Christmas At Love House: Bittersweet Interlude (Bull Rider #3)

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  Velia yawned again while checking the time. “Goodness, Mom, I didn’t hear a thing. I’m sorry. Thanks to all of you.”

  Her husband walked up behind her. “Not a problem, babe. There’s a plate in the refrigerator. I’ll sit down with you. No one will let me do anything around here, so I’m bored out of my mind. My dad took the shovel from me earlier.” Caulder got her plate and stuck it in the microwave.

  “I can get my own dinner, hon. Sit down. You’re supposed to be resting, not shoveling snow or hanging out at the bull ring.”

  “You give him hell,” Dolly said, giving her a hug. She gave Caulder a tender pat to the cheek as she walked by him. “See, there you go, son. Someone else agrees with me.” The ladies smiled at her before leaving the kitchen.

  “Yeah, right, Mom.” With a wink, Caulder said to Velia, “I have other things to do tonight, so I better rest up.”

  He’s so bad. She knew what he meant, all right. By time bedtime came around last night, the idea of them making love hurt as much as his bruises and ribs. She didn’t see how tonight could be much different. She made a cup of tea and sat it on the table—extended with only one table leaf for now. The others settled in the family room with their brandy and wine. Caulder had set her plate on the table. “How’s Foley?”

  “He’s all right now, and planning on leaving early to fly back with Natale. You might want to say something to Bobby…you know, give him a heads-up.”

  “Soften the blow with my brother is more like it. He’ll have to face it one day. The two older kids are grown up, and Alba is on her way. I wish he could’ve come here for Christmas.”

  “You know this is a busy time of year for Bobby. We’ll take time to visit between shows when we’re on that side of the country. Not sure I want to come back to this cold and snow between shows the rest of winter.”

  “I’ll need to see my own doctor on occasion. Things will really change when Kase goes to school and we have another child.” Velia sliced a couple slices of bread and set the dipping oil out. He poured himself a beer and pulled out her chair. She sat and Caulder put his hands on her shoulders then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Not sure if I’ll make it tonight, either, baby. You’d have to do the work. I’ve made promises I can’t keep.”

  Dipping a piece of bread into the oil, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “All right. I know how to take care of you. We’ll work it out. It’s not like you’ve never been injured before.”

  “Oooh, I love a woman who knows what I want…and gives it to me.”

  Velia caressed his cheek and brought his face down for a kiss. “When you retire and stop being injured, you have some making up to do.”

  With a wiggle to his eyebrows, he smirked. “Already part of my plan, woman. But until then, we’ll have to homeschool Kase if you continue to travel with me to every show. If our new baby does as well on the road as he did, it’ll work out until retirement.”

  Velia’s dad walked into the room looking as suave as ever. “Hi, papa. How’s it going?” She got up to hug him. “I’ve hardly spent any time with you.”

  “Angelo, I get to look at you and your beautiful family. That satisfies me. We’re all together for Christmas. For me, it is perfetto!” He placed his hand on Caulder’s shoulder. “Did I hear the word retirement when I walked in? You?”

  “Eventually, Ric. No exact plans yet. As long as my body keeps up and I’m winning, I’ll keep ridin’.”

  “I figured as much. So, Velia, dear. You’re having a new baby. This is exciting for me and your mamma.”

  “This news is thrilling beyond words for us, Dad. Neither one of us is getting any younger. Get your glass of wine and sit with us. How’s Roy these days?”

  “Un momento, per favore.” He held up a finger then went to get his glass. When he returned, he took a seat across from them at the table. “Roy, sì. I insisted he spend this Christmas with his family since he’s recuperating from the flu. I was able to sneak out without Nero this time. He wouldn’t enjoy tagging along with us to Christmas shop in Pittsburgh.”

  “Oh, papa, they’ll both be so angry at you. I looked forward to seeing Roy. He’s like my uncle.” Those words couldn’t have been any truer. She loved her dad’s bodyguard like a family member. Without him those years ago, she and her father might’ve both been dead by now and Caulder in prison. Her body shook at the horrid memory. She rushed to the mudroom for her sweater and came back to sit beside Caulder to have dinner. It wouldn’t be a surprise if either Roy or Nero popped in unexpectedly.

