Rodeo Blues Read online

  Rodeo Blues

  Karen Michelle Nutt

  Rodeo Blues

  Presented by Publishing by Rebecca J. Vickery

  Copyright © 2015 by Karen Michelle Nutt

  Cover Design Copyright © Karen Michelle Nutt

  Edited by Cathy Nickol

  Design Consultant Laura Shinn

  Smashwords Licensing Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with other people, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you are reading this ebook without purchasing it and it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

  Rodeo Blues is a work of fiction. Though actual locations may be mentioned, they are used in a fictitious manner and the events and occurrences were invented in the mind and imagination of the author except for the inclusion of actual historical facts. Similarities of characters or names used within to any person – past, present, or future – are coincidental except where actual historical characters are purposely interwoven

  Dedication

  To the Colemans

  To view more of Karen Michelle Nutt work or stories, visit: www.kmnbooks.com

  Eight Seconds to Lose the Girl…

  One chance to win her back.

  Tye Casper, a.k.a. the Ghost Rider and champion bull rider, should be the happiest cowboy alive, but when he left home ten years ago to make it big, he said goodbye to the only woman he has ever loved. He's had his eight seconds of glory, but without Jolie Lockhart by his side, the wins mean nothing.

  He's been given an opportunity to return home to Skeeter Blue for one last rodeo. He believes fate has sent him there and he'll have a second chance with Jolie, but nothing goes as planned. He soon realizes staying seated on a bull for eight seconds may prove much simpler than winning Jolie's heart.

  Chapter One

  Tye Casper pulled his Ford pickup to the side of the road and glanced at the billboard welcoming him to the town of Skeeter Blue, Texas, and right next to the sign another one glittered with red, white, and blue lights announcing the town's annual event, the Cowboy Christmas in July Rodeo.

  Rodeos were a big deal in Texas, and why wouldn't they be when they could trace their roots back to the Spanish missionaries, who'd taught the ranch hands the horsemanship they'd learned in Spain. The informal competition eventually turned into a multimillion-dollar sport, and you weren't a Texan if your city or town didn't hold at least one rodeo event a year. Skeeter Blue was no different. Their event lasted four days, featuring everything from topnotch rodeo events to pie eating contests, but he'd avoided this annual rodeo event for a good reason. But being stupid had finally caught up with him, and here he sat in his truck – about to either make the biggest mistake of his life or the very best one. Only time would tell.

  He pursed his lips and flicked his Stetson with his forefinger so it rested on the back of his head. A flood of emotions swept over him as he anticipated his reunion with the people he'd left behind in Skeeter Blue. Well, one woman in particular came to mind, Jolie Lockhart.

  His fingers gripped the steering wheel as his thoughts of their possible reunion played out in his mind over and over again with alternate endings. None of them ended well. "She's more liable to scratch your eyes out than welcome you home," he murmured under his breath. He wouldn't blame her either. He'd kissed Jolie goodbye with a promise he'd return after one circuit run with the rodeo. "I'll be home for Christmas," he'd told her. It only took him a decade to make good on the promise.

  He knew she'd never married, and wasn't seeing anyone seriously at the moment. His cousin had told him, but it didn't mean a thing if she still held a grudge. He gritted his teeth together and shook his head. "Thunder without lightning would make more sense than Jolie giving you a second chance," he murmured. "Besides, she's probably forgotten all about you, Tye Casper." It might be true, but he hadn't forgotten her. Ah yeah, he sighed. A petite little spitfire with a curvy figure, mahogany colored hair, and eyes the color of a stormy sky.

  He'd gone to school with her from kindergarten through high school. He watched her blossom into a beautiful woman, but he fell in love with her when she'd been a gangly twelve-year old with braces. He'd sneak over to her house and climb her oak tree just to see her. She'd lean out her window and they'd talk until her daddy got wind of them and shooed him on home.

