Love & Rodeo

By Paisley Cruz

Kallie Davis has barrel raced her entire life up until six months ago when both of her parents were killed in a car accident on their way to watch her win her first world title. With an outstanding invitation to rejoin the circuit, she’s determined to win enough money to adopt her younger sister and get on with her life. She returns, haunted with memories and dreams of her parents that just won’t seem to go away. Running away from it all, she runs right into Levi Cavanaugh, and for the first time, the bad memories are chased away.

Levi Cavanaugh just got his ticket to the big times as a rookie bull rider, and he planned on spending most of his time partying—until he meets Kallie Davis. She’s sexy and a completely different breed. Now all he wants to do is party with her. He knows she has a past and can’t help but want to protect her from it.

Levi and Kallie pair up with one another exploring boundaries and living life, each week falling more in love. With the world championships just around the corner, Kallie has to choose between love or the only family she has left.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Jan 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781910397664

Paisley Cruz

Paisley Cruz grew up in the suburbs of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ever since she could remember, her imagination has taken her on amazing adventures. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine she’d end up an author. As a single mother of two little boys, her time mostly consists of new adventures daily. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, binge watching Netflix or just exploring Cincinnati. It’s amazing what you’ll find if you just search. Beauty is everywhere, sometimes you just have to look hard to see it Paisley’s works range from Western to Contemporary with a country music twist. She enjoys creating and bringing her characters to life, completely immersing herself in their world. Whether it’s perfecting a mannerism or creating the perfect scene, she’s completely engrossed in the task of making her characters her own and memorable. Look for more creative writing from Paisley in the future.

Book preview

Chapter One

New to the rodeo circuit this week is Levi Cavanaugh! Levi’s in from Tulsa and making his debut with the National Bull Riders Association tonight. Please give him a warm welcome! the announcer called into the stands.

Levi’s heart thumped in his chest with excitement as the crowd roared. It was unlike anything he’d ever been a part of.

His best friend, Travis bumped his shoulder as he yelled over the noise of the crowd. This is it. You’ve reached the big times!

The announcer introduced a few more riders and then moved on to the barrel racers. Unlike the bull riders, the girls came out on horses and circled the arena as they were announced. Levi watched as Travis’s girlfriend, Cassidy rode by. Right behind her was a girl with long, brown wavy hair flowing behind her. Everything slowed down as he looked up into her green eyes, and in that moment he felt something pass between them. He flashed her his best smile while she cantered on, but couldn’t take his eyes off her or the way her body rocked in the saddle as she rode.

Soon, the opening ceremony was complete and it was time to ready himself to ride the bull he’d chosen—Mad Man. Levi was third to go and while he should’ve been focusing on his ride, his thoughts kept going back to her. He waited by the chute and when it was his turn, he climbed onto the black bull’s back. Once his rope was tight, he nodded to the gatekeeper and it flew open. Mad Man was off. He bucked hard to the left and then moved to the right, but Levi hung on. One last hard buck and the eight-second horn sounded. He jumped from the bull quickly, found his way to the fence, and climbed out of harms way.

Eighty-one is the score for Levi Cavanaugh. Not bad for a rookie rider.

A few of his fellow riders patted him on the back as he waited for the other fifteen to ride. Travis was bucked off immediately, but two other riders managed to stay on. The whole experience was exciting for Levi. He’d been to plenty of rodeos and ridden in his fair share, but there was nothing that beat the big times. The bright lights and roar of the crowd gave him a rush unlike anything he’d felt before. He was addicted already.

While they readied for the second round, the barrel racers ran. Levi and Travis found a spot by the chute where the girls entered the arena. They watched each girl run until it was Travis’s girlfriend, Cassidy’s turn. She ran and knocked the second barrel. After Cassidy, was Kallie Davis. He immediately recognized her as the girl from the arena earlier. He’d never forget those hips. She ran a perfect pattern and had the fastest time.

16.495! That’s the time you’re chasing, ladies! Welcome back, Kallie!

