The Cowboy’s Daughter Page 6

  “She knows it too. Pippi is less vain.” She patted her horse’s neck affectionately. “I gave you my sister Emily’s horse, Sunflower.”

  “You’re kidding, right? She should be called Siren.”

  “Or Helen?” Kelly joked.

  “Of Troy? The face that launched a thousand ships and burned the topless towers of Ilium?”

  “You’re pretty well read for a bull rider.”

  “I had to do something during recovery.”

  She launched herself into the saddle with the natural grace of someone who had been doing it all her life. He used to mount like that. Effortless.

  It was now or never. He eyed Sunflower and the pretty thing eyed him back with a sweet, but dim look. That was something at least.

  “Do you want a stepladder?” Kelly asked, concerned.

  His hip went, YES, I DO. His pride went, hell no.

  “Nah, I got this.” Please look away. Of course, she didn’t.

  Trent gritted his teeth and put his foot in the stirrup, and swung his leg over. It wasn’t the prettiest mount he’d ever done, but he was up there and he was planning on staying that way. He’d worry about dismounting when the time came.

  As they rode out, he knew his jaw was going to hurt as much as his hip would. Trent was already planning on stopping by for a couple of twenty-pound bags of ice. Having a party? Yeah, a pity party. He was going to shiver in the tub with the ice around his leg and hip tonight. It was going to be worth it, though, just to see the sun shine through her hair.

  “So, you read poetry while you were in physical therapy?” she asked, smiling at him.

  “Listened to it on audio books, actually. The cadence of it helped me manage the pain. And if I was trying to memorize it at the same time, it took my mind off my body not working the way it should.”

  “I’d like for you to recite me poetry.”

  “Shall I peel you a grape and fan you with a palm frond too?” He grinned.

  “Absolutely.”

  “I’m not sure you’d appreciate it,” he teased.

  “Trust me. I’d appreciate it. I’d probably fall asleep, though.”

  “I already told you, having you in my bed is quite all right with me.”

  “Even if I was sleeping?”

  “You’d wake up eventually, and when you did…” He moved the horse closer to her so he could playfully tug on her ponytail. “Then, you’d be all mine.”

  She swatted his hand away and gave him a mock glare with her pretty chocolate-colored eyes. “You’re a flirt.”

  “I’m trying anyway.”

  Kelly took them back around to the front of the ranch. “I didn’t get a chance to tell my parents this morning that I knew about your school, but I figured you’d like to see it first before I show you around the rest of the ranch.”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty eager to go inside. I’ve had a crew working on it for months based on plans I modified. Like I’ve said, I’ve seen pictures, but it’s something else to see it live.”

  “Let’s look around.” They headed closer to the building and paddock, riding in companionable silence for a few minutes. He was sore and unused to being on a horse, but he couldn’t ask for a more gentle ride. He was starting to get the feel of it again, starting to feel normal.

  “You’ll probably want to get a turnoff from the main driveway and a parking lot.” She pointed.

  “Yeah, I can’t have them park on either side of your driveway.” Movement caught the corner of his eye and he looked back toward the barn. An ATV was coming their way.

  “Oh shit,” Kelly groaned.

  “What?”

  “That’s my dad. Um, can you pretend that we just met last night? He doesn’t know that we have a past.”

  Trent smiled. “Sure thing.”

  “And I apologize for anything he says.”

  They reined in and waited for Frank to catch up with him. Trent noticed that the older man was a bit out of breath, but his eyes were shining when he hopped out of the ATV. “I know you,” Frank said, coming in close and thrusting his hand out to Trent.

  Trent shook it. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Sullivan.”

  “How do you know my daughter?” Frank’s smile looked like it could turn in a moment.

  “Dad,” Kelly warned.

  “I was at the Last Stand Saloon last night, and your daughter and I got to talking.”

  “Trent was nice enough to drive me home after I’d had a few too many with my high school friends.”

