five

Lacie grasped Rayna’s arm.

Rayna couldn’t move, transfixed by the scene but no longer capable of capturing any of it on film.

A buzzer sounded. Clay jumped from the bull’s back and the enormous creature charged. The bullfighter distracted the beast while Clay climbed the fence.

Rayna dug her inhaler from her purse and took two puffs.

“Calm down, hon. Take deep breaths.”

The pain in her chest eased, and her airflow increased.

“You okay?”

She nodded, trying to make light of the situation. “Probably something in the air triggered an attack.”

“Scared me. You sure you’re okay?”

“Fine. Could you not tell Clay? He doesn’t know about my asthma. It’s kind of embarrassing.”

“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Lacie patted her shoulder.

“He’ll think I can’t handle this job.”

“Whatever you think, hon.”

“Maybe I got some good pictures anyway.” She mustered up a weak smile.

❧

What had happened back there? She hadn’t had an attack in months. In fact, she’d almost taken her inhaler out of her purse.

Rayna prayed Clay couldn’t tell how unnerved she was. His dusty chaps swished with each step as they walked through the cowboy-crowded rear exit. True to her word, Lacie hadn’t told on her. Cool night air hit her in the face. Rayna gulped deep breaths.

“You okay?”

“Fresh air is nice.”

“I hope you’re not claustrophobic.”

Only when bulls are around.

He gestured to the back of Old West buildings next to the coliseum. “These are original. I’d love to give you a tour someday. There’s the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Cowboy Museum, even an art gallery. Probably not your kind of museum or gallery, but come spring, we could ride the train.” Clay tucked her hand in his elbow.

A slow train ride? With Clay? No thanks.

He opened the truck door for her then hurried around and started the engine. “What’d you think of your first rodeo?”

“It was different than anything I’ve ever experienced.” Slight understatement.

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Parts of it.”

“What parts?”

“I liked the barrel race.”

“Nothing that involved me, huh?” He sounded hurt.

“The steer roping was interesting, but those poor cows.”

Clay laughed as he merged into the traffic.

“What?”

“A steer is a neutered bull.”

“Oh.” At least the darkness hid her blush. “Anyway, you’re very good at what you do.”

“But it didn’t do it for you.”

“The whole thing seemed dangerous.” Another understatement.

“It can be. But we wear gear.” He pounded his chest gorilla style. “I had on a vest stronger than steel to protect against internal injuries.”

“What about a helmet?”

“I tried it a few times, but it threw my balance and vision off.”

“Have you ever been seriously hurt?”

“I missed the Cinch finale last year with a broken collar-bone.” Clay massaged his shoulder as if it still hurt.

“I’m not even going to ask how it happened.”

“Actually, it was my own fault. I dismounted wrong. But now, my dad, he’s the king of bull-riding injuries.”

“Does your dad still rodeo?” Shock echoed in her tone. Did lack of common sense run in the family?

“Not anymore. He retired from the circuit when I was a teenager. After his last surgery. Torn rotator cuff.”

“What’s a rotator cuff?”

“It’s in your shoulder.” He turned into the parking lot of her condo, found a space, and walked around to her side.

Rayna accepted the hand he offered and hopped down from the truck. “How many surgeries has he had?”

“I’ve lost count. Fifteen, maybe sixteen.”

She pushed down the unknown shadows that threatened to invade her soul and concentrated on the moon instead—full and marshmallow-soft tonight.

“What in the world made you want to follow in his footsteps?” She slid her hands into her pockets.

“I guess it’s in my blood. And then I found the dude ranch. Fell in love with it and knew that’s what I wanted.” Clay’s eyes sparkled in the moonlight. “To allow kids who didn’t have the advantage of growing up on a farm like I did to learn to ride horses. To provide city folk a chance to get away from it all and experience the beauty of the country.”

Growing up on a farm an advantage? He made it sound worth envying.

