The Cowboy and the Lady

By roberta tobeck

The Cowboy and the Lady is a contemporary romance set in eastern Oregon where Wade Rhodes owns a ranch called Rodeo Run. Wade supplies livestock to the summer rodeo circuit. The story begins in Reno, Nevada at the Reno Livestock Center where Wade is waiting for a relief driver for his stock truck. His usual driver went to the hospital with an appendicitis attack and will be out of commission for the summer. To Wade’s dismay the driver the company sends is Shanna Kelly--a woman.
Although Wade is attracted to the classy lady he is chauvinist enough to feel that a woman doesn’t belong in the ranching world and doesn’t hesitate to let Shanna know his feelings. Unfortunately, he needs her to drive his stock home. This starts the sparks flying in a humorous relationship that escalates into a summer sizzle.
Discovering she is to remain on the ranch all summer to drive the stock truck doesn’t make Shanna happy, but she thinks it will give her a chance to explore her unusual attraction to Wade despite her overwhelming fear of animals.
The one bright spot in her enforced stay in the country is Wade’s little motherless boy. Five year old Justin is a joy and she spends her spare time with him learning about the ranch and together they get into mischief, much to Wade’s dismay.
The housekeeper is a grumpy old ranch hand who can no longer work on the ranch after a knee injury so he is retired to the house. A job he is very inept at—he also hates housework. Not long after Shanna arrives the old man suffers a stroke, leaving no one to take care of Justin or do the housework. Shanna steps in to lend a hand, but Wade isn’t happy with the arrangement since it puts him in the position of relying more on Shanna. Much to his unease, it also shows him how well she could fit into his life. Wade has been burnt once and doesn’t want to take a chance on being hurt a second time. He has Justin to think about now.
When a storm threatens his much needed winter hay crop, Wade has no choice but to accept Shanna’s help. To add to his miseries, his younger brother, Cord, comes for a visit between competing at a local rodeo. Cord is a carefree ladies man and flirts with Shanna, making Wade jealous. With all of them working together they beat the storm but Wade is even more determined to fight his attraction for Shanna after seeing her with Cord.
Shanna gets a puppy for Justin on one of her runs to the rodeo which doesn’t set well with Wade. Not because he didn’t want Justin to have the puppy, but because Shanna was the one to think of getting his son a puppy. Shanna is thrilled that she could conquer her fear of animals even if the puppy was little.
Shanna and Wade share the miracle of birth when one of his horses foals, pulling them closer together as they wait for the birth. They confide in each other and Shanna is sure she is making progress with Wade.
The family attends a barn dance. Wade and Shanna go home early together and make love. The night of love drives Wade further away when he fears his feelings are getting out of hand. To add to the problem, Justin’s mother returns with a proposition that she be allowed to ‘borrow’ Justin for awhile so she can get her father’s inheritance.
Cord is severely injured during his bull riding event and Wade blames Shanna for distracting Cord during his ride. He is insulting with his accusations and tells her she needs to leave Rodeo Run. Cord changes Wade’s attitude toward Shanna. Despite her fear of the horses, Shanna rescues Justin from Wade’s prize stallion. Admitting his feelings for Shanna, Wade asks Shanna to forgive him and to stay on Rodeo Run with him and Justin.

• Language: English
• Publisher: roberta tobeck
• Release date: Aug 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9780972315135

Book preview

THE COWBOY AND THE LADY

By Roberta Tobeck

SMASHWORDS EDITION

Copyright © 2014 by Roberta Tobeck

Cover art by Norma Jean Shirley

ISBN 978-0-9723151-3-5

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events or persons, living or dead, are purely coincidental. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation.

Join Shanna Kelly and Wade Rhodes in

THE COWBOY AND THE LADY

and watch the sparks fly

The perfect mix for love and laughter

City girl – Country boy

The tone is set in this humorous tale about classy lady, Shanna Kelly locking horns with rodeo stock contractor, Wade Rhodes when he learns she is his replacement driver for the summer rodeo season. Emotions sizzle as hot as the east Oregon summer as the city lady’s love mends the rugged cowboy’s battered heart.

