Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  “You’re fucking kidding me? Gary never gets told no.”

  “Well, this one didn’t jump on his wagon. Stays to herself. Never seen her without the horse. A bit surprising since her mother spread her legs for good old Buck in the chutes no less. Figured she’d be the same.”

  Trinity kept walking, leading Legacy to the gate, then opening it for both of them. Moving through, she waited for him to follow, then shut it behind them, while blocking out the droning voices in her wake. She’d heard such whispers before, at other rodeos as a teen. Nothing new or different, just a sign that some things never change no matter how many years go by. While the statements used to cause stinging emotional pain, she no longer gave them the time of day. Besides, she had enough agony to deal with, at the moment, without adding in useless crap spouted from some gossiper’s lips. She hated the fact that they slandered her mother’s name, but spinning around and ripping them a new one would solve nothing and only give them more ammunition for the next time.

  Best to ignore them and stick to her task, letting Legacy out for some much deserved paddock time to stretch his legs and play before the final run tonight. Too much stall time and he became jittery and wound. Other riders kept their horses contained with the exception of some light exercise or practice. That worked for them. Just like his bloodlines, Legacy was a horse of a different color and required atypical procedures. True to his thoroughbred genes, Legacy needed to run. Just like his father and generations of ancestors before him. Better to let him have his time to be a horse than to deal with so much pent up energy when she needed him to focus the most.

  She unsnapped the lead rope from his halter, then stepped back, watching as he trotted the first few steps, then lifted his tail like a flag and sprinted for the far end, in reminiscence of his famous father’s dash for the finish line at the Kentucky Derby. As always, the sight stole her breath. If she lived to be one-hundred, she’d never get tired of watching Legacy run in sheer pleasure.

  “He’s gorgeous.”

  Trinity turned to see Cody standing at the gate, his gaze locked on Legacy. Deep blue eyes flashed with excitement as a smile grew on his face. She knew she carried the same expression on more than one occasion as she simply enjoyed the gift of Legacy’s beauty. “Yeah, he is.” She slid back through the opening, then closed the gate only to lean on it alongside Cody, both focused on the stallion still dashing here and there.

  “Big, strong, yet nimble. Amazing how he wraps that body around those barrels.” Cody spared her a glance before turning back to watch her horse.

  “He’s so athletic, he can do anything.”

  “I noticed.” Cody chuckled. “Warming him up with dressage? I swear everyone around the practice area caught some flies with their mouths gaping open.”

  She grinned at his observation and peered over at him. “Including you?”

  He met her gaze with a lopsided smile. “Yeah. Including me.”

  His admission sent a jolt of satisfaction through her. The dimple that dented his cheek didn’t hurt either. Her heart skipped a beat at the sheer sexiness of Cody caught sharing a happy moment. Something told her he didn’t relax and smile near enough—a tragedy for a man who continued to show strong hints of genuine concern and kindness carefully hidden deep inside. In this day and time, those qualities seemed to be in short supply. For the first time in forever, the urge to tap into something personal with a man took hold, dug in, and settled in for the long haul.

  “Where did you learn dressage? It’s not on any rodeo docket that I know of.”

  “College and my other job.” She beamed at his praise. Her whole life she tried to stay one-step ahead, yet the real world kept biting her in the ass and dragging her back down. To know that she might have succeeded, at least in Cody’s view, bolstered her ego and sent a wave of happiness crashing over her.

  “What job?” He swiveled where he could face her, yet keep an eye on Legacy at the same time.

  For some reason, he brought out her chatty side and exuded a sense of trust. Heck, she’d shared one secret with him already, what was one more? “I work at a thoroughbred farm when I’m not on the road. The trainers have taught me a lot there.” She kept the facts bare minimum, not really wanting to go into detail about the huge operation, the stallions she worked with each day, or her duties there.

  His eyebrows shot up. “Same one where Star was a nurse mare?”