“What does the rodeo have to do with that? It takes you away from the place you love.”

“Yes, but it helps pay for the ranch.”

“But aren’t you afraid you’ll get hurt?”

He shrugged. “I’ve spent hours watching tapes with my dad. Hours and hours of him and every other cowboy in the world. We analyze every time one of them falls and figure out what went wrong. Then I do my best to avoid the same mistakes. Last year’s injury was the first I ever had.”

But probably not his last. She stopped outside her door. “Thanks for taking me tonight. Guess I’ll see you Monday.”

“Good night then.” He tipped his hat in true cowboy fashion then turned away.

Rayna stepped inside, turned the light on, and leaned against the door. Why had the rodeo affected her that way? She was used to Clay stealing her oxygen, but her reaction hadn’t been about Clay.

If the sight of a bull in action literally took her breath away, how would she build a campaign around Clay?

With trembling fingers, she dialed the number.

He answered on the second ring. “Hello?”

“Daddy, anxiety can cause an asthma attack, right?”

“Are you okay, Rayna?” Concern echoed in his voice.

“I’m fine, but I went to a rodeo tonight.” She perched on the arm of the sofa.

Her father gasped. “And you had an attack. Maybe it was something in the air or dust.”

“I don’t think so. I had the attack during the bull riding. That thing was so big and lethal looking. It made me really nervous, and the next thing I knew, I couldn’t breathe.”

“I see.” His tone changed to clinical analyst. “How about not going again? That way you wouldn’t be nervous.”

“I’d love to never go again.” She closed her eyes. “But I’m working on an ad campaign for a bull rider. My job requires me to hang out at the rodeo for a while.”

“I see. In that case, make an appointment with your doctor. He may increase your dosage. In the meantime, use your inhaler before you go, and keep it in reach while you’re there.”

“Is she all right?” A woman’s voice in the background.

A lump formed in Rayna’s throat. Oops. Once again, she’d interrupted his evening. “I’m going to bed. Thanks, Daddy.”

❧

Only a few red and gold leaves clung to late-October branches. During the ride to Clay’s ranch, Rayna had to put up with Kendra—the official photographer for the project—cracking cowboy jokes all the way. But at least Adam and Gabby had gotten to drive there together.

They followed Adam down a long drive and parked near an outdoor arena. Though it wasn’t a real rodeo, the daylong photo shoot required a real bull. Rayna cringed at the large chocolate-colored monster.

Several cowboys on horseback stirred the outdoor arena into a dust bowl.

Maybe the dust at the rodeo had triggered her attack. Though there hadn’t been as much in the indoor arena.

“Couldn’t we do this at an indoor arena?” Kendra scrunched her nose.

“It was Billy’s idea.” Rayna’s gaze riveted on the massive hump on the back of the bull’s neck and the set of horns. She shivered.

Clay waved from his perch on the arena fence.

“Okay, this guy looks good enough,” Kendra whispered. “I might date him myself, in spite of the cowboy thing.”

“Trust me.” Rayna stifled a sigh. “He’s not your type.”

Kendra flashed a smug it’s-all-about-me smile. “We’ll see.”

The arena was quite impressive with an iron railing and a chute at each end. There was even a narrow row of bleacher-style seating.

As the shoot began, Rayna huddled behind the stands, calling out occasional directions as Kendra’s flash flickered. Clay rode astride the massive monster, flung about like a flag. She flinched, hid her face with both hands, then peeked through her fingers.

Adam frowned. “You okay?”

“I really don’t like bulls.”

“I could put another art director on the project.”

“No way. If he wins the world title again, this will be the biggest campaign we’ve ever landed. I’m fine.”

“And stubborn,” Adam muttered as he strode to the fence and climbed to the second rung to watch.

As ride after ride stretched into the afternoon, Clay never fell, and each time he dismounted, two bullfighters deterred the beast. All three men stayed safe.

