Kayla's Cowboy

By Nancy M. Bell

Kayla Dunbarton is in Las Vegas at the National Finals Rodeo for the sole purpose of promoting the sport of Dressage. She has no intention of getting mixed up with champion bull rider Rob Chetwynd. But circumstances conspire to throw them together and the sexy cowboy’s mix of ruggedness and vulnerability combine to slide past her carefully constructed defenses.

Still smarting from a broken romance with a well to do fellow competitor, Kayla wants no part of a romantic entanglement with a rodeo man she’s never going to see after Las Vegas. A spiteful move by another dressage competitor who is sponsored by the same group as Kayla throws a wrench into things.

One ill-advised action, captured on film, threatens to ruin Kayla’s reputation, and could result in the loss of her sponsorship. Rob Chetwynd provides the answer to her dilemma, but is it a risk she’s willing to take with her heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9780228623465

Nancy M. Bell

Nancy M Bell is a proud Albertan and Canadian. She lives near Balzac, Alberta with her husband and various critters. She works with and fosters rescue animals. Nancy is a member of The Writers Union of Canada and the Writers Guild of Alberta. Her work has been recognized and honoured with various awards. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.

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Kayla’s Cowboy

A Longview Romance

Nancy M Bell

Digital ISBNs

EPUB 9780228623465

Kindle 9780228623649

PDF 9780228623618

Print ISBNs

BWL Print 9780228623656

Amazon Print 9780228623663

LSI Print 9780228623670

Copyright 2022 by Nancy M Bell

Cover art by Pandora Designs

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher of this book

Dedication

For every dark cloud there is a silver lining. Adversity only makes us stronger.

Chapter One

Kayla Dunbarton checked Wellington’s tack one last time before stepping onto the mounting block and swinging onto his back. The big gelding shifted under her, and she laid a calming hand on his neck before gathering up the reins to the double bridle.

She swallowed. The arena was full to capacity, teeming with spectators come to Las Vegas to experience the National Finals Rodeo. Why in the world she ever agreed to come here and do a dressage exhibition was beyond her. At the time, when the organizers contacted her sponsors and they pitched it to her, it seemed like a great idea. Now…not so much.

There were more cowboys, complete with western hats and silver buckles and spurs, than Kayla had ever seen in one place. She tried to ignore the group of male competitors standing nearby, their voices audible in the confines of the entryway. One in particular caught her attention. His expression was a bit unnerving, like he was undressing her with his eyes. Kayla met his gaze, intending to give him her best glare, but somehow, she found herself caught in the brilliant blue of his eyes. The team of horses currently in the arena were wrapping up their demonstration of Polocross and preparing to leave. Kayla looked away from the way too good-looking cowboy and shifted Wellington out of the way to allow them to pass.

Luck, have fun, one of the players said as they passed.

Thanks, she responded, adjusting the reins, making sure the bight, the looped end of the reins, hung smoothly down the gelding’s right shoulder. Fixing a bright smile on her face, Kayla waited for the announcer to give the introduction. She glanced toward the announcer’s booth where her fellow dressage rider, Anna Ogilvie, stood ready to describe and explain the movements Kayla and Wellington would execute and the reasons behind each movement.

Ladies and Gentlemen, give a warm western welcome to Kayla Dunbarton and Wellington, the man concluded the introduction. While he’d been talking, the arena crew had set up the dressage ring measuring the 20 by 60 metres required for a Grand Prix dressage test.

