A Cowboy's Heart (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) (10 page)

“Be right back!” They both charged out of the pool and disappeared.

“What was that all about?” Connor had plunged into the pool and emerged at the deep end next to her. The water made his hair look darker, giving him a different look she couldn’t resist.

“Two fans who work here at the RV park and are dying for your John Henry. I told them you’d do it. Do you mind? You’re their idol.”

The way he appraised her sent licks of flame through her body. “As long as that was all they wanted.”

They did some laps together, taking their time to reach the other end. Before long, the two guys came back to the pool carrying the things they wanted autographed. Liz turned her head toward Connor, who’d edged up close to her. His closeness caused her heart to thud.

“Go ahead and make their night with that thousand-dollar signature, cowboy.”

“Come again?”

“That’s what it will be going for down the road.”

She stayed in the water while Connor bounded to the patio and talked to them for a minute. They were all smiles as he signed what looked like a poster and a magazine. Before they left she heard them call out, “Thanks, Dr. Henson. We didn’t know you’re competing, too. We’ll be cheering for you tomorrow night, as well.”

Curious how Connor always referred to her as
doctor
in front of other people.

“Thank you!” Liz waved while she waited for Connor to get back into the water. That was when the idea to “get him” took root. As he swam up to her, she did a strong kick, splashing him in the face, something he wasn’t expecting.

He sputtered for a second. “So you want to play?”

“Better here than giving you a muck bath in the stall.”

In a lightning move he caught her ankles and pulled her to the center of the pool, where he swung her around with her arms flailing, making her dizzy. “Connor—” she shrieked in laughter, helpless to defend herself. “Stop!”

He kept going. “Had enough?” His devilish smile shook her to the foundations.

“Yes—”

Connor towed her to the shallow end and sat down on the step, where he pulled her onto his lap so she sat across him with his arms around her. His eyes bored into hers. “You always seemed so untouchable to me. For years I’ve wanted to get close to you like this, to find out if you’re really real. It’s been such a long wait, don’t deny me what I want right now. I couldn’t take it.”

She heard his ragged voice implore her before his mouth covered hers. A moan escaped her lips. Surely this wasn’t happening. The urgency of his kiss caught her off guard. He’d stolen her heart years ago, but right this minute he’d stolen her breath.

Mindless from the sensations he was arousing, let alone the warning bells, she forgot everything except her hunger for him. This incredible man was kissing her as if he really meant it. As for Liz, she
did
mean it with every fiber of her being and was letting him know.

When his hands roved over her back, drawing her closer still, she realized what she was allowing to happen. Afraid of her needs spiraling out of control, she wrenched her mouth from his.

“No more, Connor—” She refused to look at him. “I’ve crossed a line I swore I wouldn’t do this trip. It’s my fault, not yours.” She tried to get away, but he wouldn’t let her.

“Now look who’s apologizing. Fault doesn’t come into it. I caught this enchanting mermaid in an aqua bikini swimming in my territory. What else is a man to do?”

“Or a woman,” she admitted. “But since we’ve had our fun, let’s quit while we’re ahead. Believe me when I tell you you’re the best of the best, whether rodeo champion or second son of a rancher. It’s my privilege to know you and be your friend. But tomorrow the competition begins in earnest for the last time in our lives. I don’t want to do anything that distracts us from realizing our dreams. I know you don’t, either.”

She slid away and dashed up the step to the changing room off the patio. Her hands shook as she removed her suit and got dressed in her clothes. Sharing accommodations had made this moment inevitable.

Connor was waiting for her when she stepped outside the building. The temperature had dropped. They hurried toward the trailer in the distance.

“If you think I’m sorry for what happened back there, you’d be wrong.”

Liz darted him a smile.
Keep it light.
“I enjoyed it, too.” The unimaginable had happened and she was still reeling.

“Good. When we get back to the ranch, we’ll pick up where we left off.”

But with Reva waiting for his rodeo career to come to an end, was he trying to convince Liz or himself? Was that what his kiss in the pool was all about? “By the time we get back to Montana, the focus of our lives will have completely changed.”

“Thanks to you, mine already has.”

Her pulse sped up. “In what way?

“A feral stud farm. The possibility has taken hold of my mind. If I were to undertake a venture of that magnitude, I’d need a vet I could trust with my life. Would you be interested?”

She swallowed hard. His ex-wife was coming to Las Vegas on the last night. Liz was afraid of what it meant. To work with Connor for the rest of her life while the happily remarried couple lived next door?

Liz’s conversation with her mother came forcefully to mind.

