Wrecked (18 page)

They’d only taken a step when he heard, “Um, good-bye.”

The annoyed tone in Eve’s voice had him smiling for real now.

Brittany turned back. “Bye, Mom.”

Without looking back, Wade lifted one arm in a move that would look like a goodbye, but in his mind was far more of a FU.

It was petty, but pissing off Eve was one of the small pleasures Wade treasured since the divorce. It made writing that check every month a little less painful. “How about we split one corndog. Then it’s only half the calories. Sounds like a pretty good diet to me.”

Brittany let out a noise, but finally he felt her shoulder drop in defeat. “Okay. But you have to promise to eat your half.”

“I don’t need to promise.” He pulled her closer. “Just try and stop me from eating my half.”

“Dad, I’m too big for hugs.”

“If I’m not, you’re not.” Wade pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Besides, nobody’s ever too big for hugs.”

He finally relented and let her go before she rolled her eyes so hard at him she gave herself a headache.

They made their way from the parking lot to the grounds where the pre-event activity was at a peak.
 

“I’ll find you somebody to hang out with for while I’m working.”

Her brow drew low in a viciously deep frown. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I didn’t say a babysitter. I said someone to hang out with.”

“Same thing.” Brittany scowled. “Mom let’s me babysit the neighbor’s kid now.“

Wade cocked a brow. “Really?”

She spun to glare at him. “Yes. They pay me seven dollars an hour. Ask her.”

In a defensive move, he held his hands up. “Okay. I believe she lets you babysit. But sitting inside a neighbor’s house with your mamma right next door is one thing. Being in the stands of an arena crowded with strangers is another. Understand?”

“No.” She pulled her mouth to the side.

“Well, too bad.” Wade wasn’t blind. He knew Brittany looked far older than she was.

More than a few guys turned to watch her pass by, even with Wade walking next to her. What the hell would they do if she were in the stands alone? He couldn’t beat up every one of them, just as he couldn’t be there with her every second at an event he was supposed to be working.
 

He sighed, longing for the days she was only knee high to him when he could toss her on his shoulders. Back then when folks said she was cute, he knew they were looking at her missing front tooth, not her budding breasts.

God help him, she was growing up too damn fast.

Chances were she’d turn out just fine. In spite of his feelings about her, he truly believed Eve was a good mother—but Brittany’s teen years might just kill him, if worrying about her at today’s event didn’t do that first.

It didn’t help he was already feeling a little unsteady over the CeCe situation.

Women usually didn’t stick with him after he left them. Not like CeCe had.

Why was that? And what was he going to do about it?

He sure as fuck didn’t have time to think about that now.

Maybe there was an upside to having Brittany with him today. While he was busy worrying about his daughter, he didn’t have time to obsess over missing CeCe.

That would be a nice change after the past week of doing exactly that.

CHAPTER 20

The difference between cowboy boots and high heels was like night and day.

CeCe didn’t sink in the dirt or the grass. She didn’t have to worry her nine hundred dollar heels would get scuffed and ruined in the gravel parking lot.

Hell, her feet didn’t even hurt. And snakeskin was virtually a neutral—the color would match just about anything she paired it with.

CeCe might have to consider wearing these things on a daily basis. At least while she was in Texas. The boots might earn her some strange looks in the office in California but here at the rodeo she fit right in.

“Mrs. Cole!”

CeCe turned at the sound of her name being called from a distance. She saw a squat, dark haired woman in jeans and boots hustling toward her. Venturing a guess, she had to assume this was the woman she’d spoken to on the phone from the organization.

The woman reached her, arm extended. “I’m Verna Parks. We spoke on the phone. I’m so happy you could make it.”

 
“My pleasure.” CeCe pasted on her public smile.

“We have the press here. They’d love to take a few pictures of you in the fundraising booth. If that’s all right, of course. I’m sorry. I should have asked you first.”

This time CeCe’s smile was genuine. “Don’t worry. Photos are fine.”

As long as she was dressed, made up and looked good—all of which was true today—CeCe never objected to posing for pictures. In fact, she’d love to have a few of her in her new role as sponsor while wearing her rodeo-wear.

“Oh, good. Thank you. It will mean so much for our public relations.”

“Of course. I understand completely.”

“Let me show you were the booth is set up, then I can go grab the reporter so we can get the pictures out of the way. We wouldn’t expect you to miss the show. We reserved a front row ticket for you.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind.” CeCe didn’t care all that much about watching the event.

This wasn’t the circuit associated with the bull riding association that Cole’s had sponsored, so she doubted any of the competitors she’d come to know would be here.
 

That was a good thing. Aaron wouldn’t be here, or his girlfriend Jill with him. Or his friends, who she swore gave her strange looks last event.

Memories of that whole colossal mistake on her part had her stomach twisting, but they also led to thoughts of Wade.

Her belly tightened for a different reason as her body remembered the time spent with Wade.

Wade wouldn’t be here either. It wasn’t his usual circuit. That decreased her interest in watching this competition considerably. But she was here to support a worthy organization and that was what she intended to do.

Smiling, she turned toward the woman who was acting as her welcome committee. “Let’s go do that interview, shall we?”