  Ric gave a big old belly laugh. “Well, I won’t be surprised if they knock on the door any moment. Nero has already texted me ten times or more. Those two treat me like a Christmas ornament that’ll break.”

  Velia nearly choked on the bite of bread, taking a sip of tea to wash it down. “Let’s not forget who trained them to be that way.” She winked at Caulder. “One day Roy will have to retire and then what will you do, eh, Pops?”

  “I’ll hire Caulder when he retires.” He gave a jolly laugh but cut it short when Velia didn’t.

  She raised her palms to them. Her gaze flicked back and forth between her dad and husband. “No, no, no you won’t. Don’t either of you dare think about it. I want my husband to myself when he retires.”

  “You got me, babe.” Caulder took her hand and squeezed. “I’m looking forward to being a stay-at-home father. That is when I’m not on the road with my bulls.”

  Velia shook her head and raised her other hand in defeat. Bull would always be a part of her life in one way or another.

  ***

  Still wide awake after that long nap, she took a shower after Caulder, and donned her sexy red gown, spraying a dose of a subtle scented, floral and musk perfume. Peering into the mirror, she gazed at herself. Be gentle with him. Releasing her ponytail, she picked up the hairbrush and smoothed it over the locks until her hair was smooth and shiny. She twirled a lock around her finger. She might cut her hair when little baby fingers pulled at it. The thought of carrying their child made her smile.

  Caulder had the TV on when she entered their bedroom. He lay partially reclined on the bed with nothing on but navy blue trunks. Sì! Sexy. Her gaze took a slow journey over him, causing an excited flutter to dance within her body at the sight of his tight-muscled chest and long legs. The bruises brought a frown, though. When he glanced her way, their gaze held—his brow lifted so little that it was barely noticeable. “Do you think I forgot what you wanted, mister?”

  One beautiful blue eye closed as he winced upon shifting his position on the bed. “Not sure about this. I did too much today.”

  No shit! She made her way to her side of the bed, trailing her fingers over his feet as she moved around it. “Hmm, yes you did. One day you will learn that even you, bull rider, have limits.”

  He turned off the TV and slowly moved to his side to face her. “Think so? Is that what you want?”

  “No.” Velia promenaded to the window. Her gown was thin enough for him to see through it with the glow of the outside lights against the window. “Like what you see, cowboy.” She peered over her shoulder with a grin, but lowered her eyes and faced the window. Of course he looked.

  “Stay there. This might take a while for me to get out of bed.” He grumbled as he got rid of his trunks and came toward her. “I hurt like hell but I can’t resist you like this. At least the vision of you naked under this makes one part of my body feel good.”

  “Which part is that, my love?” He wrapped his arms around her and she leaned into his body. “Umm, that part, eh? I like the feel of you against me like that.”

  His lips softly pressed against the side of her neck. “Like what,” came out barely audible.

  Her husband wouldn’t be happy until she said the word he wanted to hear, proof by the way he provocatively moved against her. She spoke with a sexy voice, “Hard… I’ll be gentle. Where are you most comfortable?” Turning in his arms, she dropped her hand to caress him.


  “Right here.” Caulder somewhat chuckled. “I’m afraid there is no comfortable position. I’m supposed to sleep sitting up, but how the hell does a person sleep sitting up?”

  “You do it on the plane all the time.” She used one finger to stroke slowly up and down his chest. Taking his hand, she led him to the bed where she scooted to the center to lie down. “Sit astride me, honey. Let’s see if you’ll be pain free this way.”

  “I’m not an invalid. So what’s a little pain?” Caulder’s gaze glided over her body in a slow progression. His callused fingers caressed her belly. “Whatcha got growing in there again, Mamma?” He gave a playful grin.

  The sparkle in his eyes could’ve stopped a raging bull, and she had a sensation of being filled with warmth. She slid her hand across her abdomen. “A part of you…and me, conceived in our magnificent love.”

  With an attempt to take it slow, a grimace formed on his face as he kneeled on the bed. “This isn’t going to work. I’m better sleeping in the damn chair, sweets. But you are tempting, and I can’t sleep when I’m excited—”

  “When you’re what?” She slightly parted her legs and gave a suggestive lick across her lips.

