Rodeo Queen Read online

  But it wasn’t their wedding. And at the rate he was going, it never would be.

  This was his last chance. After the wedding and reception, he’d see Tara and her new husband off and help with the cleanup. Tomorrow morning, he’d drive Caitlyn home. He had to do something. Today. To let her know how he felt. If he didn’t, she’d walk out of his life again.

  “Wedding March” began, and the first two couples walked the aisle. Their turn. Caitlyn’s shaky hand rested on his arm.

  “You’re safe,” he whispered as they strode down the aisle. Her pace was too fast, as if she wanted to get the whole thing over with. “Slow down.”

  With a sigh, she slowed. Near the arch, where Jared stood with the pastor, she started to pull her hand free, but Mitch clamped his hand over hers.

  As her startled gaze met his, he captured her chin with his free hand and pressed a kiss on her silky cheek. He heard her sharp intake of breath.

  Her eyes got too shiny. Fast. She pulled away and fell in line with the other bridesmaids.

  If she didn’t have any feelings for him anymore, why would his kiss take her breath away? His heart almost burst as he took his place with the other groomsmen. Why would she be teary? His gaze stayed on her while she looked anywhere but at him. The “Wedding March” intensified with the erratic beat of his heart.

  Tara’s cue to enter. Mitch forced his attention to his sister—to share the happiest day of her life.

  Tomorrow he’d concentrate on Caitlyn.

  And who said he had to drive the speed limit? Driving her home might be the slowest trip he’d ever made.

  * * *

  Caitlyn helped Cody roll up the fabric aisle.

  The newlyweds had left for the airport in San Antonio and were probably en route to their Florida honeymoon by now. All the guests had left and only the family remained in cleanup mode. Caitlyn pitched in while trying to keep her distance from Mitch.

  Under the archway that still mocked her, he’d kissed her goodbye. He knew as well as she did that they had no future. She could still feel the warmth of his lips on her cheek. Tears singed her eyes. If she kept thinking about it, she’d turn into a blubbering idiot.

  “Hello?” Cody’s voice caught her attention.

  “Huh?”

  “I’m no expert at such things, but don’t you think we should do better than this?”

  The runner was wadded and diagonal. She backed away from Cody, unrolling to start the process over. “Sorry.”

  “That kiss got you flustered?”

  “I can’t talk about it. Or him.”

  He held up one hand. “Sorry.”

  Paying attention this time, she rolled the runner, keeping the edges straight.

  With the roll finished and much neater, Cody took it from her. “Take a coffee break. I put a fresh pot on.”

  “That sounds awesome.” She headed for the house. “I’ll bring you a cup.”

  Just inside the kitchen door, she saw him. Mitch was staring at the small TV by the breakfast bar.

  “As soon as we have more information, we’ll report it,” the reporter droned. “Again, Flight 217 has disappeared from radar. Apparently, the pilot radioed the control tower due to engine problems and attempted an emergency landing.” The newscaster’s solemn tone turned her insides. “However, since the flight was bound for Florida, most of the flight plan was over the gulf.”

  Bound for Florida? Surely not Tara’s flight. Lord, please no. Caitlyn gasped.

  Mitch turned to face her. Alarm filled his gaze.

  * * *

  The moonlight cast an eerie glow through Caitlyn’s curtains. Wide-awake, she checked the digital clock on her nightstand—3:27 a.m.

  Not wanting to impose, her insides quivered. But she was dying to go downstairs.

  She threw back the covers, flipped the light on and dressed. Imposition or not, she couldn’t stay here, not knowing a minute longer.

  All evening, tension had increased as phone calls to Tara and Jared’s cells went unanswered. A call to the hotel in Florida revealed the couple hadn’t arrived at their destination.

  Mitch tried calling the airport and had gotten the all-lines-are-busy message. Finally, Mitch, Cody and Grandpa had gone to the airport.

  A vehicle had returned a few minutes ago.

  Soundlessly, she crept down the stairs. Was that the sound of crying? Audra and Wayne in the living room. Her eyes stung and she cut to the right, escaping into the darkened kitchen.

  A large shape sat hunched on the island countertop. Caitlyn quenched a gasp and started to back out of the room. But her eyes adjusted to the moonlight. Mitch, his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking.

  Her heart turned over as she hurried to him and slipped her arms around his shoulders. He stilled for a moment.

  “It’s okay. Let it out.”

  He slid off the counter to his feet, pulling her tight, his sobs rocking them both.

  Minutes passed. He quieted. The shaking stopped.

  “With all the wedding fuss, they didn’t give us their flight number. But we’re pretty sure it was their plane.” Anguish echoed in his tone. “It was the only flight to Florida tonight.”

  “Maybe they decided to go somewhere else.”

  “It’s our only hope. The airport will have the passenger list in the morning.”

  “What about Jared’s family?”

  “They haven’t heard from them, either.”

  “Have they found the plane?” Her voice trembled.

  “In the gulf. No survivors so far.” He cleared his throat. “I need to get back in there with my family. I just needed a minute.”

  “You don’t have to be strong for them.”

  “Thanks for being my shoulder.” His hand cupped her cheek.

