Worth the Ride Page 10

  “You are going to the rodeo in a couple weeks, aren’t ya?” she asks.

  “Yeah, to watch.”

  “Weston…”

  “I can’t, Timber. Those days are done. Plus, I’m too old for that.”

  “They asked me to be the on-duty vet. I was going to see if you and Bryndle wanted to go with me. It would be fun. She could watch all the events, camp out, and I don’t know…”

  “Don’t know what?”

  “I thought maybe you’d think about riding one more time…”

  “Timber…”

  “Just think about it. That’s all I’m askin’, and if you don’t want Bryndle to watch, I’m sure that your dad or my parents would watch her. I miss going to the rodeo with you.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Well, you and Forrest. We used to have so much fun, and I loved getting in the back cause you were riding. That’s when I realized I loved the vet side of it there,” she says with a sweet smile.

  “It was fun. Damn, Forrest used to get us in so much trouble.”

  “Of course he did. Think about it, okay?” she says as she takes my hands in hers. “I’ve seen you with Scarlett. I know you miss it.”

  “I do, but it’s not only about me.”

  “I get that, Weston, but remember you gotta live too.” Man, she sounds just like her dad.

  Taking a moment, I pull my thoughts together. “I am. Right now, Timber, I’m living… with you.” She doesn’t say anything and I start to think I’ve said too much again.

  As she starts to open her mouth, the waitress arrives with our food, halting her words. Part of me wants to tell her to hurry the hell up, but I remember where I am and what I’m doing. Timber wants someone that treats her like she’s the only girl in the world, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing. When the waitress walks away, I wait to see if she speaks. Timber places her napkin in her lap, then places her hands on it as well.

  “Weston, I know you are, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel it too. As much as I want to dive in head first and go all balls to the wall, we’ve got to think. We’re not two teenagers; we’re grown adults. Plus, you’ve got Bryndle and I’d never want to do anything to jeopardize her. She’s absolutely precious and I want to make sure that this relationship is one that models what she wants her future to be like.”

  I nod and pick up my fork. I don’t know how to answer. I want to say what my heart is screaming, but my head says no. We eat in silence for a moment, but then I can’t stand it. “The fact that you care enough to worry about my daughter proves that this is right. I say we go all in. You and I both know that if we go all in on something we’ll make it work. That’s who we are.”

  She smiles at me. “That’s a good point there. We’ve never done anything half-assed.”

  When the waitress returns and asks if we want dessert, I look to Timber.

  “Nah, I’m good.”

  “I need a chocolate cake and peach cobbler to go.” She looks at me questioningly. “Paw and Bryndle.” She smiles.

  I know she’s always been guarded and doesn’t do anything unless it’s one hundred percent. This isn’t a sure bet, but I’m willing to make it to the buzzer and then take it one second past. She’s worth the ride, and I’ve got to make her see it. It’s even got me considering the one thing I swore I’d never do again… ride.

  “Maybe I’ll take a piece of that peach cobbler too. I heard it’s made from the best peaches around,” she says and I can’t help but feel my insides warm. “Wanna share it with me?”

  “You had me at peach cobbler,” I reply and we both laugh. The waitress goes to the back and then returns with Timber’s dessert and two spoons.

  I let her go first, but that look on her face is pure heaven as the sweet goodness hits her taste buds. “Ohmygawsh, Cowboy, that’s to die for.”

  “Told ya,” I say as I start to grab a bite and she quickly moves the dessert directly in front of her. “Oh I see how it is. You asked me to share and now you’re keeping it all to yourself. I think I’m going to make you pick up the tab instead.”

  She shrugs, and I steal a bite anyway. She rolls her eyes at me playfully. I love that even when we’re joking around I can see the confident woman she has become.

  As I go to take another bite, she gasps jokingly. When I am just about to put the delicious bite in my mouth, I pause and look at her. “Come here,” I say as she leans in. I guide the gooey goodness on my fork into her mouth. She takes a moment to savor it and then sits back in the chair.