Levi smiled to himself. She was gorgeous and an amazing rider to boot. A few minutes later, they announced Kallie as the winner. Before long, it was his turn to ride again. This time he made the eight seconds, but his score wasn’t high enough to win. Even placed second, he still brought home a little money. After his ride, he headed to the earnings window. He waited in line, right behind Kallie Davis.

Kallie? Levi asked.

She turned to look at him. I’m sorry, do I know you? she asked as she looked up at him with those green eyes from under her cowgirl hat.

He extended his hand. No. I’m Levi Cavanaugh. I’m new to the circuit.

She offered a polite smile. Well, it’s nice to meet you, Levi.

She started to turn back around.

Congratulations—first—that’s exciting, Levi added, not ready for the conversation to end.

She nodded.

I placed second. Levi shoved his hands into his pockets.

Congratulations! she told him sincerely.

There was only one person in front of her now.

Thanks! My buddy Travis and his girlfriend Cassidy are going out to celebrate with me. You should come with us, Levi said, kicking at the dirt on the ground. He was usually better at this. Normally he didn’t care if the girl told him no, but something about her enticed him.

Thanks, but I already have plans.

Oh! You have a boyfriend?

She laughed a little and his heart warmed. No. I don’t have a boyfriend.

So then what’re you doing?

Not that it’s any of your business, but I have to take care of my horse.

Well, if you get done taking care of your horse, we’ll be at Tequila Rose, across the street. He smiled at her.

It was Kallie’s turn at the window now. He watched as she collected her earnings and hurried off toward the barn. His eyes never left the sway of her hips, and the way her long wavy hair flowed down her back. Levi collected his earnings and was met by Cassidy and Travis.

Were you just talking to Kallie Davis? Cassidy asked.

Yeah. Yeah I was.

I wouldn’t go there, Levi, Cassidy warned him.

Why? What’s her story?

Last year she won World. I mean she did it. We all hope that someday we’ll win the championship where all the best barrel racers come together to compete, but she did it and she won. Anyway, after her winning run, she found out her parents were killed in an accident. She’s just now coming back, and the word is that she’d kind of lost her marbles.

Levi frowned, and all of a sudden he understood why she was reluctant to hang out with them.

Yeah, plus she acts like she’s better than everyone else.

Oh, well I invited her tonight.

Don’t be surprised if she doesn’t show. Cassidy touched his arm.

Let’s get out of here, Travis said, and they started for the bar.

He wasn’t sure how he felt about the way Cassidy had run Kallie down, and he had to fight off a strong urge to protect Kallie from her.

* * * *

Kallie took care of Blaze before she headed back to her horse trailer to bed down for the night. She readied herself for bed and just before she lay down, she decided to call her Grams to check on her and her younger sister, Nora.

Hey, Grams!

Kallie dear? Is that you?

Yeah, Grams.

Well, how was the rodeo? Did you place?

I won.

Great, dear. That’s great.

Yeah. I’m going to send some money home to help with Nora.

That’s your money. I have plenty.

But, Grams—

Don’t you do that, Kallie Renee Davis. Nora and I are fine.

Okay, Grams. Is she around?

She’s out with a friend from school. Can I have her call you in the morning?

Of course. Well, I’m going to head to bed. I love you, and give Nora a kiss for me.

Love you too, dear.

Kallie hung up the phone and climbed into bed. It was her first night back on the circuit and she didn’t miss sleeping in a horse trailer, but at least this time the horse trailer was a little fancier. She pulled her knees to her chest and hugged them as memories of last year’s world championship flooded her memory, as they did almost every night. She closed her eyes as she remembered her winning run.

That day should have been the best day of her life, but it quickly turned into one of the worst, as the state highway patrolman walked toward her with Carla Evans, President of the barrel racing portion of the rodeo.

Carla?

Carla offered a weak smile and then a tear escaped her eye.

What’s going on?

Kallie looked at the patrolman for an answer. When their eyes met, Kallie understood why Carla was crying and why the patrolman was with her.

