Buckle Down (9 page)

He laughed. “Let me pull the covers back at least.” Under
the blanket, he pulled her close and kissed her neck. “Night, baby.”

She barely uttered a reply before drifting off to sleep.

Tess sat between Natalie and Olivia. Because of Luke, they
had prime seats in one of his sponsors’ box. Tess wasn’t sure she wanted to be
this close to the ring but she had no choice. Men dressed like clowns stood
near the gates, holding back the massive bulls that both her brother and her boyfriend
would be riding. The competition started with twenty men on Friday and four
were left on Sunday. All four would ride this morning and face off for the
championship.

She had watched her brother do this for years, but the
tension today had her stomach flip-flopping.

Natalie squeezed her hand and smiled. “I think we’re
cheering for two teams today.”

“I don’t know. I feel so torn. I can’t choose one or the
other. I want them both to win. God, I don’t even want to watch.”

Luke walked into the ring and waved. People in the crowd
jumped to their feet and hooted and hollered and whistled. No doubt, he was the
favorite, the hometown hero. Everybody loved him. He drove women nuts with his
tight shirt and Levi’s and men respected him because he was good, really good,
at his sport. And unstoppable.

Luke smiled and nodded at the commotion before blowing a
kiss to Natalie. She smiled and blew one back. The other contestants filed into
the ring and all the men shook hands. Luke was by far the most popular with the
crowd.

The line-up this morning had Shane riding first and Luke
going last. Tess white knuckled the edge of her seat as she watched Shane climb
on the bull that already bucked and jumped inside the pen. She had seen her
brother injured before and the thought of Shane being thrown created a lump in
her throat.

She fought the urge to close her eyes and instead said a
silent prayer. Not for him to win but for him to just be okay. Men died in this
sport. She grew up hearing the saying, “It’s not if you get hurt, it’s when.”

Natalie peeled Tess’ fingers off the chair and squeezed her hand.
“Relax, sweetheart. He’ll be fine. He knows what he’s doing.”

Tess smiled and took a deep breath as the buzzer sounded and
the gate flew open.

One arm up, Shane entered the ring, his legs holding strong
around the animal’s shoulders. His black Stetson stayed on his head as he held
fast to the bull rope. The rodeo clowns and barrel men circled him as the clock
ticked off the seconds. The animal kicked his rear legs high and Shane lost his
grip, landing hard in the dirt, but he made the eight seconds. He immediately
jumped to his feet while the clown wearing the pink rain boots distracted the
bull.

Shane waved to the crowd and jogged out of the ring.

Tess exhaled and smiled at Natalie. “He did good.”

Natalie nodded. “He did real good.”

She waited to see his score on the screen at the back of the
arena. The crowd cheered when Shane Wyatt’s name popped up with a score of 94. Damn
good score.

Tess jumped up and whistled and clapped.

They sat through the next two contenders who both scored
below Shane. Next up was Luke. He needed a 95 to win.

Tess and Natalie held hands again and watched Luke mount the
bull. The gate was unlatched and he went through the same motions as the last
three bull riders. The main focus was to stay atop the bull for the whole eight
seconds and hope to hell the bull performs as well as the rider.

Luke consistently scored in the 90’s and had won the
championship for the last six years. Whether her brother won or not it would be
bittersweet. He made the eight seconds and jumped off the bull and the crowd
cheered.

“It’s gonna be close,” Natalie yelled over the noise in the
stands.

“I know. I’m so nervous for both of them.”

The last four contenders found their way into the arena. The
announcer’s voice sounded over the speakers, giving third and fourth place,
leaving just Luke and Shane. The two men regarded one another and Luke stuck
his hand out. Shane shook it and nodded.

“And the 2012 championship goes to newcomer Shane Wyatt.
Second place goes to Luke Reilly. We have a new champion, folks. Let’s give it
up for Shane.”

Tess squealed and jumped down the stairs to stand by the
gate while Shane was presented with a belt buckle and a fake-looking check.

Luke patted him on the back and smiled before walking toward
where Tess waited. “Your boy kicked ass. He gave a good ride.” He leaned over
the fence and kissed Tess’s forehead. “You can keep him.”