  “Ohmygawsh, Cowboy, that is phenomenal. Damn, whoever grows these peaches can sure shake my tree,” she says with a laugh.

  “That can be arranged,” I say with a wink, knowing this girl is going to be mine.

  Timber

  Heavens to Betsy! That wink and comment have my body all kinds of twisted. Every time he speaks, my knees go weak, my heart jumps into my throat, and I try to keep my emotions at bay. This man in front of me isn’t the same guy I grew up with, he’s a man that knows who he is, what he wants, and how to step up to the plate when needed. There aren’t many men I’ve met that would look out for someone else on a date. Hell, in fact, I’ve never met one. Weston Parker is a real man – one that I’m ready to hold onto for the long haul.

  Taking the last swig of my beer, I see the waitress approaching with a bag full of sweets. Weston pays the bill and as I begin to stand, he quickly rises from his seat. I pause and wait for the beautiful man in front of me to come pull out my chair because I know he’s a true southern gentleman underneath that macho boy persona.

  As I start to grab my clutch, he slides his rough hands down my arm, making me shiver. Pausing, he smiles then guides his other hand behind my neck and brings his lips to mine in front of the entire restaurant. Holy smokes. This kiss isn’t over the top. It’s gentle but deliberate as he stakes his claim in front of an audience. My body wants to surrender to him in this moment, but my mind tries to fight it. My body wins as I place my hand on his chest and kiss him back. When I begin to completely lose myself in this moment, he pulls away, slides my chair under the table and then places his hand on the small of my back as he leads me out of the crowded restaurant. As we walk out, all eyes are on us, and if there was ever any chance of me resisting the man beside me, it’s all been shot to hell.

  Reaching the truck, I pause for him to open the door. Climbing inside, my mind spins thinking about what’s next.

  As the engine roars to life, he looks to me. “Want to finish what we started?” He grins and, damn him, yes I do, but I also swore I wouldn’t go into this head first at a million miles an hour.

  “I told you, you’d have to earn this. I’m not cheap,” I say with a wink.

  “Never said you were, sweetheart. I got plans, and they include going very, very slow.”

  “Prove it.”

  Chapter 20

  Weston

  She wants me to prove it? I’ll accept that challenge, but I bet she thinks I’m going to take her back to the farm and have my way with her. Hell no. She wants to be wined and dined, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. She’s worth more than a quick roll around in the hay even though that would be fun as hell, and Lord knows I need it.

  Putting the truck in drive, we head back through the country toward the interstate, and when she realizes we aren’t going home she looks confused.

  “I promise I’ll have you home by midnight.”

  “Like that matters. We aren’t teenagers and I ain’t a pumpkin either, Cowboy.”

  “Good point, but I have somewhere I’d like to take you.”

  She glances at me with a questioning look, but nods. Damn she’s gorgeous, and she doesn’t even know it. As the truck hums down the highway, we let the country music play in the background while we both listen quietly.

  As I take the exit for Blacksburg, she looks my way. “Where we goin’, Cowboy?”

  “You’ll see, but I’ve got a surprise for ya.�
��

  After we take a few turns, it suddenly hits her. “Are you taking me to the market?”

  “Why would I take you to the farmer’s market? This is a date, not work. Besides, it’s closed.”

  “Alright, smart ass. If not there, then where?”

  “You’ll see.” I can’t wait to see her face. This girl thinks that life for me has been giving up my dreams and hanging on to wild horses, a little girl, and peaches. What she doesn’t know is that I made an investment that has paid off. One that I never saw coming, one that I’ve kept to myself until now, and I can’t wait to share this little piece of my world with her.

  Timber

  Where in the hell are we going? I made the farmer’s market joke because that’s exactly where we are heading or somewhere close anyway. Lord knows we’ve all spent a ton of time there, but when he turns off onto a road before the market, I know where we’re going and there’s no way in hell. He’s sworn this off.