About the author:

Look for more works by Roberta Tobeck. She had been writing since 1990and has been an active member of Romance Writers of America and served as President of her local chapter. Other than writing as her favorite pastime so is reading and traveling. She and her husband make their home in the Pacific Northwest. She would enjoy hearing from her readers on her Facebook page or follow her on Twitter.

A special Thank You! to Tammy Dobson for all her help.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER ONE

Class. The word fit the lady perfectly. From the top of her black curls to the

soles of her high heeled sandals she reeked of class.

It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate a woman with class as much as the next man.—her kind just didn’t belong in a busy loading yard.

Wade Rhodes leaned against the stock fence, one booted foot resting on a bale of hay as he watched the gorgeous lady walk down the steps from the Reno Livestock Center and cross the straw littered grounds. Her expensive sandals stirring up little clouds of dust as she picked her way through the animal droppings as if she were walking through a flower garden.

He adjusted his Stetson, concealing his eyes in the deep shadow cast by the hat’s brim. Through narrowed eyes, he followed the lady’s progress across the yard . . . as did every other male within sight, he noticed. It was the last day of the Reno Rodeo and everywhere he looked, men were loading their trailers for transport.

What was the fool woman doing wandering around the loading yard dressed for an afternoon garden party? She stood out like a beacon on a clear night in the lemon yellow dress that appeared to float on the soft afternoon breeze. Thick black tresses shown like polished ebony in the bright June sun while bits of dangling gold glittered from her ears where they peeked out from beneath her wind-tossed curls.

A sudden gust of wind lifted her soft skirt exposing a splendid length of tanned leg for every man in the loading yard to leer at. Drawing his dark brows into a fierce frown, Wade pulled his gaze away from the exquisite picture the lady presented. Trouble, that’s what she was. And he didn’t need her kind of trouble—he had enough of his own.

Thankfully, the beautiful woman wasn’t his concern, Wade thought as he returned his attention to watching for the replacement driver who was going to haul his stock to the ranch. His regular driver, Fred Waters, had been taken to the hospital that morning for an emergency appendectomy. That left Wade without a driver to take his stock back to the ranch. Fred was going to be fine but he wouldn’t be driving for a few weeks. Not only did he need someone to drive the stock truck back to his ranch, but he needed someone to drive his stock to the shows already scheduled. The rodeo season was in full swing and he was contracted to the hilt.

He’d talked to the dispatcher at Kelly Trucking four hours ago and she’d said someone would be here by the time the rodeo ended.

Wade glanced at his watch. The rodeo had been over for half an hour and no driver yet. Letting his eyes scan the thinning crowd in the stock yard, his gaze came to rest on his stock trailer hooked up to the familiar burgundy Western Star semi with Kelly Trucking painted on the door in large silver lettering.

He wanted to be on the road. There was a three hour drive ahead of them. His stock was loaded and they’d be pushing it to get back to the ranch before dark as it was. He didn’t like having the stock cooped up in the trailer any longer than necessary either. Patrick Kelly had always been reliable in the past, so he wasn’t going to worry, yet. He’d give the replacement driver a little more time before he called the main office in Sacramento again.

Wade shifted his stance and absentmindedly rubbed the ache in his right thigh. He moved away from the fence. Standing around too long always caused the muscles to knot up.

His thigh was soon forgotten when he noticed the lady in the yellow dress standing next to his stock trailer talking to Bob Hayes, his hired hand. By the stunned look on the young cowboy’s face, she had him completely caught in her seductive web—a feeling he knew all too well.

The kid looked around the yard as if he wanted to bolt down the nearest prairie dog hole. A frown darkened Wade’s face when he saw the relief on the lanky cowboy’s features as he approached.

Wade watched the lady turn to search the crowd to see what had distracted her adoring audience’s attention. Her large violet eyes came to rest on him with enough potency to stop a stampede. And for one second that power caused him to pause, until he remembered what her kind of woman could do to a man.