“Yes, ma’am. Right this way. It won’t take too long. They’re about to start the introductions, then there will be the opening ceremonies and you don’t want to miss that.”

“No, I certainly do not.” CeCe hoped the sarcasm didn’t come through in her tone.

“Mrs. Cole. This is John Shaw from the local paper.”

“The local paper. How nice. Thank you for taking the time to cover this event.” CeCe forced a smile.

“Our pleasure.” He smiled back, looking genuinely pleased.

Her first thought was that there must not have been a little league game to fill the page in the sports section so they were running her interview. That was followed closely by the knowledge she needed to get a hold of her attitude.

She’d chosen this charity to sponsor. Smaller organization equaled smaller press, and that was exactly why she was here. To help them get exposure and more donations. But the moment she had the chance, she was putting her marketing department on this.

Poor Verna Parks and her organization obviously needed the help.

The local paper.
CeCe stifled a groan.

“Maybe just stand to the left of the banner so we can read the organization’s name.”

She came back to reality at the sound of the reporter’s suggestion. “Oh. Of course.”

The reporter and photographer both stood by, watching, waiting as CeCe shifted to one side.

“Great. Perfect.” The photographer raised the viewfinder to his face and CeCe’s years of experience in front of a lens took over.

She smiled, comfortable again in the presence of the camera even if she wasn’t used to being at the rodeo.

Although lately she seemed to be surrounded by dirt, large animals and cowboys more and more often—one of the results of stepping into John Cole’s very large and smelly shoes.

The shutter snapped in rapid fire succession as CeCe made the slightest adjustments to her pose until finally the photographer lowered the camera. “I think we’re good.”

“Great.” The reporter stepped forward, pad and pencil in hand. “A few questions?”

“Of course. Fire away.” She flashed him teeth she knew were blindingly white after her last appointment with the cosmetic dentist.

“Can you tell us how you became aware of the organization? And what made you want to become a sponsor?”

“Sure.” CeCe nodded and launched into the rote answer she’d prepared, the same one she’d given during the meeting to her PR and finance department.

At the same time the action around her ramped up. An announcer’s amplified voice cut through the air, welcoming the attendees.

CeCe tried to focus in the midst of the noise reverberating off the stands the ticket holders occupied. She managed to get through her answer, but she had to lean in closer to the reporter and practically shout to do it.

As she waited to see if there would be any follow-up questions, the amplified announcer rambled on. “And the veteran among the bull fighters out on the dirt today, working personal security for us while the big show circuit is on a break, local Wade Long.”

Hearing his name caught CeCe’s attention.

Hell, it more than captured her full focus, it had her unable to concentrate on anything but the fact that Wade was here. Somewhere.

Heart pounding, she scanned the arena, searching for him with her gaze.

“Mrs. Cole?”

“Um, sorry. Can you repeat the question?” She forced herself to abandon her visual search and turn toward the reporter.

“I just asked if you have a background in rodeo? Did you attend as a child? Or perhaps ride yourself?”

The laugh came out short and unbidden. “No. I discovered the sport late in life but I’m very glad I did.”

He scribbled in his book and then glanced up. “Okay. Great. If I could contact you with any follow-up questions should they arise?”

“Of course.”

“Great. Then we’re done. Thank you very much for taking the time.”

“Thank you.” She shook his hand before saying, “I think I will go find my seat if you don’t mind.”

“Please do. And here is your ticket.” Beaming, Ms. Parks handed her the small white ticket. “Do you need me to show you where—”

“No. I’m good. Thanks.” The truth was CeCe was going to look for Wade, not her seat.

Ever grateful that the cowboy boots made it easier to navigate the grass and dirt, CeCe took advantage of the length of her legs as she strode toward the rail along the arena’s perimeter. She couldn’t get there fast enough. The need to see Wade overtook her.

It was insane, this desire to get to him. What was she going to do when she did? Certainly not admit she’d missed him to the point of distraction. But she wouldn’t have to miss him tonight.

She’d worry about tomorrow later.

At the rail, she leaned against the metal and visually searched the area. She’d heard him introduced so he must be there somewhere . . .

And there he was.

Her heart pounded at the sight of Wade taking a lap around the arena. He jogged at a brisk pace, waving to the crowd with his straw cowboy hat.

She saw the moment he saw her. Wade did a literal double take. He glanced in her direction, turned away, and whipped his head back, eyes wide.

Given how sure of foot he usually was, it surprised her when he tripped to a halt.

He squinted in her direction for a moment, as if not believing his eyes, before he strode toward her.

“CeCe?”

“Hi, Wade.” She couldn’t help her smile.

“Damn. Yours was the last face I expected to see in the crowd today.” He laughed. “What are you doing here? Did you come looking for me?”

Her smile faded as quickly as it had come. “No. I didn’t come looking for you. What? You think I’m stalking you or something? I’m here as a sponsor for the rider charity, you self-centered, obnoxious man.”

The outburst more than likely stemmed from her guilt that she had done a fair amount of googling with Wade as the subject of her search. She’d told the therapist she was making progress being able to let Wade go, but there she was on the computer just hours later.