Kayla signaled the big gelding and entered the arena at a collected canter. Wellington behaved perfectly, passing by the pen of calves at the far end of the arena without turning a hair. She made the turn onto the centre line and entered the dressage ring at A, cantering down the centre line to halt exactly at X. Kayla took her reins in one hand, before lowering her right hand to hang straight at her side and bowing her head in the traditional salute to the judges. Since there were no judges here, she saluted the announcer’s booth, while Anna explained what she was doing to the spectators. Switching the reins back to both hands, the pair proceeded at a collected trot toward C at the other end of the ring. At C, she tracked right and then crossed the arena at medium trot, from M through X and reaching the other side at K where she collected Wellington again into collected trot. They continued around the end of the ring and as she turned onto the straight wall Wellington smoothly responded to her aids and executed a brilliant shoulder in to the left, ending in an 8 metre volte at B. They’d ridden this test so many times, Kayla knew it by heart. The explosion of applause and cheers from the crowd when they crossed the ring on the diagonal in extended trot brought a smile to her face. Wellington knew his job and ignored the burst of noise. The crowd showed their appreciation again and again as the pair executed flawless half-passes, pirouettes, and half-pirouettes. Anna explained the intricacies of each movement from the announcer’s booth. As Kayla passed the end of the arena where cowboys lined the top of the chutes, she spared a moment of concentration to grin at them. She took the diagonal line again, from H through X and ending at F, executing 5 flying changes of lead every fourth stride, coming back to collected canter, before doing the 5 flying changes of lead every third stride from K through X and ending at M. As she passed the chutes again, one of the men remarked loud enough for her to hear him. She thought it was the blue-eyed cowboy she’d noticed in the entryway.

That freaking horse is dancing!

Kayla breathed a sigh of relief as the end of the performance neared. She turned up the centre line at A and halted perfectly at X where she saluted the announcer booth again, sending a smile of thanks to Anna as she concluded the explanation of the dressage demonstration. Kayla let the reins of the double bridle slide through her fingers and headed for the exit with Wellington stretching his neck down and out on the long rein.

She rubbed his shoulder in appreciation and slid out of the saddle when they were safely out of the arena. Running up her stirrups, she undid the snug nose band and rubbed the gelding’s muzzle. She loosened the girth a notch or two.

Good boy, she murmured to him, slipping the reins over his head, and heading for their stalls.

It was great! Anna caught up with her. You were spectacular. I was worried he’d lose concentration when the crowd went crazy for the extended trot and the flying changes, she gushed. She threw a cooler over Wellington to wick away the sweat and keep him from getting chilled.

Me, too, Kayla admitted. He didn’t even flick an ear. She ran a hand down the horse’s neck in appreciation. I think he enjoyed himself, the big show off.

Maybe. Anna laughed and handed her a bottle of water.

Kayla slipped the reins over her arm and opened the bottle, taking a long drink. Thanks, I know I should hydrate beforehand, but I never do. It always makes me feel sick.

I hear you, Anna replied. Me, too.

They reached the stalls assigned to them and Anna pulled the cooler off, hanging it on the front of the stall. Kayla took the double bridle off, and held the halter for Wellington to stick his head in. Looping the lead shank through the bars of the stall, she stripped the saddle off and Anna flipped the cooler back over the horse.

I’ll take him for a bit of walk to cool him out, Anna offered.

Thanks, I’ll get changed and take care of the tack. Kayla set the dressage saddle on the stand in the tack room, removing the sweaty girths and setting them in front of the saddle. Pulling the door shut, she made short work of getting out of the long black boots. She carefully hung up her shad belly, the wool jacket with the long tails was double breasted in front and came to just above her waist, with two mustard yellow tails of the vest showing below. Darn thing cost a fortune. It was a relief to peel off the white breeches and slip into her jeans. She hung the white shirt with the jacket and vest carefully in the suit bag and set her boots beneath it. She’d need to polish them at some point before tomorrow and the next demonstration. Yanking on an old sweatshirt, Kayla hung the bridle on the four-pronged hook suspended from the top of the stall bars. The saddle pad was laying over the saddle, wet side up to dry.

She’d just finished taking the bridle apart and was dropping the bridoon bit and the curb into a pail of warm water when the curtained stall door opened a bit.

Anybody here? a male voice asked.

Get out of there, Chetwynd, another voice cautioned.

What the hell? Kayla pulled the door all the way open and fisted her hands on her hips. What do you want? she demanded. Who the hell are you?

Aw, c’mon now, pretty lady. I was just wantin’ to say hello and admire your horse. The tall cowboy pushed his hat back on his head and grinned down at her. His gaze swept her up and down, lingering on the swell of her breasts below the gaping neck of the old sweatshirt.

