Lady Luck's Cowboy: A Contemporary Western Romance

by Gina Cole

  “I’d like to be there for you. I’ll admit I’m not crazy about seeing you tossed around like a ragdoll.”

  “I hope that is a sign that you care.”

  “I do, a lot.”

  “Good, because I want you to come home with me after the performance if you are ready.” Charlie watched him scoop up his truck keys off the table. She admired the way his jeans sat snug on his hips and found herself very nearly drooling until she realized that he was leaving.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Work on your car tonight, sweetheart, and think about what I said. I mean it when I said the whole package. I want it all.” Stunned that he was leaving, she stood there gaping at him. He got into his truck and turned to smile at her. She could see a smudge of red on his lips where she’d kissed him, making her smile in return. As his truck pulled out of the lot, she felt a distinct vacuum in her life. A void. He brought so much joy to her, so much happiness and so much indecision. Picking up her phone, she called Beth.

  “Tell me I’m not stupid.”

  “If you have to ask…the answer is always a firm, definitive YES.”

  “Then I am a true idiot.”

  “Again, a firm YES.”

  “Har-de-har-har. I called because I think I might be about to make the smartest or stupidest move ever.”

  “I hope this has to do with that hot set of meat and potatoes you landed at the rodeo. By the way, he is a pretty nice guy, too. Not just eye candy. He’s genuinely nice.”

  “FYI, you are a horrible cheater at cards.”

  “So, you saw us?”

  “Hello? Who high fives twice in a row?”

  “I thought it was slick.”

  “It was obvious.”

  “So, what are you doing that is supremely moronic or utterly badass?”

  “I think I am going to ask Mr. Meat and Potatoes to marry me.”

  “I’m on my way over!”

  “Why?”

  “Cause whatever you are on, it must be some good stuff and I could use a buzz.”

  “Beth, I’m not on anything. I genuinely like the guy.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “I can’t imagine not seeing his smile on a daily basis. I realized about ten minutes ago that when he leaves the room, I think the light bulbs are picking up my mojo. They grow dim and I feel like the air isn’t as sweet.”

  “You either have it incredibly bad for him or need electrical issues checked ASAP.”

  “I think my sockets are fine.”

  “I bet your sockets aren’t! I’m thinking your socket needing a big ol hunka-hunka cowboy plugged into it.” Laughing, Charlie smiled.

  “I wanted you to know because if I call you screaming and laughing, he said yes. If I am crying desperately, bring beer and Kleenex.”

  “He won’t say no. The man worships the ground you walk on.”

  “He’s invited us to the rodeo Friday.”

  “Both of us or just you?”

  “Both of us.”

  “Did I mention that I really like him?”

  “You did.”

  “We’ll have to come up with something clever for you to pop the question, since you are thinking of doing it bassackwards. You could wait for him to ask you.”

  “Actually, I have a fantastic idea. Let’s talk and I will show you my new rims for the car.”

  17

  Charlotte was terribly excited. She’d not seen Jack for several days now and was sincerely glad about it. She was certain that if she’d spent time with him, she’d have blabbed all her plans and ruined everything. Tonight would go perfect or as close to it as possible.

  The tickets had arrived in her night drop slot at the garage. It was like he was avoiding her as well. That was okay because she’d not take no for an answer. Let him think he was giving her space when, in fact, he was making it easier on her to plot out their future, including their engagement.

  The rodeo behind the scenes was fascinating. She’d never realized there was so much detail put into cowboys riding a bull or a horse. As she watched Jack work, she realized that he and the other men looked like they were surrounded with piles of laundry. Gear was strewn everywhere. Boots, chaps, and saddles. They were checking condition and inspecting buckles and stitching to make sure it would hold. Jack explained that the last thing any man wanted was to be flung around by the bull and land on the ground, vulnerable.

