Want Me, Cowboy

by Sinclair Jayne

  And then he kissed her and Tanner totally melted into the kiss, forgetting Kane was steps away and Colt was watching. The whole rodeo crew was still perched on the fence waiting for the next bull and rider.

  Parker was hopping around like a demented frog chanting, “Gross. Gross. Gross.” And then. “Uncle Luke, that’s so totally cool you’re like spurting blood all over Tanner. It’s like a video game mom won’t let me watch.”

  She woke up out of her daze. “Luke,” she whispered, touching the sticky wetness and then looking up at the cut over his brow where the butterfly bandage she’d placed Thursday afternoon hung loose and useless.

  He laughed. “Guess I lost the bet and owe you dinner. Gonna have to take you up on your offer of stitches.”

  It took her a moment to remember their bet in her barn when she’d told him the bandage wouldn’t last. She felt like a completely different person. A person who couldn’t imagine another day without this man in it.

  Tanner was barely able to peel herself off Luke long enough for him to take off his shirt. She winced at the bruises, but that was nothing compared to Colt pulling him up straight while Kane tightly wrapped his ribs with a cool efficiency that demonstrated just how often he’d done this, probably on himself and on others. Then he wrapped Luke’s elbow and wrist. It was his hold hand, and Tanner’s heart sank to her boots.

  “I’m not sure about this,” she whispered.

  “Aren’t you supposed to be rooting for the bull?” Josh and Jorge teased.

  Tanner didn’t take her eyes off Luke.

  “There will be other rodeos,” she whispered.

  “But I’m here today.”

  She nodded. She got it. She’d grown up with and worked side by side with cowboys.

  “With you.” He slid a finger under her chin and tilted her face up to his and kissed her sweetly.

  Tanner willed herself not to cry. He was tough and she had to follow suit.

  “You want to do the honors or me?” Kane asked, holding up a needle and thread for stiches.

  “Give it here,” she said. “You’d probably do a bad job just to cut down on the competition for women.”

  “Think my brother’s just taken his ass off the market, so more for me. And, Parker, you did not hear that.”

  “I did. I did hear it. You look like a pirate, Uncle Luke.”

  “Good. That was my second career choice.”

  Tanner felt like she was doing a good job channeling her tough, inner cowgirl as they finished bandaging Luke so he could stand up and flex his wrist without seeing stars and nearly toppling over. Yeah, she was good, until the bull draw came and it was the unfortunately accurately named bull she’d let Josh, in a moment of half drunken, all sleep-deprived madness, name Blitzkrieg.

  “No,” she whispered. “He’s a one hundred percenter,” she said, pressing her face against Luke’s neck before having to let go because he was announced.

  “Not anymore.” Luke winked and mounted the fence.

  Watched the bull angrily try to maneuver out of the pen before dropping down on him and getting his hand in position.

  “Just eight seconds. Think of it as really fast sex like the kind you had as a teenager.” Kane called down over the jostling and terse commands of the men pinning the bull into position.

  “I’m not staying on for two hours,” Luke shouted.

  Kane laughed and dropped down next to Colt and Tanner.

  Colt shook his head, his hands over Parker’s ears.

  “That’s our brother, hard ass all the way.”

  Colt did a double take, and it finally sank in to Tanner that Luke had been dealing with some pretty heavy baggage himself this weekend learning about Colt so abruptly. One more tally in his long positive column where as she had come up short. Really, really short.

  “Let’s go watch.” Parker grabbed her hand, and all four of them ran to the fence so they could see most of the arena through a gap.

  Tanner bit her lip and counted the ticking seconds as the announcer re-announced Luke, reminded the crowd he was in first place and new to the Copper Mountain Rodeo and to give him a hand. And the crowd did. Up on their feet. Cheering. Whistles. She loved Marietta and all the people in it.

