“You could say that,” he said with a rueful smile. “People say Sally was a beautiful child.”
“I’m sure she was.”
“Yeah, but she was a kid. If Sam and Ayita had just told them no…” He shook his head from side to side. “Funny how things happen. Sally was only seventeen when Brody, who was eight years older, asked her to marry him. Sam and Ayita didn’t want her to marry so young and asked them to wait until she turned eighteen. Brody adored her, so he honored their wishes. He took the money he’d been saving from his rodeo winnings and bought the land that’s now the Rocking O. It wasn’t long before he quit rodeo to settle down and ranch, and Sally continued to compete, but a year after they got married, she had me. When she turned nineteen, she ran off. All she wanted to do was rodeo. She was just too young to be a mother.”
“Oh, Tanner,” Jules cried, “I’m—”
“Nearly broke Ayita and Sam’s heart. My daddy’s, too, so he hired a private detective who found her traveling with a rodeo and brought her home. To make a long story short, Sally got pregnant with Tucker, Shawn’s daddy, and after Sam died a few years later, she took off again, leaving Tucker and me with our dad. That’s when Bridey came to live with us. She’d lost her husband to cancer and needed her family, and my dad couldn’t raise us alone. It wasn’t long before he left to hunt for Sally.”
Jules noticed how Tanner called his father his dad, but referred to his mother by her name. “Did he find her?” she asked in a hushed voice. “Have you seen her since?”
At some point, Tanner had let go of her hand and sat upright in the lounger. He shook his head. “My dad was killed bull riding when I was fourteen. I don’t know what happened to Sally. From what I was told, she never returned to the reservation. She hated it there. I think she married my dad to get away from it, but I don’t know. Don’t really care much, either.”
“It must have been hard for everyone,” Jules said, imagining how the family must have learned to cope.
Tanner continued as if she hadn’t spoken, “I already told you that Tucker ran off when he was fifteen. Shawn will be fifteen in three months, so maybe you can understand why I worry about him and some of the decisions he makes.”
Jules nodded. “Of course I do. You don’t know where either one of them are? Tucker or Sally?”
“They both just disappeared,” he said, his voice without emotion. “When I was a kid, I always thought she might have joined up with a tribe somewhere when she got older, but that was a little boy’s imagination. As for Tucker…I did all I could to try to find him. Spent a fortune on private detectives.”
“I’m sure you’ve done everything you could.”
He didn’t seem to hear her, as if he was lost in the past and the memories. “I guess I’m just destined to be alone.”
Reaching out, she placed her hand on his arm. “You aren’t alone, Tanner.” When he turned to look at her, she saw the desolation in his eyes and knew he needed her to say the right thing. “You may not have a traditional family, but Bridey and Shawn are your family.”
Nodding, he took her hand in his and held it. “Has anybody told you what a good person you are?”
Her answer was a smile. Until she thought of Joey and how his mother had reacted and blamed Jules. Now Jules wasn’t sure if she had what it took to make the best decisions, either.
But this was about Tanner, not her, and she needed him to know that he wasn’t alone. “Look how much you’re respected by your neighbors and friends,” she pointed out. “That counts for a lot, you know.”
For a moment he didn’t respond, but when his gaze met hers, she knew he understood what she was saying.
“I’m a pretty lucky man, I guess.” Leaning back, he pulled her out of her lounger and sat her next to him on his. “Before school let out, I was traveling more and doing pretty good. Riding high, you could say. But I saw I needed to keep an eye on Shawn. Rowdy may not agree, but it didn’t hurt me a bit to stick closer to home, rather than traipse all over the country. I’m not far from qualifying for National Finals Rodeo in December.”
“So if it hadn’t been for Shawn—and Beth—we might never have met?”
“That’s about it, darlin’.”
She laughed at the memory. “Remind me to thank him.”
“I’ll do that,” he said with a sexy chuckle.
It had only been a few weeks since she had first seen Tanner and Shawn together in the parking lot in Ada. “Shawn’s making good strides, Tanner. I know you don’t see it, but he is.”
