Reunited with the Bull Rider

by Christine Wenger

  Every time she’d watched Reed ride, she’d held her breath for eight seconds.

  “I just want everyone to be safe. With my brothers. football, baseball and basketball are their sports, but they like football the best. I told you they received full scholarships. That’s a blessing.”

  “Very impressive. Notre Dame and USC. They didn’t want to go the same school?”

  “No,” Mrs. Wainright answered. “They thought that they should have their own identities in college. They said they were tired of being called the Wainright Twins. But I don’t have a doubt in my mind that they will miss one another.”

  Callie put her hand on her mother’s shoulder. “And we’ll miss them terribly, won’t we, Mom?”

  “We sure will.”

  Joe was ready to kick the ball for three points and Callie whistled and called his name. Then she remained silent and held her breath. She knotted her hands together and gripped them tightly. Mrs. Wainright remained silent, her eyes never leaving the field. Callie looked like she was going to burst. That is, until Joe scored right over the goal post.

  Later, when John had the football and was sprinting across the field toward the posts, Callie repeated the same ritual. This time, mother and daughter gripped hands. Automatically, Callie reached for Reed’s hand.

  Reed looked down at their hands. Her hands were delicate and smooth. His were rough and callused from bull riding. She wore a pale green-stoned ring that had drifted to the side. He moved it back in place with a finger.

  This was what he liked—holding Callie’s hand. He felt comfortable in Callie’s little family and seeing how much she adored her mother reminded him of his own family, too. It was times like this when he missed his mother, and his father, too. Maybe someday, Dan would come around. Without taking her eyes from the game, Callie quietly said, “Green peridot from Arizona. Birthstone. August.”

  Callie gripped his hand tighter as her brother was outrunning the other team and was mere feet from the end zone.

  As hard as she gripped, Callie could never beat the strength of a bull rope, sticky with rosin, wrapped around his fingers and wedged into the handle. He liked the feeling. But feeling Callie’s soft hand in his, well...he could stay like this forever.

  Suddenly, Callie let out a scream that would send a herd of buffalos over in Yellowstone running for Canada. As John scored, Callie jumped up and down on the bleachers and screamed even more. They still held hands.

  Reed saw that Mrs. Wainright had sat down, smiling and out of breath. When it seemed she noticed their clenched hands, she raised an eyebrow, smiled at Reed and nodded as if she approved. She then excused herself and mumbled something about the concession stand.

  “Okay, Mom.”

  Callie raised her hand and Reed’s came with it. She stared, her eyes opening wide in surprise. Then she frowned and pulled away. He half expected her to wipe her palm on her jeans.

  “Oh. Sorry,” she said softly. “When did you—”

  “Oh, no, sweetheart. You grabbed my hand first.”

  “I didn’t.”

  “Oh, yes, you did. And there’s no need to apologize.” Reed quirked an eyebrow and whispered, “Was it good for you?”

  The corners of her mouth turned up in a smile and he wondered what it would be like feel those luscious lips pressed against his again.

  She rolled her eyes.

  Reed rubbed his hands together as if proud of himself. “I still got it, don’t I?”

  She took a deep breath. “I’d bet that you never lost it.”

  “Care to find out?”

  * * *

  CALLIE PUT HER hands on her hips. “Quit flirting with me, Reed. I don’t have the time for such craziness.”

  He stared into her eyes. “Where have I heard that before?”

  “I know. I know. I’ve told you a million times, but it hasn’t sunk in.”

  He took his hat off and pointed to his thick black hair with a touch of curl at the ends. “We bull riders have hard heads.”

  “Your head must be the hardest of all.”

  “Ouch.” He raised a finger and pointed it at her. “You’re the one who put your hand in mine. That’s why we’re having this discussion.”

  His eyes twinkled and the tone of his voice told her that he was kidding.

  Two could play at this game.

  “Reed, how would I know for sure that I took your hand first?”