Is there a problem, Bob? Wade asked. God, she was even more beautiful up close, he thought as he pointedly kept his eyes on the young man.

Um-no problem, Boss, Bob stuttered, shifting from one foot to another. The agitated cowboy shot quick glances from Wade to the lady at his side.

Wade watched Bob’s unusual behavior and scowled. The kid wasn’t that high-strung before he mounted one of the broncs at the ranch. Bob had worked for him for years and he had proven to be a good, dependable worker. Not the type to be taken in by a beautiful woman. Although, he’d have to admit, this woman packed a powerful punch. Even he hadn’t been immune to her allure.

Has the driver shown up yet? Wade asked, giving his young hand a sharp look.

Uh-you might say that.

What’s the matter with you, Bob? You’re behaving like a calf at branding time. Wade swept the yard with another quick scan before letting his gaze rest on the woman standing at his side. What did she want? He wondered.

"More to the point, why didn’t he just ask her?" he mentally asked himself.

Uh-Boss-uh-this is Shanna Kelly. Bob managed with great difficulty, which earned him another sharp look from his boss.

Nice to meet you, Wade offered in an off-handed fashion that was meant more as a dismissal than a greeting.

When the lady didn’t answer, but continued to stand by his side, watching him with those fathomless violet eyes, Wade felt a curl of tension creep up his spine. Kelly? No, the name couldn’t have anything to do with his replacement driver.

Very carefully, as if moving too fast would break something vital, Wade turned his full attention toward Ms. Kelly. Does the name, Kelly, have something to do with my request for another driver?

Once he looked into her face, he seemed to lack the strength to look away. Her large violet eyes, surrounded with dark lashes, dominated her delicate face. Her full lips had a sultry look about them, as if they were waiting for a lover’s kiss. He angrily suppresses the overwhelming urge to taste their softness. The flawlessness of her creamy complexion was enhanced by the riot of thick, dark curls that formed a halo around her head. He caught himself before he let his eyes wander lower. If her body was anything like the perfection of her long legs, he’d be better off keeping his eyes on her face and away from temptation.

My being a Kelly has everything to do with your replacement driver, Shanna answered in a husky voice that flowed over Wade like the bubbling water in his hot tub at the ranch.

In what capacity? He managed to ask as he felt the fingers of tension grip his neck tighter.

I am your replacement driver, Mr. Rhodes.

Wade hadn’t felt so stunned since he’d been kicked in the stomach by a rouge bronc his last year on the circuit. There had to be a mistake. He wasn’t about to trust his expensive stock to some bit of fluff who didn’t even reach his chin. She probably didn’t know the first thing about driving an eight ton semi pulling a full load of cattle.

Forcing his intense gaze away from the alluring woman, Wade turned back to

Bob as if he would have the answer he sought. Bob’s helpless shrug as he turned and headed toward the back of the trailer told him there was no help to be gained from that quarter.

Turning back to Ms. Kelly, he snapped, What the hell was Patrick thinking, sending you to fill in for Fred? He drew his brows together in an angry frown, making no attempt to hide his displeasure at her presence. He’d get in touch with Patrick personally, instead of the empty headed female at Kelly Trucking who’d sent him a Miss America candidate rather than the driver he’d requested.

My father didn’t send me. I sent myself, she stated as if reading his mind.

Her husky voice was a smooth as wild honey but her fine, arched eyebrows were drawn together in a frown. Evidently, she wasn’t too pleased with his criticism of her father. Well, he didn’t give a damn if she was displeased with him, he mentally growled, he was none too happy with her either.

I specifically told that bubble-head on the phone to send me a driver qualified to handle a loaded stock truck. So, Ms. Kelly, what the hell are you doing here? His harsh voice ripped out the words impatiently as his hooded eyes watched her like a hawk seeking prey while he waited for her reply.

He watched in fascination as she raised her head and met his anger with and icy glare-eye to eye. His frown deepened when he realized she wasn’t the least bit intimidated by his obvious fury.