I asked what your name was, she repeated. And I don’t appreciate you just inviting yourself into my tack room. There was something interesting about the man, his jeans snugged against his lean hips, broad shoulders filling out his western shirt. There was some kind of advertising emblazoned all over the red shirt, but she couldn’t make it all out. The cowboy just continued to grin at her in appreciation. Her heart did a flutter. It was the man she’d noticed before the performance. The one with the annoying stare and the bright blue eyes.

I’m sorry, m’am. I’m Cody, Cody Butters and I apologize for my partner here, he’s a little short on manners. The second man elbowed in front of his friend.

Hell fire, man. She should know who I am, the first man said belligerently.

Kayla’s temper flared and she glared over Cody’s shoulder at the cowboy. I haven’t a clue who you are, and I could care less. Why don’t you go back under the rock you crawled out of?

He don’t mean no harm, m’am. He’s just a mite uncivilized, is all, Cody intervened. This idiot, is Rob Chetwynd, the reigning Bull Riding Champion.

At your service, Rob swept his hat off and made a deep bow.

Kayla sighed in exasperation. What do you want? I have things to do.

Just wanted to say hello and say how much we enjoyed your riding, Cody said with a meaningful glance at his friend.

Actually, I wanted to see if your little behind was as cute out of the arena as in it, Rob said, lifting one eyebrow.

That’s enough. Kayla grabbed a stable broom from the corner of the stall and smacked him with it. Get out! Get out now, before I call security. The man wasn’t quite so intriguing anymore. Blue eyes be damned.

Now, now, there ain’t no call to do that. Cody grabbed his friend by the back of his belt and started to drag him out of the stall.

What’s going on here? Anna demanded, coming to a halt with Wellington in tow.

These two yahoos invited themselves into our tack room and made themselves very unwelcome, Kayla told her, still brandishing the broom.

Cody turned and let go of Rob’s belt and turned to Anna and the horse. Man, that’s a nice piece of horse flesh, he said, gaze travelled over the 17.3 hand gelding in appreciation.

Yes, he is, and I’d thank you to not touch him and take your…companion…and leave. Kayla glared at the two men. Now.

Sorry, yeah. I gotta apologize for my friend here. He’s maybe had a bit too much celebratin’, if you catch my drift, Cody said.

That’s not excuse for being an ass, Kayla shot back.

Yes, m’am. Cody ran his eyes over Wellington again, stopping when Anna stepped out from behind the big horse into his line of vision. Interest flashed across his face before he dragged Rob away.

What was all that about? Anna asked, her gaze on the red headed cowboy. What did he say his name was?

Which one? Kayla stripped the cooler off Wellington and picked up a brush from the tack box just inside the tack room door.

The red headed one, not the other one, Anna said folding the cooler up.

I don’t know…Cam, Cale, Cody…maybe…why? She glanced up from her work. You can’t seriously be interested, can you?

Maybe, Anna dragged the word out. He seemed nice, I mean, nicer than his friend. And he sure filled out those jeans… She winked at Kayla.

Oh, you, Kayla snorted. You’d date the devil himself if he had a nice ass.

Anna grinned. Probably, she agreed, chuckling.

Let’s get this boy settled for the night. Kayla took the lead shank and looped it through the stall bars. She gave the gelding a thorough grooming. After taking the braids out of his mane, she put his stable blanket on and wrapped his legs in light stable bandages. There you go, bud. All set for the night. Kayla ran a hand down his shiny neck.

I’m done too, Anna announced. Stalls are all set for the night.

I’m glad it’s your turn to do the demo tomorrow and I get to languish in the announcer’s booth. Kayla led Wellington into the stall and took his halter off. The horse nudged her affectionately before dipping his muzzle into the feed bucket.

You’re a hard act to follow, but Arizona and I will give it our best shot, Anna teased.

Are you riding the same test, or did you have something different in mind? Kayla slid the stall door shut and made sure the latch was securely fastened.