Tess smirked. “You’re not the boss of me, big brother.”

He winked. “Sure. I’m gonna go find Nat and get out of here.
You’re gonna wait for Shane, right?”

“Yes.” Tess could barely contain the emotions zipping
through her body. Luke didn’t seem disappointed that he had not won, and Shane
appeared overwhelmed.

He made eye contact with her and waved to her, motioning for
her to come out into the ring.

She ducked between the metal slats and walked toward him.

He grabbed her and pulled her against his chest. “I did it,
Tess.”

She held on to him and rubbed his back. The dust in the
arena stung her eyes, which was a perfect cover for the tears building up. This
win would change his life. And she wasn’t sure she’d be included.

On the drive back to Memory Grove, Shane had a permanent
smile affixed to his face. “I still can’t believe it. It was so close. And I
got two sponsorship offers right on the spot. I can finally start making
plans.”

She squeezed his thigh. “You worked hard and you performed
well. You deserved this win.”

“What’s wrong?” He switched off the stereo and looked at
her.

“Nothing. Why?”

“I’ve seen that look on your face before. Tell me what’s on
your mind.”

“I’m really happy for you. I guess…I just wonder where this
leaves us.” The landscape passed in a blur through the window and she kept her
eyes in that direction.

“Tess, you’re part of my plans. Unless you don’t want to
be.”

“I do. But long-distance relationships are hard. I have to
go back to California in a few weeks and I’ll be gone until Christmas.”

“I’ll wait for you. Or I can come visit. We’ll work it out,
baby.”

The ranch was deserted when he parked his truck in the lot.
They walked hand-in-hand back to his apartment. He opened two beers and handed
her one.

The cold bottle felt good in Tess’ hand and she took a long
pull just as a knock sounded at the door.

Shane looked at her and shrugged before setting his bottle
down on the counter. He opened the door to find Phoebe standing there.

“Wanted to say congratulations, Shane.” She stepped inside
and embraced him.

He patted her on the back and stepped away. “Thank you.”

“I also wanted to tell you that I spoke with my partner, and
Sarafina Ranch is prepared to offer you a sponsorship for next year’s ride.”
She squeezed his arm and smiled. “You can stay here as long as you like.”

“That’s real nice of you but I’m gonna have to decline your
offer.”

Phoebe’s face fell. “What? You can’t turn down a sponsor.”

“Yes, I can. And, I’m a little busy just now with my
girlfriend.” He turned around and looked at Tess.

Tess waved at Phoebe. “Howdy, ma’am.”

Phoebe balled her fists at her sides. “You’re an idiot,
Shane Wyatt.”

He nodded. “Perhaps. I’ll be dropping off my two weeks’
notice later this evening. I’ll be out of here by the end of the month. I
appreciate all your hospitality. I mean that.”

“Fuck you.” Phoebe flipped her red hair and stormed off his
porch.

Closing the door, Shane turned around. “She’s just
precious.”

Tess laughed and downed the last of her beer. “No arguments
here.”

He crossed the room and wrapped an arm around her middle.
“Right now, I need a shower. Wanna help me?”

Leaning her head back against him, she said, “Sure, why
not.”

He pulled her towards the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Steam filled the room and fogged the mirror above the sink. Shane stripped out
of his shirt and jeans.

“We’re dirty,” she said, laughing while pulling her shirt
over her head and unbuttoning her jeans.

“Not as dirty as we’ll be in there.” He winked at her and
stepped into the shower.

The hot water felt good and she let it run over her hair
before lathering it up. She washed his back, tracing her fingers over his
shoulder blades and pulling him back under the spray with her.

Shane moved closer, pressing his naked body against her.
Leaning down, he kissed her as water dripped between their lips. He pulled her
from under the stream and turned her around, nudging her forward. He nibbled
her shoulder and up to her neck, biting her harder.

The prickling sensation of his teeth on her skin hardened
her nipples and she moaned.

His hands slid down her arms, gripping her wrists and
pulling them up over her head. The tile was cold on her cheek when he pressed
her against the wall, pinning her arms in place. His erection jutted at the
small of her back. “You’re a challenge to fuck standing up.”

