Lassoed Into Marriage

by Christine Wenger

  “Can I see?” Rose came running.

  Lisa took the cookies out of the oven and lowered them so Rose could see. “Careful, they’re hot.” She put them on the stove. “This deserves a celebration. How about some cookies and milk?”

  She checked the fridge. “Oops, no milk. How about cookies and apple juice?”

  “Sounds good,” Glen said.

  As they sat around the kitchen table eating her first-ever batch of cookies, Lisa couldn’t help but wish that Sully was with them. He added something special with his personality, humor and devil-may-care attitude.

  Lisa couldn’t believe how much she missed him being around, and he had barely been gone one day.

  Chapter Fourteen

  When Lisa picked up Rose from the birthday party, her pretty princess dress was covered in mud, her hair was a mess, her face was dirty and she had a big smile—and blue frosting—on her face.

  She had to say goodbye to all of her new friends before she got into the car. If Sully could see Rose now, he’d know Lisa was right about nursery school.

  Rose chattered up a storm about the games they’d played, the kites they’d flown, and how they’d danced and had a sing-along.

  Sounded like a fabulous time.

  After giving Rose a bubble bath, Lisa put her down for a nap. Then Lisa went back to the mountain of laundry. For dinner, she was going to try and make baked chicken. She just needed to put some spices on it and stick it in the oven in a pan.

  She could even toss some potatoes into the pan and boil some green beans.

  How hard could it be?

  * * *

  The chicken was pink, the potatoes were too hard and the beans were soggy. Other than that, dinner came out great.

  Lisa microwaved the chicken and potatoes and salvaged the meal. After coloring with Rose, playing dolls and watching the same cartoons for the ten millionth time, they finally sat down with a big bowl of popcorn and grape juice to watch the Professional Bull Riders on TV.

  Rose wasn’t much interested until Sully rode.

  After being at an event in person, Lisa remembered the smells, the noise and the crowd. She could hear the clang of the gate as Sully’s bull bounded out of the chute.

  “Go, Sully!” she screamed. “Stay on! You can do it!”

  “Ride, Uncle Sully!

  “Six...seven...eight seconds! He did it, Rose! He did it! Yee-haw!”

  “Yee-haw!”

  Sully won the first round. Tomorrow, he’d ride again for the second round, then the final round.

  When he was interviewed, he talked about the bull that he rode. Then he asked the interviewer if he could say hello to someone.

  “Of course,” the interviewer said.

  “I’d like to say hello to Rose. She’s very special to me.” Then he blew her a kiss.

  Rose giggled like crazy.

  “And a big hello to Lisa, for many reasons.”

  He tweaked the brim of his hat, and Lisa melted. Why was he always doing sweet things like that?

  Darn him!

  The interviewer tipped her head coyly. “Who are these special ladies, Sully?”

  He smiled his most charming smile and avoided the question. “They are very special to me, and I’d like to thank my sponsors...”

  Lisa laughed. He sure had a way of changing the subject.

  A big hello to Lisa, for many reasons.

  What were those reasons? She’d love to hear them.

  Darn him! He kept doing and saying nice things. This wasn’t the Sully she knew: the drinker, the partier, the man without a care in the world.

  Since they’d been thrown together, she’d found that he didn’t drink or party, that he could discipline Rose when needed and that he could compromise with her when necessary. He made them both laugh and, as much as she hated to admit it, he was good for her, too.

  But why was she still expecting that he was going to turn back into the Sully that she knew before? The Sully who cared for nothing but having a good time?

  Shaking off the thoughts, she realized how late it was. “Time for bed, Rose.”

  Lisa tucked Rose into bed, and she listened to the girl’s nightly prayers. “I want to pray for Mommy and Daddy and Aunt Lisa and Uncle Sully and Snowball and Molly. Amen.”

  She kissed her good-night, tucked her in and handed the Princess Mary Ann doll to her. Molly and Snowball got into position.

  Back in the laundry room, she took a load of dry clothes out of the dryer and put another load in. Then she reloaded the washer.

  Sitting at the kitchen table, she began to fold the dry clothes.

  Her cell phone rang, and she looked at the caller ID. Sully. Her heart started beating faster, and suddenly her mouth went dry. She waited awhile before she answered to get herself together.

  “Hello, Sully.”

  “Hi. How’s everything going at home?”

  “I had a surprise visit from Glen Randolph, Carol and Rick’s lawyer and our inspector general.”

  “Did we pass?”

  “He didn’t particularly like the fact that you weren’t here helping Rose and me bake cookies.”

  “So I can put out the blaze?”

  “So we can bond like a family.”

  “Oh. You and I...we talked about that.”

  “I know. I told him that we discussed your traveling, and we have a plan that we both agree on. He liked that, but he didn’t like that we left town without him knowing. He was making visits here to no avail.”

  “We’ll have to remember to let him know. So, how’s Rose?”

  “Of course she misses you, but she couldn’t wait to see you on television. I’ll probably get the Bad Mommy Award from Glen Randolph for letting Rose stay up late and eat popcorn, complete with butter and salt.”

