Roses and Rodeo (Rough and Ready) (2 page)

His gaze held hers. “I’m hoping my luck will hold out. I think this is the longest conversation you’ve had with any cowboy you’ve met tonight.”

Amusement sparked in his eyes as he spoke. He had that same ease and confidence in his manner in person as she’d seen before he’d ridden that bull and even after his ride.

He was about as tall as her four brothers, around six-two, but a little younger—she’d guess about thirty-three. His white shirt and Wrangler jeans fit him oh-so-well, and his white western hat was tilted up enough that she could study his eyes. He was definitely hot in an alpha male, bad boy kinda way.

“I’m Creed McBride.” He held out his hand.

“My name is Danica and you’re right, I’m heading up to my room.” She smiled as she took his hand. “Nice meeting you,” she added but couldn’t get herself to turn away. In fact she had a hard time getting herself to release his hand. His grip was firm and warm, his hand callused from hard work.

It was probably only seconds but it seemed as though it carried on longer before she finally drew back her hand.

“Pretty name.” He looked like he wanted to touch her again to keep her from leaving but held himself back. She didn’t know why she thought he did, but she could almost feel the brush of his fingers against her cheek even though he hadn’t reached for her at all. He studied her and she felt warmth go through her at the intensity in her look. “I bet you’re told all of the time what gorgeous blue eyes you have. Such a brilliant blue,” he said.

“Is that a pick-up line?” She raised an eyebrow.

“You know it’s not.” He smiled. “It’s an observation.”

It was true that she got that all of the time. She and her four brothers had the same eye color and her aunt called them “Cameron blue”.

“Are you sure you wouldn’t like to two-step with me?” Creed gave a nod to the dance floor. “I haven’t had a chance to dance all night.”

She wanted to ask him why not when gorgeous women had surrounded him all night, or the other woman he’d been talking with, but she didn’t want him to know that he’d captured her attention tonight, more than once. Fortunately, she didn’t think he’d caught her at it.

Darryl came up to Creed’s side and he put his arm around Creed’s neck. “Do you know who you’re talkin’ to?” Darryl raised his beer bottle with his opposite hand. “You should be damned impressed. This is Creed McBride, two-time world bull riding champion.”

Creed looked uncomfortable and Danica’s lips twisted with amusement as she teased him. “I’m impressed by a lot of things, but riding an animal out to kill you isn’t one of them. I’m more impressed by the person.”

“Felt the heat on that one.” A slight grin curved the corner of Creed’s mouth, obviously knowing she was teasing, and he disengaged from Darryl. “Why don’t you go find that cute little blonde you’ve been with all night?” he said to Darryl.

Darryl turned his gaze on Danica and slowly looked her up and down. Disgust flowed through her at the blatant way he was undressing her with his gaze. “What about this sexy thing?” He grinned. “Danica, right?”

“Yes.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Best friend to Kelsey Richards. Where is she, by the way?”

Darryl jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “She’s waiting for me by the bar.”

Danica put her hands on her hips. “I think I might need to go have a talk with her.”

“Just havin’ a little fun.” Darryl straightened. “I best be getting back to Kelsey.”

Danica frowned, wondering if she
should
go have a talk with her friend. But then Danica wondered if maybe she was reading too much into the way he’d been looking at her.

Darryl touched the brim of his hat. “Ma’am,” he said politely, his demeanor completely changed. Darryl slapped Creed on the shoulder then turned and headed toward the bar where Danica caught a glimpse of Kelsey.

“Come on.” Creed indicated that dance floor with a nod. “Give this cowboy a dance.”

The only indecision that warred within her was the thought of getting to know him better, maybe even liking him, when she’d already decided that she wouldn’t want to date a bull rider. Not that dancing with him meant that he even wanted a relationship with her.

Against her better judgment, she found herself nodding. “All right.”

He flashed a smile at her and took her by the hand. She set her beer bottle on a table as they passed by and then they were on the dance floor.

It was a lively two-step and they fell into the dance as if they’d been doing it together forever. She’d been country-western dancing since she was a little girl and it was obvious he was plenty experienced, too.