I thought I might throw in some passage and piaffe. Not quite as dramatic as the flying changes that the crowd loved tonight, Anna responded.

Just let me know ahead of time so I can be prepared to describe what you’re doing.

Of course, Anna grinned wickedly, I’m thinking I need some bling. Did you get a load of all that silver everybody’s wearing, including the horses?

I’ve got those Swarovski crystal leg wraps and the shiny saddle pad you can borrow, Kayla offered. And some of those strings of the crystals to braid into the top of her tail. You can add them to what you’ve already got.

Oh, yes! Anna’s eyes sparkled. That should look great under the lights, especially in the piaffe and passage. She paused and caught her bottom lip in her teeth. Do you think I should try flying changes every other stride?

The crowd would eat it up, and hey, it’s not like we’re being judged. If you missed a couple nobody would know except you and me.

True. We’ve been working at changes every stride, but I’m not sure we’re smooth enough yet, and I don’t want Ari to get into bad habits.

I’d say go with your gut out there, if you decide to do the two tempe or every stride, I’ll wing it and forget the script.

Anna nodded.

Kayla turned when a loud roar sounded from the direction of the arena. Want to go see what’s going on?

Sure. Anna shrugged. We should be able to find a good place to watch with these passes. She pulled the lanyard out of her shirt pocket. They’re such a pain when you’re trying to do anything, always hanging in my way.

Let’s go. Kayla glanced at the latches on the stalls one more time, satisfied everything was secure, she linked arms with Anna and the two sauntered toward the arena.

* * *

Oh, looks like we’re just in time for the bulls, Anna remarked, finding a good vantage point in the exhibitor’s reserved area. Those guys are nuts if you ask me.

Agreed. Kayla joined her friend. Couldn’t get me near one of those beasts.

Anna grabbed her arm. Isn’t that one of the guys who came by the stalls? She pointed at a slim hipped cowboy standing behind the chutes.

Maybe…hard to tell from here. Kayla squinted toward the group of men.

The man in question, removed his hat to scrub a hand through his red hair.

It is him! Anna hissed through her teeth. I knew it. She turned to her Kayla. What did he say his name was

Caleb? Colt? No wait…Cody. Kayla grinned in triumph, then narrowed her eyes at Anna. Why do you care?

I don’t really. A blush stole up Anna’s neck. Just kinda cool to actually know one of them.

Really… Kayla drew the word out. Just curious?

Well, he is kinda cute… Anna avoided Kayla’s eyes.

Uh huh. Kayla kept her attention on the huge bulls being herded into the chutes and shuddered at the thought of actually sitting on one. Not that I’d stay sitting for long, more likely end up with a mouthful of dirt.

Turn your attention to chute number one, the announcer’s voice cut through the noise of the crowd. Let’s see how long Kane Holder can stay aboard Wipeout.

He went on to give a brief introduction of the bull and the cowboy. Kayla leaned forward, fascinated in spite of herself, as the long-legged man straddled the chute and then lowered himself onto the bull. There seemed to be a lot of fussing around, with a couple of men helping the rider. The big bull bashed against the chute, throwing his head, snot flying everywhere.

By some signal Kayla didn’t see, the men in the arena yanked the gate open and the bull exploded into the arena. The bull fighters, dressed like clowns, danced just out of the action, ready to leap in if things went south. The huge black animal jumped and twisted, while the man on his back kept himself balanced, his free hand high over his head. Kayla held her breath, silently counting the seconds. With a massive leap and twist the bull separated himself from the annoying creature on his back, the cowboy hit the dirt just before the buzzer sounded to indicate the 8 second mark. The man landed on his hands and knees, the clowns distracted the bull while the cowboy scrambled to his feet and ran for the chutes. Joining the other men behind the chutes, he slapped his hat on his thigh in disgust.

Kayla shook her head at the insanity. They do this for fun? She raised an eyebrow at Anna.

I guess. But I heard some guys talking in the concession and it sounds like there’s big money to be made if you’re good. Anna kept her gaze on the arena.