  And Tanner felt a burst of pride so strong it nearly swamped her. And then she heard the familiar slide of metal and Blitzkreig, true to his name, shot out of the chute like a bullet and proceeded to thrash and twist and jump and ricochet all around the arena as if demonstrating to the crowd an example of a kick-ass ride, guaranteed to toss off any cowboy daring to try to stick it on his broad back. Only her cowboy, left arm high, body loose and fluid, stayed on and on. The buzzer couldn’t be heard over the roar of the crowd, but finally the announcer calling out the Copper Mountain Seventy-Eighth Annual Rodeo had a new bull-riding champion, Luke Wilder, seemed to penetrate.

  Luke hopped off and his eyes went from Blitzkrieg, who continued to run for a bit and charge at the clowns, to her. He mouthed something she couldn’t hear, but his smile, and the heat in his eyes curled her toes and told her everything she needed to know.

  Then he clamored up the fence like he hadn’t been bashed up twenty minutes earlier and she met him at the top.

  “That was crazy stupid.” She breathed as their lips met.

  “I got a date out of it.”

  “Yeah. Me, too.” She continued to press kisses against his mouth and his jawline while her fingers wrapped hard around the railing so she’d remember he was injured and wouldn’t grab him somewhere where it could hurt. “I’m falling in love with you, Luke Wilder,” she whispered forehead resting against his, their breath mingling.

  “Only falling?” he asked and then he dropped down on her side of the fence, taking her with him so they landed on their feet facing each other. “I definitely need to do better than that.”

  “Don’t think it’s going to pose much of a challenge for you,” she said breathlessly, her words nearly smothered by the announcer and the crowd’s cheers.

  It was then she realized there was a line of people waiting to congratulate Luke, and he needed to go back into the arena for his interview, pictures, prize, and he wasn’t going to be hers for a bit longer.

  “You want to catch up later?” she asked. “Um, after.” She waved her hand to indicate everything he still needed to do, and what she had to do. Her work today was far from coming to a close, even with a skilled and hard-working crew she trusted. And she knew winners of rodeo events didn’t just say “thanks” and take off.

  “Rather catch up now,” he said, kissing her hard before turning away, jamming his hat down a little lower on his head. Then he turned back and the way he looked with his Stetson, sharp cheekbones, jutting jaw, and sensuous mouth flipped her heart. “Is it selfish for me to ask if you can wait for me?” His fingers trailed down her arm and tangled with her fingers.

  “No.” She held on to him tightly and could barely swallow around the lump of joy. “I’d love to.”

  *

  There was so much he wanted to say to Tanner, but most of it had to wait. He collected his prize, completed an interview with the local paper, and attended a short meet and greet with the county 4-H clubs, boy scouts and other locals. That had not been as socially strenuous as it usually was because Tanner had made the rounds with him, easily chatting, and casually slipping her arm around his waist.

  It was the first time he’d felt part of a couple, and he could see why so many of his rodeo peers settled down after their first few wild years of playing the field. The idea of settling down with one woman began to take deeper root as Luke watched Tanner’s soft, creamy cheeks, liberally dusted with freckles he never got tired of watching, glow with her enthusiasm. Her eyes sparkled and her slim, taut arms lent him strength. Even the idea of settling in Marietta no longer seemed distasteful. The few casual inquiries about any relation to Sam Wilder and Wild Wind Ranch were easily deflected, and he was starting to believe that even in Marietta he could be his ow
n man.

  All he’d ever wanted. To live life on his terms. And now that goal included Tanner McTavish.

  As they made the rounds, it soon became harder to hide the extent of his injuries from both Tanner and his brothers. Brothers. He tested the word, and it no longer felt so foreign on his tongue. But now that the adrenalin and emotional rush of his win began to ebb, it became a challenge to stand straight. The ache in his ribs thrummed through his entire body making him ill, and the pain radiating from his wrist and elbow howled.

  Tanner stole his hat, plopped it on her head, and then brushed his hair back from his forehead.

  Then she smiled at head of the Chamber of Commerce, Jane Weiss. “Another wonderfully successful rodeo, Jane. Once again, you and the rodeo committee and chamber have really showcased our town and highlighted so many wonderful athletes, but Luke and I need to head out. I believe I heard something about dinner.”

  Smiling, she didn’t wait for a reply but steered him out towards the parking lot. “I’ll drive,” she said. “You want to come?” she asked Kane and Colt.