Mr. Rhodes, that bubble-head you’re referring to is my sister-in-law. And for your information, your requirements are met, or I wouldn’t be here.

Are you telling me you’re the best your father has to offer? Distain dripped from his words. He was granted a small measure of satisfaction when her thick lashes flew upward, revealing her unusual violet eyes had turned a cold midnight purple.

My father is dead, Mr. Rhodes. I would appreciate it if you would use a little more respect when referring to him.

Patrick Kelly was dead? The news froze him on the spot. Hell, I didn’t know, Wade muttered pulling his had from his head and tunneling his fingers through his dark brown hair, feeling like an ass.

It was heard to believe that Patrick was dead. Rodeo Run’s first load of stock had been hauled by Kelly Trucking four years ago. And Patrick had been the driver that first season. They’d had some good times that summer. Wade had had a lot of respect for the big brash Irishman.

Wade slapped his hat back on his head and drew a slow, deep breath. I’m sorry to hear about your father. He pulled his hat low over his eyes, blocking the view of Ms. Kelly and her expressive eyes. I didn’t mean any disrespect before…about your father, I mean. He was a fine man.

The tense moment was interrupted by a sudden ruckus inside the stock trailer accompanied by a barrage of fowl language followed immediately by someone shouting his name.

A stocky, bow-legged cowboy rounded the end of the trailer.

Boss! Turbo’s caught the scent of a hot filly. If we don’t that son-of-a-bit… Noticing the lady standing at Wade’s side, the grizzled old cowhand’s face turned red. Sorry, ma’am, he apologized around a wad tucked in his whiskered cheek as he tugged on his hat brim. There’s not going to be much left of that stall, he mumbled before high-tailing toward the end of the trailer.

Damn! If Turbo wasn’t his best bronc and he had big plans for the testy stallion, he’d get rid of him and save himself a lot of headaches. Even with the special care Turbo received, the high strung bronc was going to end up hurting himself one day and he’d have to be put down.

I’ll be right there, Buck, Wade assured the hand before turning back in time to see Ms. Kelly toss a case into the cab then reach up and grab the handle on the muffler shroud. With practiced ease, she placed on sandaled foot on the bottom step, pulling her slim body taut. With her other foot still on the ground a generous amount of tanned leg was displayed before she hoisted herself up and disappeared into the cab of the truck in a flurry of sunshine yellow skirts, the door closing soundly behind her.

With his eyes fixed on the closed cab door, Wade rubbed the tight muscles at the back of his neck. He’d been right. She not only had gorgeous legs, but she had a killer body to go with them. And that spelt trouble in capitol letters in his book.

The fates must be laughing their heads off right about now. Wade muttered under his breath and then followed the statement with a string of profanity that did nothing to ease the mounting dread gripping his gut.

Turning on his heal, he went to tackle the troublesome stallion. Ms. Kelly could wait, Turbo couldn’t

Shanna sent her sandal sailing into the air to land with a thud on the rumpled bed in the walk-in sleeper. The second sandal quickly follow suit.

Where does that hayseed get off telling me I’m not capable of hauling his precious cows? Shanna fumed as she yanked the zipper on her dress down then hastily slipped it off her shoulders. She let the dress fall in a heap around her feet were a swift kick of her bare foot sent the fashionable garment sailing through the air to land in a bright yellow heap on top of her sandals.\

Rummaging around in her bag, Shanna pulled out a pair of jeans and yanked them up her slim legs before reaching back inside the bag for a shirt. Quickly buttoning the peach shirt, she let the tails hang while she sat on the bunk and slipped socks and jogging shoes on her bare feet.

Standing in the cramped sleeper section of the semi, Shanna tucked her shirt tails into her snug jeans. The zipper hissed in the silent sleeper as she wrenched the jeans closed. With quick, jerky movements, she shook out the discarded dress, deftly folding it into a small bundle before dropping it into the open case. The sandals landed on top as the case was snapped shut.