  “Because I said so, and I don’t lie.”

  “But how would I know for sure?”

  Reed turned his head up to the sky, as if praying. “There is no way to know for sure. I’m just asking you to believe me.”

  “Humph.”

  “Callie, we didn’t have sex on these bleachers, for heaven’s sake. We only held hands.”

  “And now my mother thinks we’re dating.”

  “Your mother still approves of me dating you, and I like her. A lot. She’s a courageous lady.”

  “She approves of... What did you say?”

  “That she approves of me dating you. She nodded at me and grinned.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, is this a conspiracy against me? Read my lips—we are not dating, cowboy.” She took a deep breath then let it out. “I’ll talk to Mom. We’ll sort this all out.”

  “There’s nothing to sort out, Callie. You grabbed my hand in excitement.” He rubbed her back. “I wonder what else you do when you’re excited. Never mind, I remember.”

  His large hand was warm as his fingers traced a circle, small at first, then large, then back to small until he stopped. However he didn’t remove it.

  Callie sat motionless as the heat branded her back. She stole a glance at Reed, who was watching the game. Of all the time to watch a football game, this was not it.

  The game faded from her sight and hearing. She tried not to notice the heat of his hand on her back, the smell of his aftershave, the closeness of his strong body.

  One slight turn of her head and their lips would be touching. She had to break away and now, before things got too serious.

  “Go, Wainrights! Yeah, Bobcats!” She jumped to her feet and yelled as loud as she possibly could, “Bobcats rule!” She expected that the thinning crowd would cheer along, but instead they all turned to stare at her.

  Finally she looked at the field.

  Empty.

  The game was over and, according to the scoreboard, the Bobcats had lost by three points.

  What was she doing? All she knew was that her mind wasn’t where it should be and that Reed was driving her crazy.

  Suddenly, Reed jumped to his feet and clapped. “Yeah, Bobcats! Great game, Bobcats! Go, Bobcats!”

  Her savior.

  She smiled at Reed in gratitude. Okay, maybe he wasn’t such an inconvenience, and he was kind of fun to have around. He was right—she needed some fun—and he certainly was fun.

  It would be so easy to fall for him again. Or maybe he’d always been there in the back of her mind. Maybe she couldn’t give her all to her past relationships, and perhaps they realized that someone else was always in the back of her heart and mind.

  And that someone was Reed.

  She was so preoccupied that she didn’t see her mother return to the bleachers.

  “Reed, Callie, would you like to join us for ice cream at the Ice Palace?” she asked. “Most of the team is going and there’s a blanket invitation to the fans.”

  “I really can’t, Mom. I have way too much—”

  “We’d love to join you,” Reed said. “Callie was just saying that she’s in the mood for ice cream.”

  “Great.”

  Callie raised an eyebrow. She should be mad that he was making decisions for her, but the thought of ice cream made her mouth water. “Sure, I’d love to go.”

  “I’ll rid
e with your brothers and you two can go together, of course.” Her mother giggled—and she never giggled. In spite of her health, she almost skipped away.

  “I’m beginning to think that your mother is trying to get us together,” Reed said.

  Callie shook her head. “She wouldn’t.”

  “Okay. Whatever you say.”

  Callie thought about how her mother had been acting during the game and had a sinking feeling in her stomach. “Oh, shoot. Maybe she is. I’ll have a talk with her.”

  “Don’t bother. It’s kind of fun.”

  “It’s not fun for me,” Callie said.

  “Callie—”

  “Before you talk, I know you’re going to tell me that I should have more fun, but this is the kind that I can do without.”

  They started to walk to Callie’s SUV, and she pointed. “Reed, how about if I drive the car closer to that bench over there? You must be getting tired with those crutches. Go sit down.”

  “I can walk it.”

  “Okay.” She should have known. He was a tough bull rider.

  By the time they reached her SUV, he was sweating and breathing hard.

