Bullwhipped (A Cowboy Romance) (6 page)

Looking up, he spotted Olivia. “Sometimes I don’t get it either.”

“And then when that bull comes down on top of you, you are too damn stubborn to get it looked at. Battle of pride, I guess.” She shook her head. “What’s the shame in being injured? Y’all act like if you show any sign of weakness that you’re less of a man or something.”

He limped toward her, trying his hardest to hide any discomfort. “So much for me salvaging anything out of this day.”

“So what do you usually do after such a shitty day?” she asked, her use of a cuss word catching him off guard.

“What do I do?” He patted his chest with his hand. “Usually go drown my sorrows in some whiskey and find a fine looking woman to help ease the pain. I guess I’m halfway there, but something tells me you’re not much of a hard liquor kind of gal, are you?”

“There’s a first time for everything. I could use a good drink right about now.”

“Well by all means, I wouldn’t wanna keep a lady waiting. Lets get outta here.” Cale wasn’t sure if it was the best idea, especially if he had to keep his hands to himself, but if it meant spending time with Olivia, he’d take his chances.

Cale drove her to a bar and parked the truck. The place was already packed with tons of patrons and too many familiar faces for his liking. He pulled the keys from the ignition but didn’t get out. She deserved better than going to a bar.

“What’s the matter?” Olivia asked, reaching for the door handle.

“This place is a shit hole,” he replied as he twirled his key ring on his index finger.

“I really could use a drink.”

“This crowd isn’t the best for me to be around right now.” He stuck the key back in the ignition and the truck’s engine came back to life, the diesel rumbling. “I got a better idea. I think you’ll like it better than a smoky bar and loud music.” Pulling back out onto the road, he made a quick stop at a liquor store and bought a small bottle of Jack Daniels.

“You’re just full of surprises, Cale.”

“I think there’s a lake near here.”

He took a county road outside of the town, relying heavily on his memory. It had been a few years since he had been there, but the signs pointing to the small lake confirmed he wasn’t just imagining it. There was a small picnic area on the edge of the water, and he grabbed a blanket from the backseat and spread it on the ground close to the shore.

“You have a blanket in your truck?” Olivia asked, her smile adorable as they both sat down.

“You travel with a bunch of cowboys and you take turns sleeping in the back. Don’t judge.”

He twisted the cap off of the bottle and took a swig, offering it to her. She obliged, her nose crinkling as she swallowed the burning drink. Coughing, she handed it back to him.

“You’re right, Cale. Not much of a whiskey girl.”

“That’s okay. That’s what makes me like you so much.”

She pulled her knees up under her chin and stared out at the water, flashing him a sideways glance. “You like me because I don’t drink whiskey?”

Lying on his side, Cale kicked his legs out and relaxed, feeling a small buzz come on. Deciding he didn’t want to take it farther, he screwed the lid back on and handed it to her. “I like you because you’re not what I’m used to. Hell, I’ve been out with so many women and most of them would’ve already chugged that down. Let’s face it – I’m no angel. And brace yourself, but here’s my corny moment of the night. I guess being around someone like you makes me want to be better. I need to grow out of the rambling lifestyle.”

She rested her head on her knees, her smile so natural. “That’s probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever told me, Cale. A few days ago I would’ve thought you were just saying what I’d want to hear, but now I’m not so sure. I can tell you mean it.”

“You’re damn right I mean it.”

They both sat in silence as the crickets chirped and the small waves hit the shoreline. It was a cool, clear night, almost too perfect for Cale to comprehend. Olivia shifted and lay beside him, propping herself up on her elbow. Her scent was more intoxicating than any whiskey, and the small buzz he was feeling from the booze was heightened from her floral and fresh air smell. Her soft hair blew in the breeze, tickling his skin.

“Do you know how bad I want to kiss you right now?”

Looking into his eyes, she ran her soft hand down the side of his face, her palm smooth against his whiskers. It made him shiver, and her touch shot electricity through him.

Leaning as close as she could, their bodies pressed together, and her lips skimmed over his, her kiss sweet. Cupping the back of her head, he opened his mouth, inviting her, and to his surprise, she responded as her tongue dipped between his teeth. He savored the flavor, remembering how it was the night they had made love.

