Cowgirl Up (12 page)

She
licked his tongue, then parried, giving back as much as he gave. He broke the
kiss, angled his head the opposite direction, and swooped in again. Gentle as a
summer mist, he kissed Trinity, reveling in her acceptance. His libido crackled
with renewed need as he did nothing more than cover Trinity’s mouth with his.

He
could have stood there for a good long time soaking up Trinity’s affection, but
reality interrupted in the form of Legacy nudging him firmly in the back. Cody
maintained his balance with the assist of one hand on the side of the trailer,
but lost the lip-lock in the process. “Damn Legacy. Give a guy a break.”

Trinity
smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling. “I think he’s ready to go.”

“I
think he’s jealous.” Cody cupped her cheek and pressed a chaste kiss to her
slightly swollen lips. “But, he’s right. You need plenty of time to get warmed
up.”

“Yeah,
we do.” She sighed and handed over Legacy’s reins. “Here. Hold him while I
saddle up.”

Automatically
accepting the rope, Cody turned to stare at the stallion, remaining still when
the big horse snuffled him, then snorted. “Yeah, I know. I probably don’t smell
too good right now. That happens when you spend half the day hanging around
cattle.”

In no
time at all, Trinity had the saddle on Legacy and replaced his halter with a
bridle. She double-checked the tack, then each of his feet, before giving a nod
of approval. With fluid ease, she pulled herself up and settled on Legacy’s
back, gathering her reins in the process.

Cody
watched in admiration. Not everyone could ride such a spirited animal. Trinity
made everything appear effortless. He ran a hand over Legacy’s hip, noting the
abundance of hard muscles.

Trinity
twisted in her seat to peer down at him. “You asked why I wasn’t dating any of
the guys at the farm?”

He
nodded.

She
paused only a moment. “Because I’ve found a man who puts all others to shame.”
She clicked her tongue, and Legacy trotted toward the warm-up area.

Cody
watched her go with equal parts relief, happiness, and longing. “Ditto.” The
quiet confession felt right. He headed toward the back entrance to the arena,
not about to miss her ride.

An hour
and a half later, Cody stood as he did before, beside Trinity’s trailer as she
loaded up for the trip home. He carefully placed the cooler in the passenger
seat, and shut the door securely, before walking to the back of the trailer.
“You got everything?”

She
tugged on the large latch and secured it with a chain. “I think so.” Obviously
satisfied with the safety catches, she turned with a sigh. “You’ll be in
Lexington next weekend, right?”

“Yep.
Last stop on the circuit. After that, it’s Vegas.” He leaned up against the
side of the trailer and crossed his arms.

“I’m
ready.” She peered up at him.

“Ready
for the finals or ready for the season to be done?”

“Both.”

Her
answer didn’t surprise him. The pace of the season proved grueling and
daunting, even to veterans of the rodeo circuit. More than one competitor
limped into the finals from a plethora of hard knocks along the way.
Fortunately, barrel racers typically missed out on the injury list, especially
compared to bronc and bull riders. Still, that didn’t mean they weren’t worn
out like everyone else.

“How
about you? Ready to trade in the RV for a name plate on a door?”

He
shrugged. “Haven’t thought that far ahead.”

“How
far ahead have you thought?”

“This
far.” He bracketed her head with his hands and pulled her close enough to seal
his lips over hers. With gentleness and controlled passion, he supped from her
once more, knowing he’d have to wait a few days to earn another opportunity.
All too soon, he withdrew and stared down into her face.

Slowly,
Trinity opened her eyes, the act both sensual and alluring.

A sense
of rightness hit him along with a healthy dose of contentment. For the first time
in ages, he wanted a woman without harboring fear of rejection. Something told
him Trinity could and would overlook his imperfections.

They
just needed time. The one thing neither had right now.

Soon, though.

He gave
her a quick peck before releasing her completely. “You can always call me. I
keep my phone on all the time.”

“The
phone lines run both ways.”

He
chuckled. “True.” After one final glance, he nudged her toward the driver’s
seat. “You better get a move on if you want to beat all this traffic.”

“Yep.”
She hurried over to the passenger side and pulled out the remaining pie.
“Almost forgot.”

He
accepted it happily. “Thanks.”

“Welcome.”
She climbed up into the seat, slipped the key in the ignition, and stared at
him. “I guess I’ll see you Saturday.”