  “I love Tara, too.” Her vision blurred and she blinked.

  “I know.” He kissed her temple, then pulled away to look at her. His gaze caught on her lips.

  As if drawn by a magnet, Caitlyn stretched up on tiptoe to oblige him. Their lips met and her arms twined around his neck. Ten years of missing, longing and regretting exploded between them.

  Chapter 9

  “Whoa!” Cody’s surprise sounded in his tone.

  She and Mitch sprang apart.

  “Uh, sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” Cody backed out of the room.

  Turning her back on him, Caitlyn pressed her hand to her quivering lips.

  “I—”

  “We’re both upset.” Her voice quivered, too. “We’re not thinking rationally. Go on. Your family needs you.”

  He took a few steps, then stopped. “I may not be able to take you home tomorrow. You might need to call Natalie or your dad.”

  “Don’t worry about me.”

  He left her alone and Caitlyn gripped the countertop so hard her fingers went numb.

  Ten years of trying to get over Mitch, and one kiss froze her brain. She couldn’t do this again. He still had a dangerous job.

  And Caitlyn had to let him go.

  What kind of person was she? Thinking about Mitch and their future when Tara’s life hung in the balance.

  * * *

  Mitch drummed his fingers on the kitchen counter. It was still early, but he wanted to get to the airport.

  Doubtful anyone in the house had slept, he tried to remain quiet. He certainly hadn’t slept a wink, but he welcomed the distraction of the kiss. Anything to stop worrying about his sister. The kiss would make Tara happy. She’d wanted him to get back with Caitlyn for ten years.

  Maybe at the airport they’d learn Tara and Jared weren’t on that plane. And maybe that kiss could help him win Caitlyn back. And give his sister a happy ending when she came home. If she came home.r />
  No, he couldn’t think that way.

  The shrill ring of the phone cut through the silence.

  The airport? This early? Was it good news? Please, Lord, let it be.

  He grabbed the handset. “Hello?”

  “Mitch, it’s Tara.”

  Spasms exploded through his chest. “Where are you?”

  “We’re at the Hilton in San Antonio. We were tired last night and changed our flight. We weren’t on that plane.”

  Tears rained down his cheeks, and his throat clogged. “We tried to call you.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. It was our wedding night, so we turned our phones off. We didn’t know about the crash until this morning.”

  “You’re okay? Both of you?”

  “We’re fine. And I think we’re questioning getting on a plane. We may drive to Florida. Take our time, stop when we want and sightsee.”

  “That sounds like an awesome plan.”

  Mom and Dad careened into the kitchen, followed by Cody and Grandpa. Mitch gave them a thumbs-up. “It’s Tara. They’re fine. They weren’t on the flight.”

  Tears of relief swept over the family. Caitlyn stopped in the doorway, looking as if she felt out of place.

  “They’re okay.” Cody wrapped her up in a bear hug.

  “Let me talk to her.” Dad reached for the phone.

  “Put her on speakerphone.” Mom’s voice quivered.

  Mitch gave the handset to his father, walked over to Caitlyn and stole her from his brother’s arms. A whirlpool of emotions swept through him and the only person he wanted to share it with was Caitlyn. She clung to him.

  “We should pray for the families who did have loved ones on that plane.” Cody massaged Mom’s shoulders. “We know exactly what they’re going through.”

  “Good idea, son.”

  “Hey, Daddy. We’re fine.” Tara’s reassuring voice boomed over the speaker.

  A collective sigh of relief swept through the kitchen.

  * * *

  “We’re here.” Mitch’s voice came from far away. “Caitlyn, you’re home.”

  She opened her eyes, squinting in the late-afternoon sun. Her dollhouse. Home.

  “Sorry, I guess I slept the whole trip.”

  “I imagine you’re exhausted.”

  “You, too.”

  “I’ll be all right. It’s only an hour to Garland.”

  “I don’t know what to say. Thanks doesn’t seem to cover it.”

  “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  “I’m glad Tara’s okay.”

  “Me, too.” He opened his door. “Looks like your family has spotted us.”

  Mama, Daddy and Natalie scurried toward her side of the truck. Before she could say another word, her door was open and Daddy was scooping her out. Her family huddled around her in a group hug.

  “So happy you’re home safe.” Mama’s words came through tears.

  “Ditto.” Natalie hugged her again.

  They drew her toward the house and Daddy turned toward Mitch. “Thank you.”

  “Just doing my job.”

  It had only been his job. Caitlyn’s heart took a dive. His very dangerous job. He dealt with stalkers, and worse, daily. The past two weeks had been an emotional roller coaster and had reawakened old feelings for both of them.

  But they were still at an impasse. Mitch loved his job. And even though he wasn’t seeing someone new, his job left no room for Caitlyn in his life.

  Just one final glimpse of him. She turned, but he was already in his truck. The engine started and he drove away without so much as a wave.

  Surreal. Home—her dollhouse. It was her graduation gift—a smaller version of Mama and Daddy’s home and a twin to Natalie’s. As she climbed the steps up the porch, it seemed like months had passed since she’d been here instead of only two weeks.

  She hugged herself.