  “I appreciate you taking care of my daughter,” Frank said, nodding.

  “He told me that you leased him this property for his rodeo school,” Kelly said with enough tart sweetness in her voice that Trent winced.

  “Yup.”

  “I thought you were going to sell. Isn’t that what you said in your message?”

  Frank shrugged. “We’re not out of the woods yet. I wanted to make sure you and your sisters had a chance to say goodbye.”

  Kelly seemed somewhat mollified by that admission. “The girls and I have plans. We’re not going to go down without a fight.”

  “Yeah,” he snorted. “You want to spend money we don’t have. Trent and Donovan at least are building on their own dime.”

  “So will we,” Kelly said sharply.

  “I’m going to need to put in an access road and parking lot. Does that suit you?” Trent said, jumping into the conversation.

  Frank frowned, but then nodded. “I guess you got to do that. Where’s your manager?”

  “He’s still eating breakfast,” Trent said. “Kelly and I were just about to take a look at the place. Care to join us?”

  “Sure thing. I’ve been keeping an eye out just to make sure things have been going as planned.”

  “Of course, you have,” Kelly said dryly. They steered the horses over to the pen. She dismounted and flipped the reins in a loose knot over the paddock’s pole.

  He winked at Kelly. “He’s not so bad,” he said, as her father walked inside the barn without waiting for them.

  She rolled her eyes. “Try living with him.”

  Trent waited until she turned to follow her father before he dismounted. When she went into the barn, Trent swung his leg over and stepped down from the saddle, leaning heavily on Sunflower. Thankfully, the horse didn’t move and let him rest his weight against her while he got his balance. He let out a slow breath of relief. He hadn’t fallen on his ass.

  Pain shot up his bad leg and he had to lean on Sunflower until the stars in front of his eyes went away, but he could still walk.

  “This here’s nice, Trent.” Frank came out of the barn and waited next to him as he figured out which key opened the studio door.

  He finally got it open and they stepped inside. Frank found the light switch and flicked it on. It was just how he pictured it. The new carpet smell mixed in with paint fumes. He left the door open to air it out while they walked around.

  “That’s my office over there,” Trent said to Kelly, pointing to a room with a cutout window. He needed to move his things here from storage.

  “I see there’s a couple of trophy cases,” Frank said. “I can’t wait to see them and all your ribbons.”

  He didn’t want it to seem like he was bragging, so he said to Kelly, “I put those in here because I thought it would bring the teenagers in with their parents.”

  “Definitely,” she said. “I’m a little astounded at how fast all of this went up. I hope my studio goes up this easy.”

  Frank snorted. “It’s a lot of work, baby girl.”

  “I’m not going to saw boards and pound nails myself.” Kelly looked up at him. “Not that I don’t know how to do that, but I’m going to hire a construction crew.”

  “Not with my money, you’re not.”

  “What money?” Kelly asked.

  And just like that, Frank’s face turned down and the menace in his eyes stiffened Trent’s spine. “You watch your tone with me.”

&n
bsp; Kelly didn’t seem the least bit fazed. “When they’re done here, Trent, do you mind if I get some quotes?”

  It took him a minute to catch up with what was going on. Right. The construction crew. “I used Sykes. They’re local.” Trent walked them outside so they could get a closer look at the chutes and the gates that led out to the paddock.

  “Bunch of punks,” Frank muttered. “But I can’t complain on the job they did. When’s the bucking stock coming?”

  That again. Trent was worried that the students would only come if they could see him bull ride. “I’ve got a couple of mini bulls coming in a few weeks for the kids. But we’re going to use the trainers first on the teens and adults. It’s important to me that we go over equipment, chute procedures, how to ride and dismount. That’s all going to be done before they get on the bull, no matter how old or experienced they are.” He gestured back to the studio. “I’m going to mount some televisions inside, as well, so they can review techniques and practice them on the riding machines.”