Where’s my Mom and Dad?

Kallie had looked behind them, but something told her they would never get to see her in the winner circle.

Miss Davis, I’m afraid I have some bad news. Is there some place we can go that is a little more private?

I’ll take Blaze, Carla told her.

She shook her head as a tear escaped. She quickly wiped it away.

Tell me, she insisted.

I think we should go some place a little more private, he said again.

"Tell Me!" Kallie had yelled this time, and everyone quieted. She could feel their eyes on her, but she didn’t care. She had to know what he came to tell her.

He exhaled, looked at her and delivered the blow. Your parents were involved in a head-on collision tonight.

She watched his Adam’s apple bob. I’m afraid they didn’t make it.

A cry bellowed from deep inside her tiny body. As she fell to her knees, her whole world came crashing down around her. The two people who taught her to love barrel racing were no longer in this world. Her heart raced and ached, all at the same time. She clutched her hands to her heart to hold it together as it broke into pieces.

Kallie snapped her eyes open. She had to get out of the trailer and away from her memories.

Chapter Two

Kallie turned on the light and pulled on a pair of her tightest jeans. She found a tank top and slipped on her boots. She grabbed some cash and her ID before she locked up the trailer and started walking. It didn’t matter where she went. All that mattered was she got out of there and away from her thoughts.

After a few minutes of walking, she realized that she was heading toward Tequila Rose. She looked behind her, as if her memories were chasing her, begging her to remember, but she didn’t want to. She wanted to forget about that and try to move on. She was so tired of hurting. She wanted to feel again. She wanted to feel alive, instead of feeling like the zombie she’d become since her parents died.

She was close to the bar now. She started to jog until she reached the front door. The bouncer asked to see her ID. She pulled it from her back pocket and showed it to him. After receiving a wristband, he opened the door allowing loud country music to spill from the bar. She walked inside, leaving her memories at the door.

Kallie looked around at the crowd. There were cowboys and cowgirls line dancing on the dance floor, and all kinds of people sitting around at tables, while a few servers walked to and fro. She turned her attention toward the bar which was lined with patrons. Most were faces she recognized from the circuit. She smiled when Luke’s eyes met hers. Luke was Kallie’s ex-boyfriend, and while the breakup came at the worse time, they remained friends. She watched as he walked up to her.

Hey you! Kallie said as he pulled her in for a hug.

Congrats by the way, Luke said as he backed away.

Thanks.

It’s like you haven’t been gone for the last six months.

She smiled. No?

I can’t believe you’re actually in a bar. Luke smiled.

Kallie laughed. I wasn’t ready for bed yet.

Well, all the guys are at the bar. Come on, I’ll buy you a beer.

She felt Luke’s hand at the small of her back as he guided her toward the bar. She took a seat and watched as Luke got the bartender’s attention. He ordered and then stood beside her.

So how have you been?

Okay, I guess. The ranch is gone. Nora and I have been staying with Grams in Houston. When we’re there, Blaze stays at a boarding facility. It’s pretty nice.

I’m sorry. Luke frowned.

She winced at those words. Let’s not talk about that.

She knew where he was going with the conversation. She came to the bar to get away from those thoughts, not relive them.

The bartender returned with the beer and Kallie started to pull out her money.

I got it. She watched as Luke handed the bartender a ten and told him to keep the change.

You didn’t have to do that, Kallie told him.

I know. I wanted to. Luke smiled at her again.

It was the kind of smile that should have set the butterflies off in her stomach, but it didn’t.

Thank you.

So what do you want to talk about? Luke asked as he took a drink of his beer.

Kallie did the same. Let’s talk about your ride tonight.

I got the highest score. Hopefully I can keep this up.

Well, you were amazing, Kallie told him.

She’d always enjoyed watching Luke ride, or any bull rider really. She didn’t understand their fascination with getting atop a bull and riding it for eight seconds, but their fascination alone was enough to pull her in.

