Cowgirl Up

by Cheyenne Meadows

  She nodded, not completely convinced.

  Cody stepped back and peered down at her. “You need to get checked out too.”

  “I’m fine. Legacy comes first.” She pulled her truck keys from her pocket and started for the trailer. “Let’s get him to the clinic. Luckily, it’s only across town.”

  Cody watched her walk with a critical eye. She was probably living on adrenaline right now and didn’t know what hurt, but give her a couple of hours and she would be sore as hell. If there wasn’t something more wrong.

  He stopped breathing the moment Legacy went down, pinning Trinity under him, and raced for her side, knowing he’d be too late to shield her from any injury or even death. More than one barrel racer suffered debilitating fractures from just such an occurrence. Still, the fact that she kept her wits and hurried out the door and straight to her truck reassured him slightly. As much as she wanted to, with broken bones, she wouldn’t have been able to even get up, let alone jog.

  Still, she was rattled and afraid. Not a good combination for driving. He hurried after her, plucked the keys from her fingers, and met her bewildered gaze. “Let me drive. You just got a good knock on the noggin.”

  Her mouth opened and shut before she answered. “Okay.”

  With a single nod, he opened the truck, slipped into the driver’s seat and placed the key in the ignition. By the time he started up the vehicle, she’d plopped into the passenger seat and shut the door. Whipping out his phone, he called the head vet. “Jerry, bring me an air cast on the double.”

  “It is broken?”

  “I don’t think so, but I’m not taking a chance. Just get me one now.”

  Trinity cried silently beside him.

  He cussed fate and sheer bad luck, wanting nothing more than to take her in his arms and hold her. They didn’t have that kind of time. Besides, she wouldn’t accept the comfort right now, not until Legacy arrived at his destination.

  He maneuvered the trailer right up to the barn entrance with little difficulty, years of practice coming in handy. Satisfied with the placement, he cut the engine, jumped out, and unlocked the storage area to start loading up Trinity’s belongings for the trip.

  No sooner had he shoved open the compartment door than Lacey appeared, carrying Trinity’s saddle.

  He shot her an appreciative glance. “Thanks.”

  She nodded. “Welcome. Let’s get her loaded and Legacy on his way.”

  His gaze landed on Trinity busily folding up chairs and carrying the cooler to the other side of the trailer. “I’d like to get her checked out as well,” he confided to Lacey.

  She placed the saddle inside, before she turned her focus on him with a ghost of a smile. “She’s tough. More so than most. Get her horse cared for and she’ll come in line.” Lacey swiveled for a second, then focused on him again. “In her mind, Legacy is all she has in this world.” Worry flashed in Lacey’s eyes before she spun around and headed back toward the stall area.

  Cody followed suit, gathering up all Trinity’s stuff with haste. He knew she wouldn’t be able to relax until Legacy was in the best of care, which meant she’d refuse treatment for herself until then. Time was of the essence.

  Within a couple of minutes of working together, they had everything loaded, and turned toward Legacy.

  Jerry appeared. “Here you go.”

  “Thanks.” Cody accepted the item, carefully returned to Legacy’s rear hind leg, then slipped on the air cast. He was nearly one-hundred percent sure he didn’t need it, but he believed in being overly cautious rather than to look back and regret not taking precautions. “Okay. Let’s get him loaded.”

  Lacey opened the trailer gate as Trinity led him into the aisle of the barn amidst a gaggle of onlookers. She ignored them, walked her stallion inside, then removed the lead rope to allow him freedom in the trailer. Afterward, she hurriedly exited, shut and secured the trailer gate, then looked over at Cody. “I’ve got to go.”

  “I’m going with you.” He wasn’t about to let her drive even across town after what she’d just experienced.

  “You’re job…”

  “Screw it. I’m not leaving you. Now get in so we can get going.”

  Trinity strode to her side and actually beat him into the truck.

  Cody sucked in a deep breath, started the truck, and pulled out, worry pushing his shoulders down.

