No Ordinary Cowboy (Mills & Boon American Romance) (Rodeo Rebels - Book 6) (9 page)

“I admire you for wanting to honor your brother’s memory, but not even Michael would have wanted you to put yourself in danger.”

She was riding in memory of her brother but also for redemption. Forgiveness. “That was my very first time on a bull and practice makes perfect, right?”

Tony shoved his hand through his short hair. “When your father finds out I’m helping you, he’ll have my head and my job.”

“You don’t have to help me.”

He walked away, stopped short then faced Lucy across the pen. “You don’t get it, do you?”

“Get what?”

“You backed me into a corner.”

“How?”

“I’m screwed. If I help you, then your father will blame me if you get injured, and if I don’t help you and you get injured, he’ll still blame me.”

Lucy conceded that Tony was probably right. “I promise I’ll stay healthy and injury-free.” And she would, darn it.

“Nothing I say or do will stop you from doing this?” he asked.

“No.”

The muscle along his jaw bunched. “Okay, then. Get on and try your dismount again.”

Swallowing an unladylike curse, Lucy did as she was told and Curly behaved like a gentleman in the chute. She adjusted her grip, waiting for Tony to give her advice or encouragement. He kept silent. So be it. He’d find out soon enough that Lucy Durango was a lot tougher than people gave her credit for.

After more than an hour in the blazing sun, all Lucy had accomplished was showing Tony what an abject failure she was—she had the bumps and bruises to prove it. Careful to keep her pain hidden, she grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler Lauren had set by the corral before leaving with her father to run errands in Yuma. Clint had instructed Tony to put Curly in the barn after they finished with him.

“Ready to give up?”

“Nope.” Tony wanted her to admit she’d had enough and that he’d been right—she was in no shape to rodeo. Fat chance.

Tony watched Lucy struggle to climb the corral rails. Her boot slipped on the bottom rung and her knee banged against the bar. He cringed with her. The woman had way too much courage and spunk for her own good. If he let her, she’d ride until she broke a bone. If she wasn’t going to put an end to this torture then he would. “You’re done.” Tony opened the chute and the bull walked out of the enclosure. How the hell Lucy believed she was going to ride a competitive rodeo bull if she couldn’t perform a safe dismount on an old has-been like Curly was beyond Tony.

“I’m not ready to quit today,” Lucy protested, limping after Tony as he led the bull into the barn. “This isn’t fair.”

“Damn straight it’s fair. You’re too banged up to ride anymore. As it is, it’ll take a week for your sprained ankle to heal, not to mention the sore ligaments in your shoulder.” And all the other muscle pulls she’d suffered. Tony walked Curly into a large pen at the back of the barn, then latched the gate and faced Lucy. He expected anger, not the tears that glistened in her eyes.

“I’m not a quitter,” she whispered.

He wanted to shake some sense into her and at the same time kiss her tears away.

“With or without your help, I’ll be back here tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that to practice dismounting.”

“And then what? Just because you learn to fall off a bull the right way doesn’t mean there aren’t a hundred other ways you could bust your head open.” One good jerk by a bull could shove Lucy far enough forward that her face collided with the bull’s horn, knocking her out cold.

The scene played out in Tony’s mind and his stomach roiled as he envisioned Lucy unconscious and unable to scramble out of the way of the bull’s hooves.

“Whether you help me or not, I’m riding in Ajo. Shannon got Wrangler on board and they’ve agreed to match every pledge I receive for all the rodeos, dollar for dollar. I can’t walk away from that kind of money.”

“How much have you raised so far?”

Her chin jutted. “The website went up a few days ago and already I’ve gotten three-thousand dollars in pledges—that’s six if you count Wrangler’s contribution.”

Tony shook his head. Some people were just plain loco.

“Most of the pledges are coming from rodeo cowboys. Shannon’s been a huge help in spreading the word at her events.”

Lucy had to survive the first rodeo for there to be a second and a third. “You have the money angle all figured out, don’t you?” Now it was up to him to figure out how to keep her alive. He left the barn, but slowed down when he noticed Lucy limping on her sore ankle.

“Before we head out to Carmen’s to see Nina, we’re making a pit stop at a friend’s,” he said when they reached their trucks.

“Which friend?”

If Lucy was determined to ride fourteen days from now, her body needed all the help it could get healing. “Her name’s Evita. She’s a massage therapist.”

