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  Bareback for Cowboy

  by Lawna Mackie

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  Bareback for Cowboy

  Copyright ©2013, Lawna Mackie

  Formatted: Marissa Dobson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

  Bareback for Cowboy

  Lawna Mackie

  Chapter One

  Buckteeth, braces, pimples, and too tall, Cade closed his eyes trying to remove the disturbing memory of the fifteen-year-old girl.

  “Seriously! Mom, I don’t have time to play babysitter. You know I’m competing at the Calgary Stampede this week. This is really important to me,” he ground out into the phone.

  “Don’t be silly, Cade. Sophia’s a grown woman. It’s been ten years since you’ve seen her, and I don’t have to tell you how important her mother was to me.” Her voice cracked with sadness.

  Mrs. Randall was his mother’s best friend and had recently passed away in a horrific car accident while visiting Sophia in Paris. “It’s just bad timing, that’s all,” his voice softened.

  “Son, Sophia won’t be a burden. She’s needed to get away for a while so I asked her to come to Calgary. I thought it would be a good distraction to have her visit during the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. I don’t have to tell you how devastated she is. Sophia always looked up to you like an older brother. I would have expected you’d want to help her.”

  And there you have it. His mother did it to him every time. She just had a way of mixing words and getting what she wanted. In truth, he did feel sorry for Sophia. He couldn’t imagine what his life would be like without his mom.

  “Okay, Mom. You’ve made your point,” he conceded.

  “I knew you’d come around,” she chirped through the line. Cade could picture her smiling on the other end. The thought made him happy. She’d been going through a rough time. “Sophia arrives tomorrow from Charles de Gaulle Airport. I hope you won’t mind picking her up?”

  He groaned out loud but shouldn’t have.

  “Well, it’s not like I can do it unless I cancel my chemo treatment and drive down from Red Deer.”

  He rubbed his eyes, sorry for the sigh he’d uttered. “Don’t be ridiculous. Is Mrs. Shaffer taking you to your appointment?”

  “Yes, dear Grace is such a sweet woman,” she paused briefly, but then continued. “I’m not sure I’ll feel up to coming down to the Stampede.” Cade could hear the sadness in her voice.

  “Mom, you need to take care of you. I’ll pick Sophia up, and somehow I’ll get her up there to visit you before she leaves. How long has she been in Paris?” he asked out of curiosity.

  “I believe she was in Italy for five years attending school, then moved to Paris where she’s resided ever since.”

  “Huh,” he responded kind of shocked. It didn’t seem like the type of place Sophia would live—or fit in.

  “She arrives tomorrow at five p.m. on flight 1056 AirTransat. Thank you. I gotta run now, sweetie. I love you. Let me know when Sophia arrives.”

  “Will do, Mom. I hope your treatment goes okay.”

  “I’ll be just fine. Bye for now.”

  Cade ended the phone call and stared out the window of his grand fifth-wheel trailer. He really didn’t have time to spend with his mother’s friend’s daughter, but he could never refuse his mother’s wishes. Certainly Tipsie and Pounder would enjoy heckling him about having to hang out with the ugly duckling. His friends could be ruthless. It would be important to explain the situation to them before Sophia arrived; otherwise, the two of them would have her packing her bags before she’d made it through one night. He looked around the room. He wasn’t sure where she’d be staying, but he knew his mom would skin him alive if he didn’t offer to have her stay with him. Everything was neat and tidy and she could sleep in the bedroom. What a week he was going to have! He shook his head and sighed.

  The sun was just setting. It had been a long day, every muscle in his body ached. There was nothing easy about bull riding or steer wrestling. He grabbed his cowboy hat and headed out the door. He’d check on his horses one more time before calling it a night.

  Hot July heat assaulted his senses the moment he left the air-conditioned unit. His thoughts turned to Sophia, the tall, gangly kid. She always wore the same thing—cutoffs and a baggy T-shirt, topping it off with scraggly hair and glasses. He cringed. Two weeks with Sophia Randall would be an awfully long time.

