A Cowboy's Heart (Hitting Rocks Cowboys) (8 page)

“I’ve been on the Strip before. Surely by now you know I trust your judgment to pick someplace different.”

His gaze played over her features for a pulse-pounding moment before he started the engine and they drove out to the main street. The traffic was heavy but typical for Las Vegas. Before long, they turned off and wound around to Tiny’s Bar and Grill. Though there was a crowd, they didn’t have to wait to get inside.

Connor had been right about the band. It rocked. As they walked in, the people on the dance floor were doing the Watermelon Crawl. Liz found her senses throbbing to the music.

After being shown to a table where he helped remove her jacket, he ordered soda for both of them. The band was getting ready for another number. “I’m in the mood to dance.”

“Me, too.”

They got up and walked out to the floor. The next song turned out to be the Cowboy Boogie. The moment they started, Liz glanced sideways and saw her escort could boogie with the best of them. Many of the females in the room recognized the king of the steer wrestlers and glommed onto him in a big hurry.

Someone in the band announced that the famous Connor Bannock was in the grill. Everyone cheered. Liz loved it. He was electrifying when caught in the right mood, and he was definitely in the right mood. His eyes lit up when he realized she was well into it herself.

Liz danced her head off. She’d never had so much fun in her life. The whole crowd was living it up. Pretty soon they turned to the Sleazy Slide, and they must have danced to half a dozen songs before the band took a break.

After he cupped her elbow and led her back to their table, he leaned toward her, his eyes full of flattering male admiration. “I’ve never been with a woman who dances like you. Is there anything you can’t do?”

If only her heart would stop its sickening thud. “I can’t steer wrestle.”

“I’m being serious,” he ground out.

She drank her cola. “So am I. As I said before, my folks didn’t get a boy.”

He sipped his drink, viewing her mysteriously over the rim of his glass. “They won the jackpot.”

“Try telling them that. You never heard about the pony dad paid money for that he didn’t have. After I went to my first rodeo, I plagued him for one. Then I nearly drove the poor thing into the ground trying to make it go around tree stumps in the forest. I almost killed it.”

Laughter started deep inside him until his whole body was shaking. It brought tears to his fabulous brown eyes. “How old were you?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe six. I gave them fits day in and day out for years. When I was nine, dad got me Magpie, whom I promptly crippled. After he got Dr. Rafferty to explain all the terrible things I’d done to him trying to make him run around more stumps and bumping into them accidentally, I had to nurse my horse until she was better. I think it was then I decided it might not be a bad idea to become a vet if my animals were going to survive.”

A smile laced his features, giving him a dashing look. “In the midst of it all, a barrel racer was born.”

“My dad was forced to train me so he would survive parenthood.”

“His hard work paid off.”

She averted her eyes as her throat closed up. “Let’s hope so.”

“You made it to the top fifteen in the world. Number two puts you in the top money earnings. As your father said, that’s not peanuts.” The band had started up again. “Let’s dance.”

It wasn’t until they reached the open floor she realized the music had changed to allow everyone to slow dance. She felt a spurt of adrenaline as he pulled her into his arms and drew her close to his hard-muscled body. Their hats nudged against each other, but he didn’t let that stop him from pressing his cheek to hers. She was burning up. Surely he couldn’t help but notice.

When the song ended, he didn’t let go. “This is nice,” he whispered in a husky voice.

So nice she could hardly breathe. He continued to rock her in his arms until another song began. “I like your gold barrel racer earrings. They’re unique.”

“Sadie and Jarod had them made for me on the reservation to bring me luck.”

“They’re working so far.”

Liz lost track of her surroundings. The whole time they clung to each other, his warm breath tickled the ends of her newly cut hair, sending rivulets of delight through her body. It was uncanny how they moved as one person.

“Do you have any idea how good you smell?”

“We both used the same soap, remember?”

“One of the great perks of rooming together,” he teased. “I’m glad we’ve still got two weeks ahead of us.”

And then what? Would he get back with Reva? But Liz chose not to think about that right now.

Connor lifted his head so he could look at her. “I’m waiting for you to say something back.” If she wasn’t mistaken, she heard a trace of vulnerability in his voice. “Have you changed your mind? Would you rather room with the other barrel racers at the hotel? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with the best of them.”