Shanna slid onto the driver’s seat and looked out the open window. The yard was a hive of activity as men, all dressed in the uniform of jeans, boots, and cowboy hats, loaded trailers with cattle of all shapes and sizes. She’d get even with her sister-in-law for railroading her into taking this load. Laura knew she couldn’t stand being around an animal larger than a gold fish. So what was she doing sitting in the middle of a heard of cows while putting up with a thick-headed male chauvinist from the last century.

A gust of wind whipped up a cloud of dust and carried it across the yard. Along with the dirt came the pungent odor of animals and their dirty work. She looked down at her snow white shoes and shuddered. She wouldn’t get out in the dirty yard if she didn’t have to check the rig. She’d just have to stay close to the truck to ensure she didn’t step into anything she didn’t want to analyze too closely.

Shanna could hear raised voices from the back of the trailer. She smiled to herself thinking the arrogant cowboy deserved whatever problem had his spouting words she’d never heard truckers use.

She quickly wiped the smile off her face when she saw the object of her humor in the rear view mirror as he rounded the trailer’s open tailgate. His stormy expression effectively dampened her amusement.

She swung the door open and grabbled hold of the handle mounted on the side of the cab and dropped to the ground in one graceful swing. Landing beside the truck, her shoes sent up little puffs of dust that upon resettling turned her pristine shoes a dull brown.

Rhodes stood at the end of the trailer, his deep voice rumbled as he delivered a sharp command to some unseen person before he noticed her standing beside the cab.

As she watched him amble toward her, his easy stride masked the slight limp she’s noticed earlier. With each step of his worn boots on the hard packed ground, the muscles in his broad shoulders flexes until the seams of his light blue western shirt strained to their limit. He reminded her of one of those rugged heroes from the Louis L’Amore westerns her father used to read; bold and dangerous.

A strange awareness curled through her a she followed the row of pearl snaps down the front of his shirt until they disappeared beneath a large silver buckle. The oversized buckle underscored the skin tight blue jeans that hugged his lean hips and muscular thighs with each step. The raw masculinity he displayed was enough to draw any woman’s attention and judging by her increased heart rate, she wasn’t immune to his rough virility.

The brim of his grey hat concealed his eyes, but she could see them glitter out of the deep shadow as tension knotted his darkly tanned jaw. The anger she could see on his face added a hint of danger to his rough good looks.

This thought caught her by surprise. She’d been fascinated when she’d first seen him walking through the crowd, but his determination to have her replaced with his idea of a more proficient driver had her rethinking her attraction. Although his obvious hostility toward her as a replacement for Fred smacked of male chauvinism, she still had to admit he was the perfect male specimen, in a primitive sort of way. She didn’t know what there was about him that had her panting like a foolish adolescent.

She openly studied him as he walked toward her. There had to be something more than broad shoulders and flexing muscles that caught and held her attention.

His height was impressive. There were few men who towered over her as he did. He carried himself with an air of self-confidence that was blatantly obvious, but she knew many confident and successful men. She’d seen his deep-set eyes earlier and knew they were the luxurious blue of sapphires. As he stalked closer, like a panther on the prowl, she could see the tension tighten his solid jaw and the dark scowl that pulled his firm mouth into a tight line.

Shanna suspected there were few men, or women for that matter, he’d allow the upper hand. For some reason that thought sent a tingle of foreboding up her spine.

Shaking off the ridiculous feeling, she moved toward the rear of the tractor. "If the animals are settled, I’ll be on my way as soon as I’m sure everything is secure.

Reaching up to insure the pigtail was plugged in and the3 air hoses were connected, Shanna was brought to a halt when a large hand wrapped around her arm. What we need to do is phone your office about another driver.

Jerking her arm out his hold, she turned on Rhodes. She’d had just about enough of his insinuations about her lack of qualifications as a driver.

Tell me Rhodes, is it just me, or is it the fact that I’m female that has you so bent on getting a different driver?

Shanna was fighting to keep her temper in check. All it would take would be one more comment from Rhodes to send it flying.