  “Only if we’re taking this clumsy cowboy to the ER,” Kane said, falling into step with her.

  “You know it.”

  “I am not going to the ER,” Luke said firmly, which would have carried more weight, perhaps, if he hadn’t staggered and Kane helped to hold him up.

  “I like it better when she helps.” He grumbled. “But I’m not going to the ER.”

  “Don’t make me toss your ass in my truck like our dog, Dude,” Colt said. “Because I will and laugh about it later over a beer.”

  Luke lacked the energy to do any more than think about flipping him off, but there was Parker to consider. Shit. He was now an uncle. And a younger brother. And he had a girlfriend. And a shiny new buckle and his first Montana win.

  “Best weekend ever,” he murmured as Tanner helped him into the backseat of the truck so he could lie down if he wanted.

  Tanner laughed “You think that’s something, cowboy, just wait until I throw you an after party.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “This is not my first choice for a mea culpa,” Tanner said softly, sliding her hand into Luke’s. “It’s an appropriate setting, but the hospital would have been better for you.”

  His fingers stroked her inner wrist the only indication that he was still awake. Tanner leaned up to look at him better.

  He was so still and she swallowed. “Luke?”

  “I’m awake,” he said softly. “And the hospital would have sucked. This way we’re alone.”

  Except for an agitated Halo, who was still nervously chuffing and shuffling about in the stall, but between going with Luke to the ER and waiting in agonized nervousness for the results of his X-rays and trying to check on Honey and coordinate by phone with Jorge and Josh, starting to load up the bulls without her, Tanner didn’t feel like she could be away from the ranch, especially with Halo in such emotional circumstances. At least physically the horse was fine. Talon had reassured her over and over, and Noah Sullivan had swung by tonight as well.

  Tanner had been unable to speak with Honey, but she’d been asked by one of the nurses to provide updates on the horse.

  “Not exactly the Graff though.” He mused, his eyes still closed.

  “Ugh.” She snuggled closer in the camp chair and adjusted the fleece blanket over him. “Don’t remind me. I really blew that opportunity. It was like I was fourteen again. Instead of a scarlet letter ‘A’ I should have to wear an ‘I’ for insecure much for an entire month.”

  “Maybe a year,” Luke said.

  His lips twitched.

  “Luke,” she whispered, her finger lightly tracing his collarbone, visible in the V of his shirt.

  She needed to touch him but was so afraid of hurting him. She’d seen him without his shirt in the ER, and he was covered, just covered, in bruises. How he’d managed to roll away from Dervish’s hooves and hop the fence and then fifteen minutes later hold on for a full eight on Blitzkrieg she didn’t know.

  “I promise to never, ever do that again.”

  “What part, cowgirl? There are some parts of this weekend I definitely want to repeat on an infinite loop.”

  She gently smoothed his hair back from his forehead, tracing his widow’s peak over and over with a shaking finger, thrilled that other than the cracked ribs and hairline fracture in his wrist he was fine.

  “My allele doing okay?”

  “Luke. Don’t joke.” She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. “I’m trying to apologize for being such an idiot. I promise I will never again shut you out like that without letting you explain, especially when you are competing. I was overreacting and insecure and it was completely unfair to you.”

  Dangerous.

  Kane had been right to be so angry with her. She still couldn’t think about their exchange without flushing with shame. He’d been looking out for his brother and she’d been looking out for her pride, nursing a hurt born so many years ago.

  His eyes opened and again she was caught in his heated honey stare. She could look at him all night. All the rest of her life.

  “You weren’t an idiot,” he said. “I should have told you. I didn’t realize your sister was Tucker T until Kane told me after he interrupted us in the trailer. By that time I’d already realized you had a bit of a rivalry or bad blood or whatever with her. Our attraction was so new, and I had never felt like that before. You really did a number on me, Tanner McTavish. I could barely remember my name. I had planned to keep it casual until I told you but then at my trailer you opened the bathroom door naked and…”

  “I was not shy that night.” She cuddled closer to him in the camp chair, but was careful, not wanting to jar his ribs or his injured arm. “I was actually trying to be bold like my sister. Take what I wanted and, Luke, I wanted you. I want you.”