  Frank made a scoffing sound. “Is that how you did it?”

  He’d just about had enough of Frank, but Trent didn’t want to alienate Kelly’s father. “No, sir, I made a pain in the ass of myself at the rodeos and PBR events. I worked as a bullfighter, rope puller, spotter, flank man, latch man, gate man…”

  “I get it,” Frank said. “You didn’t learn it in a classroom is all I’m saying. You learned by doing.”

  “Dad, he’s running a school so people can learn by doing in a safe and structured environment.” Kelly put a light hand on Trent’s back and he appreciated her support.

  “You need a big bull. A real bastard.” Frank clapped his hands and rubbed them together.

  “Don’t let my liability insurance company hear you say that.”

  Frank guffawed. “Just don’t take it easy on these guys.”

  “I’ll have different age groups and the lessons will be age appropriate.”

  “If you bore them, they ain’t coming back.”

  “If they get hurt, they won’t be back either.”

  Trent hadn’t expected the awkward silence, but he wasn’t unhappy about it.

  “I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do here, son.” Frank held out his hand and Trent shook it.

  “Before you go, Dad, let’s head down to the southwest. I want to show you what I think the best place is to put a gazebo for wedding and engagement pictures,” Kelly said.

  “I’ll see it later,” Frank said, waving his hand dismissively.

  Kelly set her jaw.

  “Trent, it was nice to finally meet you in person.” He shook his hand again. “My daughters and I went to every rodeo you were in. We were big fans.”

  “You did?” Trent smiled at Kelly, who was blushing.

  “So, we’re honored to have your school here. If you need anything, just let me know. I’m going to head back in. The sun gets to me, lately.”

  “You want us to ride back in with you, Dad?” Kelly asked.

  “Hell, no. I’m not some invalid who needs his hand held.”

  Trent tried to keep himself from tensing up. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Not too long ago, I was that invalid and I could have used all the hand-holding I could get.”

  “Dad,” Kelly growled at him.

  “’Scuse me, Trent. I didn’t mean you. I meant an old man invalid. Anyhoo, I can see I stuck my foot in it, so I’ll go. Stop by after your ride, if you want. Sarah puts on a nice lunch.”

  “We’re going out for lunch,” Kelly said.

  “That right?” Frank brightened up.

  “We have to get my car,” Kelly said quickly.

  “Oh.” His face fell back into his normal expression. “Well then, I’ll see you when I see you.” He gave a half wave and went back outside.

  “I am so sorry about that.” Kelly slumped. “He’s got all the tact and social grace of a bull.”

  “That’s okay. I knew what he meant.” But it did bother him that men like Frank would think less of him because of his injuries. It shouldn’t, and maybe in a few hours it wouldn’t, but right now, it chapped his ass. Mostly because it fueled his own thoughts about not fitting into a world when he wasn’t a PBR star.

  “Are you going to hire people to help you out?” she asked, wandering around the first floor.

  “Eventually, but for right now, it’s just me and Billy.”

  She scowled and looked away.

  He wondered what he’d said to make her angry. “I need to get situated first. I’ve got equipment arriving that needs to be set up, but no revenue coming in. Once that happens, I probably will need to hire someone.”

  “That sounds great.” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked around. “I think you’re going to be very popular.”

  “Even if I don’t have riding stock?”

  There must have been something in his voice, because she dropped her arms and came in close to him. “Yeah, even if. You have a lot of fans and plenty of people are going to want to learn from the best.”

  “Well, they’re going to have to settle for me.”

  “You are the best.”

  “I was,” he said. “I’m not sure what I am anymore. I just hope I’m good enough.”

  “Of course, you are.” Kelly looked up at him and he was momentarily distracted.

  He wanted to kiss her again. Kiss her until they were both senseless and needing each other more than they needed their next breath. “I hope you’re right. Otherwise, I’m going to have to consider another profession. And I think an office job would kill me faster than another bull ride.”