  “That’s going to put you in the Bad Mommy Hall of Fame.”

  Lisa laughed. “In my defense, we did drink grape juice instead of soda, so this mommy might get a reprieve.”

  There was silence on Sully’s end, then he said, “Do you realize that you called yourself mommy?”

  “I did, didn’t I?” Wow, that was a shocker. “You know, Sully, sometimes I do feel like I’m Rose’s mom. I mean, I know Carol is her real mom, but I’m taking care of her the absolute best I can, and I’ve always loved her, maybe even more now.”

  “That’s the definition of mother, Lisa.”

  A warm feeling came over her, like someone wrapped her in a fluffy blanket. Sometimes Sully knew just the right thing to say.

  “Congratulations on your win, Sully. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that you win tomorrow’s event. That’d be two in a row for you. That’ll kick you up higher in the rankings.”

  “Yeah. If I win tomorrow, I figure that I’ll be third in the standings.”

  “Fabulous. How’s the ankle?” she asked.

  “It’s still sore, bruised and swollen, but it’s getting better. I can get it in and out of a boot at least. Don’t worry about me.”

  I do worry about you. You’re my partner in this.

  They talked for more than an hour about anything and everything. They laughed, became serious and laughed some more.

  Lisa couldn’t remember when she had had such an enjoyable and intelligent conversation with a man. That the man was Sully completely baffled her.

  “Tell Rose that I’ll call her tomorrow,” Sully said. “And I’ll be home late Sunday night. We’re driving home right after the event.”

  “Okay. See you then. Oh, wait! Sully?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Rose loved your shout out to her, and...um...I liked what you said to me. You said, ‘And a big hello to Lisa, for many reasons.’”

  “I remember.
”

  “What are those reasons, Sully?”

  “I’ll tell you later. Remind me.”

  Her cheeks heated. They couldn’t be that important if she had to remind him, for heaven’s sake. Forget it!

  Thank goodness he wasn’t here to witness her embarrassment. “Good night, Sully. Be careful.”

  “Good night, Lisa. Sleep tight.”

  She couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned, thinking about Sully and how life had thrown her a curve ball, but she’d hit the ball and was running the bases as fast as she could.

  And it seemed like she was running right toward Sully.

  * * *

  Sully had two back-to-back event wins under his belt. That was exciting, but he was even more excited to get home. However, he figured that he’d have to hit the road again soon. It’d take him a good four days to drive by himself to Anaheim, California, from Salmon Falls, New York. Then it’d be three days at the bull riding, then four days back for a grand total of eleven days. Or he could just drive straight to the next event in Indianapolis, from California.

  He’d probably be gone for more than two weeks, if he detoured to Indianapolis.

  He didn’t want to spend that much time away from Rose and Lisa.

  What could he do? He could find another bull rider to share the driving with, but that wouldn’t trim off much time.

  He swallowed hard.

  Dammit. He had to fly.

  * * *

  Lisa waited up for Sully. For the most part, she read, but she kept looking for headlights coming down the road or up the driveway.

  Earlier during the day, she and Rose went to the farm and tractor store—yes, the farm and tractor store—where her neighbor told her that she could find jeans. She’d bought two pairs of jeans and a couple of tops. There was even a pair of funky cowboy boots with flowers on them that fit her perfectly and were half-price. She had to buy them.

  They even had cute sundresses and pajamas for Rose. Sold.

  For Sully’s return home, she slipped into jeans, one of the striped T-shirts and her cute boots. She fussed with her hair and makeup a little more than usual.

  What was wrong with her?

  Finally, after midnight a car came up the driveway. Sully got out of the passenger’s side and pulled his gear bag from the backseat. He went around to the driver’s side and shook his friend’s hand, gave him a wave and off he drove.

  She watched as Sully stood and looked at the house. She couldn’t see his face for his reaction, but she assumed that he was glad to be home, as he had alluded to in their conversation.

  He slung his bag over his shoulder and strode up the brick walkway to the front door. Before he put his key in, Lisa opened the door.

  “Welcome home,” Lisa said.

  Dropping his bag, he wrapped his arms around her waist, picked her up and twirled her in a circle.

  Then he lowered her to the ground slowly, down the length of his body.

  “Hello, Lisa.”

  “Hello, Sully.” Her voice sounded breathy and low, probably because she was still stunned at his greeting and was trying to catch her breath.

  She wasn’t prepared for the big kiss that he landed on her.

  His hand tangled in her hair and he rubbed her neck. She stared into his blue eyes, either waiting for him to make the next move or wondering why she couldn’t move away.

  “Now’s the time to tell me to stop.”

  “But you haven’t even started.” She laughed, willing him to keep his fingers moving on her neck and praying that her knees wouldn’t buckle.

  He chuckled. “You’re right. I haven’t even started with what I’d like to do with you.”

  As much as she hated to spoil the moment, the front door was open, the whole neighborhood could see them and bugs were flying in.

  “Sully, the door is open—uh...neighbors and bugs.”

  Still holding her, he kicked out sideways, and the door slammed behind him.

