Rodeo Romance (Contemporary Western Romance Short)

   RODEO ROMANCE

Copyright 2015 Teresa Gabelman

All rights reserved. The right of Teresa Gabelman to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This is a work of fiction and any resemblance between the characters and persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

Gabelman, Teresa (5-6-2015). RODEO ROMANCE.

Kindle Edition.

Editor:
Hot Tree Editing

Photo: iStockphoto

Cover Art: Ron Gabelman

www.teresagabelman.com

www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa-Gabelman/191553587598342

CHAPTER 1

Trisha Summers watched the Texas scenery pass by without really seeing it. Fear rose, threatening to choke her, but she forced it away with a hard swallow.

“He won’t find you here, Trish.” Her best friend glanced at her quickly, before turning her eyes back to the road. “I covered our tracks. So just chill out, enjoy our little vacation and once he realizes you mean business, when the restraining order hits, he’ll back off.”

Not wanting to talk about her ex, Trisha changed the subject quickly. “So, why a dude ranch?” She glanced at Cindy trying not to laugh. They were both city girls, but Cindy more so than her. “Why not a tropical beach somewhere?”

“Cowboys are hot.” Cindy grinned, wiggling her eyebrows. “And they had the best looking ones on their brochure.”

Her answer would shock most, but not Trisha. Cindy said what she wanted, when she wanted, and she couldn’t care less who she said it to. This was one of the many reasons why she loved her.

“When I booked the trip, I even asked if those guys really worked there.” Cindy winked at Trisha. “I just like eye candy while sunning myself.”

“Do you even know what a dude ranch is?”

“Yeah.” She tossed Cindy a duh look. “It’s a ranch with dudes.”

This was going to be good. So good in fact Trisha was going to let Cindy carry on believing that. She’d find out soon enough. Instead, she made sure Cindy knew her exact feeling on the ‘men’ situation. “Cindy, I don’t care how many cowboys you
round up
, but I have no interest in anything that has dangling parts.”

“Even if that dangling part is huge and attached to someone who knows how to use it?” Cindy shook her head. “Doug really did a number on you and it’s time you got a new number.”

“How about we don’t talk about Doug?” Trisha focused on the passing scenery, the tightening sickness in her stomach gripping her hard. Every time his name was brought up, her reaction was fear, with a mix of embarrassment. Doug was a mistake she wished would go away.

“Deal, and this vacation is about us.” Cindy nodded as if that sealed the deal. “No men.”

Trisha snorted. “Yeah, right.”

“Hey, I’m trying to be a good friend here.” She tried her best to look offended, but she couldn’t quite pull it off. When Trisha laughed, Cindy frowned. “What?”

“I really appreciate your sacrifice, but wherever you go, men seem to flock.” Noticing the sour look on Cindy’s face, Trisha turned away, trying to hide her growing grin.

“Flock?” Cindy said incredulously. “You make me sound like a bird in heat.”

“It is what it is, Cindy. You’re a gorgeous thirty year—”

“Twenty-five,” Cindy cut in quickly.

“—old having fun and that’s the way it should be.” Ignoring Cindy’s lie, she continued, “And I don’t know much about birds, but I don’t think they go into heat.”

“Well, it sounded good and if they don’t, they should,” Cindy said with another nod, then grinned, her eyes going to Trisha. “I’m sure I could ask one of those sexy cowboys. They know all about animals and things like that.”

Trisha rolled down her window, letting the steamy heat into the car. Her dark hair blew in her face, but she didn’t care. At least she could breathe. “I think cowboys work with cows and horses, not birds.”

“Well, I guess we’ll find out soon enough.” Cindy clicked on her blinker. Up ahead was a sign that read ‘McCabe Ranch.’ “Watch out, boys! Here we come!” Trisha shook her head at how quickly her friend forgot her promise of no men.

The driveway was long and dusty, so dusty Trisha had to roll her window up. Large trees lined the drive, with a fence along the huge property. Her eyes rose, and in the distance, she saw a lone man on a horse. His head turned, but she couldn’t see his features. Trisha noticed that Cindy had slowed the car down to a crawl. Turning, she saw her friend looking around her at the cowboy on the horse with wide, hungry eyes.

Looking back at the cowboy, he tipped his hat before turning his horse away.

“I think I might faint,” Cindy said with a breathless sigh.

