Boots and Buckles

by Myla Jackson

  Mona chewed on her lip. “I don’t know. It didn’t work out for me last time. I lost both of them.” She snorted. “Though losing Dalton wasn’t a big loss. Where Grant at least called and blew me off, Dalton didn’t even bother.”

  “Dalton’s a jerk. But what makes Grant any better? He blew you off too.”

  “I don’t know. Something in his face last night made me think he regretted it.”

  “Yeah, could have been gas.”

  Mona’s lips pressed together. “Thanks. You’re making me feel so much better.”

  “So what’s it gonna be?” Bunny pushed Mona to arm’s length. “Are you going after Grant to see if there’s any spark left, or are you gonna sit back and always ask yourself what if?”

  Mona closed her eyes, her head spinning with the possibilities. “Sam was really good.”

  “Then screw Grant.”

  “But I loved Grant, and I don’t know if I love Sam. It’s too soon to tell.”

  “Honey, you’re single, pretty and over twenty-one. Get out there and have fun. Things will land the way they land, if you give yourself permission to jump in.”

  Mona sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay. I’ll test the waters with Grant and see if they’re still warm.”

  Bunny clapped a hand to her back. “That’s my girl. Stick your neck out there. All you’ve got to lose is your dignity. And I think that’s way overrated where love’s concerned.”

  Mrs. Frantzen, Mona’s first customer of the day, stepped through the door.

  “Duty calls, sweetie.” Mona hugged Bunny and smiled at her customer. “Good morning.”

  And the day began with a knotted stomach, a temporarily satisfied itch and a host of possibilities.

  Chapter Six

  Sam tossed his saddle into the storage bin, brushed Dakota and ran inside the trailer to wash up. Ten o’clock was fast approaching and he wanted to meet Mona for coffee. He hoped she remembered.

  After running a quick comb through his hair, he slipped into a clean shirt and hurried for the door, grabbing his cowboy hat from the hook on the wall.

  Grant met him at the bottom of the stairs. “In a hurry?”

  “I promised Mona I’d meet her for coffee this mornin’ at ten.”

  His partner’s jaw tightened and he stood back as Sam dropped down out of the trailer. “We need to be in place by one o’clock.”

  “I’ll be back by eleven thirty.”

  “Good.” Grant threw his brush into the storage area.

  As Sam climbed into his truck, Grant threw over his shoulder. “Careful you don’t lose your concentration. Today’s the big day.”

  “I won’t lose mine.” Sam shot a look at Grant. “Question is, will you?”

  “I’m good.” Grant’s lips thinned. “And Sam…”

  “Yeah.” Sam jammed the key into the ignition and paused, waiting for Grant to continue.

  “We’ve got five more stops on this rodeo circuit before we’re done.”

  “I know.”

  “Just don’t want you to get hurt.”

  “I won’t.” Sam twisted the key and the diesel truck’s engine roared to life, drowning out any further conversation. He leaned out the window, a grin spreading across his face. Danged if he wasn’t happier than a pig in a sty. “I really like her. She’s different.”

  When he shifted into reverse, he could have sworn Grant muttered, “I know.” He looked back at his friend and partner, but Grant had already turned away.

  This was Sam’s first Tri-County rodeo in Temptation, Texas. It wasn’t Grant’s. Did Grant know Mona from the last time he’d been there?

  Sam made a mental note to ask him when he got back. Or maybe he’d ask Mona. In the meantime, he had a coffee date with the woman. His foot slammed the accelerator as soon as he pulled out on the highway. Ten minutes later he parked in front of the Shear Safari Hair Studio, his palms damp, his heart racing like a teen on his first date.

  All because he was going to see Mona. What was it he found so interesting about her? Sure she was sexy and great in bed, but what else? She didn’t take any guff from randy cowboys, she liked to dance and have a good time. Working at the Ugly Stick Saloon built character, and she never failed to smile at her customers. Yeah, she was special and Sam wanted to get to know her a whole lot better.

  This was the first time since he’d left North Dakota, hell, the first time he’d ever considered dating a woman more than a couple casual dates or one-night-stands. He’d been too busy earning money to put his sister through school. Now that she needed him less and less, he could pursue a real relationship.