  “Hard for you, woman.” He struggled to lie beside her. Examining himself, he asked with a tantalizing smirk on his oh, so handsome face. “What are you going to do with me now…when I’m like this?”

  “Not to worry.” She rose from the bed, came around to his side, and reached for his hand to assist him up. She placed her other arm around his waist when he sat up. “I’ll help you stand. Remember the good care you gave me when I got beat up by the bull?”

  Deep breathing gave him away, and he gulped. “Yeah, but dammit, Velia, I just got here in this position. I know it’ll be worth it and I need you right now. Why don’t you take care of me right here?”

  Velia got on the bed and went to her knees behind him. “Your bruises are still so awful and they break my heart. I’ll make you feel better, honey.” Damn to the man who did this to him. The scent of his masculine cedar-wood cologne awakened her senses and sent a shiver of pleasure through her. Leaning down, she kissed the back of his neck, easing down his spine. Her lips trailed to the right side where bruises were the worst, and she laid tender kisses against his skin. If only she could send a healing potion from her lips. Chill bumps spread over his flesh as she continued. “I want you, honey.”

  “It’s hard to do heavy breathing with painful ribs. Ah, so worth it when you talk like that. The passion in your voice is enough to keep me ready.”

  “I’m a passionate woman.” With a low moan, she continued and this time she kissed her way up his back, to his ear where she whispered, “You know how much I love you, want you.” She kissed his ear, allowing the tip of her tongue to touch him, and he shuddered. Velia slid off the bed and held out her hand. When he got to the standing position, he had to bend at the waist to take in a deep breath.

  As much as her body craved his right now, she couldn’t ask this of him tonight when it ached just to breathe. “Come over to the chair. I’ll bring you a blanket and pajamas so you can go to sleep. I know how bad you’re hurting. Can I get you something?”

  “Yeah, a pain pill and your mouth.”

  Once he was seated, Velia removed the teal blue throw, took a pill from his bottle on the closet shelf, and got a glass of water from the bathroom. “Here you go. I’ll help you get your pajama bottoms on. You can’t sit here naked.”

  “I can’t make love with pajamas on.” Caulder set the glass on the table beside the white upholstered chair near the window. “Turn the lights off and come back here.” She did as he asked. “Get on my lap. You’re not walking away from me tonight after starting this. Not when you want it as bad as I do.”

  “You can barely breathe, McCutchen. We’ll make up for it.” Velia went to her knees with his pajama bottoms in hand to help him dress.

  “No. Get on my lap. It isn’t a question…”

  “Bossy.” Sparks lingered there in his eyes and she smiled. Instead of getting on his lap, she kissed his leg above the ankle and continued to his knee before moving to the other leg, starting all over again. Each of his sighs brought a smile to her heart and a tingle to her center. Gingerly sliding her hands up his legs, she grasped him, caressing gently until her lips followed where her hands played. “Is this what you want?”

  “Velia.” Caulder arched his hips with a groan, but it turned into a sexy, drawn out moan. “Come onto my lap…in a minute. You got me ready, now finish it, please.”

  She put one leg on one side of him and the other on the other side, and eased down on him in a slow motion without removing her gaze from his face. A flurry of a breath slipped out as she fully coupled with him—moved with him, gently until she tossed her head back and closed her eyes, releasing her own pleasurable sighs while her body trembled in contented desire.

  Caulder grasped her hips, holding her. “Worth it,” he whispered as he brought her even closer, his body quivering. His eyes closed in delight.

  After a short time of hesitation, Velia’s body flowed with his seductive rhythm. She lost focus on what she did to him, and focused on the exciting and sexy sensations happening within her own body and mind. With a shiver and a quiet moan, her hips danced in a floating motion with his. Caulder pressed his fingers into her back, and he shouted out before easing against the chair, taking short, panting breaths. The combination of his satisfaction mingled with hers. A dreamy, heartfelt moment turned into a raging finale.

  Velia held that position. She placed her hands against his cheeks and kissed him. “Wow, huh?”