I’m convinced that driving to Las Vegas with him will be a revelation and provide the cure I’ve been needing.

And if it isn’t?

If it isn’t, then I’ll have to take a serious look at my life and make changes.

That’s what has me worried. Bannocks never pull up roots. That means you’ll be the one who’ll end up moving somewhere else.

A shudder swept through Liz as they entered the trailer. Millie Henson’s words might just have turned out to be prophetic.

“That would mean stretching my practice in too many ways, but I’m flattered you would even consider me.”

“At least promise me you’ll think about it.”

There was no reason to give him a flat-out no yet, not when he was actually considering her idea for using ferals. If anyone could do it,
he
could. “Let’s get through the competition first.”

“Agreed. Do you want to shower first?”

“Do you mind? Then I’ll blow-dry my hair while you’re in the bathroom. It’s so noisy, it will keep you awake otherwise.”

She grabbed a clean pair of pajamas and hurried into the bathroom. But after she’d closed the door, she sank down onto the floor and slumped over her raised knees for a minute while she tried to recover.

Love’s first kiss.

Any other kisses before this didn’t count.

She’d read about it in the fairy tales. Now she understood why it had brought Snow White violently awake. Prince Charming’s passion had created a bonfire. Liz was burning up.

Chapter Seven

The day of the first round of the pro finals was upon them. “What do you think I should wear for the opening ceremonies?” While Liz cooked eggs and ham, Connor held up two Western shirts, one black, one brown.

She glanced at them. “Black will make a big statement.”

“Black it is. Why don’t you wear the royal-blue shirt I saw you hang up in the wardrobe? When we parade in front of the crowd with the other competitors from our state, every eye will be focused on you.”

“You’re throwing bull again.” But her pulse throbbed from his compliment. Liz couldn’t believe she was actually going to be a legitimate competitor in front of thousands of people at the Super Bowl of rodeos with Connor. Everything was starting to feel surreal.

“What? No argument?” he teased.

“Not today.”

“Well, that was easy.”

She chuckled. “Come and eat. I’ve made French toast, too.”

“I love being spoiled rotten.”

Liz loved being with him, period!

After breakfast, they cleaned the trailer, washed sheets and made beds. Then came the phone calls to and from family and friends. She received a text from Kyle wishing her luck. She sent him a message back with a thank-you. Keeping busy was the best way to handle the countdown.

At 11:00 a.m. Connor drove Liz to the South Point hotel to attend the Women’s Pro Rodeo Star Celebration. There was a banquet program where they were handed out gift packs of an NFR ring, a jacket and a backpack. The finalists drew for the saddles.

Wade carried hers and put it in the back of the truck, then they headed out into the desert.

Later in the day, Connor fixed them lunch. After eating, they drove back to the trailer to shower and get ready. Once they’d reached the Center, Connor reached for the silver charm bracelet.

While he held on to one end, he motioned for her to catch hold of the other, their link to Ralph. “Shall we have a moment of silence?”

“Yes,” she whispered, moved by his suggestion. Since driving with him, she wanted the best for him, not only for the rodeo, but for his very life.

He squeezed her hand before rehanging the bracelet around the mirror. She felt his warmth steal through her. “After our events, I’ll wait for you here and we’ll drive over to the South Point together. Later we’ll load up the horses and take them back to the RV park.” He leaned across the seat and kissed her cheek. “My bet’s on you, Liz.”

“I think you know how much I want you to win.”

Within the next hour it was time to get in line for the parade. She’d watched it on TV for years. Incredible to think she was finally a participant. After the presentation of the American flag and the national anthem, there was the laser light and fireworks show.

It thrilled Liz to be riding alongside Connor. When their horses nickered back and forth, Connor flashed her a smile that turned her bones to liquid. He leaned closer to her. “They know something big is about to happen.”

She nodded. “Sunflower is excited. I can tell.”

“Firebrand has more nervous energy than usual, too.” In the background, the music blared. “It’s time,” he said in his vibrant voice. “Ready?”

Liz heard the announcer introduce the contestants from each of the twelve pro circuit regions. A thunderous ovation greeted their ears when she and Connor rode out of the alley into the spotlight.

“From the State of Montana, give a huge welcome to Connor Bannock from White Lodge, unprecedented five-time world-champion steer wrestler hoping for his sixth on his champion horse, Firebrand. This triple-crown winner two years in a row has raised the bar.”

The crowd went absolutely crazy with applause and cheers, raising the noise level. Liz heard thousands of people chanting Connor’s name. She was so proud of him she could burst.