  “Relax, pumpkin, it’s over. You’re home.” Daddy shot her a wink.

  The white-columned porch felt almost alien. Inside, the pale terra-cotta tile and walls, creamy leather sofa and bronze horse sculptures seemed almost unfamiliar. She held her breath, scanning the room as if some stalker hid behind the curtains.

  “Are you sure you don’t want to stay with us tonight?” Mama squeezed her elbow.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Lane and I could spend the night with you.” Natalie plopped on the couch.

  “Really, I’m fine. Just tired.” Even though she’d slept the entire five hours home. Exhausted—from dealing with a stalker. But mostly from dealing with Mitch.

  “We’ll let you get some rest, then.” Daddy patted her arm.

  One more group hug and her family filed out.

  Caitlyn sank into the sofa, pressed a pillow to her stomach and curled her knees up under her chin. The throw on the back of the couch cushioned her cheek in an intricate southwest pattern woven together in shades of terra-cotta, jade and sea foam that reminded her of Mitch’s eyes. She pulled the throw around her.

  Cold. Scared. And lonely for Mitch.

  A stalker, Mitch back in her life, an attack, a five-hour drive with Mitch, a wound, an infection, Mitch constantly hovering, falling in love with his family again, a suicide, a wedding, Tara in potential danger, a kiss and a second five-hour drive with Mitch. All within sixteen days.

  And now she was supposed to get back to normal.

  Without him.

  * * *

  Aubrey’s Main Street teemed with people. Many Caitlyn knew, many she didn’t. Vendor booths lined the streets and the field in front of the old peanut dryer selling crafts, quilts, peanut-themed food and hand-carved items. She’d always loved the Peanut Festival in October. Until today.

  This week had definitely been calmer than the previous one. She’d run her store on autopilot.

  But her fears had closed in on her back at the scene of the crime. At least there weren’t any gunfight reenactments at the Stockyards this time of year. It would be embarrassing to hit the dirt at the sound of a fake gunshot.

  Thank goodness her doctor insisted she rest her leg for another week before resuming her rodeo-queen duties. She’d let her boss down, but thoughts of the rodeo almost gave her a panic attack.

  But the doctor had said she could ride in the parade. And riding her horse in the Peanut Festival Parade might be her undoing.

  Her hands shook as she stood beside Lightning, gripping the reins. She scanned the face of each man in the crowd.

  “Caitlyn.” Mitch’s voice came from directly behind her.

  She jumped and spun around to face him.

  “Sorry. Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.”

  He looked way too handsome in his cream-colored ranger hat, white shirt with lone-star appliqués and dark jeans. Caitlyn’s insides melted. “I have to get Lightning lined up for the parade.”

  “I’m riding with you.”

  “What?”

  “I called Natalie to check on you. She said you’re having a rough time and seemed jumpy about the parade. So I arranged to ride with you. Thought I might make you feel safe.”

  Her nerves settled. How could he make her feel physically safe and emotionally terrified at the same time?

  “Is that okay with you?”

  “Thank you.” She closed her eyes.

  “Want me to be at the rodeo tonight, too?”

  “I’m not supposed to go back until next week, but don’t you have to work?”

  “I’m off duty on weekends for two months. I can be at every rodeo if you want.”

  “I want.” Her chin wobbled and she hugged him.

  His arms came around her. Felt so good. So strong. So safe.

  So threatening.


  * * *

  Peanuts littered Main Street as Mitch walked Caitlyn to her car.

  Her red-white-and-blue-spangled jacket was blinding in the sun, and her eyes were bright.

  “I haven’t been to the Peanut Festival in years.” Good memories. Of home. Of Caitlyn.

  “I’m glad you came.” Her hand brushed his and she jerked away.

  “Me, too.” If only they could walk hand in hand through the rest of their lives. He cleared his throat. “So how are you? Really.”

  “I jump at my own shadow.” Her sigh sounded heavy. “My parents hover. Natalie’s scheduled me for tons of speaking engagements and public appearances, but just going to my store scares me to death.”

  “The danger’s over, Cait. One step at a time. You’re safe.”

  “I don’t feel safe.” She closed her eyes.

  “Stuart is dead. He can’t hurt you.”

  “No, but what if there’s another Stuart? I have to face Cowtown next week.”

  “You’ll have to face the darkened seats of the arena. Among strangers and crowds.”

  “And crowds of strangers.” She shivered.

  “You’ve been through a traumatic experience. I understand, but I won’t let you crawl inside yourself.”

  “I feel like there’s someone waiting for me behind every shadow. You can’t understand.”

  “Oh, but I do. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. The first time I faced a real assailant with a real gun instead of a cardboard cutout in training, I jumped at my own shadow for weeks.”

  “Really?”

  “Even Texas Rangers in the making get scared. Still do.”

  “I know it’s not logical.” She huffed out a sigh. “I mean, in all my twenty-eight years this was the first time anyone ever stalked me. This man homed in on me because I look like his wife. Odds are, this will never happen again.”

  “But logic has nothing to do with how you feel.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll ever feel really safe again.” She hugged herself. “How do I get past it?”

  He’d give anything to hug her. Instead, he captured her hand.