Turn your attention to chute number four, Cody Butters, three times BRC champion and currently sitting second in the standings is coming out on Death Wish. This bull’s been named World Champion Bucking Bull two years in a row. Cody’s got his work cut out for him, the announcer boomed.

Oh my God, it’s him. Anna squeezed Kayla’s arm hard enough to hurt. She whooped with the rest of the crowd when the bull burst into the arena. Stay on, stay on, stay on… Anna chanted.

Kayla pried the woman’s fingers off her arm, glancing at her. Why do you care?

Anna didn’t answer, her eyes fastened on the spectacle unfolding in the arena. The brindled bull pitched and grunted, snot and saliva whipping everywhere. The colourful chaps gleamed in the arena lights as Cody stuck to the bull like glue. Anna let out a huge sigh and leaned on the rail in front of them as the buzzer sounded and the lithe cowboy released his hold and jumped free. He landed on his feet and ran for the chutes. He stopped at the base of the chutes and flipped his hat high into the air, a huge smile on his face. The bull trotted calmly out of the arena as if he hadn’t been hell bent on massacring the cowboy only moments before.

The score for Cody Butters…eighty-nine point five! the man in the booth announced. That puts him first on the leader board.

Anna turned to Kayla, radiating excitement. Did you see that? Man, what a rush.

Sure, if you’ve got a death wish, Kayla said dryly. And I repeat, why do you care how well that guy does, or doesn’t, ride?

No reason, Anna said, her expression enigmatic.

Just be careful, okay? Kayla looked back at the arena where the next cowboy was picking himself up out of the dirt, narrowly escaping the bull who tried to hook him with his horns.

Looks like your cowboy is next. Anna pointed to the chutes.

"How can you tell them apart? And he’s not my cowboy." Kayla squinted at the huddle by the farthest chute.

Next in chute four, Rob Chetwynd and Widow Maker. This Canadian cowboy is two-time Calgary Stampede Champion and currently leading the average here in Las Vegas.

Kayla lost the rest of the spiel in the roar of the crowd. Apparently, Rob Chetwynd had a lot of fans. For some reason, she didn’t want to watch him ride. I’m just tired and I need to check on the horses. I’ll meet you by the stalls after the bulls, I want to check on Wellington. Kayla nudged Anna to get her attention.

You’re not gonna watch? Anna asked.

Kayla shook her head and slipped through the throng of other exhibitors watching the last event of the evening. It was blessedly quiet away from the lights and crowd, as Kayla made her way through the stalls. Wellington whickered a welcome at the sound of her footsteps. She checked on Ari’s hay and water first and then slid Welly’s door open and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. The water bucket was full, the grain bin was empty , but there was still hay in the corner. She fussed with his blanket, adjusting the top buckle on his chest, and straightening the whole thing. Bending down, she made sure the stable bandages were in place and the proper tension. Straightening up, she leaned against the big horse’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

It was fun to be in the spotlight sometimes, but a lot of the time Kayla wished she could just concentrate on riding and not all the other stuff that came with being successful in her discipline. She hated doing interviews, hated posing for PR photos for her sponsors. It’s more about you, she whispered to the horse. You do all the hard work. I just sit up there and look pretty.

You do more than that, and you know it, Anna’s voice behind her startled Kayla.

You scared the… Her voice faded when she spun around. Anna and the red-headed cowboy stood by the front of the stall. Oh! I didn’t know you had company.

Anna smirked and raised a shoulder in a tiny shrug. I ran into Cody after the bulls, and he asked me to go for a drink. I thought you might want to come along? Her expression pleaded with Kayla to accept.

Her initial inclination was to decline, but she couldn’t keep avoiding being social. It was just a drink with friends, nothing more. Just because she’d met David at a bar and got sucked into his orbit didn’t mean she would let that happen again.

Anna joined her in the stall, speaking low so only Kayla could hear her. C’mon, Kay. It’s just a drink. You gotta forget about David and what a waste of skin he is. Anybody that would cheat on you doesn’t deserve you. She snugged an arm around Kayla’s waist and urged her out of the stall.

"Okay, but just one. We need to get up super early so we can practice