Her fingers fanned through his hair, trailing down his check, his neck, and slipping under his shirt, her silky touch mesmerizing. He broke the kiss first but he moved, burying his face in the nape of her neck. He held his breath when her hand moved even lower, resting on the buckle of his belt, tugging at it.

So bad did he want this to happen. He had imagined it, craved it, and now that they were on the brink of allowing it, he scooted away, completely breaking the physical contact with her. Earning her respect meant having self-control, even if it was the hardest thing he ever had to do.

“Sorry,” he whispered.

“For?”

“I really want to prove to you that I’m about more than just sex. I know you want to wait. I know you would regret this if we let it happen again so soon, Livie. We can’t let our desires take over.”

Reaching out, Olivia ran her thumb over his lips, her eyes welling up with tears. “Oh my gosh, Cale. I said it earlier and I’ll say it again. You’re full of surprises aren’t you? You really do care. You really are trying to change.” A tear trickled down her cheek, and Cale wiped it away with his index finger. She leaned into his touch, her eyes closed.

“I’d never lie to you. I meant what I said. I won’t do anything you don’t want me to.”

“We just have it all backwards,” she said, laughing as she wiped more of the moisture from her face. “Sex and then dating. Go figure.”

“What can I say? I’ve never been a conventional type of guy.”

He placed both of his hands on either side of her face, resting his forehead on hers. For a second he forgot that they were sprawled out on a blanket near a lake. Everything was perfect and if he could, he’d make time stop.

Her lips brushed his again and he held her close, enjoying every second, making a memory he hoped he’d never forget.

***

A few days had passed since their time at the lake and Olivia felt like she had been walking on cloud nine. Cale was not the man she had assumed he was, and though she still held reservations about him, she found herself excited to see him, to watch his rides, and to just be with him. It still scared her, especially how quick she was letting her guard down, and somehow through all of it, she was still able to resist him. They had gotten close at the lake, but thankfully, Cale had stepped in and brought her back down to earth.

Walking through the rodeo crowd, she couldn’t believe it was the last round for everyone. With her second day ride as awful as it was, she was still able to manage to stay in the top three, and it all depended on today on what place she’d actually take home. Oscar had still nagged at her, more about Cale than her ride, and she had found ways to completely block him out, defeating his purpose of even being on the road with her.

Leaning against the railing, she watched a group of kids laugh and play, some pretending to ride on hay bails, others crowding around cowboys, trying hard to be noticed and fit in. She wondered if Cale was that way as a kid. She imagined he was a stubborn child just like now, wanting to grow up long before it was his time.

She hadn’t taken the time to ask if he was going to Killeen for the next rodeo. With so many rodeos happening across the state, the chances of them going their separate ways were a reality. How crazy would it be to change her plans and follow him? She didn’t want to seem like a creeper.

Watching the kids, she saw Cale, leaning over and grabbing a program from one of the boys, signing it for him. He tapped the boy on his hat brim and the kid laughed as he handed him his autograph. The simple act was admirable – so many of the adults ignored the kids, but he stuck around, taking time to talk to each one. It made Olivia smile and feel bad for ever thinking bad about him.

The little boy skipped away, lost in his own world, and Cale went to the next child and she wished she could hear the conversation better. The interaction was cut short when a woman yelled, pointing toward the chutes.

“My son! He got in the with the bulls!”

Olivia stepped forward, not sure how she could help. Cale and his friend Sammy took action and he hopped over the gate as the bull charged toward the small child. The kid stood motionless, like he didn’t know how to react. His eyes were wide with fear and Olivia felt helpless, watching Cale sprint as fast as he could, his leg still not one hundred percent from a few days before.

The bull galloped, his speed much faster than Cale’s. Would he get there in time? Olivia got closer, her heart thumping, fearing the worst for both Cale and the boy. It was like everything was in slow motion as the near future stood in limbo between the charging bull and Cale. Within seconds, Cale scooped him up and guarded him with his body as the bull blew by, barely missing both of them as he rounded the corner to come back for more. Cale wasted no time, lifting the boy over to another cowboy, getting him out of harm’s way. Climbing, he lifted his body at the last second, the bull’s horns brushing him as he fell to the ground on the outside of the arena.