“Yeah, I guess he is. I’m just impatient and want so much for him.” He pulled her down to his chest, his lips only a breath away from hers. “And so much for me, too.”
Before she gave herself up to his kiss, she wondered just what he wanted for himself. Could it be possible that she might be a part of that? And if so, was she ready?
WHEN HIS RIDE was over on Saturday night and he’d won the bareback-bronc competition at the Coffeyville rodeo, Tanner’s first thought was to find Jules. He accepted that Rowdy had a point that she might be a distraction, but as far as he was concerned, she was his good-luck charm. And no matter what Rowdy might think, when he climbed into the chute, his mind was on the horse beneath him and making it to the buzzer at the end of the eight seconds.
He found her behind the announcer’s booth, waiting and watching for him. Her smile when she saw him made his heart jump with happiness. How could he be so lucky?
“Are we going to party?” she asked as he slipped an arm around her.
“Is that what you want to do?”
She looked up into his eyes, and he tried to read what was in hers. “Whatever you all decide,” she answered.
Turning her in his arms to face him, he shook his head. “No. Tonight it’s all about what you want to do.”
She hesitated for only a moment. “I’d like to spend time with you. Alone.”
His heartbeat quickened, but he forced himself not to hope. He’d only be ready when Jules was. “Anyplace special?”
He felt her take a deep breath, and then she locked her gaze with his. “Your room or mine. It doesn’t matter.”
The desire in her eyes was clear, but he didn’t want to rush her into something this important. “You’re sure?”
Nodding, she smiled. “Very sure.”
For a moment he couldn’t breathe. He’d tried not to think about this happening, but the more time they spent together, the more he wanted her. He just hadn’t wanted her to think that was all she was to him.
Leaning down, he kissed her, but kept it brief. There would be time for a real kiss later when they were alone. “Can we take your car?”
She pulled away and dug into her purse, pulling out a key ring. “As long as you drive.”
“I think I can manage that,” he said, taking it from her.
They headed toward the parking area, and when they arrived at her car, he opened the trunk and tossed in his equipment bag. “We have about two hours,” he told her, unlocking the door and waiting while she slid inside. “I’ll need to be back for the awards.”
“I wouldn’t miss that for the world.”
He climbed in behind the steering wheel and started the engine, but before putting the car in reverse, he pulled out his cell phone. “I’d better let Bridey know we won’t be joining them until later.”
Quickly punching in the numbers, he waited for his aunt to answer and then explained that he and Jules were going to get something to eat and would be back at the arena in time for the awards.
“She didn’t mind, did she?” Jules asked when he’d finished the call and started to back the car out.
“Bridey understands” was all he said. He had no doubt his aunt was aware of his feelings for Jules, and she wouldn’t make a big deal out of them wanting to spend some time alone together.
Taking Jules’s hand, he laced his fingers with hers and tempered the natural urge to speed them on their way. He wouldn’t rush this. He’
d let her take the lead and he’d follow wherever it took them.
He parked in the space in front of his room and turned off the engine, reminding himself again to take it slow. He opened his door, then got out and waited for her to join him. He took her hand and walked her to the door of his room. Before he put the key in the lock, he turned to her. “Did you want to get something to eat first? A drink, maybe?”
Jules laughed and the sexy sound sent waves of pleasure through him. “Tanner,” she said, “are you trying to stall?”
It was his turn to laugh. “Not on your life, darlin’. Just trying to be a gentleman.”
“If I recall, this was my idea, so you’ve already been a gentleman.”
He fumbled the key into the lock and finally managed to open the door. Inside the room, she slipped her hands between them and started on his shirt buttons. They popped open at her touch. A strangled groan rose in his throat when she laid her palm on his bared chest.
“You’re gettin’ ahead of me, darlin’,” he murmured as she slid the shirt from his shoulders and arms. A tremor ran through him when she pressed her lips to the base of his throat. Backing her up, he settled her on the edge of the bed, tossing both his hat and hers to a chair. Then he toed off his boots.