I have nothing against you, or women drivers, but—

Good. She interrupted him. Now that we have that settled, do you think you could step aside so I could finish checking the hook-up before I start out? Shanna pleasantly asked, assuming everything was cleared up.

Lady, there’s no way in hell you are going to drive my truck.

Rhodes’ tersely spoken words effectively halted Shanna while she attempted to count to ten. She succeeded in reaching five before she gave up. "Correction Rhodes, my truck!" Spinning on her heel, she reached out and grabbed the pigtail.

What the hell do you think you’re doing? Rhodes snapped, reaching for her arm again.

"I’m taking my truck and heading home. Shanna avoided the hand reaching for her again. Get out of the way!"

Look you don’t have to do that. We can work something out.

The only thing you have to work out, Rhodes, is where you’ll be getting a driver because it certainly will not be from Kelly Trucking.

Damn it woman, I need that truck! Wade yelled. His raised voice earned him a stern look from frosty violet eyes.

Hell, nothing was going right today, Wade thought as he jerked his hat off and shoved his fingers through his hair, further rumpling the dark strands. I’m sorry, he said with exaggerated patience. But I can’t keep these horses waiting around much longer. Turbo is strung tight as a belly cinch as it and he’s bound to injure himself if he stays cooped up in the trailer much longer.

If he weren’t careful, he thought, she would take her truck and leave him high and dry without a truck or a driver. He’d play hell trying to search out another driver this late in the day. And all the while he was busting his butt to find this mythical truck and driver his stock would be locked inside the trailer.

Gripping his hat in his fist, Wade ran his other hand around the back of his neck to ease the knotted muscles that were responsible for the fierce pounding in his head. Forcing his tight muscles to relax, he looked over the rapidly empting loading yard.

Leaning against an open stall door, a young rodeo contestant talked to one of the banner carriers he’d seen performing in the opening parade each day all week. The young man had shoved his hat back on his head so he could get a better look at the girl sitting on her prancing horse.

Wade could almost hear the randy young buck attempting to overwhelm the pretty girl with his skill in the arena. Judging by the large silver buckle on his belt, the cowboy had won an event at one time and was using his trophy to impress the girl right out of the saddle and into his bed. He felt a smile tug at his mouth, the buckle worked more often than not, if he remembered his earlier days on the rodeo circuit right.

Reluctantly, he returned his gaze back to Ms. Kelly. She’d changed her clothes. Gone was the fancy yellow dress. She was dressed more for the role of a truck driver, but she still looked like she just stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine.

He’d hazard a guess that her dress was pure silk and cost a tidy sum. Her figure hugging jeans were showroom new, as were her brand name white shoes. The outfit was workable but hardly the daily wear of your run-of-the-mill truck driver. Not that slim, five and a half foot Shanna Kelly would ever be mistaken for a truck driver, run-of-the-mill or otherwise.

Calling himself all kinds of a fool for letting the women get to him, Wade attempted to regain control of his irrational behavior. He needed her truck, and of course, he needed her to drive the big rig.

Seeing no other course open, Wade reluctantly backed down. I apologize, Ms. Kelly. My only excuse is my concern for my stock. So if you will accept my apology we can start for the ranch. Casting a quick look at the sky, he added with a frown, Maybe we can still get there and unload before dark.

Shanna shot him a sharp look. As far as apologies went Rhode’s was at the bottom of the list. He looked more annoyed than remorseful and his shabby attempt at an apology didn’t escape her. She shook her head, instinctively knowing that the grudgingly delivered words were the best she could expect. Wade Rhodes didn’t look like a man that apologized often, if ever.

Shanna arched her dark brow in question when the rest of his statement finally sank in. You intend to ride in the truck? So he still didn’t trust her with his stock.

I always ride with my stock. And since Buck and Bob will take the pickup, I ride with you.

He was back at autocratic again. Okay, Rhodes, let’s get this show on the road. Shanna turned back to her pre-trip check muttering under her breath the merits of making a quick delivery and heading home.