  He stepped through the glass door into the shop, an acrid scent stinging his nostrils even before he could open his mouth to say hello.

  “Have a seat, Charli, I’ll be just a minute,” Mona called out from around a corner.

  Sam heard the sound of running water and voices, one of them Mona’s. A minute later, a woman wearing a towel on her head emerged from behind a wall, followed by Mona.

  Sam scraped off his cowboy hat and grinned. “Hey.”

  Mona’s eyes widened and a smile graced her lips. “Oh, it’s you.” She blushed, her cheeks a pretty rosy hue.

  “Wowza,” the woman said. “You two know each other?”

  “Uh, yes, we do.” Mona waved a hand toward Sam. “Sam, this is Lacey Lambert. Lacey, Sam Whitefeather.”

  “The Sam Whitefeather? Of the Sam and Grant roping team?”

  Sam nodded. “That would be me.”

  Lacey patted her towel turban. “Dang, he’s a hottie. Where’d you hook up with him?”

  Mona patted the swivel chair and Lacey sat. “At the Ugly Stick Saloon last night.”

  “Lordy!” Lacey fanned herself. “If I didn’t have a hot cowboy of my own…”

  “Oh hush. You know you’re crazy about Nick.”

  “Yeah, but Sam…” Lacey’s gaze raked him from top to toe and she smacked her lips. “Yum.”

  Sam chuckled. “Thanks. I think.”

  “Are you here for a haircut, or to see this sexy hairdresser for something more exciting than a trim?” Lacey grinned. “Maybe a shave with her sitting in your lap? Naked?”

  Mona gasped, her cheeks flaming. “Lacey! I just met the man.”

  “Sorry.” Her smile remained, appearing anything but sorry. She patted the swivel chair beside her. “Sit.”

  “You don’t have to sit,” Mona said. “Ignore Lacey, she’s always thinking of sex. Why did you come by?”

  He nodded toward the clock. “It’s ten and I thought we were going for coffee.”

  Mona slapped a hand over her mouth, then ran her fingers through her hair. “That’s right. I forgot all about it after last n—” She bit down on her lip, her eyes rounding. “After I got to work this morning,” she added a little too late.

  Lacey stared from Mona to Sam and back. “Holy crap, you two did the nasty last night, didn’t you?” She practically bounced in her seat.

  “No, no.” Mona’s face was scarlet by now. She laid a hand on Lacey’s shoulder. “It’s not like that.”

  “Oh, honey, I know that look. I’ve seen it on my face too often in the mirror. You got lucky.” She reached out and clapped Mona on the back. “Now isn’t that just great?” Lacey leaned back in her chair and shoved the towel off her head. “Hang on to your belt, Sam. She’ll be ready to go as soon as she trims off the dead ends.”

  Mona was shaking her head. “I’m sorry, Sam. I have another appointment coming in—”

  The bell over the door jangled, announcing the arrival of another patron.

  “Mona, honey.” A pretty woman with pale blonde hair burst into the shop. “I know I’m a bit early, but since I got ready early, I thought I’d rather sit around your shop than at home. Connor’s at work and I was lonely for some girl-talk.”

  Grant recognized her as one of the waitresses from the Ugly Stick.

  “Hey, Charli.” Mona’s lips twisted at Sam, and
she turned to the latest customer to enter. “Sure, come on in. We have plenty of girl-talk to spare.”

  Lacey giggled. “And how. Mona’s gettin’ some.”

  Mona’s eyes rolled toward the ceiling. “Really, Lacey?”

  Charli’s brows rose. “That’s juicy. With who?” Her gaze shifted to Sam. “Him?” She squealed and hugged Mona. “I’m so happy for you.”

  Feeling a little like he was a meaty steer being eyed for choice cuts, Sam winked at Mona, hiding his disappointment over missing out on their coffee date. “You’re busy. I can come by at lunch, if you’re not busy.”

  She shook her head. “Sorry. I just made a lunchtime appointment. I don’t have another break until around three.”

  “I’ll be at the rodeo competin’ about then.” He fiddled with the brim of his hat. “Guess I’ll see you at the Ugly Stick tonight.”