  “A horse will avoid stepping on you, a bull will run you down,” he muttered. “Sometimes, I think I need my head examined, but it’s addictive, too.” Charlie and Beth stared as the men talked and joked about where they’d been stepped on as they began taping themselves. Jack said it was in order to try to keep from getting injured or excessive wear when they were flung about. She’d seen the scars first hand, traced them with her fingers.

  “Can I help?” Charlie asked. Beth perked up with a wide, devious smile.

  “If she gets to help tape up his body, any of you boys want me to tape you? I’m game!” she called out eagerly. Charlie was floored when Beth was beckoned over by a tall cowboy that had his shirt off in an attempt to bind his ribs. His tanned chest was mottled where he’d been bruised.

  “Beth! Beth!” she whispered hotly and heard Jack laughing behind her.

  “Let her have her fun. Scott’s actually a fairly good guy. She could do much worse in this group, honestly.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’d prefer we not have someone’s wife unloading on Beth because I think Beth would win.”

  “Ahhhh gotcha. Scott is single, therefore safe?”

  “Bingo.”

  “What are they doing?” she asked, staring at several men that were laying across the top of the corrals. “Wont they fall in?”

  “Those guys are riding broncos. Right now, they are tacking up their horses and prepping.”

  “Do you have to do that?”

  “Not tonight. Tonight, I’m bull riding again.”

  “Do you like that?”

  “I prefer it. They are both dangerous. But for me, it’s easier to focus on staying safe. Hooves or horns, I gotta get away. Both are easy to spot but sometimes it’s so fast, it’s tough and you just gotta go with instinct.”

  “Why are you looking to hang up your spurs?”

  “I’m one of the older guys and it’s taking a toll on me. I just don’t enjoy it as much as I once did. Sometimes I’m fine and other days everything hurts. I want to enjoy my downtime and spend it riding another pretty filly,” he said tenderly, stroking her cheek. Charlie blushed furiously at the double entendre.

  “Maybe you’ll get to ride her soon enough,” she whispered, turning her head towards his hand and kissed the inside of his palm on the tape, leaving a red imprint. Just then the loudspeaker crackled above them. It was nearing time for the rodeo to start.

  “Go take your seats and watch for me. I’ve got to finish stretching and I will be over shortly.”

  Nodding, she was surprised to feel Beth take her arm from behind. Her heart hammered in her chest. It was now or never!

  Watching the performance unfurl ahead of her was completely different for Charlotte this time. This time, while there was excitement, there was also surging amounts of love that were barely contained within her. She’d never been more sure in her life of anything. When she told Beth her plans, she’d jumped in wholeheartedly with only a raunchy enthusiasm that Beth could provide. She was amazing, even if she could make a sailor blush. That is part of what made her so lovable and enchanting, you never knew what would be coming out of her mouth.

  Beth had really stepped up to the plate on this one for her and she’d owe her big time if this went off without a hitch. Their seats were very similar to what she’d had before, yet on the far opposite side of the arena. The corral was directly below them. She just hoped it was where Jack would be performing out of.

  Her blood was racing with excitement as she mentally ticked off everything in her head. Same d
ress she’d worn when she met him, check.

  Same boots.

  Hair braided in two French braids, but instead of leaving it plain, Beth was currently stabbing sprigs of baby’s breath in her hair as fast as humanly possible in the women’s restroom and barking angrily, asking if anyone had any hairspray.

  “Seriously? Don’t you eighties wannabe women have a can of Aqua Net in that bag? I mean, we are prepping for something serious!”

  “Beth, stop. If you have to do without, it’s going to be gorgeous anyways.”

  “It’s not every day my girl pops the question to a guy.”

  “No, and I don’t plan on doing this again. It’s hell on my nerves.”

  “Yours? I have been waiting for lightning to strike me down all week!”

  Giggling, they hugged and then Beth fussed with the flowers again. Charlotte turned and looked in the mirror under the fluorescent lights. Her face was stark pale against the bright white tile of the bathroom and the flowers danced all around her face. She looked about as bridal as anyone could without any real notice.