Maneuvering the big truck and heavy trailer through the busy traffic around the Reno Livestock and Event Center, Shanna was grateful that her passenger chose to keep blessedly quiet. A few short block and they were on the highway leading out of Reno and into the northern California hills.

The truck picked up a good running speed as the traffic thinned and with less distraction, Shanna became aware of the long legs that stretched into her line of vision in the roomy cab.

She followed the denim clad legs upward until she came to where long brown fingers were loosely entwined over a large silver buckle. Shanna felt her pulse rate increase as she quickly snapped her attention back to the road ahead and occupied her thoughts by concentrating on her driving.

Both sides of the road were barren of houses and trees, giving her little to hold her wandering thoughts. Before she had gone many more miles, she found her eyes wandering back to where her passenger was sprawled in the neighboring seat.

This time she let her glance wander the length of the lean body until she reached his sun bronzed face. His lips were full and sensuous, now that they weren’t pulled tight with anger, and his strong chin didn’t seem as hard. He had his hat pulled down over his eyes and looked to be sleeping until Shanna saw the glitter of his dark eyes from under the brim of his grey hat.

Feeling her cheeks heat, she jerked her head back toward the highway and vowed to keep her eyes off her passenger until she delivered her load and could head back home.

The silence in the cab unnerved her. Tingles chased themselves up and down her spine at the thought that he might be watching her from under the shelter of his hat brim. Without turning, all she could see were his long legs. She didn’t want to chance looking in Rhodes’ directions again but the silence was making her jittery. If she were by herself, she wouldn’t mind, but with someone watching her and not saying anything, tension was growing. Seeing his strong legs stretched out, she remembered his earlier limp.

Did you win? she asked, breaking the silence.

Win what?

Win whatever it is you ride those wild horses and bulls for.

Turbo did.

The simple answer drew her attention away from the monotonous road. What do you mean, Turbo did? He’s a horse.

At Wade’s affirmative nod, she responded with an unladylike snort before she turned back to the road. Sure, he just went out there and ran around the ring all by himself and won. She shot a superior look at her passenger. I may not know much about rodeos, Rhodes, but I believe it’s the rider who does the winning.

The long legs left her line of vision drawing her regard against her will. She watched as Wade pushed his hat back with his knuckles, reveling deep blue eyes filled with humor. His obvious amusement softened his features, holding her spellbound.

‘Keep your eyes on the road, Kelly.

The quick admonishment effectively snapped her out of her trance. She returned her attention to the road.

My name is Wade, Shanna. No since being so formal.

She met the order with tense silence but felt and odd stirring at the sound of her name in his slow drawl. Her reaction to the tall cowboy was a puzzle she would have to save until later to analyze as Wade’s deep voice continued.

The rider isn’t the only winner in a rodeo. A good bucking horse, or bull, can make points just like the rider. If he gives the rider a good showing, the horse wins too. Turbo is the best there is. He’s stacked up some impressive points this season. And it’s an arena, not a ring.

Wade’s explanation met with a doubtful look from Shanna whose chagrin at being caught staring was forgotten. Wade simply pulled his hat down over his eyes and resumed his previous position and continued to ignore her.

Wait a minute! Shanna cried, pausing while a fast moving vehicle sped past the long rig on the narrow road. As the car disappeared down the road she returned to the subject of horses winning rodeos. Just what does a horse, or bull, win?

Wade didn’t bother to sit up or lift his hat, but Shanna could see the corner of his lip lift as he said, A silver buckle.

Shanna shot a quick look at the large buckle covering Wade’s taut stomach. The answer was so preposterous she was sure she hadn’t heard correctly. What on earth would a horse do with a buckle?" Then she remembered the slight lifting of his lips and knew he was pulling her leg.

Reviews for The Cowboy and the Lady

[horacespatoot · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Morrison and Boyd is *the* classic in my generation. I don't even keep one in my office, because every colleague has a copy that I can borrow.

[jamie638 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the definitive college textbook of organic chemistry, used by most schools around the country. I graduated from college in 1973 and still remember using this book which I found to be highly informative and instructive (I got an A in the course).