  She shook her head. “No. Different one.”

  He seemed to take a moment to process that before changing gears. “What was your major in college?”

  “Double major. Secondary education and accounting.” She rattled off the answer automatically.

  “Impressive.”

  “Not compared to your resume.” She met his gaze and held. “What branch of the military?”

  He stilled, but didn’t look away. “Navy.” His approachability and cheeriness fled immediately. His eyes sharpened and she could almost see the walls slamming shut around him.

  Despite the early summer heat, a definite chill surged down her spine.

  The sudden tension in his body combined with his stern demeanor warned her to tread carefully. “Were you a…what are they called? An aviator?” In all honesty, she knew little about the military, only snippets from the news now and again.

  His stare intensified. “SEAL.”

  Her breath hitched as she blinked up at him. “You were a SEAL?”

  “Once a SEAL, always a SEAL.”

  The whispers words explained so much. His pride, his work ethic, his courage, and dedication. Not many made the ranks, from what she’d heard, and those that did carried a chip on their shoulder, highly warranted. Respect for him grew exponentially while also setting him in another class entirely.

  And out of her reach.

  “Wow. That’s amazing.”

  He shrugged.

  She took the hint. “Did you go to college before or after?”

  The tautness of his jaw eased a smidgen as he turned his attention back to the field. “Before. Did my four-year prerequisites first, then joined up. When I discharged, I applied to vet school and was immediately accepted.”

  “The circuit is lucky to have you.” She whispered the words with utmost regard.

  “It’s a job. For now.”

  The flat tone bewildered her. Perhaps he signed up with pleasant memories of his time as a participant only to find the new position fell short of his expectations? Maybe he discovered the highways grew longer each week and the pay didn’t compensate for overtaking his life? Certainly possible.

  Unable to read his face and with curiosity browbeating her, she gave in and uttered the question running through her mind. “What are your plans after the season?”

  He spared her another glance. “Not sure yet. How about you?”

  Disliking the sour turn of their conversation, she opted to add some brightness. Anything to put the smile back on his handsome face and replace the somber mood. “Buy a big old milkshake and drink it while watching the stars.”

  For the longest time, she feared her endeavor face-planted, but then Cody’s lips twitched. “That’s it? Your one goal?”

  She grinned impishly. “What can I say? I like to keep things simple and within reach.”

  “Nice theory. If only it held true.” He checked his watch. “Time to get back to work.”

  “See ya around.”

  He nodded briefly then strode away.

  Trinity watched him go, her mind still whirling from his disclosure. A SEAL. Hot damn.

  Then she chastised herself for the nosiness that changed Cody so perceivably.

  She vaguely recalled him from her first year in high school. He had been in the midst of his college years, full grown, and on the prowl like some of the other guys around his age. She’d heard stories of his playboy attitude and even caught him in an intimate moment with Brandy Carson one evening inside a horse trailer. The gate had been left open, giving her a full view of Cody’s n
ude ass while Brandy kneeled before him. Seconds passed as she could only stand there with her mouth gaping open. Then, Cody had turned his head and the fear of getting caught ogling added speed to her legs as she dashed off.

  Whether he caught her that night or not, she never knew. But, she hadn’t forgotten Cody’s perfectly sculpted rear.

  The same one he possessed now, encased in cowboy-fit Wranglers, though more filled out and powerful than even back then.

  She wondered, not for the first time, if some things never changed. Cody had sampled many women, she knew that for a fact. A man didn’t come from a wealthy family, look like he did, and have a flair for charm without attracting women like birds to a sunflower field.

  The question became whether he still lived life on the wild side or if he’d tamed down over the years.

  I’ll take him either way.

  Unfortunately, that little voice in her head spoke out of hormone driven lust instead of sound reasoning which drove her actions and contained her urge to pair up with any man for a passionate quickie.

  The stakes were too high and consequences too daunting.