Feeling a little hot and weak herself, Trisha released a light laugh in agreement.

As soon as they parked, an old cowboy strutted toward them.

“Howdy!” Cindy greeted the man in her fake-cowgirl drawl.

“Hello, ladies.” He smiled as he stopped in front of them. “Welcome to McCabe Ranch. I’m Jeb.”

“I’m Cindy Jenkins and this is Trisha Summers.” Cindy smiled as she made the introductions. “We ain’t late for the round-up are we, partner?”

Glancing at her friend as if she lost her mind, Trisha stepped in. “Excuse my friend. I think the long drive got to her.” Trisha stuck her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you, Jeb.”

“You must be the city girls from Cincinnati.” Jeb shook her hand.

“Ah, that obvious?” Trisha laughed.

“Sure is.” He grinned, showing tobacco-stained teeth. “Come on, and let’s get you registered at the main house with Maggie.”

The women followed Jeb inside a large log cabin. It was beautiful. The porch, from what she could see, wrapped around the house. Rocking chairs sat around begging to be sat in. Walking inside, it felt as if she had stepped back in time. She’d bet her last dollar everything in here was antique. She instantly fell in love with the place.

“Maggie, get your rump in gear!” Jeb yelled, making both women jump. “The last two city folk are here.”

Trisha smiled at the old man who gave her a wink. “Guess everyone who comes here are city folk.”

“Pretty much.” He wheezed a laugh.

“I’m coming, old man,” a woman’s voice called from another room. “Keep your pants on.”

Jeb wiggled his eyebrows at Trisha before turning to head outside. “I’ll wait for you two ladies out here.”

Trisha nodded just as a woman breezed into the room. She was tall and slim with a kind face and kinder eyes. She seemed to fit inside this old building. Her hair was long and dark with silver streaks framing her delicate face. “You must be Trisha and Cindy. I’m Maggie McCabe. Welcome to the McCabe Ranch.”

“I’m Trisha. You have a beautiful place here.”

“Thank you.” The pride in her voice was evident. Once registered, Maggie explained, “This is the main house, so if you need anything at all, just come here. You girls are registered and ready to go. Jeb will take you to your cabin and show you where to head for dinner. Enjoy your stay.”

Both Cindy and Trisha thanked her as they headed outside. Jeb waited by the car puffing on a cigarette. When he saw them he butted it out, tucking it in his shirt pocket.

After collecting their bags, they followed Jeb down dirt paths. For an old guy, he sure was quick. Even Trisha was having a hard time keeping up with him. He pointed out buildings as they passed, but she barely had time to look at them. Cindy was out of breath by the time they reached a cabin where Jeb stopped.

“A little out of shape, Cin?” Trisha grinned as her friend huffed.

Cindy glared at Trisha in response, who followed Jeb up the steps.

Once inside, Trisha set her bags down. “Wow.” It was actually the plainest room she’d ever seen, but she loved it. Beautiful country quilts covered the twin beds and the curtains were a pretty cream lace.

“Oh.” Cindy walked in looking around. “Where’s the TV?”

“No TV.” Jeb carried the rest of Cindy’s bags.

“No TV?” Cindy repeated with a gasp.

“Nope.” Jeb shook his head.

“Well, okay. I guess I can live with that.” Cindy placed her hands on her hips as she looked around again. “Where’s the phone?”

“No phone.” Jeb chuckled, cocking his thinning eyebrow as if waiting for her response.

“No phone?” Cindy’s voice rose in panic.

“Nope,” he repeated, winking at Trisha who grinned at her friend’s reaction. “Didn’t you read the brochure?”

“Let’s just say she looked at it pretty hard,” Trisha replied, then laughed when Cindy, behind Jeb’s back, flipped her off. “This is fine, Jeb. Thanks for your help.”

“No need to thank me. It was my pleasure, ma’am.” He tipped his old, dusty Stetson at her. Trisha warmed to him even more. “Dinner is in about thirty minutes in the long building I showed you on the way here. Don’t be late. If you need anything, just give me a holler.”

“I guess we’ll have to since we don’t have a phone,” Cindy called out after Jeb as he whistled his way out the door.

“Be nice,” Trisha scolded. “It’s your fault. You should have read the brochure instead of drooling on it.”

“Whatever.” Cindy snorted as she grabbed her bag, pulling clothes out of it frantically.