“New to this arena, also from White Lodge, is Liz Henson, number two in the standings of the world barrel-racing championship, riding Sunflower. When she’s not competing, she’s known as Dr. Elizabeth Henson, veterinarian.” More cheers and whistles erupted. Sunflower fairly pranced. Sometimes she almost seemed human.

“Next is Pete Marshall from Ennis, sixth in the world standing in tie-down roping on his horse, Foxy. This is his third appearance at the finals. Finally, let’s greet Greg Pearson from Gardiner, number ten in the world standings in bull riding. This is his fourth appearance at this arena.” The applause continued before they exited the stage and the competitors from the Prairie Circuit made their entrance.

Liz followed Connor to Firebrand’s stall. His event would be coming up soon. “I’ll leave you and Wade to get ready. Go for it, Connor. Go all the way.”

His eyes searched hers. “I’ll find you after my event is over to cheer you on. There’s no one who’s better at what you do than you. Just remember that, and forget everyone else. This is your time.”

Those words sustained her as she put Sunflower in her stall. Anxious not to miss anything, she made her way through the crowds to get the best view of the steer wrestlers. They were walking their horses in preparation for their event. She watched Connor from a distance talking with Wade, no doubt assessing the steers for tonight.

When it was time for the steer wrestling, she moved to a spot by some of the rodeo livestock support staff. This was the first night of the competition, which meant Connor, who was number one, came last.

The first twelve bulldoggers clocked times from 3.6 to 4.2. She heard Shorty Windom’s name announced. The Floridian put a 3.5 on the board. “That’s the winning time so far!”

It was a terrific score.

“Next up is Clive Masters, number three in the winnings from Amarillo, Texas.” He took off and was fast, tying with Sonny Anza from Ojai, California, for a 3.6.

The crowd grew louder as the Arkansas champion Jocko Mendez’s name was announced. Number two in the winnings, he was Connor’s competition. Liz’s heart began to thud as she watched him take off, but he went too fast.

“Uh-oh. Hitting that barrier too soon wasn’t in Jocko’s plans for this first round. That’ll cost him, but he could still be number one if his overall average beats everyone else’s.”

Seconds later she saw Connor enter the box. “Can the number-one–ranked, five-time world champion bulldogger, Connor Bannock, from White Lodge, Montana, beat the best time tonight?” A roar broke from the crowd in answer.

Her breath caught in her throat.

“He’s in the corner of the box, scoring his champion horse, Firebrand. Will his luck hold? For five years he’s had the winning time on the first night of the pro final rounds. We’ll see if he can do it again.”

Just do your best, Connor, because you are the best.

She watched him give the nod, and before she could blink, he was out of there, going thirty miles an hour. Moments later, he had that steer on the ground in a flawless performance. “Ladies and gentlemen—he’s broken his own record with a 3.2! Your winner for tonight, Connor Bannock.”

The crowd went crazy with excitement, but no one knew what his win meant to Liz.
Now maybe you’ll believe in yourself, Connor.

She turned around and headed for the stall to brush down Sunflower and talk to her. When it drew close to the time for her event, she resaddled her, put on the knotted reins and her show bridle using the O-ring snaffle.

Once in the saddle, she leaned over and patted her neck. “Okay, little lady. We’re being televised. This is it. What do you say we do this for my mom and dad? Without them, this night would never have been possible. Let’s do it for Ralph who always believed me, and let’s do it for Connor. He got us here safe and sound.”

Liz headed toward the alley where the other barrel racers were assembling. She waited before getting into line, since she wouldn’t go until second to last. His words echoed through her mind.
There’s no one who’s better at what you do than you. Just remember that and forget everyone else.

Taking his advice, she forced a calm to come over her and went through a series of mental calisthenics. Sunflower did a few sidesteps, knowing what was about to happen. She was so smart it was scary.

At the precise moment it was her turn, Liz made the clicking sound her horse recognized. They shot down the alley. This was a blind barrel. You couldn’t see it until you came out into the arena. To Liz’s relief, Sunflower rated perfectly at the first barrel, the way they’d been practicing, and they raced across the arena to the second barrel. Around they went. Her horse had never made a better turn. Now the last barrel!
Don’t knock it over.

Once they got around it, they needed to fly back to the alley, and fly they did. Like the wind! She heard the announcer give her time as 13.61. That was the best time she’d ever had! The crowd went wild.

“Good girl, Sunflower. You outdid yourself!”

Trembling with excitement, she walked the horse back to her stall. Everyone called out, “Great ride,” and congratulated her before she reached her destination and dismounted.