  “Are you wearing something blue?”

  “Oh my gosh, no…” she gasped and then laughed hysterically as Beth yanked out a blue thong from her purse. It was completely trashy and had “BRIDE” sequined on the front of it. “Old and borrowed are my boots. New is the flowers. Something blue you can consider a shower gift as well as a good luck charm.”

  Yanking the tags off, she grinned as Beth held open the bathroom stall door for her. Giggling nervously as reality began to hit her, she yanked off her underwear and threw them in the trash can. Pulling on the teeny blue panties, she ignored how snug they were and, instead, pictured Jack seeing them for the first time.

  “God give me strength,” she whispered aloud and stepped out of the stall. Beth handed her a tiny sample bottle of whiskey.

  “I don’t know about strength, but in case your nerves need fortifying, use this. Charlie, meet Jack in liquid form. Ewww, that sounded nasty,” she said making a face. “Let’s try that again. Drink up for when Jack goes down. No, no, no. That’s not right either.”

  “Give me that and shut up,” she snorted and quickly drank the shot of whiskey. “I swear, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “Well it would certainly be a lot less fun.”

  “True.”

  “We had better go or you are going to miss your man’s entrance.”

  The two women linked arms and headed into the arena. Sure enough, the crowd was getting to its feet for the National Anthem. They immediately came to a halt and held their hands over their chests until it was over, resuming their rush to take their seats. Charlie watched as Jack and several other cowboys walked out, waving their hats at the crowd before taking their places. Clowns and horses ran around the enlarged arena much to the delight of the audience.

  Charlie saw Jack cross to the other side and swallowed hard as the announcer came over the intercom.

  “Folks, we are having a slight change of plans. If you will give us a minute or two before we begin…”

  “You are up, Bridezilla.”

  “I don’t think I can stand, my knees are knocking so hard.”

  “Girl, get up! You have got to get this marrying thing over with and then you can knock boots later. Trust me, once you get it out of your system, it will be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Now, get up because here come Jack and Scott the stud muffin.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. UP!”

  Charlie got to her feet and quickly grabbed the metal tubing that served as a railing to separate the crowd from the arena. Jack quickly climbed up the chute, looking alarmed.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m great, why?”

  “Scott told me you were ill and it was an emergency.”

  “Dude,” Scott interrupted with a grin splitting his face. “I freakin’ lied to get a date with her friend. Wednesday night, Beth?”

  “You betcha, sweet cheeks,” she said saucily and cleared her throat. She whipped a handkerchief from her pocket and waved it up in the air, giving a signal.

  “Folks, we have a treat for you all tonight if I could have your attention.”

  “What’s going on?” Jack asked, his face looking more confused than ever. “Charlie, you look gorgeous with flowers in your hair, darling.”

  “I wanted to relive my happiest moment tonight,” she began and found her eyes were watering with unshed tears as she poured out her soul in front of him. Beth was handed a microphone from someone nearby and promptly shoved it in her face.

  “Go ahead,” she coached, and Charlie nodded.

  “As I was saying, I wanted to relive the happiest moment in my life. The moment I met you. I was here, wearing this dress and these boots, scared to death as I watched the most gorgeous man I have ever seen smile at me. I’m still scared to death,” she admitted with a nervous giggle.

  “Charlie, honey. You don’t have to do this.”

  “Hush!” Beth glared at him. “Don’t you dare stop her. This needs to be said.”

  “Jack, you asked me where I wanted to be in a month from now. In five years from now. I want to be with you.”

  His smile gave her the courage to go on as the entire arena grew silent, listening to every word. She felt herself stand tall, bravely, and spoke even louder. “I can’t imagine not having you in my life. You are everything to me. My happiness, my laughter, the very air I breathe. Jack Seguin we’ve had a crazy whirlwind romance and, while it’s a freaky fast rollercoaster, it’s MY rollercoaster and I want to ride it with you.”