“What are you doing?” Trisha watched her with a frown.

“I tossed my cell phone in one of these bags.” Cindy didn’t break stride as she hunted like a woman on a mission. “Found it!” Raising the phone high, Cindy looked relieved.

Rolling her eyes, Trisha found a fresh change of clothes. “I’m getting changed so we can go eat. I’m starved.”

“You’re always starved.”

Trisha closed the door muffling the rest of what Cindy was saying. Glancing at the mirror, she stared at her reflection. Dark circles smudged underneath her eyes. Would she ever be able to be like that again—carefree? Well, not as man busy as Cindy, but be able to look at a man without being terrified he would be a psychopathic stalker. Sighing, she gave her own reflection a sad grin. At least she could live through Cindy’s many exploits.

CHAPTER 2

“Do you have any idea where you’re going?”

“No, but I’m hoping to see someone we can ask.” Cindy led the way, despite having no sense of direction.

“Jeb told us where it was.” Trisha looked behind her, straining her ears to see if she heard anyone, but all she heard were birds, and what sounded like a moo from a cow.

Cindy stopped, turning toward her. “I could hardly understand a word he said. He talked faster than me, which is quite a feat.” She spun back around to continue her hunt.

“Quite a feat indeed.” Trisha chuckled under her breath.

“I heard that.” They walked into a clearing. A large building sat in front of them with voices travelling from the open door. “Ta-daaa!” Cindy threw her arm out like Vanna White as if she’d achieved more than following a dirt path.

Following Cindy through the door, she stopped cold. Virtually every person inside the building was male, and when she said male, she meant the place was bursting with testosterone. To her relief, her gaze landed on a table with a few women, one who was waving them over.

“Oh, my God, I’ve died and gone to cowboy heaven.” Cindy sighed, her eyes wide with delight.

A tall handsome man, with a severe limp, walked into the middle of the room. “Can everyone find a seat, please?”

“Put your tongue back in your mouth and come on.” Trisha headed over to where the woman was waving at them.

When everyone settled, the man continued, “I’m Tim McCabe. I, along with my mother, Maggie, who most of you met when you registered, and my brother, Jake, welcome you to the McCabe Ranch.”

Glancing at Cindy, Trisha nudged her. “You okay?” Cindy stared openly at the man, an unreadable expression sitting on her face.

Cindy looked at her with a blank stare. “What?” Then she frowned as if Trisha’s words just registered. “I’m fine.”

“Breakfast is at six, lunch at twelve, and dinner at six. I have everyone’s first job assignment, which I’ll pass out shortly,” the man continued, looking straight at their table.

“Six o’clock? In the morning?” That seemed to snap Cindy out of her trance. “I’m not getting up at six for breakfast. I’m on vacation.”

“Is there a problem?” The man frowned under his cowboy hat.

“Yes.” Cindy stood. “What happens if we don’t get here by six for breakfast? Can we order room service?”

Trisha cringed at the laughter coming from the cowboys in the room. Glancing toward Tim McCabe, she noticed he didn’t seem to find it funny at all.

“Then you miss breakfast, ma’am.” The man’s voice didn’t sound as friendly as before, which should have been a warning to Cindy.

“No TV, no phone, now no room service, and I bet a pool is totally out of the question,” Cindy said in disbelief. “I don’t want to be rude…”

Again Trisha cringed. When Cindy said those words, she knew she was about to be just that. “Cindy.” Trisha tugged on her shirt and received a quick glare.

“…but this place isn’t going to rate very high on the USA’s best vacation spot,” Cindy finished without regret.

Trisha prayed very hard for a large sinkhole to open up beneath her. Slowly, she raised her fingers to her temples, hoping to rub away the throbbing that was growing.

“The McCabe Ranch isn’t trying to rate high on anyone’s list,
ma’am
.” The way he said ma’am sounded more like an insult. “We are a working ranch. When you sign on, you sign on to work. Didn’t you read the brochure?”

When Trisha snorted, Cindy glared once more at her. “I must have skipped over that part,” she replied before slowly sitting down, a large frown on her face. She looked around the table. “Did you all know about this?”

Everyone looked at her as if she’d lost her mind and Trisha wondered if her friend actually had. “I’m sure they read the brochure, Cindy,” Trisha whispered, before switching her attention back to Tim McCabe.