  As we follow the two-lane road into the darkness, I’m completely confused. Weston turns on his high beams and looks my way.

  “Please tell me you’re not taking me somewhere to kill me and bury my body.”

  “You know better than that. We’re almost there.”

  My eyes try to adjust to the darkness and as a glow appears in the distance, I look to him. “I might be up to more than peaches.”

  “Ya think? The damn arena’s out here.”

  When he puts the truck in park, he takes a deep breath and looks my way. “Timber, this is something no one knows. I’ve kept it a secret for the past six years, and I plan to keep it that way.”

  “Keep what a secret? Everyone knows this arena’s out here.”

  “It’s mine.” What the heck? His? The arena?

  “What do you mean?”

  “Come on, I’ll show you.” He hurries out of the truck and comes around to open my door. Taking me by the hand, he starts to lead me toward the gate to the arena. Taking a key from his pocket, he opens the arena door and turns on the lights.

  “How? I thought you wanted nothing to do with it?”

  Weston places his hands in his pockets and looks me in the eyes. “I said I was done with ridin’, but I never said I was done with the rodeo. You see, my last ride here, when I missed out on makin’ the circuit, I knew this place was in trouble. I’d heard through the grapevine at home, but it was confirmed when we finished that evening. I kept it to myself and when I got back home, I did some figuring. This place was my second home. I couldn’t see it close down. It made me the man I am today. I want it to be every cowboy’s and cowgirl’s dream. Over the past few years, I’ve thought about bringing Bryndle to watch, but I’m afraid.”

  “You scared? You’ve got to be kidding me. What’s really going on?”

  “I’m afraid she’s going to fall in love with the rodeo like I did. I can’t think about her getting hurt. She wants to saddle bronc ride. Timber, she can’t.”

  I throw my hands on my hips and he knows he’s crossed a line. “You know girls can do anything boys can do and sometimes even better.”

  “Oh believe me, I know. But, she’s my baby. It’s different.”

  “Okay fine. I’ll leave that alone for now, but why in the hell are you telling me this?”

  Oh my goodness. It hits me. “You piece of shit! You hired me and let me run my trap about you riding.”

  “Guilty,” he says and I want to be pissed, but he’s so damn cute. “How ‘bout I show you ‘round?”

  “Uh, I’ve been here plenty of times.”

  “Maybe so, but there’s one other secret I’m hiding out back.” The way he says it makes me want him to hurry the hell up.

  Walking through the arena, I look into the empty stands and remember the last time I was in this place. I watched Weston and Forrest have amazing rides. Forrest got knocked out the first round, but of course he didn’t care, that meant more time to pick up girls. Weston took home first at the local rodeo, and didn’t even look at the girls that were falling at his feet.

  “Watcha thinkin’?” he questions as he takes me by the hand.

  “About the last time I was here.”

  “I remember. I took first in the local rodeo.”

  “Yeah, I loved watching you ride. You always made it look so easy. You remember that time I snuck out back at your place and tried to ride?”

  “Yeah, I thought my dad was going to go crazy. I don’t know what made you think that was a good idea.”

  “I do. You made it look easy. I could beat you at everything else, so why not?”

  He pauses and tells me to close my eyes as he opens the back of the arena. He takes me by the hand and guides me into the fresh evening air. “Open,” he commands and I gasp as I see the beautiful sight in front of me. The worn out dance floor has been refinished and there are hanging lights strung from pole to pole with mason jars. It’s elegant and country at the same time. There’s a bar area and a stage for a band.

  “Weston…” is all I can gather when he walks over to the stage and attaches his phone to a cord. As a slow country song begins to echo through the speakers, I’m speechless as he walks toward me with a proud smile. This isn’t his style. He’s not a wine-and-dine kind of guy. He’s one that’s rough and keeps his feelings inside but this man in front of me is trying to prove his words. He took my statement to heart, and is doing anything and everything to let me know that he’s all in.

