Read Online Cowgirl Up by Cheyenne Meadows - Free Book Online Page A

After a bath this afternoon, he hadn’t
picked up more than a few specks of dust from their run tonight. Still, the
action proved soothing, as it always had.
    “The
other girls would love to have you. We’re just going out to eat. Nothing
exciting.” Lacey stepped out of the stall and secured the door behind her.
    “Tell
them thanks for the offer, but I won’t leave Legacy.” Trinity flashed a smile
at her friend. “Who knows what kind of trouble he’ll get into when I’m not
around? Heck, he might even convince Candy he’s the best stud around.”
    Lacey
laughed. “There is that.” She dusted off her jeans. “Want me to bring you
anything back?”
    “Nope.
I’ve got everything I need.”
    “Okay.
See ya in the morning then.”
    “Have
fun, Lacey.” Trinity watched her go with only the tiniest flicker of regret.
While she sometimes found the nights especially long, she still drew the line
at leaving her stallion. The other girls seemed nice enough, but she had no
urge to be part of their clique. Instead, she preferred hanging out alone, with
her horse, and the tranquility of being surrounded by the other animals.
    She’d placed
third tonight. Not her best run, but as much as she analyzed the details, she
didn’t find many ways to improve. The small arena benefitted the smaller
horses. Legacy didn’t have much of a chance to hit full stride before the
finish line whizzed by. Not much could be done about that. Just stay the
course. The way to qualify for the finals revolved around clean runs, holding
her position in the top rankings, and simply showing up for each rodeo as they
came, especially the big ones. After today, she considered changing things up a
bit, skipping a Midwest circuit event and heading to Denver for the huge stock
show. More competition, more points possible. She had a couple of days to make a
decision and act, as entry forms and fees had to be post marked by Monday.
    “Good
run tonight. This arena just doesn’t fit his style much.”
    Glancing
up, Trinity found Cody leaning against a stall a couple of doors down, absently
stroking a horse’s nose.
    “Thanks.”
Seeing him again made her heart flutter. Despite his busy day, Cody appeared as
fresh as ever. His dark hair glistened as if just out of the shower while his
white shirt shined in the dimmed lights of the barn lowered for the night. If
only she could accept Lacey’s nonchalant attitude about men. Flirt, find out if
Cody was interested, then spend an hour discovering the secrets of sex.
    And take a walk in my mother’s
shoes.
    She
mentally shook the words aside, not about to dwell on the past. Not when she
tried so hard to focus on the future. Lacey’s earlier words did leave a minor
dent after all.
    Yet,
she couldn’t help but savor every moment that Cody stood in her presence. To
know he took time from his busy schedule to check on her delighted her on several
levels. They shared a bond. Maybe not a strong one, but she hoped their
previously shared secrets meant something. Not sure what, but a step in the
right direction anyway.
    She
unfolded her cot and nodded to the lawn chair. “Take a load off for a while.
You look like you’ve been run hard and put up wet.”
    He sat
down and stretched his legs out with a grin. “Good analogy. I’m on call, but
the to-do list is done for the day.”
    Trinity
opened the cooler, and pulled out another bottle of water, which she passed
over to Cody. “Here. Oh, and you’re just in time for dinner.”
    His
eyes widened just the slightest. “Dinner?”
    “Yep.”
She handed him a plate and utensils, followed by a bag of meat. “Fried chicken,
potato salad, dinner rolls, and apple pie for dessert. If you don’t mind eating
everything cold.”
    “I can
get something later.”
    “No
way. I’ve got more than plenty. Besides, it’s criminal for food to go to waste.
So think of it this way, you’re doing me a favor by helping me eat it.” She
glanced up and smiled at him.