  He turned to Callie. “It’s been a long day, my knee is killing me and I need a break from these crutches. I see what the doc means about putting my feet up.”

  “We can skip the ice cream and I’ll take you home instead.”

  “But we agreed to go,” he said. “I’ll be okay as soon as I sit down for a while.”

  Callie could see the lines of pain on his forehead and she worried all over again for him. He was always so strong and to see a dent in his armor worried her. She opened the passenger-side door and held it open for him. Holding out her hand, she took his crutches, so he could get in.

  “Thanks, Callie.”

  “No problem.”

  As she got into the SUV, she said, “Are you sure you are up for ice cream?”

  “Large chocolate in a cone. No sprinkles.”

  She started the engine. “I’ll get it for you. Anything else?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d love a bottle of water. Ice cream always makes me thirsty.”

  “Me, too!” she said. “I wonder why.”

  “Beats me.”

  If an ice cream place could be an iconic location, the Ice Palace was the one in Beaumont. There was a big black-and-white plastic cow on the roof. The three windows for ordering were located in the base of a huge vanilla cone. The top of the cone was shaped like a huge mound of ice cream that ended in a point with a little drooping curlicue. It was...cute and left no doubt to the imagination as to what the place was selling.

  Reed chuckled. “When I was a kid, and Big Dan was coaching, we used to go to the Ice Palace after every game. Some coaches took their players out when they won, but my father’s thinking was that as long as we tried hard, we deserved ice cream.”

  “Good thinking on his part.”

  “Yeah. I’ve been putting off seeing him again. He’s cranky and not like his old self. It’s like a kick in the gut by a half-ton bull.”

  Callie sighed. “I’m really sorry about your dad. All of Beaumont liked Big Dan until...until...”

  “Until he started boozing and fighting in bars?”

  “Well, yes.” She nodded, putting the SUV in gear. “How is he doing?”

  “Big Dan is now Little Dan. He’s a shadow of what he used to look like, but he’s been doing okay in rehab. Matty Matthews is his probation officer, and he’s keeping a tight rein on him, but Big Dan always manages to get leave and look the ranch over.”

  She snapped her fingers. “Oh, I forgot to tell you that Matty wants me to go to the bank for your father on occasion.”

  “I’m sorry, Callie. I could have done it if it wasn’t for a certain bull who held a grudge for riding him in the past.” Callie chuckled, turned out of the parking lot and aimed her SUV toward the Ice Palace.

  Excitement shot through her. She didn’t want the evening to end. Maybe she could use more fun in her life. And Reed was fun.

  She arrived at the Ice Palace and found her brothers pointing to a parking space at the front. Smoothly, she pulled into it.

  Callie opened the door then turned back to Reed. “You might want to sit here and relax. I’ll stand in line.”

  “And miss all the fun? No way!” He exited the vehicle and hobbled over to stand at the back of the line.

  “Hey, it’s Reed Beaumont!”

  Soon Reed was encircled by high schoolers and their parents. Pens and papers appeared for autographs. One tall redhead pulled up her T-shirt and wanted him to sign her tanned, flat stomach. Her navel was pierced with a diamond, winking at him, at everyone.

  Was she ever that young and did she ever act that inappropriately?

  “Sorry, honey. I don’t sign body parts.” He shook his head. As far as Callie was concerned, Reed just went up a rung on her ladder. Maybe three.

  A huge man approached wearing a Sooners hoodie. “What’s going on here, Lina?”

  She smoothed her top down and walked backward a couple of feet. “Nothing, Daddy. I just wanted Reed Beaumont’s autograph.”

  She was Lina Capria? Callie remembered babysitting her on occasion. How time flew!

  Reed held out his hand to shake Lina’s father’s hand. “That’s all we’re doing here, sir. Talking. And I’m signing autographs for those who want one.”

  “Add one for me.” He shook Reed’s hand. “I’m a fan of yours. All of Beaumont is.”

  Callie dug in her purse, found a little spiral notebook and handed it to Reed.

