When Sparks Fly (74 page)

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I had run into Nate’s parents as I made my way to find my seats. They had told me they did bring several of the bulls, including Patriotic Rodeo. I smiled. While Patriotic Rodeo had taken Nate’s life he was still one of the best bucking bulls out there. I knew whomever drew his name would be in for the ride of their life. I honestly felt my heart my heart stop on several occasions when the men would get bucked off the bulls.

Half the bull riders had ridden and I was still waiting for them to call Tucker and Aaron’s younger brother Adam. I knew the moment Tucker’s name was called that I’d be cast back to the day that Nate died. I know it had been a year now, but I wondered if it would ever get easier.

I was in the middle of a conversation with a couple sitting beside me when I heard Adam’s name and he was riding Patriotic Rodeo. My heart dropped into my stomach. As the gate opened I felt vomit rise in my throat. I threw my hands over my eyes. I couldn’t watch as the crowd around me grew loud with cheers and applause. The buzzer sounded. I knew by the sound of those around me he had been bucked off right before. I dropped my hands. I cringed as I slowly opened my eyes. Adam was standing and walking out of the arena. I said a silent ‘thank you’ prayer.

As he waved his hat, he left the arena and the announcer called Tucker Jaxson riding Bullet. He was riding the bull Nate had bought a year ago. The damn thing was meaner than a wet hornet. I was close enough to see Tucker wave and the gate flew open. I covered my eyes once again but left my fingers open just enough to watch. I dropped my hand as into my hands and peeking through I watched Tucker take charge and ride Bullet like a champ. The crowd was on their feet as the buzzer hit zero and Tucker jumped from the bull.

The breath I had been holding escaped my body as the fear I felt left. He had done it. Tucker had made it to the second round. I hugged Lauren and left my seat. I didn’t even wait for his score. I just knew he should score high because Bullet gave him one hell of a ride. I smiled like a giddy girl with a crush. Tucker Jackson made me proud.

As I headed to find Tucker behind the scenes, I ran into my dad. He engulfed me in one of his daddy hugs. “How’s my baby girl?” He asked with a wink. “I ran into Ms. Mabel this morning. She said a Mr. Tucker Jackson has been staying with my daughter. The very same Tucker Jackson that just kicked ass in the arena tonight.”

“Yes, daddy.” I smiled. I couldn’t help but be a little gushy at the moment.

“Do I need to have a talk with the young man?” He clipped my nose.

“No dad. I am a big girl. I believe I can handle myself pretty well. I think it might be Kaleb you need to be worried about. His girlfriend.” I paused trying to figure out how to tell my dad. “Well she was cheating on him. I believe he is taking it pretty hard.” I patted my old man on his shoulder and left him. I had one person on my mind and I was going to find him.

I stood back and watched in awe as Tucker mingled with a crowd of other bull riders. All I could think of was how proud of him I was. Yes, I had met him only a mere forty-eight hours ago, but I would admit I had fallen head over heels in love with him. I cringed, because I knew he would be gone in two days. I didn’t move as he caught sight of me. He continued talking to the men for a few minutes longer before he nodded and excused himself. He beamed as he strolled towards me. I wanted him right there. The natural sex appeal radiated off of him.

“Hey there sexy.” I said as he pressed me up against the wall and kissed me senseless. His tongue invaded my mouth telling me with every stroke the desire, want and need I felt; he did too. As he ground his hips into me, I felt how great his need was.

As he pulled back, he left me breathless and wanting more. As much as I wanted Tucker I had to wait. He leaned forward brushing his five o’clock shadow across my cheek reminding me instantly of where he had been last night. “I promise I will give you more than an eight second ride.”

I nearly melted at his deep seductive voice. He once again left me speechless. This man knew how to not only melt my heart, but to make my panties wet. “For now I have to go make rounds. You can join me if you want.” He stepped back holding out his hand. I didn’t hesitate as I took it proudly. I knew the whole town would be talking tomorrow morning, but I didn’t care. I would thank Mabel later. I had no idea what she was talking about earlier, other than Tucker Jaxson had made an impact in my life and I would be forever grateful.

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Chapter Eight

The full moon now gone and turning into a sliver as Tucker pulled down the drive. We came to a stop and I sighed softly. Tonight had not only fun, but proof that I would love again and I would be okay. I didn’t wait for Tucker to walk around the truck to help me out. I was out and around the truck before he even opened his door.

Even without the fullness of the moon, I led Tucker to the path to where I wanted to go. The night air had finally cooled down some from the mugginess of the summer heat. The night ended and Tucker stood in second place. As much as I wanted to leave as soon as the last rider rode, we couldn’t. We spent the evening talking and mingling with other riders and sponsors. I held Tucker’s hand proud as he talked and introduced himself to others. I spoke only when spoken to. This night belonged to Tucker and he deserved every bit of recognition he was getting.

“Where in the hell are we going?” Tucker asked as we hit the edge of the woods.