  After all, she’d spent a lifetime being that consequence.

  On that morose thought, she stepped back into the paddock to collect her stallion. They had a date with destiny tonight and several more to follow.

  What the fuck came over me?

  Cody wanted to kick his own ass for not only answering personal questions, but in whetting Trinity’s inquisitiveness for more. Oh, he’d seen the awed expression, the softness in her pretty eyes, the caring she wanted to bestow on him. He wanted to experience such wonder first hand, but didn’t dare.

  He’d been hot stuff in his day. Attending one rodeo after another, filling in his free time with loose, willing, and horny women. Same way with college. Then, he grew up in the Navy. Yeah, he’d taken advantage of leave to find a hook up for a night or two, but his job took priority and demanded the majority of his time.

  Then came the day that one roadside bomb changed everything, sending him straight to the hospital for months. He could still feel the agony of flames burning on his back, the melting of clothing and skin. The sharp, breathtaking sting of a bullet slamming into his side. Multiple skin grafts followed, surgeries, therapy. His days revolved around the next physical hurdle to overcome. Determined, he met every challenge because there was no choice in the matter. Not if he wanted a normal life. Well, as normal as he could expect considering his trip to hell and back.

  By the time he returned to top physical shape, he’d lost his edge and no longer craved adrenaline. Instead, he searched for the exact opposite. Stability. Peace. Healing. Vet school provided the stepping-stones to a new life, kept him on his toes, and allowed for a bit of free time now and again. At that time, he discovered a new chink in his armor. Vanity.

  He hooked up with a beautiful redhead by the name of Deidre, finding her not only sexually appealing, but interesting to boot. Their relationship zinged along uninterrupted until one kiss spiraled them into a frenzied need. With no other thought on his mind other than getting naked and tucking her under him, he forgot about his scars. Deidre noticed. Big time. Her arousal turned to disgust as she quickly righted her clothes, offered up some half-ass excuse, and stormed out.

  He didn’t blame her. Considering the circumstances, the situation could have been worse. Maybe not by much, but still the possibility existed. He hadn’t warned her in advance. Hell, he’d never brought up his war time experiences at all. His fault and he paid the price. A hard lesson that stuck with him to this day.

  How could he expect a woman to accept him when the areas of redness, resembling a patchy sunburn and melted skin, along with a couple of puckered indentations marring his hide, grossed them out? While the pain had long since resolved with the lack of functioning nerves in those areas, he still protected the spots from prying eyes, injury, and light.

  His comrades would rib him mercilessly now about his defensiveness for a few scars earned in the heat of battle. Then again, maybe not. They had all suffered, some much worse. Their brotherhood would hold, show support, and challenge one another to overcome any and all hurdles.

  Too bad he couldn’t just drop by for a visit, be part of their tight-knit group once more. To know each one would give anything for the other. That’s what he missed most. Absolute companionship and brotherly love.

  Now, he went through the motions, still discontent with his lot in life and not knowing which direction to turn next in order to settle the restlessness eating inside his gut once and for all. He didn’t fear his future. He just didn’t know which road to follow.

  A couple months ago, bored with caring for his father’s immense herd of cattle and horses, he leaped at the chance to hit the rodeo circuit once more, although in a different capacity. Wanderlust proved a partial answer to his dilemma, yet a large hole remained unfulfilled.

  Then he spied Trinity.

  She reminded him of happier times when they enjoyed their sport and didn’t carry the worries of the world on their shoulders. When kids had a great life and didn’t know it at the time. When his biggest concern was winning his round and finding a cute lady to celebrate with afterward.

  Was I ever that young and shallow? Well, yeah. Talk about a no brainer.

  He shook his head at such silliness, his attention once more returning to Trinity. An aura of sadness followed her. According to his uncle, her mother passed a few months ago, way too young. Unfortunately, cancer didn’t care about anyone’s age when it struck. She continued to mourn, even as she showed up to compete. Alone when she should have had another parent there for her.