What to say to convince him she was happy with the decision she’d already made? “When Mom asked me why I decided to travel with you, I told her it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders with the best of the best. That’s
you,
Connor.”

She heard his sharp intake of breath, which could mean anything, before he spun her around the floor. When the song ended, he grasped her hand and led her through the crowd to the exit. Silence punctuated the drive back to the RV park. By the time they reached the trailer, Liz sensed Connor had worked himself up into a mood she didn’t understand.

He unlocked the door for her. “I have an errand to run. I don’t know how long I’ll be.”

After giving Liz the thrill of her life, he was off to spend time with his ex-wife.

She knew he wasn’t a player. Connor’s grandfather had suggested he take Liz to Las Vegas with him. He’d probably told him to show her a good time. No one could do it better than Connor, even with Reva waiting in the wings for him.

“You don’t owe me any explanation, neighbor. Thank you for a great evening out.” She went inside and shut the door before locking it.

Liz checked her watch. Five after one in the morning. Too late to have a heart-to-heart with Sadie. After she got ready for bed and had crawled under the covers, she texted her best friend who would see her message in the morning.

I need to talk, but know it’s impossible tonight. I’ll try to reach u tomorrow. Suffice it to say, I’m in trouble.

No sooner had she pressed Send and turned out the light than her cell rang. She couldn’t believe it and clicked it on. “Sadie?”

“It’s not impossible because I’m wide-awake. Jarod drove to the reservation and is staying all night with his uncle Charlo’s family. They’re rebuilding the fence around their house. I stayed behind because I haven’t felt good for the past two days.”

“You’re sick?”

“Yeah. Poor little Ryan doesn’t understand what’s wrong with me.”

All of a sudden, Liz screamed with joy. “You’re pregnant!”

“Yes! I just found out, but I told Jarod I was coming down with a cold because I want to surprise him when he gets back after breakfast.”

“I’m so thrilled for you, I’m jumping out of my skin!”

“Me, too, but I’m
so
sick. The nausea is deadly. Still, enough talk about me. You said you’re in trouble, and we both know why.”

Her hand gripped the phone tighter. “I’m afraid so.”

“Where’s Connor?”

“With his ex-wife.”

“Reva’s there?”

“Yes.”

“You’re kidding me!” Sadie cried. “That woman refuses to leave him alone! Jarod’s going to croak when he hears this.”

“They’re still in love, Sadie.”

“So are you. I can hear it in your voice.”

Liz closed her eyes tightly. “Yes. He’s so wonderful, you have no idea.”

“Of course I do. He’s Ralph’s grandson and Jarod’s brother. There’s no one like the Bannock brothers on this planet,” she said, in so fervent a tone that Liz shivered. “I have no advice for you. Absolutely none.”

“I didn’t expect any. I just needed to talk.”

“Go ahead and bawl your heart out. I did enough of that to you for eight years. It’s my turn to listen.”

The floodgates opened. “H-he’s lost confidence, Sadie. It goes back a long way.”

“Tell me something I don’t know. I’m still working on Jarod.”

Liz wiped the moisture off her face. “He feels guilty about his life.”

“That sounds familiar, too. Blast Reva for showing up at a time like this.”

“She can’t help that she loves him.”

“It’s not the kind of love he needs. Jarod’s worried about him retiring from the rodeo. He’s vulnerable, and Reva knows it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

“Thank goodness you’re in Las Vegas now. How’s the hotel? Are they taking special care of all you barrel racers, letting you loose in the casino?”

Guilt caused her to sit up straight up in bed. “No.”

“What do you mean?”

Her pulse picked up speed. “Connor and I are sharing his trailer as our hotel while we’re here.”

At least a minute passed before she heard, “Liz— what’s going on?”

“I’ll tell you what I told Mom. After all these years of being haunted by him, he gave me an opportunity to get a real dose of him, one-on-one. I was convinced that driving to Las Vegas with him, staying with him in his trailer, would be a revelation and provide the cure I’ve been needing.”

“Where’s Wade sleeping?”

“He’s driven down in his own trailer with his girlfriend.”

Another silence. “My poor, dear, darling, foolish friend...”