  “Don’t say that.” Kelly laid a hand on his arm.

  Damn, but he liked it when she touched him.

  He slid an arm around her waist and tugged her in closer. “We didn’t get to dance for very long.” She felt sweet in his arms.

  “There’s no music.” Kelly lifted her head up, her lips parting.

  He cupped her cheek and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “Close your eyes. I bet you’ll hear it.”

  Her eyes fluttered closed and a small smile played around her lips.

  He couldn’t resist her any longer. Kissing Kelly was even better in the daylight. Her mouth was sweet and eager on his. Tightening his grip, he backed her slowly against the nearest wall. She made a little sound of excitement and it went straight to his cock.

  He had a flashback of making out with her, hard and fast in his truck after the rodeo six years ago. Trent had fingered her to a quick orgasm, while she nearly made him lose his mind with the best damn blow job he’d ever had. They barely made it to the hotel out of town before getting each other off again. Then they spent the whole night going slow to make up for the fast and furious fucking. Trent wanted that now. He’d take it slow or fast, whatever she wanted.

  Rubbing against her, he wished she was wearing a skirt instead of sexy jeans that showed off her fantastic ass. Kelly parted her legs and he reached down and picked her up so she could wrap them around his waist.

  His hip protested, but he ignored it. It was so worth the pain he was going to feel later. Kelly clutched at his shoulders and writhed against him. His mind whirled where to take them. The floor? Upstairs in the loft? Shit, he knew he should have had a couch delivered.

  He carried her toward his office when he heard the horses snort and whinny and then the thundering of hooves. Letting Kelly slide down his body, he walked with her over to the door and peeked out. The horses had pulled the knots that had held the reins on the paddock fence free and were running back to the barn.

  “Shit,” he said. At least, they weren’t heading toward the street.

  Kelly laughed and then covered her mouth with a hand. “We’re never going to catch them.”

  “It’s a long walk back to the barn.” He wasn’t sure what he was going to do. His leg might not make it. He could call Billy, but he didn’t want to talk business. They could call her father to come back a
nd pick them up in the ATV, but he didn’t want the man’s pity. Not to mention he didn’t want to explain what he’d been doing with his daughter while the horses made their escape.

  “Guess we’d better get started,” she said.

  Man up, he told himself as they headed back.

  She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “I’m sorry we got interrupted.”

  That made him smile. “Me too.” He would love to invite her back to his hotel room after lunch, but there was no way he wanted her to see him curled up in pain. “I should get a futon and keep it upstairs.”

  “For morning trysts?” She eyed him. “You planning on making this a regular occurrence?”

  “I’d like to. With you.”

  Kelly slung her arm around him. “Me too.” But then she got quiet and moved away from him.

  Trent wanted to get her playful side back, so he nudged her. “I’d rather fool around and nap than walk back to the ranch.”

  “And when my father came to look for us?” She batted her eyelashes at him. “What then?”

  “Do you think he’d buy that I was giving you bull-riding lessons?”

  “Some kind of riding lessons, he’d believe.”

  “Kelly, you don’t need lessons in that kind of riding. In fact, I’d like you to show me a few things.” He was glad she’d shaken off whatever had dampened her spirits.

  As they walked along, he realized that he wasn’t feeling the pain in his hip as badly as he thought he would.

  “I’m going to need to extend the road back this way and hope Nate doesn’t get his feathers ruffled that we’re disturbing his cattle,” she said. “Otherwise, my customers will have to deal with the odor of cow flops.”

  “Who’s Nate?” She spoke of him with admiration and he was wondering if Nate was someone he should be concerned about.

  “He’s the foreman. He’s been with us forever, it seems. He came to the ranch when he was ten and worked his way up. He’s like a brother to me in some respects.”

  That was good.

  “Got a nice spread of land here,” Trent said. “I can’t quite picture what you’re going to do, but I think you’ll get a lot of people interested.”