  Chapter Two

  Sadness ebbed through Sophia’s soul. She could trail halfway around the world, but nothing would take away the pain of losing her mother. Time passed by so slowly yet refused to stop. Somehow she believed time should really come to a halt, but everyone bustled around her going on with everyday life. Pulling herself together, she did her best to force her thoughts away from the heartbreak pulsing through her veins.

  The roar of the jet engines slowly went silent. The clink of seat belts echoed through the cabin as people stood, opening the overhead compartments and preparing to depart.

  Sophia stood and did her best to smooth out the wrinkles on her coal-black, tight-fitting dress. Pulling her long hair out of the way, she swung her matching bag over her shoulder and waited in line to exit.

  Her stomach did a somersault when she thought of Cade. Ten years had gone by since she’d seen him last. Back then, she’d had a crush on him. It was no secret; she would follow him around everywhere he went…providing he let her. Now she almost laughed outright, it was such an embarrassing thought.

  Her mother and Cade’s mother were best friends and had been since high school. Sophia knew how difficult the news of her mother’s death was for Rachelle Galloway, especially considering the poor woman was going through breast cancer. She had to come.

  After collecting her luggage and leaving customs, the doors opened to the main part of the airport. The corridor hummed with people talking and hurrying to their destinations. Squeals of joy could be heard as couples and friends reunited.

  Her heart pounded, and for a moment, her thoughts focused on something other than the death. Looking for him, she smiled to herself. Certainly the handsome young cowboy she remembered wouldn’t have changed too much. Allowing her suitcase to come to a halt beside her, she removed her bag from her shoulder and rummaged for her cell phone. Perhaps he forgot to pick her up.

  ***

  Cade strode quickly through the airport sliding doors. The traffic had slowed him down, and now he was a bit late. He cursed under his breath. Airports were not his favorite place, and he hated crowds of people.

  He scanned the area looking for Sophia…or who he thought would look like her. People came and went in every direction. Ahead he noticed the luggage carousel still in operation and the screen above it held her flight number, however, most of the luggage had already been claimed. He proceeded forward, still looking for any sight of her. The scads of people soon dispersed. Perhaps she’d left without him.

  “Damn,” he swore openly this time. With his back to the door, he rummaged through his coat pocket for his cell phone—something he also despised. At the same time, he searched for the scrap of paper with Sophia’s phone number on it. Totally oblivious to his surroundings, he spun around and collided with a tall, dark-haired woman. Trying to catch her balance, she gasped. Cade dropped his phone to steady the woman. As she clutched onto his coat to prevent her fall, her cell phone crashed to the floor as well.

  Everything went quiet until he heard
her let out a string of French words. He didn’t understand a single one of them, but he thought he got the drift.

  “I’m very sorry, miss. Are you alright?” He stepped back from her and bent down to pick up the phones. Her black satin stilettos caught his eye. Unable to stop himself, his gaze followed her sexy, toned legs up to the edge of her matching tight black dress, which hugged every part of her perfectly rounded hips, slim waist, and…his mouth went dry. The dress dipped low in the front—just enough to show the valley between her ample breasts.

  Her glorious, dark wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders and danced just above her waist. Her hand went to rest on her hip, obviously annoyed.

  Green eyes stared down at him, and for a moment he held his breath. Sophia had green eyes. Even though she wore glasses, he remembered thinking her eyes were perhaps the one feature she bore with any beauty. He blinked, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. Slowly, he stood to his full height of six foot four and watched as her eyes never left his.

  Like a string of beautiful lyrics, she spoke again in French and tucked her hair behind her ear. Running her hands over her dress to smooth it down, she formed a small smile.

  “Hello, Cade,” she spoke in clear English.

  His voice failed him. This gorgeous woman with the angelic voice and goddess-like features could not be Sophia…could she?