“Sadie? You and I both know this was all Ralph’s idea. He gave us this charm bracelet to hang on the truck mirror to bring us luck. Connor’s trying to please him. He’s been bending over backward for his wallflower neighbor.”

“Wallflower—”

“The shoe fits, Sadie. I’ll act grateful if it kills me.”

“It’s already killing you.”

It was.

“You’re in the worst trouble I ever heard of and the rodeo hasn’t even begun yet. It beats my eight years of exile from Jarod. I thought you wanted to win the gold buckle.”

“I do. Pray for me.”

“I already am.”

Chapter Six

Liz set her watch alarm for six-thirty in the morning. She wanted to take Sunflower on an early ride. It would give both of them a chance to work with the new reins. When she looked up, she could see Connor was in bed. He’d probably just gotten in from being with Reva and would need a ton of sleep.

After dressing quietly, she gave her hair a quick brushing. What a delight after having to take care of that long braid day after day for years! She bit into an apple, put on her hat and left the trailer. The sun was just making its appearance, a favorite time of the morning for Liz, as she headed for the barn.

When she reached the stalls, she let Sunflower finish off her fruit. Not forgetting the other horse, she slipped Firebrand a treat from her pocket. “Don’t worry. Connor will be here before long.”

Then she turned to her horse. “Come on, little lady. Let’s give these reins another try and find out if Connor was right about them.”

She led Sunflower back to the trailer. Once the mare was saddled, Liz levered herself into the seat and took off on a slow walk. Only a few people were out riding.

Slowly she ran through her routine. “Whoa,” she said every so often, pulling on the reins as Sunflower stopped and backed up. The more she worked with the reins, the more she realized she could get a good grip with those knots. The feel was definitely different.

When they returned to the arena, she started making her circles. After a little while, she increased her speed and could tell she had more control with these reins, giving her confidence. Better yet, her horse was getting the message and couldn’t pull around a turn like she sometimes wanted to do because Liz had a stronger, better grip.

At the rodeo in Great Falls, Connor’s eagle eye had seen the reins slide through her hands that one time. It took a champion to have noticed. Another slip like that could cost her a winning time when it came down to the wire. She owed him for helping her make a crucial adjustment in her gear.

Over and over again she practiced her circles with Sunflower, changing from a walk to a lope, one direction, then the other, then backing up. The knotted reins were what she’d needed to fine-tune her connection with Sunflower.

“By Jove, I think she’s got it” came a deep, familiar male voice out of the blue.

She turned her head. “Professor Higgins!” she cried in a rush of excitement. How long had he been watching her? “You’re a genius!”

“That’s nice to hear first thing in the day.”

Her heart melted at the sight of him astride Firebrand, his hat dipped low over his forehead to shield his eyes from the rays of the sun. In her mind, Connor had always been the ultimate American cowboy, but since their trip she’d learned he had many facets to his complex personality. He was such a marvelous man, she could hardly put her feelings into words.

“Do you want to hear something else exciting?”

A half smile broke out on his face as he rode closer. “Shoot.”

“The thing we’ve all hoped for has happened. Sadie just found out she’s pregnant, but Jarod doesn’t know yet.” Connor whistled. “She’s going to tell him today, with a special surprise when he gets back from the reservation.”

“What is it?”

“After they were married, she secretly asked Jarod’s family to make her a basket cradleboard in the hope that one day they’d have a child. She has it hidden at Ralph’s. I bet she ran over to get it and has put it in the middle of their bed so he’ll see it first thing.”

A stillness surrounded Connor. “He’s going to die of joy.”

“Oh, wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall when she tells him?”

Connor let go with a whoop and tossed his hat high in the air. Pure love for his brother had inspired that maneuver. Naturally, because he was so athletic, he caught it again.

“I can’t wait to hear what Crow name he comes up with after their baby is born.”

He grinned. “Probably something like Howls Like a Wolf.”

She laughed hilariously. “Or Bear Cub Who Makes Noise.”

Connor sidled his horse right up to her. “When did you talk to her?”

“Last night, before I went to sleep. She would have gone to the reservation with him, but felt too nauseous. I guess that’s when she learned she was pregnant. The news about Sits in the Center will go out over the powwow drums at their next celebration,” she teased. “Just think. You’re going to be an uncle, and Avery will be an aunt!”

