did. Captain Crush hated Roark as much as he hated the bull.
Holding her breath, she watched him lower his hat on his head, tug it low, take a deep breath, scoot forward, and then nod for the men to open the gate. Roark was the last rider up and the rider to beat was Burke—again.
The gate swung open and the bull jumped out and proceeded to do his best to dislodge Roark from his back, but his rider held on. Priscilla watched through the viewfinder of the camera as Roark rocked back and forth, and side to side, then front and back with his arm high in the air. She looked up at the timer then back to Roark. At the sound of the buzzer, she watched him untie the rope and jump down, landing on his feet. Lowering the camera, she held her breath as he ran to the fence and jumped up on to it. Then he looked up at the Jumbotron for his time and score. The crowd went wild when his score flashed on the screen but he lowered his head, and she didn’t understand what was happening until he raised his head. She saw him looking around, searching for her, and when he found her, he grinned. Roark had won!
He hopped down from the fence and she ran to him. He caught her and laughed then hugged her to him. “I have an interview to do but then we can go home,” he said, then kissed her.
“You don’t want to stay over tonight?”
“You’re leaving Monday and I want to spend that time with you at home.”
“Me too. I can’t wait to get back and tell Earl I’m quitting.”
“Tell him you’ve had a better offer for the rest of your life.”
“Are you proposing?”
“I am, even though I said I wouldn’t.”
“What...” She cleared her throat. “What about bull riding?”
“I’m quitting. I won the buckle I wanted and I want to have a family with you.”
“Oh, I do love you, Roark Callahan...and I want kids too. Let’s get Z-man some cousins.”
Chapter Eleven
Roark laughed as he led her to the locker room where he quickly showered and changed clothes while she waited outside. Just like the first time he’d met her. Seemed like so long ago but it had only been three weeks. He’d known she was trouble the minute he looked at her practically begging him to allow her to follow him around the circuit. He needed to thank Earl Sanders for sending her to him or perhaps her mother for getting her the job, but whomever he needed to thank he was happy to have her in his life. He’d show her every day for as long as he lived.
When they arrived at the ranch, he parked the truck by the back door and looked over at her. She was asleep, her head resting against the seatback. He couldn’t help but stare at her. She was so beautiful and he was so in love with her. He’d never thought he’d fall so hard, but he had to admit that it was in the Callahan blood. Every one of the Callahan men had fallen hard and he was no exception. Smiling, he reached out and touched her hair. She stirred and opened her eyes, blinking the sleep away then looked at him and smiled. His heart slammed into his ribs.
“We’re home,” he said.
Priscilla sat up and yawned. “I’m sorry I fell asleep.”
“It’s all right, darlin’. I’m tired too, so let’s get some sleep.” He opened the door, the interior light came on, and he could see her mussed up hair but it looked so sexy. Too sexy for either of them to just go to sleep.
“Okay. I want to finish the article in the morning. If you’re good, I’ll let you read it.”
Roark winked. “You already know I’m good, sweetheart.” He chuckled when she blushed.
“You’re also very bad, Roark Callahan but that’s one thing I love about you.” She laughed and stepped out of the truck.
They entered the house together, greeted by Snowy who danced around then ran outside. Once he came back in, Roark and Priscilla headed to bed.
THE NEXT MORNING, PRISCILLA sat at the kitchen table and stared at the screen of her laptop. She chewed on her bottom lip as she read over her article. Would Roark like it? Taking a deep breath, she blew it out and almost jumped out of her skin when the back door opened and Roark walked in. She watched as he removed his hat, hung it on the peg, and then ran his hand through his thick hair. Her fingers itched to do the same.
Pushing the chair back, she stood and walked to him. Snaking her arms around his neck, she stared into those gorgeous eyes then stood on her toes and kissed his lips. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her tight against him as he deepened the kiss. Moaning, she pulled back from him.
“I finished the article,” she said quietly.
“Is it good?” He kissed her forehead.
“Well, I think so but I want you to read it and tell me what you think.”
“Sure. You’ll want my honest opinion, right?” He grinned.
“Of course. I don’t want you telling me you like it if it sucks.”
Roark laughed. “I’ll always tell you the truth about everything.”
“Promise?”
“Yeah, darlin’, I promise and I also promise to tell you I love you every day.”
Priscilla blinked tears back as she stared up at him. “I promise that too.”
“Good.” He kissed her lips then pulled out a chair and after she resumed her seat, he sat down. She pushed the laptop at him and watched as his eyes moved over the article. After a few minutes, he looked up and frowned at her.
“You don’t like it,” she muttered with a sigh of disappointment.
“No, I don’t, darlin’...I love it.”