  Mona sighed. “I’ll be there. We can talk then.”

  Sam took her hand and raised it to his lips. “Until then.” He’d rather have kissed her lips, but with two customers waiting, he didn’t want to embarrass her or have his performance graded. He spun on his boot heels, plunked his hat on his head and stepped out into the warm Texas air, the bell over the door jangling at his exit.

  He’d gone all of two steps when the bell rang again.

  “Sam.”

  His heart stuttered then raced ahead as he turned back.

  Mona walked toward him, a comb in one hand as if she didn’t realize it was there.

  In a movement as natural as breathing, he swept her into his arms, his lips crashing down over hers.

  Mona gasped, her mouth opening wide enough his tongue slipped inside to caress the length of hers. His hands circled her waist, drawing her close until her hips fit tightly against his, the ridge of his cock pressing hard against the denim of his fly.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him.

  After what felt like an eternity, or maybe only a second, he finally broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to hers. “I missed you.”

  “You did, huh?” With a shaky laugh, she leaned back her head and stared up into his eyes. “It’s only been a few hours, and you barely know me.”

  “I feel as if I’ve known you forever.”

  “Oh yeah?” Her gaze fell to where her fingers fiddled with the buttons on his shirt. “What color are my eyes?”

  “Brown.”

  “Good guess.” Her lips twitched, making Sam want to kiss her again. “What’s my favorite color?”

  He said the first thing that came to his mind, “Blue.”

  Her hand splayed across his chest. “Wrong. What’s my favorite football team?”

  “The Dallas Cowboys.”

  “Nice try, but wrong again.” She looked up at him. “See? We barely know each other. How can you miss me already?”

  “I don’t know. Since I left this morning, I couldn’t wait to see you again.” He gripped her arms. “I want to know you like I’ve known you forever.” He pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose. “When can I see you outside of the Ugly Stick Saloon?”

  “I don’t know.” She chewed on her bottom lip.

  “When will you know?” he urged, his fingers tightening on her arms.

  She glanced down at her shoes for a moment as if struggling with the answer. Finally, she sighed. “Ask me again tonight at the Ugly Stick.”

  “I’ll be there.” He kissed her again, drawing her close until her breasts flattened against his chest.

  This time, she pushed away. “I have to go.”

  Reluctantly, he let go. “I’ll see you tonight.”

  If he wasn’t mistaken by the way her eyes flared and her cheeks flushed, she’d been excited when she’d first seen him. Though she’d put him off until that night, there was hope.

  Sam tipped his cowboy hat to the back of his head and grinned. Yup, it was gonna be a good day and an even better night.

  Near noon, Grant ran his fingers through his hair for the hundredth time and stepped out of the trailer. As soon as Sam had left that morning, he’d yanked out his phone and made an appointment with Mona to have his hair cut, giving her his middle name instead of his first name.

  She’d asked if he’d prefer to have a barber do it and gave him the name of the only barber in town.

  He’d declined, insisting on her and a lunch appointment, claiming he had to get back to work. Feeling guilty for lying by omission, he justified it by telling himself she might have turned him down flat had she known it was him, and he wanted a chance to see her no matter what the outcome was.

  “Hey, cowboy, you’re all dressed up for someone competin’ in a few hours.” Tacey strolled by, her jeans neatly pressed, a clean pale blue tank top exposing slim, well-defined arms and a narrow waist. She wore a cowboy hat and her sandy-blonde hair had been twisted into a long thick braid hanging down her back. Her clear blue eyes shone in her clean sun-kissed face.

  Grant’s groin tightened as an image of her plumping her full breasts slipped into his mind. “Hi, Tacey. I don’t have to be in the ring until two. What about you?”

  “I’m clear for the day. I’m not on until tomorrow.” She dug her hands into her back pockets and rocked back on her heels. “Got plans for lunch?”

  “As a matter of fact I do.”

  She nodded. “Really?”

  He glanced away. “Yeah, with her.”

  Tacey reached out and patted his arm. “Well, I hope you get what you want out of lunch. Is this the first time you’ve seen her in a while?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Best thing you can do is not push too hard. A girl likes to be courted, wooed and made to feel special.”