  He smiled at her, scribbled his name on one of the pages, tore it off and handed it to Lina. Then he signed one for her father.

  “Thanks, Reed,” Lina said, sending him a kiss through pursed lips. No wonder her father kept her on a short leash.

  With that, father and daughter disappeared somewhere into another line.

  Reed turned to Callie and whispered, “Do you have any body parts you’d like to have signed?”

  “Nope.”

  Her mother, in the next line, waved her over.

  “I’ll be right back, Reed. I’m going to talk to my mother.”

  He nodded and went back to talking to his fans.

  “Callie, I just wanted to tell you that it’s good to good to see you dating again, honey.”

  “I’m not dating, Mom. It’s not a good time for me.”

  “Reed is still perfect for you. I always thought that you two should get together.”

  “Oh, Mom.” She didn’t want to discuss her dating life—or lack thereof—with her mother.

  “I’ve always liked Reed.”

  “Mom, you’ve liked every man that I’ve dated.”

  “No. Reed’s different.” She put a hand on Callie’s shoulder. “Honey, I want grandchildren while I’m still able to enjoy them.”

  Callie would like nothing better than to have a bunch of kids, but she wanted to find the right man to raise them with her. It wasn’t Mike McBride, Noah Young or Jack Cummings, that’s for sure.

  Was Reed that man?

  Chapter Five

  “Reed, uh...did you arrive with my sister?” Joe Wainright asked, as soon as Reed’s fans disbursed.

  “I was just going to ask the same question,” John Wainright said.

  Reed could tell them apart only because their first names were embroidered on the visors of their ball caps.

  The Wainright Twins stood in front of him, a six-foot-three-inch wall of athletic strength. They’d do well playing college football.

  “Your sister has been driving me around. I can’t drive, so she’s been helping me. You might say, too, that I am one of her clients in her business. We went to the game, and then your mother invited us for ice cream. Is there a problem?”

>   “Callie has been hurt, dude,” John said. “A lot.”

  “We don’t want her hurt anymore,” added Joe.

  “Listen, I don’t plan on hurting Callie. I know you love her, but here’s where I tell you to butt out. Enough said?”

  The brothers looked at each other and something passed between them. Joe turned to him. “Yeah. Enough said.”

  Reed held out his hand and, without hesitation, they each took it and shook. It seemed as though the brothers had accepted him, but they had let him know that they were keeping an eye on him. He’d do the same, if he’d had a sister. Then they went back to their teammates.

  A space became available at a picnic table and Reed sat and waited.

  Finally, Callie arrived and handed him a large chocolate ice cream on a cone. He took a long lick.

  “Yee-haw!” he said. “Delicious. It’s been a long time since I’ve had Ice Palace chocolate. I’ve gone to other places in my travels, but this stuff is the best. I’m addicted to their ice cream.”

  Callie had a bowl of vanilla loaded with colorful sprinkles. “It is divine.”

  “I wish I could order this wherever I’m riding.”

  “You can’t. You’d have to move back to Beaumont to get it.”

  “Ice Palace chocolate is a good incentive to set down roots as any, huh?”

  Callie put her plastic spoon down and stared off into the night sky. “Roots. They’re very important,” she said softly.

  Reed knew exactly what she was thinking as she added, “Like I said before, it’s no secret that my father had a gambling problem, and we kept being evicted. Many of the people we rented from were wonderful—some of them are here right now. They were generous and patient, but we always knew when it was time to find another place. After a while, no one really wanted to rent to us, but because of the kindness of the Beaumont people who knew that my mother was fighting cancer, and I was trying to get my business going, they continued to help us.”

  Tears misted her eyes and Reed wished he could have helped her, too.

  He’d had no idea. She’d been struggling to keep a roof over her family’s head and he’d been off riding bulls and having a great time. If he’d failed, he’d still have a roof over his head, even though Hurricane Daphne and Big Dan had had other ideas.