Free Cowgirl Up by Cheyenne Meadows Page B

couldn’t begin to fathom. Protectiveness
surged to the fore. “I’ll go with you.”
    She
blinked down at him, her mouth falling open. “You’re contracted for the Midwest
circuit.”
    “So?”
    “You
have a contract to fulfill and that doesn’t include Denver. Besides, your boss
won’t be thrilled if you don’t show up.” She shook her head slowly. “No. You
can’t jeopardize your job like that. It’s too valuable. Besides, there’s half a
season left of rodeos.”
    His
mouth opened and closed for a second as he studied her face. Stubborn pride
came across loud and clear. She’d be angry if he risked his position just to
tag along. Not only that, he threatened to stomp on her independent nerve. He
blew out a breath and faced reality. She knew what she had to do and he had to
let her do it.
    “Tired
of my company already?” He cocked an eyebrow at her.
    She
grinned. “Not even close. Don’t think I won’t be back to stuff you full of more
chicken and pie in a couple of weeks.”
    “Promise?”
    Spinning
Legacy around, Trinity giggled. “That’s a promise.” She trotted off toward the
pen to cool down her horse.
    He
watched her go with longing.
    She
brought out his sense of humor last night as they chatted over a dinner of cold
leftovers. Soothed his temperamental nature and encouraged him to sit down,
relax, and join in the lighter side of life. So down to earth and humble, she
made him feel like an old friend just watching the summer days tick by with
casual ease. She reminded him of the good times before huge burdens pushed his
shoulders down and kept him tied up in knots from day to day. Thus far, only
Trinity had the ability to ease the strain, to lure him into her sweetness, and
share some brighter moments.
    The
combination of her prettiness and her inner qualities tempted him with
tranquility, peace, and acceptance.
    Something
he craved more than anything.
    Promises
hung in the air. If only he could find the courage to take a chance.
    With a
weary sigh, he headed toward his uncle’s RV. The event now over, everyone would
be loading up and pulling out within an hour. His uncle was no exception.
    A few
minutes later, he opened the door of the vehicle and stepped in.
    “About
time you showed up.” Jared had already pulled the extended living room back in
and put everything back in place for travel.
    “Sorry.
Had to stick around for the last event, you know.” Cody blew out a breath and
headed toward the front. “I’ll take the first shift driving.”
    “Works
for me.”
    By the
time Cody slipped into the driver’s seat, fastened his belt, and started the
engine, Jared plopped down in the shotgun seat. He nosed the vehicle into line,
then made a beeline for the highway, feeling Jared’s stare the whole way.
    “What’s
with the sour expression? You look like you just tangled with a hornet’s nest
and lost.”
    Cody
rolled his eyes. “Nothing.”
    “Uh-huh.
I wasn’t born yesterday, son. So, spit it out.”
    Spilling
his concerns wasn’t normally Cody’s way. However, Jared could out stubborn a
mule. Knowing Jared wouldn’t give up until Cody gave in, he tried to formulate
his thoughts into tactful words. “I’m worried about Trinity is all. She’s going
to Denver next weekend to help make up points.”
    “Makes
sense. Bigger show, more competition, more money and points to be had.” Jared
tapped his finger on his lip. “She’s probably not the only one, so what’s the
problem?”
    “I just
hate for her to drive all that way alone.” Cody grumbled, already feeling like
a heel.
    Jared
simply grinned. “A bit protective of her, huh?”
    “Maybe.
I don’t know.” He flicked the turn signal on and hit the exit to the
interstate. “I offered to go with her.”
    “Holy
shit. That would break your contract, boy.”
    Cody
shrugged.
    “Damn.
What did she say?”
    “She
blinked down at me, reminded me of the contract, told me my job was too
valuable to throw away, and