Olivia couldn’t get to him. A large crowd circled round and she was pushed aside, but at least he was okay. It took her a few seconds to calm down. Her nerves were shot and she saw the woman scoop her son up, hugging him and checking him over. How did he get in there? Most importantly, it was amazing how fast Cale and the others responded.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she went back to the stable where Chance was being held. She’d have to see Cale later. How could she have ever judged him before she knew him? It was small town talk at its finest and it had gotten the best of her. She had to let him know it was a mistake. She had to apologize for the way she had treated him.

***

The heat from the shower felt good against Cale’s skin. The water poured over him, providing some temporary relief from his aching body. Closing his eyes, he relived the seconds right before saving the kid. His mother had thanked him profusely but now that it was over and done, he had a chance to process it. It had all happened so fast and once it was done, it hit him blindside. Kids crowded around all the time. Not once had he ever taken a second thought in them getting inside with the bulls. A split second difference and they would have all witnessed something tragic.

Stepping out of the shower, he toweled off and pulled on a t-shirt and sweats. They were headed to Killeen in the morning and he wanted to rest. Sammy had invited him out like he did every night, wanting to celebrate both of their top five finishes, but he declined. He wanted to see Olivia, but kept his distance so he wouldn’t wear out his welcome with her.

Lying on the bed, he turned the TV on and flipped through the channels. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the night at the lake and took a sip, but scooted it across the nightstand, resisting any more of it. Relaxing into the pillow, he began to doze when he heard a knock on the door. Who could that be? First instinct was to ignore it, but whoever it was knocked again, this time louder.

“Cale, are you in there?”

Was that Olivia? Sitting up, he went to the door, opening it to reveal her on the other side. “Livie.”

“Sorry for coming by unannounced.”

“It’s a good surprise.”

She looked over his shoulder into the room. “Are you alone?”

“Yeah. I don’t expect Sammy back until way later. What’s up?”

She didn’t answer him and pushed through the threshold, slipping out of her light jacket as she moved toward the beds. She wore a tight tank top and Cale tried hard not to stare. Her hair draped over her shoulders, fanning over her skin so perfectly.

“I saw what happened today with that boy.” Turning, she faced him, her face serious.

“Pretty crazy, wasn’t it?” Was she mad? She kept a straight face, and Cale was having a hard time reading her.

“It was, but you saved him. You didn’t even think twice.”

Shrugging, Cale hadn’t realized she had been there. “Any of those guys down there would have done the same thing. I was just the closest.”

She shook her head no, getting close to him. Again with the perfume – it drove him wild. “No, you’re different. You’re not at all what I thought you were, Cale, and I’m sorry for that. I let the small town rumor mill cloud my own judgment of you and I should have never treated you the way I did.” She wrapped her arm around his waist, her body pressed hard against his. “I saw the way you were with those kids. Most of those guys ignored them but there you were, signing autographs and talking to them, making them feel like they belonged.”

It was something simple he never thought twice about, but it seemed to stick out to her for some reason. Her breasts pushed into him and he felt his arousal grow in his pants. If she got any closer he wouldn’t be able to stop himself.

“I remember how it was to be their age. No big deal.”

“Forgive me for being such a bitch?” Looking up, her hand cupped his ass, jolting him forward.

“You were just protecting yourself, Livie. I didn’t take offense to it.”

Her hand continued to massage him and his breath caught in his throat. She tiptoed, her mouth trailing up his neck and to his lips, the kiss firm and sensual as her teeth nipped at his lips. Unable to resist any longer, he followed suit, his hands skimming down her sides, resting in the small of her back. His erection pressed into her belly button and he was certain she could feel it. Her hand left his backside and moved to the bulge in his sweats, stroking him from the outside, the cotton providing perfect friction.

Olivia back peddled toward the bed, pulling him with her. She fell back, spreading her legs, wagging her finger toward him to follow her. He waited at first, standing over her.

“Are you sure?” he whispered. “I don’t want to…”