He nodded. “This will give Grandpa a reason to go on living.” He smiled as he said it, but she heard a forlorn tone that crushed her, because she knew where it came from. Connor didn’t feel he carried his weight as a Bannock. She couldn’t bear it that he didn’t know how remarkable he was.

“Ralph has three outstanding grandchildren carving out their own destinies. All of them help him get up every morning.”

He studied her for a long time. “You’re the one person I know who always sees the glass full. Not half-full or half-empty, but full.”

“That’s because it is. Have you eaten yet?”

“No. I heard you leave and decided it was my turn to muck out the stalls while you were working with Sunflower.”

“That was a sneaky move on your part. You’re afraid I’m going to get you when you’re knee-deep in the stuff.”

A chuckle escaped his throat. “The thought has crossed my mind more than once. Are you hungry?”

“I’m getting there.”

“Let’s drive out of town into the desert. I want to barbecue some steaks and cook up potatoes and onions. We’ll take a trail ride. The horses need a break from their normal routines and it’ll be fun for them. We’ll come back in time for me to work out with Wade.”

“Do you have a specific place in mind?”

“I thought we’d drive to Red Rock Canyon. It’s not far, and there are trails running throughout with some awesome views. How does that sound?”

A whole afternoon alone with Connor now that they’d reached their destination? There had to be a reason he wanted to get completely away.
You wanted to get to know the real Connor. But you hadn’t counted on his ex-wife to be a virtual presence. You are a fool, Liz Henson.

She averted her eyes, unable to sustain his glance. “It beats spending time losing the little money I brought with me on the roulette wheel,” she quipped. “Come on, Sunflower. We’re very lucky our gracious next-door neighbor wants to show us something we haven’t seen before. Let’s see if we can’t beat him and Firebrand to the trailer.”

With a clicking sound, she took off like a shot. It was exhilarating to get into a full gallop. Liz wouldn’t have done it if Sunflower hadn’t already been warmed up. She reached the back of the trailer first, but that was only because Connor had decided not to make it a competition. She jumped down to open the doors.

Moving quickly, she walked her horse into the stall and filled the bucket with fresh water for her. She patted her neck. “If you run that fast for me during the events, we’ll have nothing to worry about.”

While Connor led his horse inside the other stall, she secured the lead rope and then left the stall. Before long he’d hitched the truck to the trailer and they took off.

No one eyeing them would see a thing wrong this picture, but Liz knew it was flawed. “Connor,” she began. “I—”

“Reva went back to Los Angeles yesterday,” he broke in before she could apologize.”

So he wasn’t with her last night.

“She won’t return until the last night of finals. But I want to get something clear right now. You’ve been more than a neighbor to me for a long time, and I’m not using you for substitute entertainment.”

“I know that,” she whispered. “But I guess I’m overwhelmed by your attention. When Ralph asked you to drive me here and take good care of me, I never dreamed you would be so thorough about it. It makes me feel guilty, because I’ve done nothing to deserve it.

“Though you warned me about Reva, when she walked in the trailer I could see what she was seeing, and it hurt me for her sake. She couldn’t have been happy that I was living in there with you. If your kindness to me, or your grandfather’s, has done anything to cause trouble between you and your ex-wife, I couldn’t handle that. I’d be happy to explain the way things really are to her.”

“Have you finished?”

She lowered her head. “Not yet. Jarod and Sadie almost didn’t get back together because of horrible misunderstandings. Look at them now! If I can be of any help to you where Reva is concerned, you know I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Now are you through?”

“No! I’m indebted to you and Ralph for getting me here. If I accept that job on the reservation, I’ll be indebted to Jarod. I guess I’m having a hard time accepting the incredible kindness you Bannocks have showered on me.”

He cleared his throat. “Let’s get a few things straight. In the first place, the problems between me and Reva started a long time ago and resulted in a divorce. The fact that you’re using my trailer while we’re here has no bearing on my relationship with her because she and I no longer have a relationship. A miracle would have to happen for us to get together again.”

Though Reva might have pursued him this time, she knew in the core of her he was still hoping for that miracle.