“She better be cheap, because I’ve only got twenty bucks on me.”

“Don’t worry,” Tony said. “Evita owes me a few favors.”

Lucy shut the door in Tony’s face, preferring not to think about what Tony had done to earn favors from a woman named Evita.

Chapter Nine

Evita owes me a few favors…

A pang of jealousy gripped Lucy as she waited for Tony to get into his truck and leave Five Star Ranch. She had no claim on him. They’d once been lovers, but fate had intervened and they weren’t the same people anymore. She yearned for the chance to pick up where they’d left off as a couple, but her actions the night Michael had died made second chances impossible.

Lucy gave the black Dodge a head start so the dust from the tires didn’t obscure the road in front of her.

He kissed you at Five Star Ranch.

There was no denying that the chemistry between her and Tony hadn’t faded one iota over the past two years. It was as real and forbidden as Romeo and Juliet’s.
And just as doomed.

Admittedly Lucy was curious about Evita. Tony wasn’t the kind of man to cheat, and he wouldn’t have kissed Lucy if he’d been in a committed relationship.

The sun had dipped low in the sky by the time they parked at a strip mall near downtown Yuma.
Magic Hands
was etched into the dark glass door of one of the units. Lucy had assumed a massage would be a waste of time, but changed her mind when she got out of the truck and took her first step—her thighs and lower back screamed in pain.

Tony grinned.

Bent over like an old woman, she muttered, “Go ahead. Say I told you so.”

“Told you so.” He chuckled. “I phoned Evita on the way here. She’s expecting us.” He grasped Lucy’s elbow and escorted her to the door. “Evita’s got amazing hands. You’ll feel good as new in no time.”

Needing to block out the image of Evita using her amazing hands on Tony, Lucy focused on her discomfort. Good Lord, she hoped she wouldn’t be this sore tomorrow when she got out of bed. The massage parlor was cool and tranquil, and the melodious sounds of Native American flute music and the scent of lavender eased some of her tension.

Tony opened the door to the waiting room. “Evita, it’s Tony. We’re here.”

“C’mon back.”

He pointed to an open door at the end of the hall. “Have fun,” he said then made himself comfortable in a leather recliner in the relaxation room.

One slow step at a time Lucy hobbled to the end of the corridor. “Hello. I’m Lucy Durango,” she said, pausing in the doorway.

“I’m Evita.”

Lucy felt as if she’d been punched in the windpipe. Evita was the pretty, dark-eyed-black-haired quintessentially Hispanic girl Maria Bravo had wanted her son to marry.

“Tony said you’re a little stiff after your workout today.” Evita peeled back the cover on the table.

“If you can help my back, that would be great.” Lucy forced a smile.

“You’ll be standing tall and straight when I’m finished with you.”

“I don’t know about tall, but I’ll take straight.” While Evita set out a selection of lotions and oils on the tray next to the table, Lucy said, “Thank you for staying open late to help me.”

“Tony’s a great guy. I’d do anything for him.”

Lucy wanted to ask the meaning of
anything
but kept quiet.

“Have you ever had a massage before?” Evita asked.

“I’ve had facials but not massages. I didn’t need one until today.”

“Take all your clothes off except your underwear, then slide beneath the covers. We’ll start with your lower back since that’s where most of your discomfort is.”

“Sounds good.”

Evita closed the door, allowing Lucy privacy to undress. She heard murmurs in the hallway and assumed Tony was regaling Evita with exaggerated stories about Lucy’s bull-riding blunders.

When Lucy stretched out on the table her lower back protested, but she gritted her teeth and extended her legs. She’d just pulled the covers over her fanny when a knock sounded and the door opened.

Gathering Lucy’s hair, Evita secured the mass with a clip. “I like to chatter while I work, but if you prefer quiet, I won’t say a word.”

“Talk as much as you’d like.” The noise would drown out Lucy’s groans.

“First, I’m going to examine your back and shoulders to see which muscles are in distress right now. If I push or poke too hard, just say enough.”

“Enough.” Lucy camouflaged her grimace with a smile.

“I haven’t even started.”

“I know, but I ache everywhere.”

“You’ll feel like a whole new woman in a little while.” Evita squirted warm massage oil onto Lucy’s skin and the scent of eucalyptus permeated the room. “What were you doing that caused all this distress with your muscles?”

“Tony didn’t tell you?”

“No.”