  “Sophia?” he asked, uncertain.

  “It’s been a long time, Cade. You haven’t changed a bit, except you’re much taller.”

  Still stunned, he continued to stare in awe of her beauty. He must look like a drooling dog lusting after a treat. He tore his gaze away.

  “Ten years feels like a lifetime. You don’t look the same at all.” Realizing how that probably sounded, he immediately closed his eyes and groaned. “I didn’t mean…”

  Sophia’s laughter stopped him before he could insert his other foot. He never got tongue-tied around women.

  She reached out and put her perfectly manicured hand on his shoulder. “It’s okay, Cade. I really don’t look like I did ten years ago. I hope this is an improvement.”

  He stuttered, opened his mouth and closed it.

  Lifting her finger to her lips, she shushed him. “No response needed.”

  “I’m sorry I’m a bit late,” he apologized, finally finding his voice.

  She shook her head, causing her hair to flow back and forth over her shoulders. “Not a problem.”

  Stepping forward, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. “I’m very sorry about your mother.”

  His arms loosened around her, but she didn’t step away. She hugged him back, holding onto him tightly. He could feel her grief, but despite her obvious sadness, his body instantly reacted to her contact. Her perfume reminded him of fresh flowers. His groin tightened.

  Slowly she pulled away, unshed tears glimmering in her beautiful eyes.

  He decided to change the subject. “You really do look fabulous.”

  Sniffling, she searched in her handbag and pulled out a tissue. “Thank you. It’s amazing what a few years in Italy and Paris does for a person.”

  He chuckled and reached for her suitcase. “How about we get out of here?” he asked.

  “I’ve had my fill of airports for a couple weeks.”

  They exited the airport and Cade led her to the loading zone where his truck was parked. After placing her suitcase in the back seat, he opened the front door for her and quickly realized she’d never be able to climb up into the tall vehicle with the shoes and fitted dress. He noticed a look come over her face. She obviously realized the same thing.

  “I should have worn something other than a dress.” She smiled uncomfortably. “I’m not sure how I will get into this beast of a truck.”

  Cade stepped up beside her and scooped her into his arms. She squeaked in surprise and wrapped her arms around his neck. His eyes locked with hers and time stood still. She was so beautiful. No more Ugly Duckling, hello, Goddess. It would be impossible for him not to notice her enticing, plump red lips, and for a moment, he contemplated kissing her before changing his mind and setting her inside the cab of his truck.

  “For some reason, I didn’t expect you to be wearing a dress.” Quickly closing her door, he walked around the front of this vehicle and got in.

  She turned and laughed at him. “What did you think I’d be wearing?”

  Somehow the question brought a whole bunch of visions to mind—nothing would be an option. He shook his head trying to pull his mind out of the gutter. “Well, of course, I thought you would be wearing cutoffs and an overly large T-shirt.”

  She lost her smile, then burst out laughing. “You remember what I used to wear.”

  “The vision is burned into my memory, and let me tell you, you look nothing like that today.”

  Reaching for the seatbelt, she pulled it across her chest and fastened it. “It really has been a long time.”

  The truck’s engine roared to life. “It’s been far too long. I’m glad you decided to come for a visit.”

  Chapter Three

  Sophia noticed how much the city of Calgary had changed since her last visit. Even though the traffic appeared much busier than she remembered, it still couldn’t compare to what she witnessed on a daily basis in Paris. She looked over at the drop-dead sexy cowboy and her stomach did a little somersault. The boy had disappeared, leaving the gorgeous man sitting beside her. She was tall…almost six feet tall in heels, but he still towered over her. Sandy blond hair, big blue eyes, and a perfect smile that made her feel weak in the knees. The men in Europe were so different: refined, dressed in tailored suits with manicured nails. Cade was the exact opposite. Every inch of his body exuded masculinity. His well-worn blue jeans hugged his hips and showed off his perfect derrière. He wore a black T-shirt that clung to his expansive chest, tapering down to his stomach. It was obvious that underneath the black shirt would be a rippling six-pack. Things hadn’t changed for her at all. She still had a crush on Cade.