“Bet on
it.” He shut the door soundly and stepped back. Returning her wave, he watched
her pull out of the parking area and out onto the side road.

“You
plan on sharing that?”

Cody
turned to find his uncle eyeing his gift with a look of unapologetic hunger and
intent written clearly on his face. “Maybe.”

Jared
snorted. “Better make that a yes if you want to ride home with me.”

Cody
rolled his eyes then chuckled. “You got me there.”

“Uh-huh.”
Jared led the way across the grounds toward their vehicle. “Seems to me that
girl has a softness for you.”

“I’m
hoping so.” Cody kept careful hold on the pie as he navigated the uneven
ground.

“Did
you ask her out yet?”

“No.
She won’t leave her horse’s side for more than five minutes at a time.”

Jared
slowed his steps to walk even with Cody. “If you can’t take her out on a date,
maybe you need to bring the date to her.”

“Ahead
of you already.” Cody grinned ruefully at his uncle. “I just have to find a
good restaurant in Lexington that does take out. I’ll get online this week and
see what I can come up with.”

“I knew
you’d learn something in college.”

Cody
shook his head. “Strategy and planning came with the SEALs.”

Jared
blinked. “What in the hell did you learn your first four years in college,
then?”

Cody rubbed
his forehead. “Nothing I want to share.”

“Uh-huh.”
Jared unlocked the RV and stepped inside before turning to pluck the pie from
Cody’s hand.

“Hey!”

“Can’t
take a chance on losing this.” Jared laughed and disappeared into the vehicle.

Cody
shook his head and followed.

Things are looking up. Big time.

Lexington—a
mere half hour from home. Trinity stood at the entrance to the barn and
breathed in the fresh Kentucky air. Still a bit chilly from recent rains, the
fall temperatures promised a much more comfortable stay than on the plains
earlier this summer.

“Get
through this. Finals in two weeks.”

“Yep.”
Lacey approached, feed bucket in hand. “We’re both on the fence for making the
top twenty-five. Best I can figure if we can take the first couple of places,
we’ll be set.”

Trinity
nodded. “That’s what I figured too. Close, definitely, but I think we’re just
about there.”

Lacey
walked toward their small camp out area and set the bucket down in the empty
stall next to Candy where she stored all her stuff for the weekend. Trinity
followed, automatically stroking Legacy’s nose when he stuck his head over the
door and nickered. After exiting the area, Lacey pulled out her lawn chair and
plopped down, her gaze locked on Trinity. “How’s things with Cody coming
along?”

Trinity
blinked and glanced at her boots for a long moment before looking up again.
“Fine. Good.” She sighed. “I think.”

“You
think
?” Lacey arched an eyebrow.

Normally,
Trinity wouldn’t speak of such private matters, but she needed to spill the
beans to someone, to get a second opinion. New to relationships, she sought
affirmation that she hadn’t misread any signs along the way. “I told him that I
found the man I wanted to date last weekend. Meaning him.”

“And?”

“We
kissed, and parted ways. Again.”

“Did
you call him during the week?” Lacey rubbed a smudge of dust off the knee of
her jeans.

“A
couple of times. We chatted for a bit, nothing much, really. More like checking
in, I guess.” She shrugged.

Lacey
pursed her lips and nodded. “That’s something.”

“Yeah,
but…” Trinity bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know. I feel like we’re moving the
speed of a giant tortoise pacing himself during a half marathon.”

Lacey
giggled. “That’s probably because you are.” She sobered to a wide grin. “Anyone
else would have thrown that cowboy to the ground and mounted up already.”

“I want
more than sex.” Trinity frowned at her friend.

“Noted
and I do think Cody gets that. He wouldn’t be hanging around the barns every
weekend if he didn’t.”

“Then
why do I feel like something is missing?”

Lacey
peered out the large open door at the huge arena just waiting for tonight’s
activities. After a moment, she turned back to Trinity. “Maybe because you’ve
finally found something you want, and you’re second guessing yourself.”

“Could
be.” Trinity found the observation to be spot on. “I guess finding love is like
riding a feisty stallion. You just have to climb in the saddle and hang on for
one wild ride.”

Lacey
smiled humorously. “In so many ways.”

Trinity
rolled her eyes. “You’re so bad. Speaking of, did you goat-tie that man you’ve
been after?”

Sadness
replaced the spark in Lacey’s eyes. Her mouth turned down and her face took on
a pinched appearance. “No.”

