Never Kiss a Cowgirl, page 27
“I made a mistake.” Steph gazed at her and not Asher, which proved she wasn’t in her right mind. Steph’s eyes should’ve been on Asher, to preserve her health.
“There’s making a mistake,” Asher said, “and then there’s making a mistake while your jaw heals if you don’t leave Reagan alone.”
“You don’t speak for her,” Steph responded.
“No, I don’t, but I don’t see a touching reunion in your future.” Asher held her hand out and Reagan took it.
“I’m staying here, so when you change your mind, call me,” Steph said, and both Reagan and Asher shook their heads.
“Unbelievable,” Asher said. They walked to Prime without looking back.
The manager treated Asher like visiting royalty, which made her smile. “Friend of yours?” she asked as Asher pulled her chair out for her.
“Customers of mine,” Asher said, kissing the back of her hand. “Or should I say ours?”
“Are you mad?” She was still trying to figure out what the last half hour of her life was all about. While she didn’t love Steph making a complete ass of herself at her expense, she did enjoy Asher’s reaction. In her heart she’d always believed that love sometimes wasn’t expressed in pretty words, but in deeds and action. Asher’s defense had nothing to do with proving ownership, but in caring she was okay.
“At you, no. I’m not sure about your friend, though. People like that make up stuff in their heads and act out on it, so be careful.”
“Trust me, honey. Steph is more interested in winning than in me.”
“I know that, love, but you need to promise me something.” Asher held her hand on the table, and she nodded. “I know you can fight your own battles because you’re a strong, capable woman. The thing is, you don’t have to do that alone any longer. If that woman gives you trouble, I need you to tell me.”
“God, I love you.”
The rest of dinner was wonderful, and it helped them both get Steph out of their heads. Whatever bizarre reason Steph had for showing up and professing her love had seemingly burned out because they didn’t see her on the way back up to their room. The strangest thing was Steph hadn’t seemed unstable when they actually had been together, so she hadn’t learned not to trust her.
In the elevator she pressed against Asher and put her hand over Asher’s heart. The older couple sharing the space with them smiled when Asher kissed her until she had to pull away before it got too heated. All her plans to let Asher rest were forgotten when Asher undressed her and pressed up behind her. In front of the full-length mirror, Asher let her hands wander and never took her eyes off her as she touched.
“Fuck, you look good in these panties,” Asher said, her finger just under the waistband. Reagan was about to beg when Asher unhooked her bra and dropped it to the floor.
Once she was naked from the waist up, Asher palmed her breast until both her nipples hardened enough that she felt it in her clit. The other hand went back to the panties, and Asher shook her head when she moved to take them off. All Asher had taken off was her jacket, so she felt the belt buckle pressed to her back, but all that didn’t matter. Right now she wanted—no, needed—Asher to put her hand between her legs and make her come.
“Don’t close your eyes,” Asher said as her fingers slipped into Reagan’s very wet sex.
She wanted to be lying down with Asher over her, but this very safe and warm cocoon was also a place she didn’t want to lose. Asher held her up as she went inside, and she had to fight to keep her eyes open and gaze at Asher’s reflection as she loved her. That’s what she was doing in the most tender, slow, and possessive way ever, and Reagan loved it. It was plain to see how much Asher loved her, and she leaned her head back on Asher’s chest and let go.
Her moan sped Asher up, and she wanted to collapse onto the floor, but she hooked her arm behind Asher’s neck and moved her hips in time with Asher’s hand. “It’s so…so good. Please, baby, make me come.” Her skin tingled as the orgasm started, and her knees gave out, but she trusted Asher to keep her upright. “Yes, yes, yes.” She couldn’t help but squeeze her eyes and thighs together, trapping Asher’s hand between her legs. The orgasm was intense, and she would’ve fallen to the floor if Asher let her go.