  “Dance with me.” It’s a statement, not a question. He takes my hand in his and pulls me flush against his body. As “Skin & Bones” by Eli Young Band continues to play, I sway to the beat with him. Closing my eyes, I try my best to process what is happening. I wanted to take it slow for him and Bryndle, but the reality is that I want to dive headfirst into this as fast as I can.

  Chapter 21

  Weston

  With her perfect body pressed against mine as we dance to the music, I have no doubt that she’s the one. It sounds stupid, too soon, and undeniably insane, but I don’t care.

  When the song ends, I let my music continue to play and thank goodness it’s another slow one. I lift her chin with my hand until our eyes meet.

  “You told me to live, and I have been. It was my secret to keep until I knew I had the right person to share it with. Timber, I’ve known you my entire life, you know more shit on me than any girl should ever know, but the day you drove back into this town and hit me with a Timber tornado, I knew things were different. I’ll do whatever it takes for you to see that what is between us is real. I don’t care if it’s new. It’s the real deal, and I’m ready for us to take the ride.”

  She looks at me and it’s as if her eyes are screaming yes, but her mind is telling her no. I don’t know how much more I can take watching the debate in her eyes, and that’s when I hear her whisper.

  “Then let’s ride,” she says with a smile and I swear I think I see her eyes glisten. She doesn’t get emotional, and I can’t help myself, I take my hand and slide it behind her neck and bring her lips to mine. As our lips touch, I feel a rush take over and I can’t get enough of her. I’m doing my best to keep things from moving too quickly, but the more I try to pull away and follow her wishes, the more she wants to cross the line, and now I have to decide. Do I remain the good old boy or do I take her the way I want to?

  Timber

  Holy hell. Those lips, that body, and those words. I can’t resist. I know I said slow, but slow’s overrated.

  “Don’t stop, Cowboy.”

  “Timber, we can’t here.”

  “Then let’s get the hell outta here,” I say as I look into those heated eyes of his. He wants this as much as I do. He bends down and scoops me over his shoulder. I start to laugh as he kills the lights, slams the door, and locks it quickly.

  He places me down as we walk toward the truck, and as we sit inside with his headlights burning toward the back of the arena, I notice something new. “Are those peach trees?”

  “That was the se
cret. I was planning on showing you.”

  Crossing my arms, I look to him. “Really, that was your surprise?”

  “Eh, maybe, maybe not?” he says and I can’t help myself, I unbuckle my seat belt and slide toward him. “What are you doing?” he questions.

  As I slide next to him, I rest my head on his shoulder and lace my fingers in his. “Letting all this soak in.”

  We don’t speak on the way home, but as he arrives at the stop sign I see his inner battle of where to go. “Let’s go check on Scarlett.”

  After we pull up in front of the barn, he opens the door and I slide out the driver’s side with him. He takes me by the hand and leads me toward Scarlett, but I stop in my tracks and give him a devilish grin.

  “Timber, are you sure?”

  “More than an eight-second ride.”

  Weston smiles as he takes me in his arms and spins me around. “You are driving me crazy.”

  “I know how we can fix that.”

  As he pauses, I pull his lips to mine. “I lied when I said I wanted you to take it slow. I want you, Cowboy, like yesterday.”

  He lets me pull him toward the house and, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say we look and sound like a couple of crazy teenagers.

  Fumbling with the keys, he finally gets the door open then pulls me toward his room. Once we are inside his room, he wastes no time showing me exactly what those hardworking hands can do. His fingertips graze my skin as he finds the hem of my dress and pulls it above my head before letting it fall to the floor. He pauses to look at me before he begins to kiss the side of my neck. When I can no longer keep my emotions in check, my hands hurry to remove his shirt and discover the perfectly chiseled body hidden underneath. As his lips find mine, he wraps his strong arms around me and moves me toward his bed.

  He lays me down and hovers over me. His eyes never leave mine as he continues to worship my body from head to toe. He knows how to torture a woman in the best way possible and when I feel like I’m going to combust, he meets my entrance and looks at me once more before making love to me.