  “Any other objections?” he asked.

  “Yes. Probably several. But I can’t think of them right now.”

  “Good. Now stop talking.”

  His mouth touched hers, cautiously, carefully. She sighed at the pure pleasure, but she wanted more. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him tighter. He kissed her harder, harder still.

  She tugged at his jacket, not wanting anything between their bodies. He shrugged out of it and tossed it on an arm chair.

  He stepped back, holding her hands in his. His eyes traveled the length of her body once, twice...

  “You look great, Lisa. Like a real cowgirl.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Comfort. I was going for comfort, not cowgirl.”

  “That’s why you bought those boots? Comfort?”

  She shrugged. “I liked them. A lot.”

  “And I like you, Lisa. A lot. I’ve missed you.” He hugged her close.

  Being in his arms was pure heaven. She ran her hands over his back, feeling the bunching and constricting of his muscles. She had to touch his chest before she went crazy. Slowly, she pulled the snaps of his pale blue cowboy shirt, revealing a smooth chest with tight pecs and an even tighter stomach. She didn’t neglect his chest, all soft and warm, yet tight and strong.

  Sully was sheer perfection.

  He tugged at her shirt, and she helped him remove it. Soon, it flew over toward the chair, missed and hit the floor.

  Sully’s lips traced a path from her shoulder to the vee of her lacy pink bra, and she couldn’t breathe.

  “Now’s the time to tell me to stop, Lisa.”

  “Don’t stop.” It had been a long time since she felt so desired, so sexy. It was Sully making her feel this way.

  Her bra hit the chair. Then her feet left the floor. Sully had picked her up as if she weighed no more than one of his gold belt buckles.

  “My room or yours?”

  She could barely think, but she knew that his room was farther away from Rose’s. “Yours.”

  She tucked her head into his neck and inhaled his scent, a mix of leather and spice. She wanted him.

  He gently set her on his bed and covered her with his body. The touch of skin on skin and his lips on hers set off something inside Lisa that had been dormant for a long time.

  Along with their boots, the rest of their clothes hit the floor. She wanted to kiss every square inch of Sully, and when he pulled her on top of him, she got her wish.

  He moaned in pleasure as her lips traveled lower and lower.

  Sully was erect and hard, thick and perfect. She wrapped her hand around him, and he gasped. His hand covered hers. “You better stop, or this is going to be over too soon.”

  In one swift motion she found herself under him, his hardness pressing against her.

  “Lisa?” Sully whispered.

  She answered his question with a kiss. He traced her lips with his tongue and she opened for him.

  “Make love to me, Sully.”

  “Damn!”

  She chuckled. “Such charming love talk. You really know how to turn on a woman.”

  “Condom. In my wallet. Pocket of my jeans. On the floor.”

  “Damn!” she said.

  With a grunt, he moved off her. She felt so...naked and cold without him. She concentrated on watching Sully, which wasn’t hard. He was magnificent to look at.

  “Got it.” He pulled open the foil packet with his teeth and pulled out the condom.

  “Let me do it.” She moved to the side of the bed, and he handed it to her.

  Slowly, she unrolled the flesh-colored disk over the length of him with one hand, holding him with the other. Sully’s breathing became uneven, and when she was finished, he moved her back to the b
ed.

  Leaning over her, he said, “That was the most erotic experience...”

  His mouth played with hers, then traveled to her breasts. While his mouth teased one nipple, his hand teased the other.

  She couldn’t take it anymore. She guided him to her, and when he entered her, she gasped. He filled her slowly, allowing her to accommodate him. She was glad that he hadn’t moved yet but just held her in his arms.

  “Oh, Sully.” She felt weepy, but that was crazy. She was just...happy.

  He began to move his hips. Slowly at first, then faster. She met each thrust, giving in to her need for him.

  “Lisa.” He breathed her name over and over.

  He slowed, then stopped, gathering her in his arms. He was prolonging their pleasure.

  No!

  She moved her hips, faster, faster still. She took him deep, and when he shuddered, so did she, letting the waves of pleasure wash over her, feeling his heart pounding, enjoying his lips on hers.

  They held each other for a while until he moved off her. Grinning, he planted a chaste kiss on her forehead.

  She did the same to him.

  She fell asleep with Sully hugging her close.

  * * *

  Sully woke up early. Six o’clock, according to the little clock on the nightstand. Sleeping next to him was Lisa, who he used to call the Ice Queen.

  She didn’t act like an Ice Queen last night—or should he say this morning?

  She sure had melted.

  He looked at Lisa. Her blond hair was a mess, her makeup was smudged and she was softly snoring. Yet she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

  He shrugged into his jeans and headed for the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, he noticed that his eyes were red-rimmed and puffy, and he certainly needed a shave. He needed some long, uninterrupted sleep, but he wouldn’t have changed this morning for anything.

  Lisa Phillips? He’d made love with Lisa Phillips.

  When he saw her last night, he couldn’t help himself. Maybe it was coming home to a real house, a real woman and a little girl.

  If he closed his eyes, he could imagine that it was all his, that Lisa and Rose were his family.