When the one dance was over, another tune started right away and he swung her into a country waltz. She found herself laughing as they danced and then she realized her headache had vanished. Every touch of his hands sent warmth throughout her body. Or was that just the heat of her skin from dancing?

She was ready to walk off the dance floor the moment the next song struck up, a slow tune, but Creed took her by the hand then brought her into his arms, catching her off guard. She braced her palms on his shoulders to keep him from holding her too close. He leaned down to whisper in her ear.

His warm breath caused a shiver to run through her as he murmured, “Thank you for the dances.”

She swallowed, trying to not let his closeness affect her…the solidness of his body, his masculine scent, and the heat of his large hands at her waist. She cleared her throat but couldn’t get anything out.

“I’d like to see you again,” he said close to her ear.

She drew back and gave him a skeptical look. “You’re a bull rider. You don’t stay in one place for too long.”

“Long enough,” he said. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from southern Arizona, in the San Rafael Valley,” she said. “But I now live in San Diego.”

“There you go.” He gave her a little grin. “We do have something in common. I’m from just north of Phoenix, in Kirkland, between Prescott and Wickenburg.” He touched a lock of her long, dark hair. “What’s an Arizona country girl doing in San Diego?”

“I work as a research associate at the University of California,” she said. “In our department we do breeding maintenance, genotyping, cloning, and other related projects.”

“I’m impressed.” He continued to lightly play with her hair. “Did you go to the University of Arizona?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“I graduated from the U of A twelve years ago,” he said with a grin. “I’d bet you were at least eight years behind me.”

“Something like that.” She smiled. “What was your major?”

“Animal Sciences.”

The song ended, surprising her. The time had passed faster than she’d expected.

“I’d better go,” she said as they drew apart.

“Why?” He walked beside her as she left the dance floor.

“It’s getting late.” And she was becoming far too interested in this bull rider.

He caught her by her hand and drew her to a stop. “Sure I can’t talk you into a drink?”

“You already talked me into dancing with you.” She smiled. “But no, not a drink.”

“Give me your phone number,” he said. “I want to see you again.”

She shook her head. “I don’t date bull riders.”

With a laugh he said, “Why not?”

“It’s too dangerous a sport,” she said. “I’d be worried all the time.”

“You’d worry about me?” He had that sexy grin again.

Somehow she felt off-balance by his reply. “I suppose I would, if we were dating. Which isn’t a possibility because, like I said, I don’t date bull riders.”

“Why don’t you give me a chance?” he said. “I’ll show you that you don’t have to worry about me.”

She put her hands on her hips. “How many bones have you broken over the years? How many concussions have you had? How many times have you had to be stitched up?”

He winced.

“Or,” she went on, “maybe you should just tell me what bones you
haven’t
broken. Yet.”

He shook his head. “It’s not as bad as it sounds.”

“Oh?” She folded her arms across her chest. “How many times have you ridden even when you were injured rather than waiting for those bones and injuries to heal?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “More times than you can count, I’ll bet.”

He laughed and raised his hands. “Aw, come on, Danica. Just give me a chance.”

She liked the way he said her name. His voice had a raw, sensual quality about it. “I’m heading up to my room now,” she said. “It really was nice meeting you.”

“So you’re staying here,” he said as she turned away and he fell into step beside her.

She realized her mistake when she’d said “up to my room.” She paused mid-step and shook her head as she faced him. “Good night, Creed.”

“I know when I’m not wanted.” A smile was on his lips though when he said the words. “Good night, Danica.”

As she walked out of the bar and made her way to the elevators, she found it hard not to look over her shoulder. She could feel him watching her and if she looked, she might find herself turning around and going back.

Chapter 2

It was early morning and Danica rubbed her bleary eyes with her thumb and forefinger as she entered the sitting room of their suite, her bare feet padding over the soft carpet. She glanced at the door to Kelsey’s room and saw that it was open. Was Kelsey up?

She went to her friend’s room and peeked in. The bed was made, Kelsey’s clothes still scattered over the foot of it. She was a disaster when it came to cleaning and keeping her belongings in order.