“Are there any other questions?” When no one answered, he continued, “As I was saying, and what the brochure states…”

“Oh, a cowboy comedian,” Cindy hissed. “How charming!”

“Shush.” Trisha scolded her with a kick under the table.

“…we are a working ranch. Each one of you will be given jobs where you will be working alongside one of our ranch hands. If for any reason you cannot do a job or are uncomfortable with it, let us know right away and we will find a suitable solution.” His eyes scanned over each of them, but landed and stayed on Cindy.

“Why does he keep glaring at me?” Cindy leaned back, crossing her arms.

Trisha ignored her. She was excited about learning and doing something different. Being a teacher, she loved taking different experiences back to her students.

“Bob Lewis and Jim Holland?” Tim called out, looking again toward their table. When the two men raised their hands, he smiled. “You’ll be working with Stan.”

A large, older man stood, heading their way. He shook Bob and Jim’s hand while Tim continued down the list. He continued reading through a list, pairing visitors off with ranch hands. Reaching the end, he continued, “Okay, folks. We have a few recreational activities in the building next to the main house that you are all welcome to enjoy tonight before we start at six a.m. sharp.” He once again eyed Cindy before speaking. “Now grab a plate and eat up.”

Trisha watched as Tim limped away. “He didn’t call our names.” Trisha frowned, looking at Cindy.

“I don’t know,” Cindy replied, standing with a stretch before heading for the food. “I didn’t come here to work. I came here for some relaxation and so did you.”

“Cindy, if you would have read the brochure, you would have known about all of this.” Trisha sometimes wanted to strangle her friend.

“I wish everyone would shut the hell up about the damn brochure.” Cindy grabbed a plate and waited in line. “So I didn’t read the damn thing. Who cares?”

“I do,” Trisha grumbled. “I’m going to find out what’s going on.”

“You do that,” Cindy called out after her.

Trisha spotted Tim talking to a group of men. “Excuse me.” Trisha stopped beside him. “Mr. McCabe.”

Tim glanced down at her with a hesitant smile. “What can I do for you, ma’am?”

Anxious with having the attention of three handsome men, she became tongue-tied. “Ah.” She cleared her throat, cursing herself. “I was wondering why you didn’t call my name. I’m Trisha Summers.”

“Actually, I was getting ready to talk to you and your friend.” Tim glanced over to where Cindy was piling her plate with food. “I’m sorry about the confusion and will be more than willing to refund your money.”

Trisha frowned. “But I don’t want my money back.” She tried not to stare too long at him, but Tim McCabe was one hell of a handsome man.

“What about your friend?” He nodded toward Cindy.

“She’ll be fine.” Trisha hoped that was true, but one never knew with Cindy.

“I’ll be fine about what?” Cindy broke in, carrying her plate of food.

“I offered Ms. Summers your money back.” Tim frowned at her plate. “She refused, saying she wanted to stay.”

“Is this really what you want to do?” Cindy ignored Tim’s frown. “I mean, if he’s giving us a full refund, we could probably hit a beach by tomorrow night, which is what you wanted to do in the first place.”

“I changed my mind.” Trisha shrugged. “I think this might be fun.”

Cindy snorted. “Your definition of fun is totally different than my definition of fun, to the point I don’t know how in the hell we became friends.” Cindy smirked.

“Even though we hope you have a good time, it’s hard work,” Tim broke in with the warning.

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Trisha assured him and then glanced at Cindy. “Do you?”

“Hell yeah, I do. I hate hard work, but for you, I’ll suffer. You owe me big time, Trish.” Cindy gave her an ‘and I’ll be collecting’ look. “So, boss, you need me and Trish to round up some doggies or something?” Cindy had changed into her fake-cowgirl twang.

Trisha witnessed something that totally floored her in the interaction. A man, who actually seemed to be annoyed by Cindy Jenkins, and was not falling all over himself to impress her. Finally, he looked down at his clipboard, a wide smile spreading across his lips.

“Ah, yeah.” His smile deepened. “You both will be working with my brother, Jake.”

“And what will we be doing with your brother?” Cindy inquired before taking another bite of food.

“Jake’s our horseman. He takes care of all the horses on the ranch.” Tim smirked. “You know, things like feeding them, brushing them down, as well as cleaning their stalls.”

