Page 36 of Lady Luck's Kiss
CHARLIE
Charlotte was terribly excited. She’d not seen Jack for several days now and was sincerely glad about it. She was certain that if she’d spent time with him, she’d have blabbed all her plans and ruined everything. Tonight would go perfect or as close to it as possible.
The tickets had arrived in her nightdrop slot at the garage. It was like he was avoiding her as well. That was okay because she’d not take no for an answer. Let him think he was giving her space when, in fact, he was making it easier on her to plot out their future, including their engagement.
The rodeo behind the scenes was fascinating. She’d never realized there was so much detail put into cowboys riding a bull or a horse. As she watched Jack work, she realized that he and the other men looked like they were surrounded with piles of laundry. Gear was strewn everywhere. Boots, chaps, and saddles. They were checking condition and inspecting buckles and stitching to make sure it would hold. Jack explained that the last thing any man wanted was to be flung around by the bull and land on the ground, vulnerable.
“A horse will avoid stepping on you, a bull will run you down,” he muttered. “Sometimes, I think I need my head examined, but it’s addictive, too.” Charlie and Beth stared as the men talked and joked about where they’d been stepped on as they began taping themselves. Jack said it was in order to try to keep from getting injured or excessive wear when they were flung about. Seeing the scars first hand, tracing them with her fingers, she met his eyes.
“Can I help?” Charlie asked.
Beth perked up with a wide, devious smile - looking around.
“If she gets to help tape up his body, any of you boys want me to tape you? I’m game!” Beth called out eagerly.
Charlie was floored when Beth was beckoned over by a tall cowboy that had his shirt off in an attempt to bind his ribs. His tanned chest was mottled where he’d been bruised.
“Beth! Beth!” she whispered hotly, shocked at how bold her friend could be sometimes, and heard Jack laughing behind her.
“Let her have her fun. Scott’s actually a fairly good guy. She could do much worse in this group, honestly.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’d prefer we not have someone’s wife unloading on Beth because I think Beth would win.”
“Ahhhh gotcha. Scott is single, therefore safe?”
“Bingo - and he cannot afford to get kicked again. Nearly killed himself a few months ago.”
“What are they doing?” she asked, staring at several men that were laying across the top of the corrals. “Won’t they fall in?”
“Those guys are riding broncos. Right now they are tacking up their horses and prepping.”
“Do you have to do that?”
“Not tonight. Tonight, I’m bull riding again.”
“Do you like that?”
“I prefer it. They are both dangerous. But for me, it’s easier to focus on staying safe. Hooves or horns, I gotta get away. Both are easy to spot but sometimes it’s so fast, it’s tough and you just gotta go with instinct.”
“Why are you looking to hang up your spurs?”
“I’m one of the older guys and it’s taking a toll on me. I just don’t enjoy it as much as I once did. Sometimes I’m fine and other days everything hurts. I want to enjoy my downtime and spend it taking care of another pretty filly,” he said tenderly, stroking her cheek. Charlie blushed furiously at the double entendre.
“Maybe you’ll get to spend time with her soon enough,” she whispered, turning her head towards his hand and kissed the inside of his palm on the tape, leaving a red imprint. Just then the loudspeaker crackled above them. It was nearing time for the rodeo to start.
“Go take your seats and watch for me. I’ve got to finish stretching and I will be over shortly.”
Nodding, she was surprised to feel Beth take her arm from behind. Her heart hammered in her chest.
It was now or never!
Watchingthe performance unfurl ahead of her was completely different for Charlotte this time. This time, while there was excitement, there was also surging amounts of love that were barely contained within her. She’d never been more sure in her life of anything.
When she told Beth her plans, she’d jumped in wholeheartedly with only a raunchy enthusiasm that Beth could provide. She was amazing, even if she could make a sailor blush.That is part of what made her so lovable and enchanting, you never knew what would be coming out of her mouth.
Beth had really stepped up to the plate on this one for her and she’d owe her big time if this went off without a hitch. Their seats were very similar to what she’d had before, yet on the far opposite side of the arena. The corral was directly below them. She just hoped it was where Jack would be performing out of.