“Second, you’re under the false impression that my grandfather asked me to drive you to finals with me. But you’re wrong. He had nothing to do with it. In fact, I know it shocked him when he found out. The truth is, I allowed you to make that assumption because I was afraid you wouldn’t come otherwise.”

Liz knew he wasn’t a liar. Her body started to tremble from those stunning revelations. “Then why
did
you ask me to come?”

“Frankly, it’s because I wish it hadn’t taken so long for me to get to know you, but because of Daniel I was forced to stay away. Years ago Grandpa made me promise I wouldn’t go near you. That’s why you and I never really connected though we’ve lived next door to each other our whole lives. At Daniel’s funeral I was determined to fix that problem, but our schedules have been hectic.

“Last month I saw you out riding in the Pryors, working on your form. Your discipline and work ethic is absolutely phenomenal. It struck me how crazy it was that two people who love the sport like we do, and have given our lives to it, have never gotten to know each other better. That’s when I got the idea to invite you to drive to Las Vegas with me. But after you turned me down in Missoula, I’ll admit I was nervous to approach you again.”

Her emotions were in chaos. “I can’t imagine you being nervous about that.”

“Are you kidding? Grandpa’s little princess? Sadie’s best friend? Your parents’ pride and joy? Montana’s wonder woman?”

“Okay, okay. Stop!” She laughed in spite of her shock.

“I didn’t want to make a mistake with you. Have I made one now by asking you to spend the day with me?”

“Of course not.”

“That’s good. Now I’m going to stick my neck out once more and ask you another question. Have you ever wished I’d asked you to go out with me?”

With her heart slamming into her rib cage, she lifted her head and eyed him directly. “You mean before you met Reva?”

He nodded.

“Sure.” She flashed him a smile. “Every girl in the county wanted a chance to be with Montana’s hot steer wrestling champion.”

A shadow crossed over his features. “I’m talking about your wanting to be with the second son of the rancher next door.”

What did he just say?

“But now that I think about it, Bobby Felton and Ricky Jarvis always hung around you at school, so the thought to be with me probably never entered your mind.”

He couldn’t be serious. But when she looked into his eyes, she could see that he was.
Connor, Connor.

The tension between them was palpable. “Do you think you can handle the truth?”

“Try me.” His intensity shook her to the bone.

“The times Sadie and I went out riding and Jarod just happened to show up though it was forbidden, I always hoped his younger brother would be with him, but it never happened.”

A long silence stretched between them. “When we get back from finals, plan on my showing up. If I see you with Kyle or any of your other favorites, I’ll lie low until I can catch you alone.”

Gasp.

* * *

“S
EE
YOU
TOMORROW
at the Mack Center, Wade. Liz and I will be taking our horses over after lunch.”

He nodded. “That was a good workout tonight.”

“Yup. Firebrand’s never performed better.”

“I’m talking about you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” His gaze played over Connor without saying anything more.

After Wade left the barn, Connor took care of the horses. While he made certain they were watered and fed for the night, his cell phone rang.

Jarod!

He’d been waiting for this call the whole time he and Liz had ridden in Red Rock Canyon. With certain misunderstandings cleared up, their outing had been quite perfect.

“Hey, bro—I thought you’d forgotten me. How are you and Sadie doing?” He was waiting to hear the excitement about the baby.

“I just got back from the reservation. She’s so sick, she can’t lift her head off the pillow.”

Connor grinned. “Must be the flu. It’s going around.”

“It’s not that. She’s pregnant, and I’m terrified.”

He blinked. “Those two statements don’t go together. How could you possibly be terrified over news that has to have made you a new man?”

“You don’t know how sick she is, Connor. I’ve never seen her like this in my life.”

“If it’s that bad, then she should be in the hospital where the doctor can reduce the nausea with medication.”

“I’ve already talked to her OB. He’d ordered medicine for her and I just gave it to her. But what if—”

“It isn’t!” Connor interrupted him. “The doctor said her heart operation fixed the problem for good. Some women get really sick. Grandpa told us our mom had terrible morning sickness for a few weeks with Avery. Remember Prince William’s wife? They had to put her in the hospital for a few days. Now they have baby George. Have you got any ideas for your baby’s name?”