Beauty and the Bull Rider (2 page)

Ty had moved a few stools down to join Monica. He watched them exchange some heated words, no doubt over Josie, but the showdown ended with Monica wrapping her arms around Ty's neck. He'd thought his buddy had won the round until Monica got up and left the bar alone.

Ty watched her leave like a hungry man who'd just been served a prime aged T-bone only to have it swiped out from under his nose. Ty was a ladies' man from way back, but Zac recognized that his interest in Monica was different. Had Ty finally found a woman who could hold him for the long haul? It appeared so.

Zac felt a fierce stab of envy. In fifteen years on the circuit, he'd never wanted for female company, but in all those years there had only been one woman he'd ever truly wanted—Ty's ex, Delaney. He and Ty had both met her at the Houston Livestock Show. He'd had his shot at her then but he'd blown it. Ty got the girl and Zac had to live with the worm of envy that ate a hole in his heart every time he saw them together. What made it all worse, Ty hadn't made her happy.

Grabbing his glass, Zac straddled the stool beside his buddy, following Ty's gaze with a fateful shake of his head. “Never thought I'd see you with another one like that.”

“What do you mean?” Ty asked.

“Big city. Big money. Didn't exactly pan out for you the first time around.”

“That's where the similarity starts and ends,” Ty said. “Monica's nothing like Delaney.”

“If you say so,” Zac replied with a smirk and raised his glass to his lips.

“I mean it, Zac. There's no comparison between 'em. Monica's a successful investment banker who needs nothing from me. Delaney was a beauty queen who stole half my ranch.”

Zac raised his hand with a glare. “Look, ol' boy. That ain't how it was, and you know it.”

Ty hadn't been any more ready to settle down back then than a bull in a breeding pasture, but he and Delaney had eloped anyway. Initially, Zac had thought maybe it was Delaney's money Ty was after, but he'd proven that wasn't the case. Instead of gaining from the marriage, Ty had lost half of everything. Zac still didn't understand how it had all gone down, but the nasty divorce had left Ty embittered and disillusioned. But now, it was looking like Ty was considering giving it another go with Monica Brandt.

Delaney, however, seemed gun-shy as ever even eight years later. Their paths had crossed a few times over the past years, but no matter how hard he tried, she always turned a cold shoulder, as if her marriage break-up was somehow Zac's fault. He understood in part, but wished she'd give him a chance. So far that hadn't happened.

“All right. I admit I brought that shit on myself,” Ty said. “But that doesn't give her the right to rub my nose in it for the rest of my life. You know that's what she's trying to do with the bucking bulls, don't you? She's sending two to the futurity this year and says she has a half a dozen more prospects for next year. She has shit-tons of money to put into a breeding program. I didn't. She thinks I never wanted the ranch. That's not true, but ranching takes money. That's part of the reason I stayed on the road as long as I did. I'd hoped to win enough to keep the place going.”

“But now it's done,” Zac said. “You're here and she's there. What's the problem?”

“The problem is that she still wants something from me.”

Zac's gaze narrowed. “Oh yeah? Like what?”

“A baby.”

Zac choked on his drink. “What the fuck did you say?”

“You heard me right.”

His chest tightened. “Are you saying she wants to get back together?”

“Hell no!” Ty laughed. “She wants a kid but doesn't want another husband. It's that whole bio-clock thing that seems to have pushed her over the edge. She even tried to bribe me with an interest-free loan in lieu of a stud fee.”

Was she still carrying a torch for Ty? There was that worm again. Zac's gut twisted at the thought of Ty and Delaney together. “Why the hell would she do that?”

“'Cause she's out of her ever-lovin' mind. Gotta be one of those hormonal things.”

“Why you?” Zac asked.

Ty shrugged. “Beats the hell outta me.”

“You gonna oblige her?” Zac asked, keeping his voice slow and his gaze on his empty glass.

“Shit no! If I ever father a kid, I'm gonna be there to raise him up right.”

“There's gotta be plenty of other men who'd be happy to help her out. Hell, they'd probably line up for miles.”
And I'd be the first to buy a ticket.

Zac signaled Gabby for another drink.

Ty gave a dry laugh. “Delaney might be a lot of things, but easy ain't one of 'em.'” He sat back, appraising Zac. “You did better than me in school. What's your IQ?”

“I dunno. Hundred twenty-eight maybe.”

“Beats mine by at least five.” He was still regarding Zac as if he were a bull on the auction block.

“What the hell are you looking at?” Zac snapped.

“You, Zac. Just wondering what kinda breeder you'd be. She says she wants above-average IQ, tall, and athletic. Seems to me you got that part in spades. I'm just wondering if it'll offset your lack of looks and nonexistent sense of humor.”

