A Cowboy's Heart

“You think I don’t have any?”

Her brows formed a delicate frown. “I didn’t say that.”

“Good. It would mean a lot if you’ll drive with me. Over the past few years I’ve seen you at a lot of the events and thought it ridiculous we didn’t travel to them together. But because of Daniel’s ban against all Bannocks, including you, I never tried to arrange anything.”

“I’ll admit he was a scary man, but that’s over now.”

“Since you said it, why don’t you bury the proverbial hatchet and accept my offer. It’ll be nice to have the company. We’ll talk shop on the way down and celebrate our wins on the way back.”

He was pleasantly surprised when her eyes lit up. “I like the way you think.”

So far, so good. “I’ve made reservations at the RV park near the Mack Center. It has equestrian accommodations, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. For the twelve days we’re there, you and I will live out of my trailer while we’re competing, whatever you want.” It was the least he could do for his neighbor, and hopefully, friend.

* * *

LIVE WITH HIM? “I’m scheduled to stay at the Golden Nugget with the other barrel racers.”

“I know, but you might like to be away from the others after your nightly events. I learned early I prefer being alone so nothing else gets into my head.”

That was exactly the way she felt. The other competitors would be a distraction because they always wanted to go over the evening’s events with a fine-tooth comb. Not staying with them might seem antisocial, but Connor had read her mind and had just given her priceless advice she’d be a fool not to take. “I hardly know what to say.”

“Just say yes. But it’s up to you. In case you didn’t know, this is going to be my last event. After Las Vegas I’m through with competition.”

“Sadie told me as much.” Liz’s best friend was married to Connor’s brother and often confided in her.

“My new sister-in-law informed me this is going to be your last event, too.”

Looks as if the confiding went two ways. “Yup. I’ve got to get serious about my career, but I have to admit I’m surprised about your decision.” She smiled. “There are more good years left in the king of the bulldoggers.”

“Those good years need to be spent doing more worthwhile things.”

“That’s an odd thing for you to say.”

“The fact is, I’ve lived a selfish life so far, Liz.”

She studied him for a moment, not understanding a comment like that. “What about Wade? You won’t have room for three of us.”

“Wade will be driving his horses down in his own trailer with his girlfriend, Kim. My traveling partners Shane and Travis will bring your second horse, Polly, and my other horse, Phantom, in my older rig with them. When they reach Las Vegas they’ll stall them at the Mack Center tent for the rodeo. The guys will be over to pick up Polly whenever you give the word. We all like our own space.”

He patted his horse’s neck. “Since we need to be in Las Vegas by the third to attend the welcome celebrations before the first event on the fifth, I’m leaving early the day after tomorrow. Please say yes, otherwise I’m going to think Daniel did permanent damage to the relationship between our families.”

He turned his horse to leave. When he reached the entrance, he looked over his shoulder at her. “I’ll be listening for your call tomorrow. Just phone the ranch and I’ll get back to you. Don’t disappointment me. I’d rather not be alone with my own thoughts during the drive down and back, let alone throughout the competition.” Without waiting for an answer, he left the arena.

Liz thought about his invitation all the rest of the day.

“Yoo-hoo!” she called to her mother when she got home from work.

“Is that you, honey?” Millie Henson always said that when Liz arrived.

“Who else?” she teased, and walked through the house to the kitchen.

“You’re late. Your dad and I had Zane over for dinner an hour ago.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I was afraid something might have happened to your truck in this snow.”

Liz stood at the sink to wash her hands. “I had to help with a birth at the Critchlow ranch. Mother and foal are doing well.”

“That’s good.”

She turned to kiss her mom’s cheek. “Something smells wonderful.”

“Sit down and I’ll serve you some roast chicken. I tried that new recipe with the lemon and garlic from the food channel. The men said it’s a winner.”

“That’s no surprise. You’ve never fixed a bad meal in your entire life.”

Her mother drank coffee at the table with Liz while she dug into her meal. “This really is delicious, Mom.”

“Thank you. Now, I want to talk to you about something serious. I’m worried about you driving all the way to Las Vegas in that old truck.”

“It has enough life in it to get me to Nevada and back before it dies. But what if I told you I could drive there in total comfort?”

When Connor had told Liz he’d rather not be alone with his own thoughts, the statement had sounded lonely, troubled even. Before that he’d snapped, You think I don’t have feelings?

Those two unexpected revelations in their conversation had made her decide to take him up on his offer, but telling her mom would only escalate her motherly concern. Still, they always talked things over. No matter what, there was honesty between them. Might as well get this over with right now.

Her mother put down her coffee mug. “Is Kyle taking you?”

“No.”

“No?” She sounded disappointed. Her mom kept hoping Liz would meet the right man and settle down. “Then Sadie must have prevailed on Jarod to drive you.”

Sadie’s world had been transformed since she’d married Jarod Bannock six months ago. “They offered to take me, but I said no.”

“That leaves Dr. Rafferty. Did he offer you the loan of his truck?”

“Yes.”

“But you turned him down, too.”

“I don’t like being beholden to anyone.”

“So you decided to rent a new truck. That’s awfully expensive. I happen to know you’ve been saving your winnings to pay back your vet school loan.”

“No, Mom.” Liz put a hand on her mother’s arm. “Early this morning Connor came by the arena and asked me to drive with him.”

Like clockwork a shadow crossed over her mother’s face. “Connor...as in Connor Bannock.”