“Why
not?” Trinity hated to see Lacey so unhappy. Normally vibrant and upbeat, Lacey
seemed to take life in stride. Yet, this man, whomever he was, obviously meant
a lot and wasn’t cooperating in the least.

“He’s
dating someone else.” The words came out flat.

“I’m so
sorry.” Trinity patted Lacey’s upper arm. “Is there a chance you can catch his
eye when you get back?”

“I
don’t know.” Lacey blew out a breath. “Not even sure he’s worth it.”

“You’re
a great lady and deserve only the best. Whoever that might be.” Trinity offered
up a soft smile. “Don’t give up. One day the right man will come along and
sweep you off your feet.”

Lacey
snorted. “You’ve been reading too many fairy tales.”

“Romance
novels, actually. But, look at it this way, we all want a prince charming. We
just have to cull out the rest until we find him.”

“I’ve
misplaced my cattle prod.” A glimpse of humor returned to Lacey’s eyes.

Trinity
laughed. “I hear you can buy a good one in the booth area out back of the
arena.”

“Not
sure that will work, either.” Lacey shook her head, then grinned slightly.
“Although the thought of zapping him with a prod in the ass makes me feel quite
a bit better.”

“There
you go. Just cling to that idea.” Trinity smiled wickedly. “A bit sadist, but
hey, whatever works for you.”

“Gee,
thanks.”

“Welcome.”
Trinity dug through her cooler and pulled out two bottles of water. “Drink some
water while you daydream of such things. Staying hydrated is good for you.”

Lacey
took the bottle, opened the cap, and took a long drink. “You’re a good woman,
Trin.”

Trinity
stared over at Lacey in puzzlement. “Thanks, but what brought that on?”

Lacey
shrugged. “Seemed like the right thing to say to a wise friend.”

“Oh,
now I’m wise?” Trinity giggled. “Maybe you’re rubbing off on me.”

“Could
be.” Lacey’s eyes twinkled.

Two
hours later, Trinity stood at the arena entrance, waiting her turn for the
first ride in the Lexington Rodeo. She’d drawn last, not an optimal position to
have when trying to win. As each horse circled around the barrels, their hooves
dug into the soft dirt, leaving grooves. After several riders had their turn,
the ground developed a crater, making it that much harder for the horses to not
only find traction, but to scamper in and out close to the barrel without
knocking it over.

Not
much to do about the draw. Just had to dash in, do their best, and hope
tomorrow would bring a better placement.

As soon
as the judge gave her the green flag, she set her heels to Legacy.

He
blasted into the arena, heading for the first barrel. His hooves dug deep in
the already carved out dirt. For a moment, he slipped, lurched, then found his
footing and lowered his haunches in order to arch around the barrel. Off
balance, his hind leg slipped and he went down.

Trinity
didn’t have time to do more than gasp as Legacy landed on his side, some of his
body weight directly on her leg, not to mention the hard punch to her hip as
she hit the dirt along with him.

“Legacy!”
She managed to kick free of the stirrup, relieving him of her weight entirely.
Her only thought on her downed animal.

Immediately,
he got his feet under him and stood, unmoving from the spot. He extended his
neck and nosed her in the chest.

She sat
up and winced. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself to stand.

“Trinity!”
Cody charged to her side followed quickly by a couple of medics on the rodeo’s
sports injury team.

Legacy
flattened his ears at the newcomers. Trinity grabbed his reins and waved them
off. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”

Cody
pulled up right in front of her, his observant gaze raking her from head to toe
and back again. “You shouldn’t be up walking.”

She met
his gaze for a split second. “I’m fine. It’s Legacy I’m worried about.” A bit
shakily, she ran her hands down Legacy’s side, over his rump, and down his left
rear leg. Lifting slightly, she checked out the area, and nearly cried when he
flinched with her gentle touch. After she released his leg, Legacy kicked out
with the foot, then held it up as if it hurt.

“Let me
see.” Cody ran his hands over the area, tenderly, but thoroughly. Setting the
hoof back down, he moved to the other side and repeated the action. After only
a few seconds, he returned to Trinity’s side and wrapped an arm around her
waist. “He’s tweaked it. Not sure how bad yet. Let’s get him back to the barn so
we can check it out further.”

Biting
her lip, Trinity let Cody take them out of the arena, as she held tight to
Legacy’s reins. He didn’t seem to be gimpy, but that didn’t give her much
reassurance.