  If gossip hit the nail on the head and Buck Troutman was her father, where had he been all along? Or right now, for that matter. The man had first been a bull rider, then turned judge when his performance began to slack off. As far as Cody knew, never once did Buck approach either Trinity or her mother at any of the events to even wish them a good day.

  Useless and a shitty way to treat an innocent girl.

  Which led to the question what brought her back after such a long absence? Now he knew. At least partially. She had a horse to carry her to the finals. Her words. And she wasn’t boasting out of hand. No. Last night he stood at the gate and watched Trinity and Legacy’s first run. Damn good. Fast. Steady. And surefooted. It’s a wonder she kept him under wraps for all these years. Most likely her mother’s illness gave her little opportunity to trailer him all over the country.

  Now she could.

  Determination sparked in her eyes. He recognized the look, applauded her, and wished her luck. The road to the finals proved rough and filled with pitfalls. Hopefully, she could avoid them all. She deserved to win as much as anyone. Maybe more.

  Yanking the office door open, he stepped in, walked to his chair, plopped down, and rested his feet on the desk. Since no one presently occupied the small room, he didn’t bother with proper manners. Besides, he thought better with his cowboy boots higher than his butt.

  Trinity’s questions rattled him, slicing through the steel shield that caged his past. Why he even bothered to answer still perplexed him. Others had asked and he had no problem shutting them down. Something about Trinity’s delivery, her quiet nature, her genuine sincerity knocked him off balance and encouraged him to open up.

  Damn scary except for the fact he knew she rebutted gossip, minded her own business, and had a good heart. Her gentle nature broadcast loudly in the way she spoiled the temperamental stallion. He’d watched her from afar when he could and had to grin as she worked with the huge horse. Others would have met his crankiness head on with punishment in a struggle for dominance. Trinity gave him free rein and cajoled him into doing her bidding. The action spoke for itself.

  For those reasons, combined with a figure that wouldn’t quit, he found himself looking forward to the next rodeo. A whole season filled with them. Nearly every weekend a different location, across nine states and hundreds of miles in
between. The drive could be a pain in the ass, the constant moving less than thrilling, the work hot and constant, but now a flicker of excitement lit his insides.

  He wasn’t about to throw his hat in the ring or set his sights on another woman. Not just yet.

  Hope flared when he considered a pretty little filly named Trinity.

  I’m such a fucking marshmallow.

  Blowing out a breath, he solidified his resolve and reminded himself of what happened the last time he let his dick rule his head. Better to just go about his business and forget about anything else.

  Even a girl like Trinity.

  Chapter Four

  “Look what the cat dragged in.”

  Trinity glanced up to find the farm manager grinning at her, appearing fresh this morning in clean jeans, boots, and a short-sleeved T-shirt. “Hey, Carmen.”

  “How did the race go?”

  “Won.” Unable to suppress a small smile of satisfaction, Trinity stepped up to her boss.

  “That’s our Trin.”

  After her mother passed, Trinity had been left with some major life decisions. Above all, she needed to pursue her dream to fulfill her promise to her mother, but Kentucky was hardly the hotbed of barrel racing. Sure, they had horses a plenty, but sadly not nearly as many rodeos as she needed to qualify for the finals, even if she placed first in every one, which left her with a huge dilemma. Either take to the road and return home after every event, move entirely, or pick an option in between. The prize winnings would pay for her gas and upkeep, but wouldn’t stretch much further while home ownership came with monthly bills that couldn’t be denied. Not to mention, Legacy needed a pasture, room to run, a paddock to laze away the days when not on the road. She refused to board him and he couldn’t live in a stall with no exercise except to run barrels. No, he needed to stretch his legs often. That left her with tough choices and limited opportunities.

  She deliberated for a couple of days, scrambled, and finally pulled on the sole string left for advice and assistance—Madeleine Hunter.