  He honestly didn’t think Legacy sustained a bad injury, but leg and foot injuries in horses, especially thoroughbreds, could spell disaster. Not to mention, Trinity’s still unknown injuries. Until they both had a complete go over and received a clean bill of health, he wouldn’t be able to rest.

  Not when he finally understood Trinity’s attachment to Legacy.

  Lacey hit the nail on the head. After the loss of her mother, Trinity’s life now revolved around Legacy. If anything happened to him, she would be devastated.

  He pulled onto the highway. “What’s the fastest way to get there?”

  “Keep going west for about another mile. We’ll hit the main road there…which will take us right to the…equine hospital.” Her soft voice broke more than once.

  He knew she fought tears and his heart went out to her. Shit. Why her? Why now?

  No answers came. Not like he expected them to. After all, they’d never come to him before.

  Helpless to do much, he navigated them through traffic as quickly and smoothly as possible.

  Several minutes later, he pulled into the unloading area, turned off the truck, and met Trinity at the trailer gate.

  A gray-headed man hurried over. “Trinity?”

  She spun around. “Dr. Hayward! It’s Legacy…” Her words faded into a choked sob.

  “Let’s get him inside. We’ll check him over with a fine-tooth comb.”

  Trinity collected Legacy, walked him out of the trailer, and into the building.

  Cody watched Legacy move, finding no telltale limp or sign of impending trouble. “Still steady.”

  Dr. Hayward tapped his chin. “Looks better than I thought when Carmen called me. Good idea to put that cast on him, just in case.”

  “I figured it couldn’t hurt.” They strode along behind Legacy. Cody remained quiet, too busy appraising both horse and owner to say much more.

  He stayed with Legacy and Trinity through the whole process as half a dozen vets surrounded him, discussed their findings, and reviewed the pictures. Cody noted everything as they went, reassuring Trinity with each normal finding. Relief came with the MRI’s results.

  Dr. Hayward presented the news. “No damage that we can find. He’s not limping, not showing signs of tenderness.”

  Trinity glanced up at the older vet. “But he flinched when I touched the area.”

  “Probably just a reaction after his fall. He’s not tender now. No swelling, no evidence of trauma.”

  She breathed in deep and leaned against Cody.

  He accepted her weight easily. “Bruising?”

  “Nothing.” Dr. Hayward grinned slightly. “Other than being pretty darn hateful, he’s sound.”

  “Thank God,” Trinity said.

  “Just the same, I’d give him some time off.”

  “How long?”

  “A couple of weeks at least.”

  Her gaze flickered from Dr. Hayward to Cody. “I have to run next weekend at Cheyenne, Wyoming or I won’t make the finals.”

  “We’ll figure out something.” He hugged her gently. Cody didn’t have a clue where to find a great barrel horse in less than a week, but he would pull out any and all stops he could. Anything to get Trinity back on her feet and a smile on her face.

  “Find a way to make it to the finals. He should be raring to go by then.” Dr. Hayward glanced back at the stall where Legacy was kept. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re good to go on home.”

  “Thank you.” She grinned slightly. “So much.”

  Dr. Hayward gestured toward Cody. “Thank him. He’s the one who did all the right thin
gs in the beginning. Probably saved any damage with his quick thinking.”

  She peered up at him. “He’s right. Thanks isn’t enough for all that you did.”

  Cody kissed her forehead. “I’m just glad things turned out okay.”

  “Guess you need to get back to the rodeo.” She wiped at her eyes, banishing the rest of the tears.

  “More like get you home, instead.”

  She smiled softly. “I’d like that.”

  “Me too.”

  A horse’s piercing whinny split the air.

  “Um. Sorry to interrupt, but do you guys think you might collect your horse soon? He’s more than ready to go and in the biting mood.” Dr. Hayward rubbed his arm with chagrin.

  Trinity laughed. “I think he’s hungry.” She approached him, running her hand down his white blaze. “Let’s go home, boy. I promise we’ll feed you there.”

  Legacy snorted and snuffled her before resting his chin on her shoulder.