Slowly,
they made their way back to his stall. She stripped off his saddle and tack
quickly, setting it in the aisle, something she had never done before.
Switching halter for bridle, she soothed her horse while Cody had another look
at his leg.

He
touched the area, moved the joint with gentle motions, then finally released
the foot and stood. “He doesn’t seem to favor it, but that was some spill. What
I’d do to get an x-ray or ultrasound on the pastern and fetlock, just to be
sure.”

Trinity
pulled out her cell phone and punched in a number. “Carmen? I’m so sorry to
bother you. It’s Legacy.”

“What
happened, Trinity? I can hear the upset in your voice.”

“He
fell. Cody thinks he might have tweaked his rear fetlock. He’s needing an
x-ray, ultrasound, or something to check it out further.”

“Say no
more. Thank God you’re already in Lexington. Head on over to the university
equine hospital right now. I’ll call Dr. Hayward and tell him you’re coming.”

“Thanks
Carmen.”

“Just
keep me updated.”

“Will
do.” Trinity hung up and turned a worried look toward Cody. “We’re taking him
to the university hospital. The stallion farm’s vet will meet us there.”

Cody
blew out a breath and nodded. “That’ll help.” He slipped out of the stall and
secured the door.

Trinity
stared at Legacy and felt tears overflow.

“Hey,
it’s going to be all right.” Cody appeared by her side and wrapped her in his
arms. “He’s going to be fine. It’s just a precaution.”

She
nodded, not completely convinced.

Cody
stepped back and peered down at her. “You need to get checked out too.”

“I’m
fine. Legacy comes first.” She pulled her truck keys from her pocket and
started for the trailer. “Let’s get him to the clinic. Luckily, it’s only
across town.”

Cody
watched her walk with a critical eye. She was probably living on adrenaline
right now and didn’t know what hurt, but give her a couple of hours and she
would be sore as hell. If there wasn’t something more wrong.

He
stopped breathing the moment Legacy went down, pinning Trinity under him, and
raced for her side, knowing he’d be too late to shield her from any injury or
even death. More than one barrel racer suffered debilitating fractures from
just such an occurrence. Still, the fact that she kept her wits and hurried out
the door and straight to her truck reassured him slightly. As much as she wanted
to, with broken bones, she wouldn’t have been able to even get up, let alone
jog.

Still,
she was rattled and afraid. Not a good combination for driving. He hurried
after her, plucked the keys from her fingers, and met her bewildered gaze. “Let
me drive. You just got a good knock on the noggin.”

Her
mouth opened and shut before she answered. “Okay.”

With a
single nod, he opened the truck, slipped into the driver’s seat and placed the
key in the ignition. By the time he started up the vehicle, she’d plopped into
the passenger seat and shut the door. Whipping out his phone, he called the
head vet. “Jerry, bring me an air cast on the double.”

“It is
broken?”

“I
don’t think so, but I’m not taking a chance. Just get me one now.”

Trinity
cried silently beside him.

He
cussed fate and sheer bad luck, wanting nothing more than to take her in his
arms and hold her. They didn’t have that kind of time. Besides, she wouldn’t
accept the comfort right now, not until Legacy arrived at his destination.

He
maneuvered the trailer right up to the barn entrance with little difficulty,
years of practice coming in handy. Satisfied with the placement, he cut the
engine, jumped out, and unlocked the storage area to start loading up Trinity’s
belongings for the trip.

No
sooner had he shoved open the compartment door than Lacey appeared, carrying
Trinity’s saddle.

He shot
her an appreciative glance. “Thanks.”

She
nodded. “Welcome. Let’s get her loaded and Legacy on his way.”

His
gaze landed on Trinity busily folding up chairs and carrying the cooler to the
other side of the trailer. “I’d like to get her checked out as well,” he
confided to Lacey.

She
placed the saddle inside, before she turned her focus on him with a ghost of a
smile. “She’s tough. More so than most. Get her horse cared for and she’ll come
in line.” Lacey swiveled for a second, then focused on him again. “In her mind,
Legacy is all she has in this world.” Worry flashed in Lacey’s eyes before she
spun around and headed back toward the stall area.

Cody
followed suit, gathering up all Trinity’s stuff with haste. He knew she
wouldn’t be able to relax until Legacy was in the best of care, which meant
she’d refuse treatment for herself until then. Time was of the essence.

Within
a couple of minutes of working together, they had everything loaded, and turned
toward Legacy.