“Fuck you, Ty.” Zac snatched up the glass Gabby slid in front of him.

“I'm serious. You need money. Maybe you should volunteer?”

Zac met his gaze. “And what if I decided to do just that?”

“Hell, Zac,” Ty laughed. “I'd consider it a personal favor. I'd even buy your damned ticket to Oklahoma. Come to think on it . . . how's that hand?”

Zac set down his drink and held it up. His fingers were purple and sausage-like. “Fucked up, but I don't think anything's broken. Why?”

“There's a good chance I'm going to need a new ranch foreman.”

“Wait a minute,” Zac said. “Isn't that Delaney's domain now?”

“It's not Delaney's place I'm talking about. It's Tom's. Or rather, mine now.”

“Yours? So Tom left you the Circle B? What are you looking to do with the place?” Zac asked, trying not to betray his intense interest. Ty had not only offered him a new start doing what he knew best, he'd also given him a second chance with Delaney.

“I want to expand the operation and get back to where I started.”

“Contracting, Ty? Thought you moved out here to get out of it.”

“I did, initially,” Ty said, “but things have changed. My plans have changed. If things work out for this hotel as I hope they do, I'm going to need bucking stock. I figure some of 'em might as well be mine.”

“What about ol' Bart? Doesn't he run the place?”

“He's 'bout ready to retire. I'd be happy to leave him in charge of the beef operation, but I need someone who knows how to handle a rank bull. If you're ready to hang up your bull spurs, the job's yours.”

“I'd like more than just a paycheck, Ty. I'm thinking about my future too, and right now it ain't lookin' so bright. My place needs too much work. It'll take every cent I just won just to get it back in operational shape. If you're looking to contract again, I'd be willing to sell out and invest as your partner.”

“You would?” Ty asked with surprise.

“Damn straight. Bulls are what I love, Ty, but at this stage in the game, I'd be content to flank instead of ride.”

“Hell, Zac. I don't know what to say. I'd be honored to take you on as a partner.”

Zac's eyes held Ty's as he slowly drained his whiskey. Setting the shot glass down, he offered his hand with a smile. “I think you just made me an offer I can't refuse.”

 

“N
ext up is P280, a black frosty neck. This little heifer, by an own son of Little Yellow Jacket out of a Shorty granddaughter, is getting buck and kick from both sides. Just look at her action on the video, folks.” Although she'd watched the same video on YouTube dozens of times, Delaney's eyes were still riveted to the screen.

She glanced down at the sale catalog as the auctioneer continued, “Her dam has been a great producer, calving numerous champions. This little heifer would make a great foundation cow for a prospective bucking herd.”

Her goal had been to add breeding prospects to her herd, but she had yet to buy even one. The whole auction process had gone so fast it almost made her head spin. P280 was the last heifer, and Delaney was determined to take her home. Truth be told, she had enough money to match most any bid in the house, but she wasn't looking to lose her ass just for the sake of pride.

Maybe injured pride was the original impetus behind her livestock operation, with more than a dash of desire for some payback, but not anymore. What had begun purely on a whim was now her obsession—not just to breed genetically superior livestock, but to be regarded as a contender in the male-dominated world of stock contracting.

The chute opened, and P280 trotted out and spun to regard the crowd, looking as proud as a queen amongst her court. Then again, her bloodline was surely the bluest of bovines'. The bidding began at three thousand. Who could have known how damned competitive it would be?

Delaney was first to raise her paddle, only to be overlooked by the auctioneer.

“I got three. Three thousand. Gimme thirty-five hundred? Thirty-five? Thirty-five for this pretty little heifer?”

Listening intently for the almost unintelligible numbers as the auctioneer began his chant, she raised her paddle again.

“Gimme thirty five hundred? Abletobid thirty-five?”

Was the man near-sighted or was this some kind of conspiracy? She threw the catalog down with a huff of frustration.

“You wanting to bid on that heifer?” came a gravelly baritone from behind.

She twisted in her seat, to meet a familiar deep green gaze shadowed by a well-worn Stetson. Zac McDaniel's appearance at the auction was a complete surprise. Last she'd heard, he was in Las Vegas with Ty.

“Zac? What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Same thing as you.” He raised his paddle to the auctioneer.

The auctioneer nodded in Zac's direction. “Yep. Yep. Thirty-five. Four. Four thousand, anyone?”

“Did you just bid on my heifer?” she asked in annoyance.

“Sure did.”

The auctioneer nodded to a bidder across the room. “I got four now. Abletobid five? Five. Five thousand now. Wouldjagimme five?”