Her tears fell despite her eyes being closed, and she hung on as Asher carried her to the bed and laid her down. Asher had overwhelmed her, and she rolled on her side in a silent request to be held. It was hard to describe how completely happy she was, but it only ramped up when she felt Asher’s naked body press up to hers.
“You know I love you, right?” She had to be sure that Asher was aware of how deep her feelings were.
“I do, and I’m just as in love with you. I don’t want to go all caveman on you, but you’re mine. There’s no doubt I’m all yours, but you’re mine.” Asher held her as she whispered that as if not wanting to disturb the peace in the room. Here all of the madness of Vegas was far away from them.
“I do know, and you’re right. I’m all yours.”
Chapter Twenty-three
“Win or lose tonight, Asher,” Tyler said as he shook her hand, “you’ve been good for the sport, and a hell of an opponent.”
It wasn’t often Tyler was this sentimental, Asher thought as she smiled when he slapped her on the back. “Thanks.”
“I’m going to kick your ass tonight, but I’m glad it’s you and me in there. We’re the best in the business, so no one can dispute I’m the top dog when I kick you to the curb.”
So much for Tyler’s sentimentality. “Maybe next time, pretty boy. This is my last rodeo, and I’m taking home the buckle that’s missing from my collection. If anyone’s getting their ass kicked, it’s you.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Tyler asked in stereo with Red, the promoter, when he walked up on their conversation.
“I’m retiring before my body makes the decision for me, so good luck.” She shook hands with Tyler again before he walked off, still looking a little shell-shocked.
“Is it Reagan who made this decision for you?” Red asked, whipping his hat off. “I know how she felt about all this when her daddy was alive, and I can’t imagine she’s changed much on the subject.”
“I decided at the beginning of the season.” She appreciated all Red had done for her, but the guy was like a freight train when it came to pushing for what he wanted. “New Orleans, that event you threw at everyone, was the proof I needed that it’s time to go. I have a business and a life to get back to.”
“Dammit, Asher, you’re at the top of your game. Quitting now is plain rotten timing.”
“Good to see you, Red, but I have to go and get ready.” She walked back toward the arena, wanting to check it out before the competition began. This time around she’d sent both Uncle Wade and Reagan up to the stands to enjoy the event. It’s not that she wanted to be alone, but it made her happy to have them looking on instead of worrying at the fence. Not that they wouldn’t worry up there, but watching from the stands gave a whole different perspective. The little bit of distance almost made it more tolerable for her family.
“You really quitting?” Tyler asked when he bent and scooped up a handful of dirt and poured a bit into her palm. They both scrubbed their hands with it and didn’t make eye contact.
“I love doing this shit. I won’t lie about that.” She gripped the rail and nodded. “In the end, though, it has to stop sometime, and that’s now for me. I have the girl I’ve always wanted, and she’s worth more than all this.”
“Do they give you a buckle for that?” Tyler slapped her on the back again. “Congratulations, and once this is over, I’m inviting myself over to train with that stable of bulls I keep hearing you have.”
“Anytime, my friend, and you are that. Despite your overinflated ego, you’ve been a good friend, Tyler.” They headed back to the holding area to wait for their lots to be pulled.
“Don’t blow smoke up my ass, Evans. You know damn well I thought you didn’t belong here when we first started, but you’ve proven me way wrong. I’m now an evolved member of the male dumbass species because of you. That should make you proud.” They both laughed. “Next thing I know, I’ll be wearing pink boots.”
“Now who’s blowing smoke.”
They set the roster, and they were together at numbers six and seven. If she didn’t know any better, she’d say that Red fixed the order to showcase the best four after starting off with the guys who had no chance at the buckle. She stood close to the chutes and watched Tyler waiting for the chance to get on the black bull that acted like someone had stuck a prod up his ass. Good old Bo III was getting loaded into the next chute, and she’d wait until Tyler was out before trying to get on. The two bulls seemed to feed off the other’s bad mood, so she almost felt bad for Tyler.