  Cody couldn’t hold back the smile at the sign of affection between horse and rider. His heart turned over, for in that moment he understood something important. He wanted Trinity not for now or a few days. He wanted her for all time and would move heaven and earth alike to make it happen.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Carmen met them at Legacy’s stall, a rife expression of concern painted on her face. “How is he?” They watched as Legacy dug into his later than normal evening meal.

  “Dr. Hayward said he didn’t see or detect any damage. The MRI was clear. He thinks it was just reflex that he flinched when I first checked him, but recommended a couple weeks’ rest anyway.”

  “That’s a blessing.” Carmen turned her attention to Cody. “I hear thanks are in order.”

  Cody met the older woman’s gaze, intrigued by the stallion manager of a major thoroughbred farm. “None needed. Just doing my job.”

  “You did so much more than that!” Trinity interjected.

  A tiny grin crept over Carmen’s lips. “Somehow I doubt most rodeo vets consider driving a horse and owner to the equine hospital, staying with them the entire time, then bringing them both home would fall under their contract.”

  He shrugged.

  She gave a single nod and focused on Trinity again. “I know you’re worn out. I stuck some leftover casserole in your fridge so you don’t have to worry about cooking.”

  “Thanks, Carmen.” Trinity offered up a tired grin. “You’re the best.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Just remember that when I give you extra stall mucking duty to cover vacations.”

  With one more glance back at Cody, Carmen headed out the side door of the barn.

  Cody appraised Trinity, found both relief and fatigue in her eyes. He knew she had to hurt, apparent by her slowing movements as time went on. “Okay, Trin. Legacy’s taken care of, will be good as new, and has a full belly. That means it’s your turn.”

  She blinked up at him. “You mean the casserole Carmen left?”

  He shook his head. “First things first. Time to get you checked out.”

  She waved a hand dismissively and turned back to watch her horse eat. “I’m fine.”

  He didn’t believe it for a second. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he tugged her around to face him with utmost care. “Not happening. We can either go back to the rodeo and have the sports medicine guys look at you or take a trip to the walk-in clinic.”

  She stared up at him. “I don’t need them.”

  “Then you can shuck those jeans, and I’ll take a look for myself.”

  Her eyes widened.

  Before she could protest, he set down the law in firm tones. “I was the medic for my SEAL team. I have enough medical background to know what I’m doing. Sure, you might lack four stomachs, but I think I can handle the job.”

  A hint of humor flashed in her baby blues. “I think I might rather visit a vet than a doctor any day.”

  He cupped her cheek and tenderly brushed his lips over hers. “Then let’s get you inside your apartment and find out how much damage you sustained.”

  She blew out a breath, took his hand, and led him down the center aisle. “Okay. Fine. But don’t let this go to your head.”

  “How so?” Her comment puzzled him.

  Trin slowed her steps in order to walk at his side and glance up at him. “I didn’t want you to think that I take just any guy home.”

  “Ah. I see. You’re saving your room for someone special?” He picked up the teasing, hoping to calm the anxiousness he detected in her.

  She grinned ruefully. “Maybe.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “Not ready to spill the beans?”

  “Nope.” She pulled out a key and unlocked the door. “It’s not much, but it’s home.” Giving the wooden barrier a shove, she gestured him in.

  He crossed the threshold, blinking when she turned on the light, illuminating the area brightly. To the left a small kitchen occupied one wall, the countertop curving around to encompass a small, wooden dining table with two matching chairs. Just on the other side of the divider sat a sofa and old recliner, the material faded and worn from years of use. They both faced a small television perched on a stand. A room stood out from the right hand corner, presumably a bathroom judging by the size. Next to it, taking up the far wall, sat a double bed, made up with an old quilt on top, the multi-color rings matching the two pieces of furniture well.

  Along the third wall closest to them, four fancy western saddles rested on metal stands. Her rewards for winning barrel racing contests. Or her mother’s.

  “It’s nice. I like it.” He smiled down at her. “Beats fighting traffic on the way to work each morning.”