“I love you, little lady,” she said, hugging her while tears ran down her cheeks. She pulled a treat out of her pocket and gave it to her. “I have the best horse in the world.”

“That works both ways” came the deep masculine voice she loved behind her. “Sunflower has the best rider in the world. It’s over. You won tonight’s round and the competition is in mourning. Dustine, who’s number one along with three others, knocked over barrels. She did an 18.90. All Las Vegas is betting on you to win the world championship.”

She wheeled around, the moisture still glistening on her face. “
Connor—
you won, too!” she cried. “I’m so happy for you I could—”

“Burst?” he finished for her. “Congratulations.” He reached for her and hugged her. “Tonight beats every rodeo experience I ever had. We should have been traveling to all our rodeos together.”

Liz’s father had told her he thought she and Connor were the best kind of company for each other.

“Hey, Liz—how about letting another cowboy give you a hug? That was a dynamite performance.”

She could see Derrick over Connor’s broad shoulder and eased away from him, though he seemed reluctant to let her go. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to watch your event. How did you do?”

“Not as good as you and the legend here.” He smiled and nudged Connor’s shoulder. “Sixth-best time for me and my bro isn’t great, but we’ll try to recoup tomorrow night.”

“You have nine more tries,” she said in an effort to prop him up.

Derrick smiled at her. “Are you ready to claim your gold buckle? I’ll drive you to the hotel.”

She wished he hadn’t sought her out, wished she hadn’t gone to dinner with him. Now he’d shown up at the wrong moment. Liz wanted to stay in Connor’s arms indefinitely.

“You go on.” Connor answered for her, but the light had gone out of his eyes. “I’ll head over to the hotel in my truck to join Wade and my sponsors. See you there.”

* * *

C
ONNOR
HAD
FELT
euphoric until Derrick had shown up.
Hell.
When Connor had hugged Liz just now, she’d clung to him in a way that sent a shock wave through him. More than her win—or his—had caused a reaction like that. He could feel something profound happening to both of them. He couldn’t be wrong about that, could he?

On the drive over to the hotel he received a text on his cell. He pulled it out.
Way to go, lover. 9 more days. Can’t wait.

He put his phone back in his pocket. At five to eleven he showed up at the casino where Wade and their road buddies were waiting for him. The Wrangler NFR announcer began the presentations. There was tons of laughter and a few tear-jerking moments as he and Liz picked up their buckles along with the other night’s winners.

Connor got as close to Liz as he could. They exchanged an intense glance before they had to leave the stage so the main concert could begin. He could feel that she’d wanted to be with him. While the fans started to two-step the night away, he watched her join Derrick, who was eating her up with his eyes.

When they disappeared, he said good-night to Wade and Kim and headed back to the RV park to hook up the trailer. En route Jarod phoned to congratulate him.

“Sadie and I invited the Hensons and Zane to watch the whole thing on our big screen with Grandpa and Avery. Neither you nor Liz could do anything wrong. You know that?”

“Liz’s performance was phenomenal.”

“So was yours, bro.”

“I got lucky. Jocko had a bad break. That was tough.”

“He was too eager to beat you.”

“He still could.”

“But he won’t! You should have seen our grandfather. He and Millie just sat there crying like babies from the moment of the opening ceremonies. When Liz’s score flashed on the screen, Mac lost it. I never saw him break down before.”

“I’m not surprised. She rode for him. Before we hang up, tell me how the mother of Little Sits in the Center is doing.”

Jarod chuckled. “So-so. The medicine is helping, but she’s in for a siege of morning sickness, I’m afraid.”

“But nothing you can’t live with.”

“No, thank heaven. We’ll all be watching again tomorrow night. Sadie’s here with me. She sends her love to both of you.”

“Tell her thanks. I’ll let Liz know.”

“You mean she’s not with you?”

He bit down so hard he almost cracked his teeth. “Afraid not. She’s...partying.”

“Liz?”

Connor shouldn’t have said anything. “I didn’t mean it that way. In truth, I have no idea what she’s doing with Derrick.”

“Who is that?”

“The guy in the team roping with his brother. He’s a friend of Wade’s.”

“Does that mean Reva’s there with you?” he asked in a quiet voice. “Grandpa told us she called the house before you left. What’s up?”

He sucked in his breath. “She wants to get back with me.”

“As in married?”

“Yup.”

“Are you with her right now?”

“She came for a night, but I sent her back to L.A. We’ll talk when the rodeo’s over.”

After a silence, “Have you figured out what your heart’s telling you yet?”