“How bad do you want it?” Tess asked, looking at Shane over
her shoulder.

“Really bad. Spread your feet apart.” He breathed heavily
against her ear and reached down between her legs to play with her pussy. One
finger slipped inside her while his thumb caressed her ass. The pressure
against the tight ring made her cunt contract.

He let go of her wrists and his body slid down her back. He
positioned his cock between her thighs and rubbed it over her clit. “I can’t
wait to be inside you.”

She moaned and put her hands against the wall to brace
herself. “Fuck me. Hard.”

“Your wish is my command, sweetheart.” He gripped her hips
and thrust up into her, stretching her pussy and hitting her end all at once.

Tess screamed and tried to hold onto the slippery wall as he
slammed into her again and again.

He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her away from
the wall. Breathing hard against her ear, he licked her neck. “Bend over.”

Leaning forward, she grasped the edge of the tub just as Shane
slid his cock into her again.

He squeezed her ass cheek and pushed his finger into her
tight hole, moving it in and out in opposition to his dick sliding in and out
of her pussy.

The sensation of both holes being filled at once sent her
into overdrive. She panted and moved her ass, pushing against him, wanting him
deeper. Her clit begged for attention. She rubbed it fast and hard. A slow
tremble started in her legs and spread through her body.

He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her head back.
“Come for me.”

Tess whined and gritted her teeth. Little sparks of light
flashed before her eyes as she came in wave after wave of pleasure. “Oh, God.
Feels so…”

“I want to come in your ass, baby.”

Her heartbeat accelerated from fear and curiosity. She was
so hot and she wanted it too. She had touched herself that way before,
exploring with her fingers but had never allowed a man to do it. “Okay. Just be
gentle.”

“Mmm. I will. I’d never hurt you.” He pulled his dick out of
her pussy and rubbed it over her ass. “I need to get some lube.” He reached out
of the shower and into the medicine cabinet and retrieved a small tube. He
squirted some into his hand and rubbed it over her hole.

She nodded and tried to relax her body as he applied
pressure with his finger, caressing the tight pucker. She inhaled sharply as he
slowly slid a finger inside her, moving it in and out.

“Damn. Your ass feels so good, baby.” Shane added a second
finger and scissored them inside her.

The uncomfortable tightness began to wane as he took his
time stretching and massaging her. She moaned and clutched at the porcelain
edge of the tub. “I’m ready.”

His hand trailed over her lower back and he planted a kiss
there. “So, am I.” He gently pulled his fingers out of her and leaned over her.
Warm breath covered the back of her neck and his dick pressed against her hole.

Tess spread her feet further apart to open more for him.

He angled his hips forward, pushing his cock into her ass.
The initial pain made her gasp and she tensed up.

He rubbed her hip and kissed her back. “You okay?” He pushed
a little more, sliding in deeper.

“I’m okay. Keep going.”

“God, this feels so good. I’m not gonna last long.” He
shoved his cock all the way inside her.

She cried out. Never before had she experienced such a rush
of pain and pleasure and she loved it.

He kept his strokes slow and deep and dug his fingers into
her waist. “So tight and hot. I’m coming.” He thrust into her hard. His body
twitched and his cock pulsed in her ass. He leaned over her and groaned, resting
his head on her shoulder. He slowly pulled out of her and lifted her upright.
“You’re so perfect.” He kissed her lips and wrapped his arms around her. “Are
you okay? I didn’t hurt you?”

She smiled. “I might not be walking straight for a while but
I’m good. You were great.”

They lay in bed, entwined with each other. The television
was on but the volume was low.

She played with the light dusting of hair on his chest. “Are
you really quitting and moving out?”

“Yep. My prize money is enough to hold me until I can figure
out all this sponsor stuff and find another job. I thought maybe I could sit
down with Luke and talk over my options. He’s done really well. You know, with
investing and stuff.”

“He’s really smart. I’m sure he would help you.”

“And I have his blessing with you.”

“Excuse me? You don’t need his blessing.”

“No. But it’s important to me. That he knows I’m not using
you and that I love you.”