“I was learning how to ride a bull.”

“What for?”

“I’m holding a fundraiser to help keep my nonprofit company in business.”

“You’re talking about the Pony Express?”

“Yes. You know about my business?”

“I read the write-up in the Yuma papers a couple of years ago.”

“Well, I’m still in business but for how long I don’t know.”

“What does bull riding have to do with your fundraiser?” Evita pressed her fingertips deep into Lucy’s shoulder. “Too hard?”

“Yes, but don’t stop.” After Lucy caught her breath, she said, “I’m riding in three rodeos this summer, and for every second I stay on the bull, I earn money for the Pony Express.”

“Gutsy.” A minute of silence passed then Evita said, “I’m sorry about your brother, Lucy.”

“Thanks. I miss him a lot. Did you know Michael well?”

“No. Tony and I didn’t begin dating until after your brother died, but Tony talked about Michael a lot.”

Lucy forgot to exhale, and when Evita pushed against her lower back, the air in her lungs exploded in a loud moan.

Evita’s hands froze. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” Lucy wheezed, still grappling with the news that Tony had moved on so quickly after their relationship ended.

“How long did you and Tony date?”

“About seven months. He asked me to marry him last Thanksgiving.”

Lucy stiffened and Evita said, “Relax.”

Stunned that Tony had been engaged and she hadn’t known about it, Lucy said, “If you don’t mind me asking, what happened?”

“I don’t want to bring up bad memories for you.”

“Are you saying your breakup with Tony had to do with my brother’s death?”

“Sort of.”

Would the nightmare never end? “Tell me, Evita.” She needed to know.

“Tony tried to move on after Michael’s death, but he couldn’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“He said he didn’t deserve to be happy when his best friend was dead.” Evita poured oil across Lucy’s shoulders and worked the muscles. “I insisted Tony see a grief counselor and he did a few times, but in the end he confessed that he’d only make me miserable, so he broke off our engagement.”

Lucy’s eyes welled with tears. The collateral damage continued to add up. How would she ever make amends for all the pain she’d caused everyone?

“I’m sorry, Evita. I don’t know what to say.”

“I’m in a good place right now,” Evita said. “My business partner, Nathan, and I have been dating for several months and we have a great relationship.”

“I hope things work out for you two.”

Evita used her magic hands and Lucy drifted off to sleep. Sometime later, she woke up in an empty room. Slowly, she tested her muscles—a few twinges but no sharp pain. Feeling lethargic, she dressed then stepped into the hallway. Evita and Tony were in the relaxation room chatting like old friends—all they’d ever be because of Lucy. She closed the door to the massage room loudly to warn them of her presence.

“You’re standing up straight,” Tony said as Lucy walked toward him.

“Evita has magic hands just like the sign claims.”

“Come back anytime,” Evita said. “I’ll work you into my schedule.”

“What do I owe for the massage?” Lucy opened her billfold and removed a credit card.

Waving her off Evita said, “Nothing.”

“I can’t accept a free massage.”

“The massage was my contribution to your fundraiser.”

A lump formed in Lucy’s throat. If Evita knew Lucy was the cause of everyone’s pain she might change her mind. “Thank you.” The darn massage had not only loosened her muscles but also the tight grip she’d had on her emotions. She had to leave before she embarrassed herself. “Meet you outside,” she said to Tony.

The sun had set but the temperature remained hot, the day’s heat still radiating off the blacktop. She’d just opened her truck door when Tony stepped from the building.

“You feel up to visiting Nina?” he asked.

“Sure.”

“What’s the matter?” He grasped her arm. “You’re awfully quiet.”

“I’m quiet because the massage made me tired,” she lied.

“Leave your truck here and let me drive. I have to come back this way to my apartment so I can drop you off.”

Too emotionally exhausted to put up a fuss, she hopped into Tony’s truck and closed her eyes. She had no idea how much time had passed when he nudged her shoulder.

“Lucy.”

She blinked in a daze.

“We’re at Carmen’s grandmother’s home.”

Lucy got out of the truck, pleasantly surprised that her muscles hadn’t seized up, and she felt only a few minor twinges when she walked with Tony to the front door.

The small adobe house sat in the middle of the block. Unlike several neighbors who’d allowed their landscaping to become overgrown and scrubby, Carmen’s grandmother had a manicured front yard and a porch decorated with potted plants.

A young woman in uniform answered the door after Tony knocked.