  “Now that’s the truth.” She stepped farther in the room. “Do you want something to drink?”

  He preferred to get the serious stuff out of the way first. Look her over, make a decision whether she needed more care than he could provide, then worry about an evening meal. “Not right now.”

  She bit her lower lip. “I’m just sore. No biggie.”

  “Uh-huh.” Stepping forward, he closed the distance between them. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” As much as he wanted to unbutton her jeans and slip them down, he couldn’t mistake her nervous gesture. “Do you want to put some shorts on or just drop the jeans?”

  She peered up at him and sighed. “I guess it doesn’t make much difference in the end.”

  “Not to me. As long as I can see.”

  She flipped the button with a huff, then unzipped her jeans. Grasping the waistband on either side, she started pushing them down, wincing at the action.

  Cody watched her face for a moment longer before turning his attention to the skin revealed as the material dropped to shackle her legs. “Damn.” Sure enough, a huge purple bruise started just above her knee and splotched a line upward. He reached out and lifted her shirt, noting the coloring extended over her ribs and under her pretty white bra.

  Ever so gently, he ran his fingers along the area, lightly prodding here and there, searching for hematomas. Finding none, he turned his attention to her face.

  Trinity stared at the wall as if enthralled.

  He shifted forward a hair to get a peek at her back, discovering the same kind of marks covered the part of her left butt cheek not covered by cotton panties. He gently covered the area and felt her jump. Most likely from his hand placement than from discomfort from the touch, he’d wager. “Hurt?”

  She shook her head. “Not so much.”

  He didn’t detect a lie, but knew she had to be in some pain. Who wouldn’t? He’d give her credit for being one tough cookie.

  White bikini panties drew his attention once more. The contrast with the darker bruises almost startling.

  “Cute.” He’d often wondered what she wore under her jeans. Now he knew and wasn’t the least displeased. Practical, yet sexy at the same time.

  Her eyebrows furrowed.

  He plucked at the hem of her underwear. “These are cute.”
<
br />   A light blush spread over her face. “Umm. Thanks.” She transferred her weight from one leg to the next. “Are you satisfied yet?”

  “That you’re gonna live? Yeah. With the little bit of peek at you without clothes? No.”

  Her breath hitched.

  He heard the telltale sign and cursed her poor luck for making a hash of this night. As much as he’d dreamed of stripping her down just like this, no way could he toss her on the bed and make sweet love to her. Not with half her left side turned dark from her fall.

  He stroked the area once more, double-checking to make sure he didn’t miss anything. “You’re not going to be sitting in a saddle comfortable for a few days.”

  Her shoulders sagged and her voice turned bleak as she stared at the ground. “It’s not like I have to worry about that with no barrel horse to ride.”

  Using his index finger, he lifted her chin. “Something will come up.”

  “How can you be so optimistic?”

  “Because I’ve been to hell and back. Things work out, sometimes with a little help, sometimes not.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sounding like a spoiled child. Things could have been a lot worse. I need to be thankful they weren’t.”

  “That’s not what I meant, Trin.” He trailed his fingers along her jaw. “I meant to not give up quite yet. There’s still time.” Unable to resist, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. “As for your comment, you’re one tough lady and nowhere near a spoiled child. Anyone else would have crumbled a long time ago.”

  “We can’t change the past. We can only move forward.” The soft words whispered against his mouth.

  Truer words had never been said.

  A ringing of a phone interrupted his brief kiss. He pulled the phone from the holder on the belt and checked the caller ID. “Yeah?”

  “Just checking on things.” Jared’s voice came through loud and clear. “We were worried with stallion going out in an air cast and Trinity not sticking around to get checked out.”

  Cody watched Trinity pull her jeans back up, trying to suppress the flinch in the process. Still sexy despite the obvious discomfort. He couldn’t wait for the day he could shove the denim down himself, toss it aside, and see her in all her naked glory. His tightening cock agreed. “She’s bruised up something awful, but will be fine. The stud passed all the tests at the equine clinic with flying colors.”