Bucked Off For Love: A Bull Rider Novella Read online

  “What did you bring?”

  “Lunch.”

  “You didn’t have to do that.” Especially since I’d just finished a ham and cheese sandwich.

  “I’d like to talk.”

  “Me too.” I opened the front door, stepping back so he could go in.

  He brushed past me into the house and I followed him in, letting the screen door bang shut. He’d only been in my house once, but already knew his way around as he led me into the dining room.

  “I think this is the cleanest room.” He set the bag down.

  “We eat here. I keep it picked up.” I went into the kitchen to grab a couple of plates then called out, “Anything need to be warmed up?”

  “Yup.” He came into the kitchen holding a container. “Lasagna.”

  As he lifted the lid, the aroma of tomatoes, cheese, and some of the delicious spice attacked my senses, my mouth watering. “Did you make that?”

  “Nah, my mom did.”

  “If it smells as good as it is going to taste, I want seconds.”

  He put it in the microwave and we moved with ease around the kitchen, getting the items needed for lunch. A few minutes later, we both sat down at the dining room table. Ryder made my plate with more food than I thought I could eat, but even the salad looked fabulous with cuts of ham, olives, and hardboiled egg mixed with the lettuce. Good thing I wasn’t on any kind of diet.

  “I’m sorry about the other day. I feel horrible.”

  I took a bite of the lasagna and moaned. Holy cow could his mother cook. Instead of ground beef like I used, she’d put crumbled Italian sausage in it.

  Ryder laughed. “Guess we should wait to talk until after you eat.”

  I took another bite before I spoke. “I understand it wasn’t the horses fault or yours. Accidents happen. To be honest, I’ve tried to convince myself for days why this isn’t going to work between us. Why I should walk away from you.”

  “Can I convince you to give me another shot?”

  No convincing was needed. “I know nothing about relationships, minus the few I had when I was younger. I’ve judged all men based off of those, but those relationships are nothing like what we have.”

  “We do seem to be two people who know nothing about relationships.”

  “And yet here we are trying.”

  “It’s worth it though, right?”

  “It is.”

  He stared at me with hope in his eyes. “So you’re not giving up on us?”

  I shook my head, setting my fork down. “I want to, but I can’t.”

  “Why do you want to?”

  “It scares me.”

  He got up and came around to me, taking my hand in his. “It scares the shit out of me too. I didn’t expect to fall in love. It wasn’t in my plans. All I wanted to do was get back on a bull, but now, I just want you and Shiloh.”

  “And the bull?”

  He chuckled. “I can’t lie. I want one last ride. I gotta give this shoulder a little longer though.”

  “Is it okay after the accident?”

  “A set back, but Beth thinks it will be fine.”

  I turned him around then ran my hands up his spine until I massaged his shoulders. “I hate you got hurt again.”

  “It’s a small price to pay to have made sure Shiloh was safe. I never should have let him release the reign.”

  “I agree, not yet, but it happened and we can’t change anything.” I massaged around his front, squeezing his pecs.

  “That feels amazing. Are you trying to seduce me?”

  “Maybe a little. Is it working?”

  He spun around, yanking me to him, his erection pressing into my stomach. “If I could pick you up and toss you over my shoulder and carry you to the bedroom, I would.”

  “How about I make it easy for you?” Taking his hand, I led him to the bedroom.

  I pushed him so he sat on the bed. “No touching. Let me give you a little show to make up for being so spacy.”

  “No touching, that’s pure torture.”

  “Well, you tell me where to touch and I’ll do it.”

  “You naughty girl.” His eyes went dark with arousal. “Deal.”

  Epilogue

  Ryder and Cassidy

  Cassidy

  I took my card back from the cashier and stuffed it into my front pocket. Shiloh and I walked through the crowd to get a seat for today’s Top Bulls and Cowboys event. Ryder had said there were seats saved for us and given me directions on where to go, but I didn’t know my way around this place and found myself frustrated.

  “I think we need to go this way.” Shiloh pointed.

  “No clue, so I’ll follow you.”

  “The paper said it was this way.”

  “Just stay close. There are a lot of people here. It’s crazy.”

  We pushed and made our way through the flock of people, all getting their drinks or whatever before the show. I couldn’t eat, so just a soda for me. My nerves were on fire, but I could only imagine how Ryder felt. Today was his last ride. He’d ridden several times over the last few months, and seeing him the first time on the bull gave me a panic attack. But I did much better now.

  He’d been so excited this morning when I’d gone over to the ranch to wish him luck. He still hounded me to move in, but I wanted to give this relationship a good solid six months. That six months was up as of today. I loved him and his parents. Shiloh and I spend a lot of time on the ranch and my son was getting good at riding a horse. He wanted to get on a bull, but I’m not ready.

  “There are the chairs,” Shiloh said.

  “Good eye.”

  We took our seats and they were awesome. We were right there and we’d see all the action. I’d only been to a few of his rides and when he fell off it scared me. But Ryder was doing great, his shoulder too.