Zac nodded, raising his bid.

Delaney spun around to face him head on. “Damn you, Zac! You have no right to buy my heifer.”

The auctioneer continued his chant. “I got five now. Five thousand for this prime little heifer. Six? Abletobid six? Six? Six thousand. Wouldjagimme six?”

Growing more perturbed by the second, Delaney raised her number again. The auctioneer nodded to her left. “I got six now. Seven. Seven thousand? Wouldjagimme seven?”

“Damn it all!” Delaney cursed, barely holding back the urge to stomp her foot. “Why the hell can't I bid?”

“Seven. Seven thousand? Wouldjagimme seven?”

Delaney raised her paddle again.

“Sixty-five then. Wouldjagimme sixty-five hundred?” The auctioneer repeated his call.

Zac tipped his hat. The auctioneer once more acknowledged his bid. “Yep. Yep. Got Sixty-five now. I got sixty-five hundred. Gimme seven now? Seven thousand? Wouldjagimme seven?”

“Looks like I'm gonna leave here with your heifer on my trailer,” Zac said with a smirk.

“Over my dead body. I want her, Zac.”

“How high you willin' to go?” he asked with a cocked brow.

“Seven? Seven thousand? Abletobid seven? Seven? Seven thousand? Abletobid seven?” The auctioneer looked past both Delaney and Zac to the counter bidder. “Got seven now,” he cried. “Eight. Eight thousand. Someone gimme eight?”

“As high as I need to,” Delaney ground through her teeth. “I'm not leaving here without that cow, Zac. I don't care what it costs me.”

“That so?” Zac asked.

“Eight? Eight? Abletobid eight?” the auctioneer repeated one more time, disregarding Delaney's frantically waving paddle.

“What the hell is happening here?” Delaney asked. “Am I being blackballed?”

“Maybe so,” Zac said. “Sure seems like someone doesn't want to sell to you. You might as well quit now. You're just driving the price up.”

“Eight? Gimme eight? Last time,” the auctioneer called.

“Seventy-five hundred,” Zac called out to the auctioneer. He then turned back to Delaney, “There doesn't seem to be any point in bidding against each other, being that we're neighbors and all.”

“Eight? Eight thousand anyone?” called the auctioneer.

“Neighbors?” Delaney stared back at him in confusion.

The auctioneer slammed the gavel for the last time. “P280 sold for seventy-five hundred.”

“I can't believe you just stole my heifer! Why the hell did you do that?”

“I need some cows. Ty and I are partners now.”

“Partners?” Delaney said. “How?”

“Maybe you hadn't heard? Tom left him the ranch.”

“The Circle B?” she repeated incredulously. “I don't understand why. Ty bailed out of rough stock years ago.”

“He wants to give it another go.”

Ty was buying livestock? Was he looking to compete with her?

“Buy you dinner?” Zac asked.

Delaney glared. “You think I'm going to have dinner with you after what you just did to me?”

He ignored the question and placed his hand on the small of her back. The light touch sent ripples of physical awareness chasing down the length of her spine.
Holy hell.
He'd barely touched her.

“I know a good place over in Temple,” Zac continued, as if utterly unaware of his effect on her. “Let me just settle up here and I'll buy you the best steak in Stephens County.”

Although she'd come to the sale with full pockets, it looked like she was leaving empty-handed. Zac now seemed her only chance of coming out ahead. She hesitated, both wary and all too aware of him for her comfort. “What do you want in return, Zac?”

He cocked a brow under his hat brim. “What makes you think I want anything besides the company of a pretty lady?” he asked.

Pretty?
When was the last time a man had paid her an open compliment? Months? Years? Sure, their eyes tracked her all the time, but after countless brush-offs, most had given up on her. Coming from Zac, the remark surprised her. Ty was known as the charmer, while Zac was the silent, brooding type.

“C'mon, Delaney,” he urged softly. “It's just a dinner.”

“Will you sell me the heifer?” she asked.

“Come to dinner and maybe we can talk about it.”

She eyed him narrowly. “Is that a bribe?”

He winced. “It's an invitation. I thought maybe we could talk and get caught up.”

“There's nothing to talk about . . . unless you're willing to sell her to me.”

“Dunno.” He shrugged. “Have dinner and maybe we can work something out.”

One way or another, she was gonna have that cow. “All right, Zac.” She flashed her best beauty-queen smile. “I'll have dinner with you.”

 

“How's the steak?” Zac asked, an hour later.