  He smiled at the cowgirl. “Why are you helping me?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. Maybe I like you enough to see you happy.”

  “Thanks.” He turned toward his truck.

  “Grant?”

  He swung around.

  She pulled her hat from her head and slapped it against her thigh. “If things fall through, you know where to find me.”

  “Again, thanks.” He tipped his hat and climbed into the truck, thinking about Tacey, not Mona. Here she was offering advice to him on how to get another girl and following up with an offer to be second-choice.

  The woman was sexy in a girl-next-door way, and she had a big heart to want to help him with Mona. Tacey deserved to be a man’s first pick.

  As Grant drove away, he glanced in his mirror. Tacey still stood where he’d left her, her long slim legs looking even longer in the tight-fitting jeans, the sun glinting off her hair, making it lighter, like a golden halo.

  He stopped at PJ’s Diner and collected the picnic lunch he’d ordered over the phone, then he drove down Main Street to the Shear Safari. The last time he’d been there, Mona had been renting a booth from an older stylist. According to Audrey at the Ugly Stick, the older stylist had retired and Mona now ran the business.

  The sun beat down on him hot and bright. He tipped his cowboy hat lower on his forehead and stepped through the door, carrying the brown paper bag with their lunch inside, a bell overhead announcing his entry.

  It took several moments for Grant’s eyes to adjust. Everything inside the shop appeared dark after being out in the bright, sunlit day.

  Mona looked up, a comb in one hand, a can of hairspray in the other. She squinted and smiled. “Sam? Is that you? Can’t tell, the sun’s really bright behind you.” Redirecting her attention to her customer, she lifted the woman’s hair with the comb, fluffing it, then she aimed the can of spray and gave the style a light misting. “I thought I told you I’d talk to you later tonight. I have a customer during lunch.”

  A sharp pain knifed through his heart. She’d arranged to meet Sam later.

  Grant pulled in a long breath and let it out before speaking. “I’m not Sam. I’m your next customer.”

  Her hand stilled and the comb slipped from her fingers, clattering against the t
ile floor. “Grant?”

  “Love the cut, Mona. All us girls need to look our finest for rodeo week at the Ugly Stick. The better we look, the better the men tip.” The woman in the chair winked at Grant. “Don’t mind me, I’m done here.” She dug in her purse, pulled out a wad of bills and laid them on the counter in front of her. “Put me down for six weeks from now, same day, same time.”

  “I will,” Mona said, her voice fading off. “Thank you, Libby. See you tonight at the Ugly Stick?”

  “Absolutely. We’ll need all the help we can get to handle the rodeo crowd.” Libby nodded at Grant as she passed, her gaze taking him in with one long sweep of her eyes. “Nice. I hope to see you there too.”

  Mona frowned. “And what would Mark and Luke think of that comment?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know, why don’t you ask them tonight? They promised to be there to help out.” Libby winked at Grant and blew a kiss toward Mona. “See ya tonight, honey.”

  The doorbell jangled and Libby disappeared, leaving Grant alone for the first time in three years with the woman he’d dreamed about all that time.

  Mona set the hairspray down, retrieved the comb from the floor and grabbed a broom. “You can sit in the other chair while I sweep up this hair.”

  Grant set the bag on the counter. “I didn’t come for a haircut, but I’d be glad to pay for it anyway.”

  The sweeping stopped and she stood with her hands resting on the top of the broom handle, her face guarded. “Then why did you come?”

  “I brought you lunch and wanted a chance to talk to you. To explain.”

  She turned away and started sweeping again, only faster this time. “You have nothing to explain. And if you’re not here for a haircut, I’m going out to lunch.”

  He reached out and caught her arm. “You don’t have to eat the lunch I brought, but please hear me out.”

  “You said it all the last time I heard from you over the phone. What was it you said?” She tipped her head and stared off into the distance. “‘It’s over. We have nothing in common. Don’t wait for me to come back, because I’m not going to.’” She nodded, her bottom lip trembling slightly. “Yeah, that about summed it up.” With a slight jerk, she freed her arm. “I haven’t changed, so what’s the use in dredging up old memories?”