  Tonight was the end of the season finals for the Top Bulls and Cowboys. It was an important event for the highest ranking athletes in the circuit, the night they’d all worked so hard for.

  “Hey.” His mom came over, sitting. “I’m so excited and nervous.”

  “Me too.” I gave her a sideways hug.

  I waited on her to tell me to trade places with Shiloh. His parents had practically adopted him, which left Ryder and I plenty of adult time together. Shiloh loved them too and just the whole feel of a family. I didn’t realize this was what he and I were missing all these years, but there was no way I could give it up. After all, I was head over heels in love with my soon-to-be retired bull rider.

  “I tried to make your lasagna recipe the other night. It didn’t turn out anywhere near as good as yours.”

  She grinned. “Come over next time you want to make a batch. I’ll share my secret with you.”

  “I knew there had to be a secret ingredient.”

  She winked. “It’ll surprise you.”

  Ryder’s dad came over, taking a seat next to his wife. “That concession line is out of control.”

  “I know.” I sipped my soda.

  A few of the rodeo clowns performed tricks. This was one of my favorite parts. Maybe because it wasn’t dangerous and I didn’t have to cringe and watch with one eye closed. Ryder laughed at me because I couldn’t handle it. Watching the bulls as they bucked, charging toward the guys trying to distract them. And when someone got hurt, it was gut wrenching. But when Ryder was out there, it was a hundred times worse.

  After tonight though, whenever I came to the rodeo, Ryder would be by my side. Though I had a feeling one day we’d watch Shiloh out there.

  ***

  Ryder

  Shit. I didn’t know if I could ride today. I stood behind the chute where my bull was loaded. It was almost time to go. I’d drawn Markus, a massive, pissed off Charolaise. My nerves were on the edge. My parents, Cassidy, and Shiloh were out there waiting on me to take my last ride and to officially retire. I was ready. While I enjoyed the challenge, the thrill when the gates opened and the rush of beating the bull to the buzz
er, I loved the life I built with Cassidy even more. And hopefully in time, we’d live together and do all the things we both dreamed about. Even though I wanted to jump right into it all, Cassidy had her head on her shoulders, making us go as slow as possible. I was winning her over though. She had a hard time resisting my charms.

  “All right, you ready?” One of the guys asked.

  “No.”

  “You’re ride is coming up.”

  I nodded, closing my eyes and taking several deep breaths.

  My named was announced and the crowd cheered. Shit. It never got old. Never.

  I opened my eyes and looked at the bull. “All right. Here goes nothing.”

  I got my seat on Markus and before I even got my rope tight, he was trying to buck me off. If this was an eight second ride, then it was a miracle. I’d be lucky to hang on for four seconds.

  I yelled for the gate and Markus raced out, bucking from the back, yanking me forward. Then up and back, dipping. The seconds go by slow and the world is silent. I don’t hear the cheering or the spectators. It’s just Markus and me as he does his best to knock me off and I do my best to stay on.

  My grip started to slip. I wanted to glance toward the board to see how long I’d been on, but I didn’t dare. When I went, I went. I gripped as hard as I could with one hand, but that was it. Markus went up high on his back legs and I knew if I stayed on, he was going to throw me off and I could get a serious injury. Letting go, I fell to the ground then stood as quickly as possible, keeping my focus on Markus the whole time.

  The crowd cheered as I safely got out of the ring. I placed a hand over my chest, feeling my heart beat hard.

  “You did awesome.” Rob’s hand came down on my shoulder. “Markus was brutal to you.”

  “Right? He made me work to stay on.”

  “Seven seconds though, man.”

  “I stayed on seven?”

  “Yeah.”

  I’d take it. Might not have been an eight second ride to go out with, but I didn’t care. I didn’t come here today to win, I came to feel the adrenaline rush one last time, then it was time to start my new life with Cassidy and Shiloh.

  ***

  “Hey there.” Cassidy approached me an hour later as I packed up my things.

  Dropping what was in my hands, I went to her, yanking her into my arms and without a second thought, kissed her with everything in me. None of these groupies held a candle toward this woman. Or the feeling she gave me meeting me after a ride.

  Pulling back, I said, “I love you.”

  “Love you too. And you did awesome.”

  I kept her attached to me, having to touch her as I gathered my things. “It was amazing.”

  “Really think you’re gonna give up riding?”

  “It’s in my blood. I’ve been thinking about being a coach.”

  “You’ve never said anything.”

  “Kinda a spontaneous idea.” I chuckled and slung my bag over my shoulder.

  “It’s a great one. I bet lots of young men would love to have the great Ryder Starling as their mentor.”

  I turned, yanking her back to me. “I want nothing more than to take you to bed—alone—and finish out this high with you. Tasting and licking every inch of you.”

  “Damn, Ryder, I want that too. But—”

  I placed a hand over her lips. “My parents are leaving with Shiloh as we speak and keeping him for the night. You, my sweetheart, are going to a hotel with me. And I’m going to torture you with sex and orgasms until you finally agree to move in with me.”