“You will see. I promise it is not far.” I said taking his hand. “Is my big bad bull rider afraid of the dark woods?” I joked as I led him down the short narrow path to the lake. We walked several hundred feet before the worn path opened into the lake. The croaking of frogs could be made out over the sound the crickets. I let his hand go and raced down to the dock and stopped just before the end. “Last one in is a rotten egg.” I didn’t look back as I started to strip in the silver slivers of moonlight that were cast across the lake. I barely had my jeans off and top when I felt a rush of air followed by a splash of water. Tucker had come up wiping his face.

“I guess you are the rotten egg.” He joked as he climbed up on the dock still in his jeans.

“You were supposed to strip naked.” I protested. “Oh you mean like this?” And he unbuttoned his jeans and promptly removed them. With a single swoosh his jeans and boxers were off and tossed aside. Damn he was quick. He dove back into the lake leaving me standing on the dock with my mouth wide open. He beat me at my own game.

Once he resurfaced, he started laughing. “Is that naked enough for you?” He joked as he swam back the dock edge. He reached up to me and I took his hand not thinking and he pulled me down into the water. I still had on my bra and panties. I knew the lake water would ruin them, but oh well it would be worth it.

“You are totally mean.” I joked splashing him with water. I swam out of his grasp and back towards the dock. I almost reached it when he grabbed a hold of my foot pulling me back to him. Still treading water he leaned over and kissed me hard leaving little to what he was feeling. As I wrapped my legs around him I could feel his hard shaft rubbing my core. Even the cool water couldn’t hold back the heat we were creating.

“Kennedy Montgomery. I think I am falling for you.” He held his head against my forehead. “What am I going to do?”

I didn’t know how to answer. My heart wanted him to stay on the ranch with me, but I knew his heart belonged to the world of bull riding. “I can’t answer the question Tucker. Only you can. It is not fair for me to tell you how I feel because I know it would impact what you want to do.”

“I don’t want to leave you behind when I leave here on Sunday.” He whispered softly against my lips.

“I know.” The coyotes howled in the distance breaking the moment. I broke away from him and swam to the dock. I really knew I would be broken hearted when he left in two days. I didn’t want to think about it. Right now, I wanted him to be buried deep inside me reminding me how it felt to be alive.

I climbed out on to the dock with him right on my heels. “What did I say?” Tucker placed his hand on my shoulder stopping me from bending over and picking up my clothes.

“Tucker, you didn’t say anything wrong. I promise. We are just at different places in our lives. Please let’s not talk about this now.” I pleaded with him. I didn’t want to talk about him leaving. I wanted to enjoy his time here and not think about what tomorrow would hold or the next day after that.

“Fine.” He snapped. He pushed by me stopping only a few feet in front of me to pick up his clothing.

“Tucker Dean Jackson. Please stop.” He walked forward a few more feet and stopped just before the dock met the grass. He turned to face me. He was clearly upset.

“What?” He took a step towards me but didn’t come closer.

“I am serious.” I closed the gap between us. I wouldn’t let him walk away mad. I didn’t fight fair, but then again, Nate and I never fought. We talked and worked out all our problems. “Don’t run away. That doesn’t solve shit!” I wanted to scream, but I kept my temper in check.

“Well welcome to me. The real Tucker. I am not going to stand here bare ass naked and fight with you either. Kennedy, yes we both want different things, but that doesn’t mean we can’t figure this out together.” He turned leaving me to watch his very white ass walk up the path to the house.

Shit! I thought to myself as I turned back and grabbed my clothes. I slipped my shirt over my head and jogged up the path to meet him. He didn’t stop as he marched up to the house. He yanked open the screen door and fumbled with the knob.

“Keys.” He voice monotone. He turned long enough to hold out his hand.

I dug into my jeans pocket and forcefully shoved the keys into his outstretched hand. I really had hoped the keys would leave a mark.

“Thank you.” He turned back to the door making quick work of the lock. He twisted the handle and opened the door stepping inside and letting the door slam in my face.

This man was testing me in every way. I opened the door and growled in frustration. Dropping my clothes off by the washer and dryer, I stripped off my wet panties and bra laying them on the washing machine. I strode through the house naked not caring if anyone was home. Tucker Jaxson had pissed me off.

I started towards my room, but I heard the water running in the bathroom. Without a single hesitation, I opened the bathroom door and slammed the door behind me. I threw open the shower curtain. “You.” Pointing my finger into his chest. “Tucker Jackson. Will not walk away nor will you ever slam a door in my…” My voice trailed off as I saw a smirk on his face. I couldn’t help but start to grin.

He grabbed my wrist and pulling me towards him. With a single movement, he had his arm around my waist picking me up. I instantly wrapped my legs around his waist. He pivoted around and pushed me up against the wall. Without a single word, he thrust inside me filling me completely. I gasped out in shock as he pulled out and slammed back into me hard making me cry out. He continued his thrusts until I felt him slip his hand in between us. He paused long enough to rub my swollen nub bringing me ever closer to my release. As he pressed hard against me, he slowly began stroking me from the inside. As the fire inside me started to reach its peak, I leaned forward on his shoulder; I bit him hard as I reached my peak. I let go as my body released; I screamed out and went limp against him as he followed suit and finished his own release.