Cindy’s eyes narrowed at him. “You mean shoveling horseshi—”

“That’s fine,” Trisha cut her off quickly then glanced around. “Is he here?”

Tim looked down at his watch. “He must be running late.” He looked back up. “If he doesn’t make it before you leave, then you can meet him here at breakfast, six sharp.” He nodded at Trisha, but glared at Cindy before walking away.

Before Cindy could open her mouth, Trisha grabbed her arm, pulling her away. “Come on, Cin. I need to eat.”

Collecting a plate, Trisha dished out some mashed potatoes, green beans and a chicken leg. With her stomach growling from the delicious aroma, she headed toward an empty table and sat.

“I’m not happy about shoveling horseshit, Trisha.”

“I know.” Trisha sighed. “I’ll do the shoveling or whatever we have to do with it.”

“And I’ll tell you another thing.” Cindy peered over her own shoulder. “I’m not too happy with the high and mighty cowboy either. Who does he think he is anyway?”

“Ah, the boss,” Trisha reminded her with a roll of her eyes. “And I think he’s pretty nice.”

“Well, I don’t.” Cindy took an aggressive bite out of her chicken. “I think he’s an ass.”

“He’s pretty cute,” Trisha teased with a huge grin.

Cindy glanced up at her with a glare, before shrugging with a small grin of her own. “So he’s a cute ass, but an ass all the same.”

“Hello, ladies.” A deep, gravelly voice broke into their conversation.

Trisha had been laughing and stuffing her face, so she hadn’t noticed the huge cowboy who had walked up to their table. He was in full cowboy gear down to the chaps encasing strong muscled legs.

“Well, hello.” Cindy wasted no time as she turned on the charm. Trisha tried to respond, but had half a chicken leg in her mouth. All she could manage was a grunt. “Would you like to join us?”

“I’m Jake McCabe.” He stuck his hand out to Cindy. “My brother tells me you two ladies are my new ranch hands.”

“We sure are.” Cindy beamed, taking his hand in hers, giving him her prettiest smile. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve always wanted to see what it was like working on a ranch. I’m Cindy.”

If Trisha didn’t know Cindy as well as she did, she would have choked on the damn chicken, which seemed to be growing in her mouth. Actually it wasn’t all chicken, but a big piece of gristle, which she realized as the man, who looked like he stepped off the pages of a romance novel, stared at her.

“You must be Trisha.” His cowboy hat shaded his eyes, but his smile showed straight white teeth. The best Trisha could do was nod, taking the large hand he held out in a firm shake. “Enjoy your dinner and I’ll see you in the morning, unless I see you in the recreation hall later.”

“Bye now,” Cindy cooed, watching him walk away. “Holy shit, look at that ass in those chaps.”

Trisha grabbed a napkin spitting out the piece of gristle. “Dammit,” she cursed, slamming the napkin down. “Why do I do the most idiotic things?”

“What?” Cindy finally pried her eyes off Jake McCabe’s ass long enough to look at Trisha. “I didn’t see you do anything.”

“That’s just it.” Trisha snorted. “Right before he walked up, I took a big bite of chicken, which had a bigger piece of gristle. I couldn’t say anything for fear of it shooting out of my mouth and injuring the man. He probably thinks I’m a damn mute.”

Cindy stared at Trisha before she burst out laughing.

“Glad you find my humiliation hilarious,” Trisha grumbled. “Just once, I would love to see you do something stupid in front of a man, especially a man like that. It would make my day.”

“Oh, I’ve had my moments.” Cindy was still chuckling.

“Yeah, well, I haven’t seen it so I don’t believe you.” Trisha narrowed her eyes at her. “All I ever see is them bowing down like slaves ready to do your bidding.”

“Ah, bullshit.” Cindy snorted then looked thoughtful. “But what an awesome mental image.”

Trisha pushed her plate away, her appetite vanishing with her embarrassment.

“He did smile at you,” Cindy added as she stood.

“Yeah, he probably felt sorry for the mute girl.” Grabbing her plate, Trisha followed her, dumping her uneaten portion in the trash, before placing her plate in a large plastic container with the rest of the dirty dishes.

“Come on. Let’s go walk around a bit.” Cindy put her arm around Trisha. “And you know if the mute thing works with a man like that, I’d use it.”

“You would.” Trisha replied with a smirk. Both women laughed, easing Trisha’s discomfort.