Danica frowned. She hoped Kelsey was with Darryl and safe. Kelsey had a history of picking the wrong men and Danica sure hoped that Darryl wasn’t one of them.

The doorknob to the suite rattled and then the locks clicked as Danica turned to face the door. Kelsey stepped inside and closed the door behind her. She looked tired and rumpled in the same jeans and blouse she’d worn last night, but she also looked happy.

Relieved to see her friend, Danica went to Kelsey and took her by the shoulders. “I take it you had a good night.”

“A
very
good night.” Kelsey grinned and hugged Danica. She smelled of both her familiar orange blossom scent and a more musky, masculine scent. When Kelsey drew away she was still smiling. “I think Darryl could be
the one
.”

Danica raised an eyebrow. “Where have I heard that before?”

“This time it’s for real.” Kelsey sobered a little. “He’s not like the others.”

Danica didn’t want to rain on Kelsey’s parade, so she brightened her tone. “So I take it you got lucky last night?”

“Did I ever.” The look of a satisfied woman was on Kelsey’s face. “That man doesn’t just know how to ride a bull.”

Danica forced a smile. “Sounds like a match made in heaven.” More like the man had taken advantage of a woman who had an infatuation with him. Hell they barely knew each other. She kept those thoughts to herself as she studied her friend.

“Mmmhmmm.” Kelsey made a dreamy sound and looked up at the ceiling. She returned her gaze to Danica and she gave a mischievous grin. “Saw you dancing with Creed McBride last night. How did things turn out with him?”

“They didn’t.” Danica pushed her hand through her hair and gave a tired smile. “I told him I wasn’t interested in dating a bull rider. Told him I’m impressed by a lot of things, but riding an animal out to kill him wasn’t one of them.”

Kelsey clapped her hand over her mouth then moved her hand away. “You didn’t.”

“Of course I did.” Danica shrugged. “I told you how I feel about it.”

Kelsey shook her head. “I can’t believe you said that.”

Danica had to laugh at the expression on Kelsey’s face. “I told him that before we danced so I think he took it well enough—I’m sure he knew I was teasing. He still wanted my number.”

“I take it you didn’t give it to him.” Kelsey looked disappointed.

“Nope,” Danica said. “Said goodnight and headed straight up here.”

“You’re crazy.” Kelsey laughed then moved toward her bedroom. She stopped in the doorway with her hand on the doorframe, looking over her shoulder at Danica. “I could always give your number to Darryl who could give it to Creed—”

“No.” Danica folded her arms across her chest. “Uh-uh.”

“If you’re sure,” Kelsey said.

“I’m positive.” Danica pointed her finger at Kelsey. “Don’t you dare.”

“You’re no fun.” Kelsey laughed then turned away and moved into her room. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t…”

“Kelsey…”
Danica said in a warning tone.

Her grin still mischievous, Kelsey closed the bedroom door behind her leaving Danica shaking her head.

* * * * *

Getting through the line at the security checkpoint at the airport felt like it took forever. Everyone and their mother seemed to be leaving Las Vegas at the same time. After going through security, Danica put her shoes back on, returned her laptop to her backpack, picked up her duffel bag, and headed to the gate where she would catch the plane back to San Diego. Kelsey was staying a couple of extra days to spend more time with Darryl.

In some ways Danica wished she would be flying into Tucson then driving home to the San Rafael Valley. As much as she enjoyed living in San Diego, she had to admit she was homesick. She missed her brothers and her young niece. She’d traded wide-open spaces for a large city on the ocean and even though she enjoyed her job, she wasn’t sure sometimes that she’d made the right decision.

She settled herself into one of the plastic chairs in the waiting area and put her backpack between her feet and her duffel beside her. She started to dig through the backpack to find her e-book reader when a male voice captured her attention.

“I must be the luckiest man in Vegas.”

Her gaze shot up and she met Creed’s gaze. Pleasant warmth traveled throughout her. “Oh. Hi.”

He gestured to the empty chair beside her. “Mind if I join you? I’ve got about an hour before my flight takes off.”

Butterflies tickled her belly and she immediately had to reprimand herself for feeling a little excited about talking with the tall, hot cowboy again. “Sure.” She gave a casual shrug.