After a while, Rayna came out of hiding. She stood near the stands, arms crossed over her chest, nails digging into her forearms, praying.

He really was good at this. Actually, quite amazing. He hadn’t been bucked off. Not once.

And no crushing weight had settled on her lungs either.

“Rayna, what do you think?” Adam called.

“About?”

“Do we have enough footage? I think our star is tired.”

“And probably a bit sore.” Kendra winced. “We definitely don’t want to damage the handsome merchandise.”

“Oh yes. That’s a wrap,” Rayna shouted. “Great job everyone.”

Clay leaned on the rail fence to catch his breath.

“Ooh, wait.” Kendra positioned her lens. “That’s a good shot. Hold still. Come on. Relax. Stop frowning.”

“Sorry. This isn’t my thing.”

“Think about something that makes you happy.”

His gaze settled on Rayna, and a slow grin lifted one corner of his mouth.

“That’s better.” Kendra squatted and turned the camera sideways. “Must be thinking about your ranch.”

“Something like that.”

“Okay, now take your shirt off.” Kendra adjusted her lens once more.

Clay tensed. “No.”

“Oh, come on,” Kendra purred. “The ladies will love it. They’ll want their men to wear CWW jeans and no shirt just like that hunky Clay Warren.”

“I’m no hunk.”

If you say so. Rayna’s face warmed even though she wouldn’t mind seeing him shirtless.

Kendra repositioned her camera. “Just humor me.”

“No, that’s where I draw the line. This photo shoot is officially over.” He ambled over to Rayna, effectively dismissing Kendra. “You headed back to the office?”

She checked her watch. “No. It’s past quitting time.”

“How about horseback riding and a hot dog roast?”

Alone with him? No way. But she’d love to ride. She turned to the others. “Good idea. How about it, guys?”

“Can’t. I’ve got plans.” Kendra didn’t even try to hide her irritation and headed for her car.

Rayna’s heart sank. What if everyone said no?

“Sounds like fun.” Gabby elbowed Adam. “Want to stay?”

“Sure.”

A relieved sigh escaped Rayna.

“Don’t tell me you’re afraid of me,” Clay whispered.

As his breath stirred the hair at her ear, she shivered. You terrify every intricately firing neuron of my brain.

“Mind if I take Gabby out to the horse barn?” Adam tucked Gabby’s hand inside his elbow.

“ ’Course not. Rayna can go in and meet the folks.” Clay pressed a hand to the small of her back.

“No” wobbled on the tip of her tongue, but Gabby seemed pleased at the prospect of being alone with Adam. Keeping her mouth shut, Rayna stuffed her hands in her pockets.

“I thought the lovebirds could use some alone time.”

“I hope it works out for them.” Warmth swept through her as he started toward the house then slowed his stride to match hers. “Gabby’s had a rough time this year, and she seems happy for a change.”

“How long have they worked together?”

“We’ve all worked together five years.”

“It’s weird how you can have someone right under your nose for months, sometimes years, and suddenly notice them—in a romantic way—I mean.”

Could he be talking about Natalie?

“It’s not much farther now.”

The woods widened into a clearing. White-rail fences everywhere, and in the middle of it all, a large rustic lodge.

“This is yours?”

“Yep. We’ve only got one family right now. Weather’s been kind of chilly for riding, but with this nice warm front, today’s perfect. Want to ride Buttercream before we eat?”

“Oh yes.”

“Just let me get cleaned up. I smell like a bull, and I’m covered in dust.”

She swallowed hard. But oh, it looked good on him.

A woman with faded auburn hair and a tall man swayed slowly on the porch swing.

“Hello, I’m Clay’s mama, Durlene.” A smattering of freckles covered her nose. Her lavender and white western shirt matched her cowgirl boots. “And this here’s his daddy, Ty.”

“I’m Rayna Landers.”