Kneeling in front of her, he removed hers, then reached up and, one by one, undid the buttons of her vest, revealing nothing but ivory skin beneath. No bra.
He stood, pulling her to her feet, and she reached for his silver buckle. “Uh-uh, me first,” he whispered.
Inch by inch, he relieved her of her vest, his gaze on the smooth, soft skin his fingers skimmed. The slower he went, the faster his heart beat and the faster he breathed.
He dropped the vest on the floor beside them, wanting to touch what he’d revealed, but needing to prolong the moment. His gaze on her breasts, he slid his knuckles down her stomach until he reached her buckle. He pulled it open, slipped the button from the buttonhole of her jeans and slowly guided the zipper down. Without waiting she did the same with his, but didn’t touch him.
Pulling her jeans down her hips until they were completely off, he slipped a fingertip under the edge of her lacy panties. She responded by hooking her thumbs in the waistband of his jeans and pulling them down, along with his briefs. Kicking them off, he stood before her.
“You’re gettin’ ahead of me again, darlin’,” he said, grinning. “We have all ni—” He sucked in a breath when she touched him. Regaining only a part of the control he lost, he slid her panties down until they dropped at her feet, then eased her onto the bed.
“I was going to say we have all night.” His voice was a rasp.
“But we don’t,” she said.
Kissing his way across her lips and back again, his tongue slid in, touched hers, and she responded.
Beneath him, a tremor vibrated through her, and his control slipped another notch. Moving her farther onto the bed, he placed her against the pillows. He wanted her under him, around him.
With patience, he pressed into her. “Jules?” he asked, stopping. “Are you…? You’ve been with other men, right?”
She sighed. “It’s just been a long time.” She opened her eyes to gaze into his. Deep dark emerald blazed into him.
Sweat broke out on his body. A long time? He took a deep breath and slowly sank into her, their gazes locked. Moving carefully, he waited until she caught up with him, the rhythm of their bodies matching.
Her eyes darkened even more before he joined their lips and lost himself in the feel of her. When her breathing accelerated and he felt her tense, he increased his rhythm until she trembled beneath him, tightening and pulling him up and over the edge with her. Chanting her name, he poured himself, body and heart, into her.
He held her against him later, after their heartbeats had slowed, and her breath whispered against his skin. He thought she’d fallen asleep.
“Don’t leave me, Tanner.”
“Not until we have to leave for the arena,” he promised.
He pulled her on top of him, and his body responded to the scattered kisses she placed across his chest.
“Darlin’—” His breath caught in his chest as her kisses dropped lower, and he wondered how he’d find a way to live after the novelty of this cowboy wore off for her. How long could he keep her with him before she left him like all the others had?
Chapter Nine
Tanner hadn’t bothered to rub salt in Rowdy’s wounds when he earned enough points in Coffeyville to qualify for Nationals. Rowdy could see for himself how good Jules was for him. He’d never ridden better. As long as he could place in the top three for the remainder of the season, he’d be in Las Vegas for National Finals Rodeo in December.
He was definitely riding on a high, especially after the night before with Jules. To say he was struck speechless was an understatement, but not speechless enough to say no. Not crazy enough, either. Still, he had the feeling time was running out. He just couldn’t put his finger on why he felt this way.
They’d left Coffeyville early in the morning for the drive back to the ranch. Jules planned to stay until evening, and Tanner had just spent two hours trying to catch up on ranch paperwork. He hadn’t seen her since breakfast that morning, but he knew she’d left the house with Shawn and a promise to spend all afternoon with only Tanner.
In the horse barn, while he waited for Jules to return with Shawn, Tanner planned to saddle his gentlest mare and coax Jules into mounting the placid animal. One way or another, he’d get her begging to ride more.
As he reached for the saddle blanket draped across the stall gate, he heard her voice.
“You may never find him, Shawn.”