The crowd roared at hearing Tyler’s name, and it only got louder when he flew out of the chute like someone had gone for the prod again. His form was good, and she winced at the ninety-four he posted. He pointed at her and then the scoreboard before raising his fist. The high score was beatable, but only if she was on top of her game. She didn’t think about waiting and jumped on Bo’s back, hoping to get him somewhat under control.
He started bucking right away and seemed to have figured out that moving side to side would get the chute door to open faster since she didn’t want a broken leg. She turned her feet in and laid them flat against his body as she tightened her rope. Bo let out a scream that she’d never heard a bull do, and in a way, it was a harbinger of this ride. The chute opened when she nodded, and Bo almost fell sideways he was in such a hurry to get out.
The first buck that moved her body backward made her shoulder hurt from the pull it took to keep her seat. It was like this damn animal remembered her and was trying his best to get her off and under his hooves. She closed her hand into a tighter fist and threw her arm back. Every lesson Silas taught her came back into her mind. Silas always told her to slow the ride down in her mind and remember the mechanics. It’s what had won it for him, and that had been her way to the top.
She shook her head when she heard the buzzer and didn’t take the chance to stay on Bo’s back any longer than she had to—she jumped clear. He turned his head as if trying to find an angle of attack, so she made it through the gate as the score came up. Ninety-six put her in the lead, and she laughed when Tyler lifted his middle finger in her direction.
The next ride wouldn’t be for a while, so she sat and accepted a water bottle from one of the attendants. She glanced at her phone and laughed at the emoji blowing a kiss from Reagan. She sent a response that she was taking it easy until she was up again. That her phone rang right after that didn’t surprise her.
“Hey, love.” She wiped her face with a towel.
“I’m terrified for you, but you were so good. Are you okay? Did the ankle hold up when you jumped off that monster?” Reagan’s questions came fast and furious, but she was used to it.
“I’m okay, and it’s insulting to my physical therapist to question my ankle.” That made Reagan laugh. “Two more, and I’m all yours all the time.”
“You’re all mine all the time now,” Reagan was quick to respond. “And I’ll deny this until we’re old and feeble, but you look hot doing that.”
“See, got you there in the end.” She laughed this time, and Reagan joined in.
“I just said I’d deny it, and Uncle Wade wants you to know you were almost perfect on that last run. According to him almost is for losers, so try harder.” Reagan must’ve cupped her hand over the phone for the last part. “Now meditate, or whatever it is that helps you get ready, and know I’m right here and I’m proud of you. I love you, Buck.”
Reagan’s use of her nickname made her fingers twitch like they always did when she said it. Silas might’ve come up with it, but Reagan’s use of it had a very different connotation, and it still had the same effect on her. “I love you too, and you own my heart. Whatever comes next, know that we’ll get through it together.”
“Remember to duck and weave or whatever gets you out of there in one piece.”
“You got it, and when I’m done we’ll have plenty to talk about.”
* * *
Reagan ended the call and slipped her phone into the back pocket of her jeans. She’d been biting her thumbnail from the moment she sat down, but Uncle Wade held her free hand and didn’t talk. He was good at knowing when there were no words necessary. Hearing Asher’s voice had helped, but she wouldn’t relax until this was over and Asher was back in her arms.
“Reagan…” She heard her name, and she was instantly wary. “Just five minutes and I promise I’ll leave you alone.” Shit, maybe Asher was right and she should’ve been more concerned.
“Steph, come on. What in the hell is all this? We both know you aren’t getting me back.” She moved when Steph reached to touch her, and Uncle Wade’s expression must’ve been enough to make Steph drop her hand. “How did you even get here?”
“I tipped the usher, and I’m not going to take long.” Steph was at the railing, and Reagan didn’t want Asher to glance up and see her there.
“Five minutes and then I’ll have security carry you out.”