“Hey, Tony, c’mon in.”

“This is Lucy Durango,” Tony said. “Lucy, this is Carmen.”

“Hello.” Lucy shook hands with the officer.

“Lucy was worried about Nina and Maddie,” he said.

“Those two are inseparable.” Carmen shut the door and locked it. “My grandmother wasn’t too pleased when she found Maddie sleeping on the bed with Nina this morning, but the dog is so cute, she’s won her over.” Carmen led the way to the back of the house.

The kitchen was tiny, the walls painted a sunflower yellow. Spanish tile covered the countertops and a bistro table sat in the corner where Nina was eating ice cream and Carmen’s grandmother sewed a button on a pair of pink shorts. Maddie sat next to Nina’s chair, one paw on the girl’s thigh. The dog’s gaze traveled back and forth between the bowl of ice cream and Nina’s mouth each time the little girl took a bite.

Carmen spoke in Spanish and Lucy caught a few words, surmising that she told her grandmother who Tony and Lucy were.

The older woman spoke to Carmen and Tony translated for Lucy. “She offered us ice cream.”

“No, thank you.” Lucy smiled at the older woman.

“Let’s sit outside on the patio.” Carmen grabbed a grill lighter from the counter then cut through an enclosed porch containing a washing machine and an assortment of storage bins. The backyard was surrounded by a cinder-block wall; a picnic table sat on a cement slab near the back door. Carmen lit two tiki torches, which provided enough light to see across the dark yard.

“Have you learned anything new from Nina?” Tony asked.

“She said something this morning that might be useful.” Carmen sat across the table from Tony. “Nina mentioned that the men who drove them to the mine looked like cowboys and were dressed all in black.”

“Did she see any tattoos?” Tony asked.

“She didn’t remember any markings on the men. They wore long-sleeved shirts.”

“It’s got to be the Sinaloa Cartel. They’re known for using clean-cut drivers so they don’t raise suspicions among the locals.”

While Carmen and Tony talked, Lucy’s respect for their profession grew by leaps and bounds. She’d always been aware of the challenges the border patrol faced in southern Arizona but their knowledge of Mexican cartels and the decades-long drug wars more than impressed her.

“When’s the chief setting up a surveillance team at the mine?” Carmen glanced between Tony and Lucy.

“We’re monitoring chat rooms right now and it looks like the gang might be back this way in a couple of weeks. Will it be a problem if Nina stays here until we can arrange to return her to her parents?”

“My grandmother’s happy to have someone to take care of and keep her company.” Carmen spoke to Lucy. “Is it okay if the dog stays here until Nina returns to Mexico?”

“That’s fine, but I hope Nina knows that Maddie can’t go home with her.” Lucy couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to the dog. She owed it to her brother to keep Maddie safe.

“We’ll make sure Maddie remains with us when the authorities take Nina home.” Tony stood. “If you see anyone watching your grandmother’s house, we’ll need to change Nina’s location.”

They went inside and Tony and Carmen chatted with Nina in Spanish while Lucy paid attention to Maddie, giving the dog a good scratch behind the ears. “Take care of Nina, Maddie. She needs you.”

The boxer’s tail swished as if she understood the command. Lucy nodded to the grandmother and waited outside on the front porch while Tony said goodbye. Once the door shut behind him they walked in silence to his truck. Not a word was spoken during the drive back to the strip mall.

“Thanks for your help today,” she said when Tony parked next to her vehicle.

He grabbed her hand when she reached for the door. “You won’t change your mind about riding bulls?”

“No.” The warmth of his callused fingers made it difficult to concentrate.

“There’s a junior rodeo in Tuba City next weekend. I know the producer. I’ll ask if you can practice on one of the bulls after the rodeo. It’ll give you a chance to ride a bull in a real chute, hear the buzzer and work on your dismount.”

“Really?” Lucy’s heart thumped with excitement.

“Until then, try to practice your dismounts on Curly. Lauren knows what to watch for and can help you.”

“I’ll call P.T. tomorrow and ask if I can go out there again.”

“I’m working a special assignment next week so I won’t be around to help you.”

“Are you going undercover?”

“Yes.”

When he didn’t offer any further information, Lucy said, “I think I’ll use the hot tub before I go to bed tonight.”

The heated look in Tony’s eyes curled her toes. “You’ll call me about the Tuba City rodeo?” she asked.