The man—also clad in western clothing—met them on the steps with a slight limp. His thick, wavy silver hair contrasted with his still-black eyebrows. “Are you the girl who’s been keeping our boy so busy?”

Clay’s coloring definitely came from his dad. And his boldness.

“Rayna’s my art director for the ad campaign.”

“Sure that’s all there is to it?”

Ty’s wink warmed Rayna’s face as she stepped up onto the porch.

“ ’Fraid so. A few more of the crew will be here shortly. Can y’all keep Rayna occupied while I spruce up?”

“Please do that.” Durlene pinched her nose.

Clay kissed his mom’s cheek and disappeared inside.

The ranch boasted steak house décor, complete with spotted rawhide draping the windows and horseshoes gracing the cedar-plank walls.

“Let’s go in the great room.”

Pictures of bronc and bull riders lined the hallway.

Rayna stopped beside a faded photo. Though the bull turned her blood cold, she concentrated on the rider. It looked like Clay, yet the quality of the picture and clothing style suggested it was too old.

“This is you, isn’t it?” She turned to Ty.

“Yep. Back in my day. The year Clay was born.”

“Who are the others?”

“Friends, legends, heroes. This here’s Lefty Shelton. He was a real good friend.” Ty took off his hat and clasped it against his heart. “Just took a wrong turn.”

Something about the cowboy in the photo seemed familiar to Rayna. A chill crept up her spine.

“Here’s the night Clay won his first world title.”

The picture showed Clay tilting precariously forward while astride a colossal beast, its heels kicked high in the air. Clay’s expression radiated pure joy. She shivered.

“And here’s the second one. We’ll have to move everything over and get another shot in here. Three-time CBR World Champion.” Anticipation and pride echoed in Ty’s voice. He ushered her to the great room.

“Do you all live here?”

“Clay has a suite on the second floor. Our house sits just a piece down the road, maybe three miles.” Durlene plumped pillows on the navy plaid couch before sitting down. “But we both work here. I teach adult horseback riding and keep up with the books. Ty breaks horses.”

“Do you ever get thrown?”

A deep chuckle came from the doorway. “I’ve scraped Dad off the arena floor a few times.”

Clay had changed clothes. His damp hair curled even more.

A knock sounded at the door.

“That’s probably Adam and Gabby.” Clay ushered her down the hall. “Let’s get some riding in before it gets dark.”

❧

Clay tried not to grin as Rayna slid down Buttercream’s side.

“Here.” He linked his fingers together like his dad used to do when Clay was little.

“I’d rather use a mounting block. I might hurt your hands.”

“No way. You don’t weigh anything.”

She placed her tennis-shoe-clad foot into his makeshift stirrup and swung her leg over the horse. He put his shoulder under her thigh and gave her a much-needed boost. A little bit of wallowing and she was in the saddle.

“That was the picture of grace.” Her face almost matched her hair. “I haven’t done this since I was a kid.”

His bay stood patiently while he tied their supper-filled saddlebag on her side. “Just like riding a bike. It’ll come back.”

He was right. Ten minutes down the wooded path and she looked like she’d been born in the saddle.

She scanned the woods. “I thought we’d have caught up with Gabby and Adam by now.”

“I think they wanted to get lost.”

“Adam said you’re going somewhere next week?”

“I’ll be in Colorado for the Cinch finale.”

“The one that determines the world championship.”

“That’s the one.”

“I hope you stay safe.”

“Me, too.”

“This place is beautiful.”

“Let’s stop here.” He helped her dismount, a bit more tactfully, at his favorite spot he’d wanted to share with her. To the right, a rocky meadow; to the left, woods. Behind them, a majestic mountain.

“This is where I want to build my cabin with the woman I love.”

She trembled.

“You cold?”

“A little.”

“Sun’ll be setting soon.” He could give her his blue-jean jacket. Instead, he stepped close and tilted her chin up with tender fingers then lowered his lips toward hers. Her russet eyelashes fluttered closed.