  “Let me clarify that for the parents out there: Charlie wants to ride a rollercoaster, not Jack. Well, she wants to ride Jack, too, but that comes later.” The silence at Beth’s callous words was quickly followed by a roar of laughter from the crowd causing both Jack and Charlie to blush fiercely.

  “I want that, too,” Jack announced, grinning from ear to ear. “I want both. The rollercoaster of our life and you, Charlotte English. I want you.”

  “Jack, will you marry me?”

  “Only if you marry me first,” he retorted and pulled out a small velvet box from a zippered pocket inside of his vest that still gaped open. He held open the box for her. She took a look inside and smiled, pulling her hand out from behind her back. Holding her fingers up, she revealed two small thin circlets of gold.

  “Well, good thing there is a newly ordained minister here, yo! The internet rocks!” Beth hollered loudly in the microphone in order to work the crowd. “Am I right? If you want to see these two get married, clap your hands!”

  Charlie was stunned by the enthusiasm around them. Jack leaned forward and cupped his hand behind her neck, pulling her to him for a kiss. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too.”

  “You sure about this? There is no backing out if we get married right now. I thought you might want an engagement period.”

  “Nope. I want you as my husband.”

  “Then you’ve got me, love.”

  “Scotty McStudmuffin! C’mon up here and sign as a witness for us because we are about to get some proper nuptials stuff a-going.”

  Clearing her throat, Beth politely officiated a quick ceremony between Jack and Charlotte. It shocked her that her friend was so cultured when it came to serious stuff. No vulgar comments, no crude words. It was perfect and heartfelt.

  It wasn’t anything normal or extraordinary, but it was definitely different. The bride and groom were separated by a corral that held a bull that waited impatiently to be let out. They held hands the entire time over the expanse until it came to the “I dos”. Jack then climbed over and jumped the fence to be beside her. Pulling her into his arms, she felt herself being dipped backwards as he kissed her thoroughly.

  “I sure do love you, Mrs. Seguin.”

  “Don’t you have some bull riding to do, mister?” she teased lovingly, tracing the smear of red across his lips happily marking her territory
. He nipped at her fingertip with a grin.

  “Yes, ma’am, I sure do. I’ve got a lot of work to do today if I intend to keep my bride happy.”

  “Oh, she’s happy, as long as you are.”

  “Wife, I am thrilled.”

  “No regrets?”

  “Nary a one, love.”

  “You two are too much,” Beth teased, but there was a hint of envy in her voice that Charlie caught causing her to glance over. As she straightened up, Jack dropped a quick kiss on her lips yet again and she swatted him on the butt appreciatively as he climbed back over the railing. That was her man, her husband.

  Shocked, she watched as Beth marched right over to where Scott was standing with his back to the audience, his hands looped over the railing. Beth tapped his shoulder and locked lips with the surprised man before he fell to the ground below. Charlie ran over to where Beth was leaning, hearing Jack laughing in the background and spotted several clowns rush over to help the man.

  “That was for luck! I thought you were supposed to be good for longer than eight seconds, buster! You’d better be much better than that on Wednesday!” Beth challenged and dusted off her hands, taking her seat primly with a satisfied smile on her face.

  A wolfish smile.

  Charlie recognized that look as she’d seen the same intense look on Jack’s face when he’d made love to her. It was a look of possession and complete fascination. She was willing to bet that there would be more excitement in town than just the news of their rushed marriage. She was so glad that she’d gotten up the courage to set up the impromptu wedding and was touched that Jack had a ring waiting for her as well. No rules, no games, just be in love.

  Scott had no idea what was heading his way.

  You can read more about Beth and Scott in the next book, Bucking Tradition.

  Bucking Tradition

  Beth Lanham is a wild child. Aggressive, outlandish , and forward, she tackles life head on – that is, until a sexy bronco rider throws her for a loop. The moment she meets Scott, she is out to knock his socks off , but instead nearly knocks him out. One heated kiss has him falling head over heels (literally) straight into the arena.