  She ran her hands through my wet hair before pressing her mouth to mine, giving me a sensual kiss. If I got to kiss her the rest of my life, then I didn’t care if I ever stepped foot in a rodeo.

  “I’m all for the torture and unlimited orgasms.” She traced my jawline, her eyes dark and ready for passion. “But I’ve already made up my mind.”

  “Come on, Cassidy.” I was prepared to argue.

  “Ssh.” She nipped my lower lip. “My answer is yes. If you’ll have Shiloh and me, with all our mess, then we’ll move in with you.”

  I lifted her up, spinning her around. I yelled out. “I love this woman!”

  Several of the guys cheered and gave me thumbs up. Her cheeks turned a dark pink.

  “Let’s get the hell out of here. I need to be deep inside you soon or else we might explore voyeurism as I fuck you against one of these benches.”

  “Let’s go.”

  This night couldn’t be any better. I’d made it seven seconds on my last ride and the woman I loved agreed to move in with me. Before long, I’d convince her to put on a white dress and then maybe even a few kids.

  But that could all wait. All I cared about right now was her and making sure I gave her the best life I could.

  The End

  An excerpt from Counting Cowboys (Carver Ranch Series)

  Lauren stared at the papers in front of her, but none of it registered. All she could focus on was the half-naked man. The hot, sweaty, tanned man who was now naked in his shower only feet away from her.

  She shook her head and rubbed her thighs. Enough. It wasn't like Tucker was the first sexy man she'd seen. She wasn't blind or innocent, but something about him got her panties moist quick. Hopefully, she could make it through this accounting meeting without ripping her own clothes off and offering herself up to him. She had no doubt he would be an awesome lover. The man worked with his hands all day; surely he knew a thing or two that could please her.

  Seriously, enough.

  Lauren straightened her back and stared at the stack of papers he'd given her. There were receipts, printouts, and such. Tucker seemed to keep good records, so that would make things easier. She removed her computer from her bag and turned it on. After she pulled up the file for Carver Ranch, she studied it once more to familiarize herself with it.

  This was a profitable ranch. Last year had been one of their roughest years, but so far, this year was already better. She was sure once she started to fill in the stuff he'd supplied her with, she'd see they'd come back strong from the previous year.

  "Everything there?"

  Lauren jumped in her seat.

  "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

  Tucker, now dressed, came over and sat next to her. Whatever soap he'd used attacked her senses in a good way. How did someone get out of the shower, yet still smell like fresh cut pines?

  She shouldn't do it, but she did anyway. She let her gaze wander over his body. The black t-shirt he wore hugged his wide chest, letting her get the full view of his muscles.

  Lauren looked away quickly. "Yeah, I think this is it." She flipped through the stack. "You're free to do whatever while I do this. I know you've got a lot to do."

  "Can I get you something to drink?" He stood, and her focus went straight to his crotch.

  Oh God. She glanced up quick to see him smirking. The man knew he was sex on a stick with his sandy blond hair and blue eyes. "Do you have some tea?"

  "Sweet?"

  "Uh, yeah."

  He winked. "I'll be back."

  "Take your time." The farther away he was, the more she could concentrate on her work. She wasn't sure what had come over her, but the sooner she got done with this job, the better. Then she wouldn't have to see him again until next quarter.

  About Counting Cowboys

  Can a hot cowboy convince Lauren to stay in Texas and take another chance on love?

  Tucker Carver likes to have fun and has no intention of settling down anytime soon. He handles the business side of Carver Ranch for his family, and on the day he's scheduled to meet with their accountant, he instead meets a beautiful woman who changes everything.

  Lauren Ford packed up and moved to Texas to start over after her fiancé had an affair with her best friend. Her father's retiring and has offered to let her take over his accounting firm. When she meets Tucker she's immediately taken with him, despite his reputation as a ladies' man. Knowing she isn't
looking for love, or even if she wants to stay in Texas, she decides to have fun with Tucker and keep her feelings at bay.

  After one taste of Lauren, Tucker has other plans. Lauren is the woman he wants, but for some reason she's resisting. And it doesn't help when her ex-fiancé shows up in town wanting her to go back to Georgia with him. Can Tucker convince her that his feelings are true, or will he lose her forever?

  Content Warning: contains adult language and explicit sexual scenes

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  About Lacey Wolfe

  Lacey Wolfe has always had a passion for words, whether it’s getting lost in a book or writing her own. Her goal as an author is to have a romance for everyone, whether it’s sweet, sensual, or spicy. She’s had several books on the Amazon best seller lists. When she isn’t writing, she can be found running, talking to her pets, spending time with her family, or lost in some sort of craft. She takes kindly to anyone who feeds her cookies.

  Lacey lives in Georgia with her husband, son and daughter, their herd of cats, and one black lab who rules the house.

  Find her at:

  www.laceywolfe.com

  www.facebook.com/authorlaceywolfe

  www.instagram.com/author_lwolfe

  Checkout out her sensual and erotic romances:

  Stand-alone Romances

  Amber’s Muse

  Tempting The Manny

  The Naked Truth