  They made their way downtown. “Your mother explained how busy you are this week, and I want you to know I won’t be in your way. I’ve never been to the Stampede so I know I’ll be busy taking in all the different venues. You probably won’t see me much at all.” Folding her hands in her lap, she smiled at him. Inside she hoped he’d disagree with her, and he did exactly that.

  “It’s an important week for me, but I’ll make time for you. If you like, maybe you can watch some of my events.”

  “I’d love that.” Boy, how she’d love that. He didn’t know it, but he lifted her spirits.

  Pulling her purse back onto her lap, she removed the leather-bound book holding her itinerary. “I’m staying at the Fairmont Palliser downtown.”

  His smile faded. “Oh.”

  “What’s wrong? Is that not a good place to stay?” she asked in alarm.

  His grip flexed on the steering wheel. “Hell, you couldn’t have picked a better place to stay…unless it was with me.”

  “Seriously?” She hadn’t expected him to invite her to stay with him. “I didn’t want to impose.”

  “You wouldn’t be imposing, but you also wouldn’t be staying in the Fairmont either. My trailer is nice, but not like a hotel room at the Palliser.”

  Trailer? He stayed in a trailer? “What happened to the ranch?” she asked.

  The sound of his deep rich chuckle sent goose bumps up her arms. “We still have the ranch; however, I stay down on the grounds while I’m competing. I have a fairly nice fifth-wheel trailer I stay in. I planned on giving you the bedroom.”

  “Are you sure I won’t be in the way? I really don’t want to intrude.”

  “Trust me, you won’t be imposing, I’m seldom there in the afternoon anyway. I spend most of my time with the horses. I don’t have a lot of time for anyone or anything else.”

  She smiled and pulled her hair over her shoulder. “Well, if that’s the case, I’d be happy to stay with you.”

  “Gr
eat,” Cade said, grabbing her hand.

  Heat rushed through her body, and she had no choice but to look away from his gaze. Her cheeks reddened.

  Numerous horse trailers were lined up waiting to get into the fairgrounds. Cade drove through the first gate and at the second gate, he rolled down his window. “Hey, Stew! How’s the number of attendees today?”

  “Howdy, Cade. Well, from what I’ve heard, the numbers are fantastic. How can they not be; it is the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.” Stew looked in the window at her and tipped his hat. She smiled and nodded back.

  Trailers were lined in a row and for a moment, Sophia wondered if she’d made a mistake by staying here. They continued to drive down the road. At the far end, Cade pointed to what must be his trailer. It was extremely large with many pop-outs. Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.

  Cade pulled the truck up in front of his traveling home and turned the ignition off. “Stay where you are,” he ordered, getting out of the truck. Opening her door, he held out his arms. Sophia blushed but scooted to the edge of the seat and placed her arms around his neck. The moment she made contact with his skin, her heart raced. He scooped her up and turned, almost running into two dusty and very rugged men.

  Both of the men stood staring at her as if they’d never seen a female before. Cade continued to hold her while she grew more uncomfortable by the moment.

  The shorter of the two men spoke first. “We thought we’d come introduce ourselves to your…er,” he stopped, unable to finish his sentence. The man’s eyes followed a path up her legs until he stared into her eyes. She smiled, squirming in Cade’s arms and wishing he’d put her down. Slowly he did just that. She stood on the uneven ground straightening her dress and hair.

  The second man stuck out his hand, but then quickly pulled it away and wiped it on his jeans, which couldn’t be any more clean, she thought. Apparently rethinking the situation, he lifted his cowboy hat and nodded his head. “Howdy, ma’am. My name is Keith, but everyone calls me Pounder.”