“I did miss you, but I’m really here for the rodeo. I wanted to see Asher in action, and I do believe this will be her year.” Steph spoke faster when she narrowed her eyes. “I know you hate me after last night, but I do care enough to make sure you’re okay. She loves you, and I’m glad you finally found your happily ever after.”
“I’m not sure if anyone’s ever told you how full of shit you are, so let me be the first. What’s all this about? You have yet to answer that question.” She put her hand up. “And don’t say it’s because you love me, or I’ll throw a punch.”
Steph shrugged, which was never good. “I did call the clinic, and the receptionist told me you were here. That part was true.” The speed of Steph’s words meant whatever was coming should be quickly gotten out of the way. “It made me want to see you, and since my current relationship is as exciting as reading the phonebook, I thought you’d like to do dinner or something. You said you weren’t interested in Asher. You and me don’t have to be some big love affair, but we know each other. It could be fun.”
“That I believe, and you really need professional help. Either that or a priest who can lead you in prayer to become a decent human being. You’re really unbelievable.”
“Come on, Reagan. You can’t blame me for checking to see if you were interested. You used to love me.”
“Love was something that never happened between us, and if you come around again, I’m taking Asher off her leash.” She had to laugh at Steph’s approach to life. In truth she’d once been a good friend, but not the woman for her.
“I thought you’d say that, so tell Asher she’s one lucky bastard. You’re in good hands if last night was any indication.” Steph smiled, but that ploy wasn’t getting her forgiveness this time.
“Did you stop by last night to get that reaction out of her?” Good God, her life was turning into some kind of reality television nonsense.
“I doubt you’ll believe me, but I do care about you, and I wanted to make sure you’ll be okay. Like I told you before, you were never mine because your heart has always been with Asher. That first night, though, made me question if she’d ever get there with you.” Steph placed her hand over hers, and she didn’t move away. “It was dicey last night because she was willing to fight for you, and to me, that means you’re fine.”
“You’re a complete fool, but thank you. Now go find your seat, so I can go back to worrying about Asher.”
She watched Asher sitting on the railing getting ready through the binoculars Uncle Wade had brought, and she held her breath studying Asher’s expression. It was the kind of focus Reagan figured anyone needed if they were contemplating getting on an animal that did in no way want to be ridden. All she could focus on was that Asher was strong and knew what she was doing. And she knew there was only one ride after this.
“Who picked out that shirt?” Frida asked when she lowered the binoculars.
“She does look good in white,” someone standing behind them said. “It’s the tan, don’t you think?”
Reagan turned and found a smiling Jacqueline Blanchard. She was even more gorgeous than the first time she’d seen her, and she could just image what Asher would be doing if she was stuck up here at the moment. If there had been a competition, Asher would be the winner for the ex category.
“Hi.” It was all she could think to say.
“Hello, and congratulations. I’m thrilled you and Asher are together,” Jacqueline said, sitting in the empty seat behind them, then moving over when a guy joined her. “When she called and said you were able to work it out, I was happy for both of you.”
“Thank you, and thank you for being such a good friend to her.” It was painful to say, but it’s not like she hadn’t given Jacqueline and a whole line of women an in.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Jacqueline said with a smile that spoke volumes. “Asher’s memorable, not going to lie about that, but she’s all yours. I knew it from the day I met her, only I didn’t exactly know it was you.”
“It’s easy to see what she likes about you,” Reagan said and laughed.
“Trust me, she loves my ability to pay for good steaks.” Jacqueline winked and put her hands on Reagan’s shoulders when they called Asher’s name again.
She glanced up and saw Steph sitting a section up from them, but she was on her feet like everyone else who was a fan. Tyler had posted a ninety-six, so Asher had to post ninety-five or higher to keep the lead. The name of the bull came up on the large screens, and the oohs from the crowd tightened her shoulders and stomach. Diablo was a cliché name for a bull for sure, but the way Asher was moving in the chute, the bull was aptly named.