She squealed, jumped up then sat on his lap and kissed him. “Really?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s good. Really good. I can’t wait to see it in the magazine. You’re going to send me a copy, right?”
“I’m going to send one to all of you. Lucy asked me about that and gave me everyone’s address when I told her yes. I hope everyone likes it.”
“They’ll love it as much as I do. Now, how about we go spend the rest of the day in bed?” He cradled her in his arms as he stood up then tossed her over his shoulder, pulling a laughing squeal from her.
�
��But I’m not sleepy,” she said chuckling.
“Oh, neither am I, darlin’, neither am I.” He strode down the hall and kicked the door to his bedroom closed behind them.
PRISCILLA SAT ON THE front porch and stared at the mountains. Damn that Earl Sanders. She’d called to ask about staying another week for Lucy and Reid’s wedding, and he’d flat out said no. If she didn’t want so much to tell him to shove it in person, she’d just up and quit now but she wanted her article printed. She’d worked hard for it. Her cell phone rang and she picked it up to see her mother’s smiling face on the screen.
“Hi, Mom,” she said in a way of answering.
“Cilla? What’s wrong?” her mother asked her. Her mom knew her all too well.
“I called Earl to ask if I could stay here another week for a wedding, and he said no.”
“Stay where, honey? You didn’t tell me you were on assignment and whose wedding?”
“I’m in Spring City, Montana doing an assignment piece on Roark Callahan—”
“Outlaw Callahan? Are you serious?”
“You know him?”
“Oh, Cilla. When I dated that cowboy last year, he took me to a bull-riding event and I saw Roark Callahan compete. When they flashed his face on the Jumbotron, I wished I was twenty years younger.”
Priscilla laughed. “You are too funny, Mom.”
Her mother laughed with her. “You’re very lucky, Cilla. That is one good-looking man.”
“Yes, he is and he’s also a wonderful man. I have so much to tell you when I get home.”
“I can’t wait, but whose wedding?”
“Lucy Albright and Reid Callahan’s, they’re family to Roark. Lucy invited me and Earl won’t let me stay.”
“Do I need to call him?”
“No, Mom. Please don’t. I’ll just go home and hand the article in as promised. I want to see it in print or I’d tell him to kiss my ass.”
“That’s my girl,” her mother said laughing. “I just wanted to check in on you. I’ll see you when you get home then. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Priscilla hit End on her phone and stuck it in her pocket. The thought of leaving Roark made her heart ache but she knew she’d be back to the man she loved soon enough.
Monday morning, Priscilla stood at the window in the living room and stared out, not really seeing the beautiful view. She hated leaving but she knew she’d be back in two weeks. She’d survive two weeks until she could come back. She hoped.
Roark had loved the article and she couldn’t wait to hand it in then tell Earl she was quitting. A noise behind her had her turning around to see Roark leaning against the doorjamb of the living room entrance—arms folded across his broad chest and his booted feet crossed at the ankles. His hat sat low on his forehead making him look as dangerous as he was sexy. Then again, his sexiness was what made him so dangerous.
If someone had told her someday she’d fall for a cowboy, she would have scoffed at them. No way would she want that...but look at the man. She was a lot of things but crazy wasn’t one of them and she loved this cowboy more than anything beyond. She couldn’t wait to tell her mother about him.
“Are you ready?” Roark asked her.
“Not really, but I know I have to go.” She sighed and walked to him then wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his shoulder. His arms encircled her.
“Only good thing is you’ll be back real soon, and then we’ll get married.”
“Married, huh? You sure you want to marry me?”
“Of course, I do. Isn’t that what people in love do?”
“They do.”
“Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she said, stood on her toes and kissed him.
Roark sighed against her lips. “Let’s go. Uncle Declan will be waiting.”
“You didn’t have to have him fly me back.”
“Why not? It’s the family jet and you’re going to be family.” He picked up her suitcases and nodded for her to go ahead of him.
Priscilla blinked back tears from her eyes and walked to the kitchen then stopped to pet Snowy. She swore even the dog was sad. Taking a deep breath, she headed outside to the truck. Roark stowed her suitcases in the backseat then held the door for her. After climbing in, she put her seatbelt on and wiped the tears from her cheeks before he climbed in behind the wheel. This was ridiculous. She would be coming back to him.
Roark drove them to his uncle’s ranch where they kept the jet and parked his truck. He looked over at her and she looked at him, tears welling up again.
“Don’t cry. We’ll be together again in no time.”
“Can’t you come with me? Maybe stay a few days?”
“I can’t stay a few days but I can spend the night, if Uncle Declan doesn’t mind staying over.”
“Can you ask him?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled at her and opened the door then stepped out.