  It took all her self-restraint to not bury her face in his chest. To hold on and never let go.

  “I could have lost you.” Her voice broke and the tears flowed freely.

  “Not a chance.” His voice was deep and his arms around her strong. “I have you. I’m not going to blow it now.”

  Tanner leaned over him, unable to resist. She kissed him, a whisper of a kiss, afraid of hurting him, but his uninjured arm snaked around her, splaying on her back to pull her in closer and deepen the kiss. Tanner moaned.

  “Oh, my God! Get a room!” Tucker came around the corner, lugging a thermos, sleeping bag, lantern, and tote. “You two are making me ill.”

  Tanner sprang away from Luke and Tucker laughed.

  “Not like I don’t know what’s up.” She rolled her eyes and plopped down everything next to Halo’s stall.

  “Did you finally get an update on Honey.”

  “I got more than that.” Tucker smirked. “I snuck into her room and I think that doc Sean Gallagher was doing more than a medical examination if you know what I mean.”

  “Tucker, not everything is about sex.” Tanner was horrified.

  The look Tucker shot her and Luke could have curdled rubber.

  “Says you. Honey’s going to be fine. She’ll need time, but she’ll ride again.” Tucker closed her eyes and sucked in a breath.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Tanner asked.

  “I tell you everything,” Tucker said coolly, pulling on a fleece vest.

  The emphasis was on “I” and Tanner didn’t miss it. Damn, Tucker was prickly, and Tanner just felt too raw and emotional to deal with it.

  “Get the hell out of here. I have a date with a horse.”

  “But Halo is my responsibility.”

  “Sitting in a barn in a camp chair when the temp’s going to dip down low isn’t good for broken bones or for true confessions so stop being a martyr, and you stop thinking you’re Supergirl. You got a bedroom here.”

  “Yuck. Dad’s across the hall and old fashioned.”

  “Never stopped me.”

  Tanner knew. She’d had to
sleep on the couch more than once because of Tucker’s late night adventures since they shared a room until Tanner had left for college. Luke was looking uncomfortable, but whether it was all injury related or partially Tucker related, she didn’t know, but the adrenalin must be long gone, and he wasn’t due for pain meds for another hour.

  “I can fix you something to eat,” she told him.

  “Got it.” Tucker handed them a tote. “Picnic. Go to Luke’s trailer. That at least has a…ahhh…” Tucker seemed to gather her thoughts, and Tanner realized she’d been braced, holding her breath. “Before you start in on me about responsibility, Talon is coming over tomorrow to check on Halo and Noah Sullivan is coming over before noon so we are done here. Tucker T out.” She made an explosion sound and mimed dropping a microphone.

  Tanner didn’t need to be told twice. She was not proud of the fact, but she really didn’t want to sit in a small space with Luke and her sister. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust his feelings were real, but they were new and hopefully growing and she didn’t need to expose him to Tucker in such a potent dose again.

  She needed to get over that. She kicked herself. Definitely get over it, but not tonight. She took the tote and planned to help Luke to his feet, but he was already up, his features tight and hard to read. His arm was in a sling and his ribs had a medical brace wrapped around them. She tried not to hover, knowing cowboys were tough and when they were around their women even tougher.

  They didn’t talk on the drive to the fairgrounds. She thought he might fall asleep. Instead he watched her drive and the warmth and intensity of his scrutiny had her breath feathering in her throat and her body going pliant and liquid with desire.

  Totally inappropriate for the situation. The man could barely stand. He needed a bed and time and to be left alone. She lectured her libido, which ignored her. His hand touched the side of her face and, without thinking, she turned and kissed his finger.

  Down girl. Eyes on the road.

  Hard to do when Luke’s hand spread out on her thigh. God, that felt good. The strength. The size. The warmth. The power. The skills he had. A sound escaped her, one of longing she couldn’t have held back in. It was exhilarating, this desire, and terrifying. Like a drum in her blood. Want. Want.