Roping Her Christmas Cowboy

“She’s a true horse lover.”

“Dad used to say the same thing. Sometimes she takes it too far.”

“Why do you say that?” Toly put the pan of biscuits in the oven.

“Because she treats them like they’re her children.”

Toly had noticed that for a long time. It was one of her traits he most admired. “Maybe that’s why she’s going to win the national championship this time round. There’s nothing wrong with those horses knowing they’re loved. She’s ranked second in winnings and is depending on them to bring her to number one.”

“What I’d give to see that happen! No one deserves it more than she does.”

Toly couldn’t agree more. Both brother and sister deserved that honor. He’d spent a lot of time on their ranch training with Mills, hoping to see as much of Nikki as possible. When she was there, she worked harder to perfect her circles and figure eights than anyone he’d ever seen. The self-discipline she imposed on herself was the reason she was a champion.

Whatever disappointment she’d suffered in love, she hadn’t let it affect her standings or work ethic. Toly would like to know a lot more about her personal feelings, but Mills hadn’t shared that information with him. Being Nikki’s twin, the two of them were careful to protect the other’s privacy.

Though it was commendable, Toly was finding it more and more aggravating because his desire to get closer to her had met with a setback earlier in the barn. Something had gone on that hadn’t felt right to him and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Mills disappeared to talk to her. Toly was forced to live in suspense until his friend came back to the kitchen. “She’ll be right over.” He started to set the table.

Surprised at the relief he felt to hear that news, Toly turned the steaks and checked on the biscuits that were almost done.

“Later on she has to attend a WPRA party at the MGM Grand,” Mills added, “so she won’t be able to stay long.”

Toly ground his teeth in frustration because after she left, it meant he wouldn’t see her again until tomorrow. Throughout the next ten days she’d be staying at the Cyclades Hotel every night. Damn.

* * *

THE WRANGLER PARTY for the finalists Nikki had to attend at the MGM Grand would be one of the big highlights during her stay in Las Vegas. For one particular reason tonight that had everything to do with the man in the rig next door, it would be her pleasure to dress the part of rodeo queen to the hilt. She’d brought an overnight bag with her in the car that contained her outfit.

After exercising her horses, she showered in the rig and put on her new Wrangler cream scoop-neck dress with the elaborate crochet back. It fell to the knees. She paired it with ankle-high Italian leather boots in a sand color.

After Mills told her that he and Toly had invited her to come for dinner, she went overboard on her makeup. A rodeo queen’s whole purpose in life was meant to knock a man’s eyes out, right? She’d do her best to live up to Toly Clayton’s preconceived notions, maybe even surpass them. That would be a novel idea. Nikki brushed her hair, leaving it long and flowing. After fastening her new lacy gold chandelier earrings, she put on her dressy cream felt cowboy hat. She’d bought a new handbag to go with her dress and put her wallet and keys inside. One more look in the mirror. The result made her smile. She was ready to do her worst.

She left her rig and walked around to Toly’s. They knew she was coming so she let herself in without knocking. Something smelled good. Since her brother wasn’t known for his cooking, she had to assume Toly was the chef. Unless they’d bought takeout.

Nikki found them in the kitchen putting food on the table. “Good evening, gentlemen.” She put her bag down on the end of the counter. They both turned their heads toward her.

A tangible silence filled the trailer’s interior.

“Well, don’t all speak at the same time,” she teased. “Wasn’t I supposed to come for dinner?”

Mills’s eyebrows lifted. His face wore the most comical expression she’d ever seen. “Good grief, Nikki.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said quietly. “You look...nice.” He had a hard time getting that word out, making her want to laugh.

“Thanks. Where do you want me to sit?”

“Right here.” Toly galvanized into action and pulled out a chair for her. She felt his eyes taking inventory of her face and figure as she sat down. Maybe she had accomplished her objective and dazzled him just enough to make him choke a little on his own words.

Mmm. Steak and potatoes. Biscuits too? “Isn’t this exciting? All three of us here in Las Vegas at last?” Nikki glanced at Toly. “By the way, did my Pony Pop do the trick?” she asked after they’d started to eat.

He passed her the tossed salad. “I had to split it two ways, but they both seemed happy enough.”

“Next time give them their own packets and see what happens. I’ve got a ton of them in my rig. You’re welcome to help yourself to as many as you want to sweeten things up.”

“I’ll remember that. Thanks.”

Mills eyed both of them. “What are you two talking about?”

“Duchess was overjoyed to see your sister earlier. She gave me a Pony Pop and told me to feed it to Snapper. Maybe he’d be more excited to see me.”

Nikki could tell her brother was bewildered, but she was quite enjoying herself and continued to eat. “This dinner is delicious.”

“Thanks,” Toly said. The man didn’t sound happy and she couldn’t have been more thrilled. “Would you like a homemade biscuit?”

So he had done all the cooking. “Much as I’m tempted, I don’t dare. You cowboys don’t know how hard we cowgirls and rodeo queens have to work to watch our figures. After trying for so long year after year to stand out in order to be noticed, I’m afraid I’ll always be worrying about how I look. It’s kind of what we live for, you know? But this steak and salad were perfect for me and have hit the spot.”

Mills had stopped eating. He looked sick.

She smiled at Toly. “My congratulations to the cook who’s a team roper too. Imagine me thinking you only knew how to make coffee when we were at the ranch.”

Delighted to have delivered that last salvo, she pushed away from the table and got to her feet. “Now I’m afraid I have to go. Sorry I won’t be able to help you clean up, but I’m sure you understand I can’t be late for the photographers. This party is important because they’re setting up a special photo shoot that could open doors for me. You have no idea how eager I am to explore all my new possibilities. Good night, guys. Thanks again for inviting me.”

With her cheeks hot from being so worked up, Nikki reached for her purse and left the trailer. She hurried behind her rig and got in the rental car. On her way to the MGM, Nikki relived the last half hour in her mind and was shocked by the way she’d acted. It was like another person had emerged and taken over.

Obviously Toly’s conversation with her brother had gotten under her skin and tonight her anger had spilled over. She was incensed for all the women she’d competed with who loved the rodeo and wanted to enjoy every part and aspect of it.

The men who lived and died for the rodeo were no different. They just didn’t line up on stage and get chosen as the best or the worst by a committee. Toly Clayton had been strutting his stuff around the country for a long time. His huge fan base fed his ego and was his judge. Who was he to put labels on the women who loved the rodeo and found fulfillment in their own way?

But on the drive to the MGM Grand, her thoughts always came back to the Toly she’d gotten to know over the last year. That Toly had been so fun to talk to. Between rodeos, they’d come back to the ranch and sat around the table in the kitchen to eat after working out.

He was a fascinating conversationalist. They’d exchanged stories about what had gone on while they’d traveled the circuit. He knew everyone’s scores and who to watch. So did she. She’d loved the times when the three of them could be together and share their lives. Nikki had grown to look forward to every meeting with him.

But no longer...

She blinked away the tears threatening and pressed on the gas, anxious to get tonight over with.

Chapter Three (#uae922a2e-462b-58ef-b6f6-ecb169d4e5f1)

Toly could no longer enjoy his meal while he was trying to put two and two together.

Mills had stopped eating and threw his head back. “What in the hell was all that about? I could swear that wasn’t my sister who was eating dinner with us a few minutes ago.”

“I hate to say it, but I think I know.”

“Then you’re a prophet.”