  “Yeah. You made me forget my pain.”

  Velia pressed her hands against the back of the chair, kissed him, and didn’t open her eyes until she sat up. “I wanted it maybe more than you. You know what being pregnant does to me.”

  “Oh, do I remember…”

  Velia got off the chair and sat on the floor between his legs. She laid her head against his knee, caressing his inner thigh. “I’ll get you a blanket.”

  “No, I’ll get in bed. I can’t sleep here. I want to lie beside you. You can be like my heating pad.”

  She rose and held out both hands. If this kept up until he retired, she’d need to start working out with heavier weights to get stronger. He was solid muscle. You’d think she’d be used to it by now. If it was her, he’d pick her up. “I’d carry you if I could.”

  “You do carry me, honey.” He groaned as he rose from the chair. When he sat on the bed, he glanced out the window at the reflection of colored lights that adorned the outside of their house. “Are we ready for Christmas? Gifts wrapped?”

  “We are. I’ll make a trip to the store the day after tomorrow for last minute food items and we’ll be set. We’ll have an enjoyable Christmas Eve and a joyous dinner on Christmas day.”

  “Sounds good. My pain pill is working.” Caulder lifted Velia’s gown over her head. “This isn’t going to hurt a bit. Lie your sexy body down, woman.”

  Velia crawled to the other side of the bed, kneeling on all fours. “Lie beside me and get some rest. You’ve done enough work already.” Caulder whacked her on the ass. “Ouch!” Lying on her back, she covered her bare breasts with her arms. Smiled.

  “You like it. I do remember what you’re like pregnant in the making love department. I repeat, darlin’… My pain pill is working.” Caulder moved atop her, with only a slight grimace. “Like I said some days ago…I’m going to have you. I didn’t say only one time, either. You’re mine, woman. Enjoy me.”

  “Mmm, I love when you get all alpha on me.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Three days later, Velia and the ladies left early in the morning. “It was so hard keeping quiet,” said Judy looking back as if the guys had followed. “When Jase called Brenna last evening and didn’t get an answer, I expected my son to board a plane right away out of worry. Somehow, I calmed him down and said I had talked to her earlier. At least wi
th the red-eye flight, the airport wouldn’t be noisy for her to call him.”

  “Well, this time of year, it is, but I’m sure Brenna will find a way to keep it a surprise,” said Caulder’s mom, Dolly. “I’m tickled to death she’s coming to be with us. It makes my heart happy to have family here, and there’s plenty of room at our home for them. Actually, Jase and his family can stay in Caulder’s old room.”

  When Velia’s phone rang not more than twenty-five miles down the highway, she gasped. “Ah, ciao! Is everything okay, honey?”

  “Yeah, I wanted to tell you to be careful around the airport because they’ll be a lot of maniacs not knowing where to go this time of year.”

  “Huh?” Omigod! He knows. She glanced at her mother and the others but would keep it quiet that he knew and not ruin their surprise.

  “Right,” Caulder said, and gave a chuckle. “People need to close down the damn flight details on the computer when they’re done, especially if they’re trying to keep a secret.”

  “Um…sì, you’re right.” How could she tell him not to say anything to the other guys when her passengers listened to her conversation?

  “Your secret’s safe. Enjoy yourselves.”

  “We will. Ah, I love you. Grazie!” She disconnected the call.

  “Is everything all right?” asked Dolly.

  “Uh huh. He wanted to say good morning.” They drove by billboards showing a slew of restaurants not far ahead. The rumble of Velia’s tummy reminded her she now ate for two. “Shall we pull off up ahead for breakfast? We can also check flight status.”

  “Yes,” Lidia said. “I’m excited for everyone. I love this kind of surprise.” She patted Velia’s hand as it rested on the floor shifter. “You know your way, right, dear?”

  She checked the GPS as she pulled off at the exit. “Kase and I have driven it many times to pick up Caulder after one of his promotional interviews, or whatever he’s had to do after winning a championship. It keeps him so busy, but this time, he demanded to have a promo-free holiday. It’ll start up again near the beginning of the season. Everybody wants to talk with him now. He’s a hot commodity.” In more ways than one.