You watched? His eyes met hers and it was clear he still wanted her.

I’ll always watch you ride. That’s a habit I’ll never be able to break. Kallie smiled as she took another drink of her beer.

About that time, the guy from the earnings line walked up. You came! He called to her over the noise.

Kallie turned toward him. I did. She offered him a smile.

Well, we’re sitting over here. What are you doing up here?

Just visiting with an old friend.

Kallie looked at Luke. He was glaring at the guy.

Hi. You’re Luke Abbot, right?

He extended his hand toward Luke.

Luke looked at his hand and eventually took it. Yeah, and you are?

Levi Cavanaugh. It’s nice to meet you. I’ve been following your riding the last year or so.

Levi? You’re the rookie rider just joining us. Nice ride tonight.

Yeah. Second’s not bad.

Kallie looked over Levi. He was tall—very tall. He towered over her, his dark hair tucked under his cowboy hat. He had stubble on his face and his eyes were clear blue, uncharacteristic of his dark complexion. He was handsome, and when he looked at Kallie, something inside stirred a little.

Kallie took a long drink from her bottle. The beer was going down too smooth tonight. She should have been worried about that, but she was too busy watching Levi.

Hey, Luke! she heard one of the guys from down the bar yell to him.

He looked up and mouthed one minute before saying, It was nice catching up with you. I guess I’ll be seeing you around. Luke leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

She smiled and watched as he walked away before she turned her attention to Levi.

Are you ready for another? Levi asked.

Sure, but you don’t have to buy.

Levi laughed. I don’t know where you’re from, but in Tulsa, a lady never buys her own drink.

She smiled and shook her head while he got the bartender’s attention.

You drinking Bud?

Yep.

He smiled at her as the bartender approached them. Two of these, he told him.

Levi pulled out his wallet and paid the man. She waited while he tucked it away and turned to her.

I don’t know what it is about a girl who drinks beer, but it’s sexy as hell.

Really? Kallie asked as she drank the rest of her previous beer.

He smiled at her and her stomach danced. The bartender handed them their beers, and when Kallie slid down off of the barstool she inadvertently took a step closer. Her heart raced as his hand went to her hip to steady her, and a flush of heat ran across her face.

I’m sorry, I thought there was more room.

It’s fine. Are you okay?

She nodded as his eyes pierced hers, and for a second it seemed impossible to take her gaze away from his. He smiled at her and she smiled back.

All right. This way.

She followed him through the crowd until they were at a table across from the small bar. He pulled an empty chair beside his and waited for her to sit down before he followed suit.

Uh, Kallie, this is my best friend, Travis and his girlfriend, Cassidy Cole.

I remember you from last year, Kallie said.

Yeah, I remember you too. Glad you’re back. Cassidy smiled.

It was clear, Cassidy was not happy she was back, despite the words that came from her mouth. Kallie was her competition, and when she was winning, Cassidy wasn’t. It made a person bitter and hard to befriend. That was really why Kallie stuck to herself. She knew what the girls said behind her back last year when she was on the circuit. They were mean and nasty. Those were the same girls who came to her parents’ funeral, and cried as if they had known them—the same girls who hugged her and apologized. How could a person be so mean and cruel one minute, and hugging you the next? It wasn’t right, and Kallie wanted no part of it.

They didn’t think you’d come, Levi announced.

Kallie looked at the two of them.

Well, I mean you never came out to the bar with any of us before.

Kallie smiled and looked down at her hands. She felt Levi’s hand rest on the back of the chair. She exhaled. Yeah. I was busy studying between rodeos. That’s why I never came out.

Studying? Levi asked.

Um, I was in a Vet Tech program back in Texas.

Oh, that’s nice. Did you finish?

It was clear Levi didn’t know what Travis and Cassidy knew. The two of them looked at her with sympathy in their eyes. It was what she came to the bar to avoid, and now it was staring her in the face.

What am I doing here?

We’re going to dance, Travis said as he took Cassidy’s hand and started for the dance floor.

Kallie