From his vantage point, Tanner could see her walking into the dimly lit interior of the barn. He’d been wondering what Jules and Shawn had been discussing yesterday with their heads together. He had hoped it was Jules persuading Shawn to cool it with his latest group of friends and abide by house rules.
Curious, and not wanting his presence known yet, he stepped back into the corner of the stall.
“I still have to try,” Shawn answered, a stubborn tone creeping into his voice. “I know Uncle Tanner thinks I’m going to take off like my dad did, but I won’t unless it’s the only way to find him.”
Surprised by Shawn’s revelation, Tanner remained silent and listened. By the sounds of their voices and movements, he could tell they’d stopped near the front of the barn.
“I thought I found him in Dodge City,” Shawn went on, “but he disappeared before I could get to him.” His voice took on an excited quality. “I know he’s involved in rodeo somehow.”
“So that’s where you disappeared to that night,” Jules gently scolded. “You scared me to death, Shawn. I was responsible for you while Tanner rode. When I couldn’t find you, I was frantic.”
“You thought I’d run off.” His tone was belligerent.
“I didn’t know,” she said. “The next time you think you see your dad, you let me know, okay? Maybe I can help.”
“You mean you would?”
“Of course. Just don’t take off like that again.”
Tanner wasn’t sure whether to be angry or hurt. What could his nephew do to find Tucker when several expensive and thorough private detectives hadn’t been able to find him? Tanner missed his brother and wished he’d been there to raise Shawn, but he hadn’t been. Tucker had never even called to ask about his own flesh and blood. Because of that, Tanner couldn’t forgive him, but he hoped that if Tucker was ever found, amends could be made.
The soft whinny of a horse and the sound of the barn door scooting open, followed by the soft clip-clop of hooves told him they’d taken out a horse. Standing, he replaced the blanket and left the stall, then slipped out of the barn through a little-used side door. He rounded the corner of the barn and stopped in his tracks.
Jules sat astride a chestnut gelding, looking as if she’d been born on it. One hand held the reins, the other rested on her thigh.
<
br /> Tanner’s heart swelled at her courage. “I’ll be damned.”
Jules jumped at the sound of his voice, yanking the reins. The horse beneath her lurched and sidestepped. Tanner hurried to calm the animal, but Jules brought him under control with soft words and a pat.
She smiled down at Tanner. “We wanted to surprise you.”
He knuckled his hat back for a better view of her, and then jammed his hands in his pockets to keep from reaching up to drag her into his arms. He’d never felt prouder of anyone. “You sure did that, darlin’.”
Her smile lit an already sunny day to blinding brilliance. He’d been all too aware of her fear of riding again, had felt it when he’d held her on his own horse. But she’d overcome it without help from him. Words of admiration escaped him, leaving him speechless.
Shawn approached, leading his own horse. “She’s been working on it while you were holed up in your office. She caught on quick, once she realized it was like riding a bike, and relaxed.”
Tanner nodded, staring up at her. He knew his grin had to look foolish, but he couldn’t stop. It was a miracle. “Shawn,” he said without breaking his gaze with Jules, “would you mind if I took Jules for a ride?”
“No, I guess not.”
Tanner laid his hand on her thigh. “Just let me get my horse.”
He’d never saddled a horse so fast in his life. Before leaving the barn, he grabbed two large blankets from a cabinet. He knew just where to ride. In the south pasture, a creek ran through his land. It had been a haven in times of joy and sorrow. He’d spent time there as a young child when his mother returned after the first time she’d disappeared, nearly getting lost on his way back home. He’d gone again when she’d run off the second time, never to return. When he won his first event, he’d spent the next afternoon quietly celebrating his triumph with a six-pack of stolen beer. The spot had served its soothing purpose after his dad’s death, and held his frustration and anger at himself when Tucker had gone away. He’d never taken a living soul with him, never shared its special solitude. He wanted Jules to see it.
The Rodeo Rider (Harlequin American Romance) Page 13
