Free Roses and Rodeo (Rough and Ready) by Cheyenne McCray Page A

with a bull rider?” Ryan asked with a teasing glint in his eyes. “A bull rider isn’t worthy of a woman like you.”
    Creed lightly punched Ryan in the shoulder then looked at Danica. “Don’t listen to him. He’s just jealous ’cause I have the prettiest woman in the place here with me.”
    “You’re right about that.” Ryan winked at Danica.
    She laughed. It was easy to see that he had the kind of teasing nature that would be fun to be around.
    Tate just shook his head, an amused look on his features. He was quieter that the others—not distant like Blake had seemed to be, but the type of man who stayed a little more to himself.
    By the end of the night, Danica was tired and ready for bed. Creed took her back to the B & B and walked with her to the door of her room. He took the key from her and opened the door. Light spilled out when the door swung open.
    “I’d invite you in,” she said, “but I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
    He shook his head. “No, it’s not a good idea. I just can’t keep my hands off of you.” He reached out and touched the side of her face. “What about a goodnight kiss?”
    “Yes.” She moved her mouth to his and when their lips met it was like flames exploded inside her. She grasped his collar and pulled him closer as they kissed each other with fire and passion that made her head spin.
    He pressed her up against the doorframe, his hands at her waist and his chest hard against her breasts. His kiss was searing, sending heat straight through her from her scalp to her toes.
    When he drew away from the kiss she was breathing hard. She was so close to telling him to stay when he said, “Good night, Danica.” He brushed his lips over hers one more time then turned and walked away and into the night.
     

Chapter 9
     
    When she arrived home from Arizona, Danica tossed her bags on the bed and immediately stripped out of her clothing and got into the shower. She closed her eyes as she stood beneath the warm spray, thinking about Creed.
    She had sent a text message to him as soon as her flight landed, like she had promised she would. He was headed to a bull riding event in Wyoming and his flight would be in the air by the time hers landed. He said he’d call her as soon as he arrived at the airport.
    Somehow she had avoided going to bed with him, but it had not been easy. As badly as she wanted to, she knew she needed to get to know him better.
    She’d enjoyed talking with Creed’s brothers last night. She liked all four of his brothers, including Blake, even though he’d been distant. Maybe he had seemed that way because he’d been upset over the woman named Sally.
    Creed had wanted to take her to his family’s ranch but there hadn’t been time for that. She’d had to leave Sunday morning in order to get home and prepare for work on Monday. He’d taken her to the airport and walked with her to the security checkpoint. The kiss he’d given her was beyond amazing and she’d wished she didn’t have to leave.
    While waiting for her flight, she’d tried to reach Kelsey, but her call went straight to voice mail and she’d had to leave a message.
    When she finished showering and had dressed in jean shorts and a T-shirt, she wandered into her living room. It felt lonely not being around Creed, which was crazy since she’d lived alone for some time now. She’d never felt this way while dating anyone. Maybe it was because he was so far away, on the road again.
    Her phone rang and she’d picked it up from where she’d left it on the end table by the couch. Barry was on the caller ID.
    Danica frowned at the phone. When would Barry get the hint? How would she make him get it?
    “Barry,” she said as she answered the phone, prepared to tell him this had to stop.
    “A bull rider?” he said before she had a chance to say anything. “You’re seeing some bull rider named Creed McBride?”
    “How did you know that?” Danica frowned. Was Barry having her