“Better than I expected,” Delaney confessed. It was surprisingly good, although she'd barely eaten a bite. She was too nerved up to be alone with Zac. It felt far too much like a date for her comfort, not that she even remembered what a date was anymore. She'd only tested those waters once since her divorce from Ty—if attending a conference with her vet, Kevin, counted. Sadly, the test had failed. Although Kevin was a nice enough guy, the chemistry was better with her B.O.B., so there was no point in repeating the experiment. But that didn't keep her from covertly studying Zac.

His eyes were deep set and his nose was slightly crooked with a small hump just below the bridge. His jaw was square and strong and his mouth firm and uncompromising. She'd always thought Ty was the better looking of the two men, but maybe a good part of that was Ty's warm and flirtatious nature. Zac, by contrast, was as hard and cool as a Remington bronze.

Was he really as cool as the statue? She recalled how warm his hand had felt on her back and gave a slight shiver. Why this sudden fascination with the man?

“I've lived in this area eight years and didn't even know this place existed,” she said conversationally.

“Growing up around here means I know all the well-hidden secrets,” Zac said.

“All right, since you seem to know the people here better than I do, can you please explain to me what was happening at that auction tonight?” she asked. “Why weren't they acknowledging my bids? My money's as green as anyone else's.”

“That might be the problem. You've got too much green to throw around,” Zac replied.

“Are you saying they feel threatened by me?”

“Maybe some regard you as an upstart,” he said. “You gotta understand that there's generations of cattlemen round here that don't cotton to outsiders coming in, let alone a single woman. On top of that, Ty was well thought of. There's some who don't like what you did to him. A reputation's worth more than money to a lotta folks 'round here.”

“What happened between Ty and me is none of their damned business!”

She'd upheld her marriage vows while he'd made a fool of her to the whole world. She'd run the ranch while he was on the road. When the settlement had granted her half interest in Ty's ranch, he'd expected her to sell it back, but she didn't want or need his money. She wanted and needed to be taken seriously.

In her whole life, no one had ever taken her seriously. One casual look had most folks classifying her as just another bubbleheaded beauty queen. She'd done little in her early years to dispel that misconception. Although she'd made passing grades, she'd never paid half as much attention to her studies as her social life, but her biggest mistake had been dropping out of college to elope with a rodeo cowboy.

No one had taken her seriously after that.

So, instead of selling her share back to him, she'd enrolled at Oklahoma State. Four years later, she'd finally achieved something she could be proud of—a degree in animal husbandry. Eight years ago, her knowledge of cattle had been limited to the best cuts of beef to order at the finest restaurants, but things had changed.
She
had changed.

“I agree,” Zac continued, unperturbed. “But that attitude doesn't endear you to folks who already don't think a woman should be messing around with bulls.”

“Which camp are you in, Zac?” she asked.

His green gaze met hers. “What makes you think I'm in either one?”

“You bought my heifer. Why else would you have bid when you knew I wanted her?”

“I bid on her because it was obvious that you weren't going to get her any other way.”

“Oh?” She swallowed that morsel and almost choked on it. “You didn't want her for yourself?”

“I didn't say that. She was the pick of the lot, but I wouldn't have outbid you for her.”

“So that's why you asked how high I was willing to go?”

“Yup.”

“I'll write you a check right now.” She reached for her purse.

He stopped her, resting his big, calloused hand on hers. She licked her lips, painfully aware that her nerves lit up every time he touched her. Was she that hungry for a man? She couldn't even remember the last time she'd had sex without batteries. Although she ached to feel a man inside her again, she didn't want the complications and pitfalls of a relationship.

“Don't want your money,” he said low and husky. “I'd much rather have your goodwill and maybe a bull calf from that heifer later on down the road.”

“So you really did bring me here to talk about the heifer?” she asked, freeing her hand by reaching for her wineglass.

“Among other things,” he replied.

She regarded him narrowly. “What kind of things?”

“Since it looks like we're gonna be running into each other a good bit from here on out, I'd like to clear the air between us. Once and for all.”

“All right, cowboy.” She pushed her plate away and leaned back in her chair. “What's on your mind?”

“I want to know why you blame me,” Zac said.

“Blame you for what?” she asked.

“For you and Ty,” he answered. “I didn't set out to destroy your marriage. I didn't pull him away from you, Delaney. I never wanted to see you get hurt.”

“Maybe not, but you sure didn't do much to help it. I thought you'd at least try to rein him in, if only out of respect for me.”

“I wasn't exactly Ty's keeper back then,” he said. “No one was. You know as well as I do that Ty wasn't ready to settle down.” His gaze was cool and level and far too probing. “I love Ty like a brother, but there's no way in hell he coulda made you happy, even if he'd stuck around. You didn't want the same things. You needed a man you could count on. Ty wasn't that man.”