She saw Catherina Callahan at the top of the steps of the jet. Priscilla waved when she stepped from the truck and Catherina waved back. All of them were so nice to her. She was thrilled that she was going to be a part of this family. She wished she could have stayed long enough for Lucy and Reid’s wedding but Earl demanded she return so he could go over the article and fix her mistakes, or so he’d said. God, he was such a dick.
“Hello, Priscilla,” Declan said to her in his friendly Irish brogue.
“Hello, Mister Callahan.”
“Declan or Uncle Declan will do,” he said and winked at her.
Roark laughed. “Are you psychic, Uncle Declan?”
“Just know love when I see it.”
“I was thinking of coming along for the ride if you can swing staying overnight? If not, I can get a commercial flight back.”
Declan turned to Catherina. “Can we stay overnight, Cat?”
“I don’t have any clothes with me,” she told him.
Declan looked at Roark, grinned then turned back to her. “Who says you’ll need any?”
Everyone laughed.
“Declan Callahan, you behave yourself.” She looked at Roark then Priscilla and smiled. “I’m sure we can stay one night. I do need to get back home to help with the wedding though.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Declan saluted.
Priscilla chuckled then walked up the steps and stopped beside Catherina.
“I really wish I could stay for the wedding but Earl––”
“Say no more. That man is the devil’s spawn. Come in and take your seat and we’ll be on our way. I’m so happy we’ll be bringing you back in two weeks.”
“Me too. I’m anxious to be a part of this family.” Priscilla moved past her to take a seat and looked around. The interior was teak wood and the seats were white and maroon leather. She sunk down into one and it was as soft as butter. Roark took a seat beside her then after making sure they were both buckled in, he took her hand in his.
“If you two are all right, I’ll go up front and make sure Declan behaves himself.”
“We’re fine, Aunt Catherina. I can get anything we need. Go keep an eye on him.”
Catherina smiled at them then left to go sit up front with her husband. Roark kissed Priscilla’s palm as the jet took flight and they headed for California.
Priscilla watched out the window as the jet made its way through the clouds. She really hated returning to California but she knew she had to do it. She wanted her article published, and the only way to do that was to go to California and turn it in. Besides, she’d never been one to just up and quit a job. She always gave fair notice, even at jobs she hated.
The jet landed smoothly. She was home. She and Roark unbuckled their seatbelts, and she sighed over having to leave the plane. She thanked the Callahans for their generosity, and walked off the jet. Roark told his aunt and uncle he’d see them tomorrow. She and Roark took a cab to her apartment. She called Earl on the way.
“I’m back. I’ll be in tomorrow,” she said wh
en he answered.
“Tomorrow? Plenty of daylight yet today, you can get your ass in here—today.”
“No! I’m tired. I’ll be there tomorrow. If that won’t do, I won’t be in at all,” she snapped.
“Fine. Your piece had better be ready. Although, I’m sure I’ll have to go over it and do some fixing.”
“Whatever. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She hung up before he had a chance to comment.
“Everything all right?” Roark asked as his hand wrapped comfortingly around the nape of her neck.
“I hate that man.”
“Then just quit.”
“I can’t, at least not yet. I want to get that article published and I can’t do that if I don’t turn it in.”
“All right—” He stopped when her cell phone rang.
“My mom,” she said and answered it. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetheart. Are you home yet?”
“Yes. Just. Can we get together for dinner tomorrow night?” She saw Roark shake his head making her frown. “Hold on for a second, Mom.” She put her hand over the phone and looked at him. “What?”
“Don’t I get to meet her? I’d like to ask her for permission to marry you,” he whispered.
“Oh! Of course! I didn’t even think about that. I was going to tell her tomorrow night but yes, I want you to meet her.”
“Great, ask her for tonight then.” Roark nodded at the phone.
“Mom? Can you come to dinner tonight? I’ll make your favorite.”
“Oh sure, you know I can be there for that.”
“Six?”
“Yes. I’ll see you then, sweetie. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Priscilla hit End.
The taxi pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex. She turned to look at him and smiled. “How about a nap?”
“I am tired.” He grinned.
“You’re going to be even more tired when I get done with you, Roark Callahan.”
Roark groaned in feigned annoyance. “I suppose I can sleep on the jet. Lead the way.”
Priscilla took his hand and led him to her apartment. Once inside, she took him to her bedroom. She sat on the edge of her bed, hooked her fingers in his belt loops, and pulled him close. She unbuckled the belt, unsnapped the jeans, and then slowly lowered the zipper. She reached inside and wrapped her hand around his cock and it started to rise.
A Cowboy of Her Own Page 13