  Jolie taught him to ride horses, gave him his first real kiss, and she'd been the first woman he ever made love to—or rather she'd taken the initiative after the Fourth of July picnic. They'd been hot and sweaty and they went skinny dipping in Skeeter's Pond long after most folks had gone home to bed. She'd given him one of her come hither looks and he knew he was a goner. One long kiss turned into something more…so much more. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven. He wanted to marry her, make a life with her in the town they'd grown up in, but deep down he'd always known she deserved better. What did he have to offer a girl who could have any boy in Skeeter Blue—if she put her mind to it?

  He'd lived in a trailer with his dad, who was only sober a few days out of the month and a sodden fool for the rest. Didn't matter they owned acres of land when nothing was ever done with it.

  At the time, there'd been no real thoughts of college. His grades sucked and money had been scarce. One thing he'd been good at: riding horses and taking chances. He'd been district champion the last two years of high school and then he decided he'd go pro. The rodeo seemed the best way to make his money, but eventually his adventurous side had taken to bull riding. He liked the challenge, the money, and the women it drew. Made a name for himself too—the Ghost Rider, a play on his name and his escape from eternal death over and over again. The fans joked he had the power to ghost out when facing danger. At times he wished he had. Some bulls were just plain nasty. He had more than a few headhunters that tried to spear him and anyone else who had two legs. Headhunters were the worst to ride, but he'd also made his best scores with them. Had his share of rodeo belt buckles to prove it too. Eight seconds of glory, but it seemed empty when he didn't have someone important to share the thrill.

  He kept thinking he'd come back for Jolie when his bank account proved his worth, but no matter how many zeros added up behind that significant number, he never believed it was enough.

  Funny how fate worked, roping him in and sending him back to where it all began.

  "I'm home now, darlin'." Only he hoped Jolie wouldn't kill him before he had the chance to win her back.

  Chapter Two

  Jolie Lockhart unlocked the door to her store, Trinkets Galore. She flipped on the overhead lights, the buzz from the fixtures a welcome song to start her morning. Her place sold souvenirs, T-shirts, and books. Some of Skeeter Blue's patrons offered their crafts on consignment. Vin Gordon brought in his wood carved horses, Mary Lou Smithers sold her beaded necklaces, and Pat Green her stuffed bears and wood crosses.

  Her employee and good friend, Whisper Llewellyn offered her relationship services. For a low fee of $29.95, she charted out a person's relationship, using numerology and astrology. For $20 a pop, she'd read their palm. Jolie didn't pretend to understand what Whisper did, but the tourist bought into it—literally. Good for business and it proved lucrative for Whisper, allowing the woman to pick up some extra bucks for the animal shelter she ran at her place. The woman housed strays—cats, dogs, you name it. She took care of them until she found them a good home.

  Jolie strode behind the counter and flipped the switch on her fancy espresso machine she'd purchased last spring. Hot or cold coffee drinks brought in hefty revenue. Go figure.r />
  The bell on the door chimed as Whisper came barreling in with her hands full of books, and with a paper bag balancing on top. Her oversized purse, draped over one shoulder, bounced against her leg as she made her way to the counter. Unlike her name, she shouted her arrival. "Good day, Jolie. It's a fine one if I do say so myself."

  Jolie's lips curved.

  Whisper wore her two toned hair of blond over chocolate-brown in braids. Her green eyes sparkled and she held up a white paper bag. "I strolled by Cecilia's Scrumptious Sweets, and the fresh homemade blueberry scones just called my name. So I picked up one for you too."

  "I've been craving one of those. You truly are a psychic."

  "It's what I've been tellin' you all along. I'm a descendant of the druids."

  "Shouldn't it be gypsies?"

  "Druids have the cornerstone on being one with the universe. Um… I smell coffee." She dropped her things on the counter as she came around to help herself to a mocha latte with extra sugar by pushing the handy-dandy button on the machine. "You going to Big Bob's Saloon tonight?" Whisper asked. "It's Thursday, ladies' night, and all those yummy cowboys will be rolling in for the Cowboy Christmas in July Rodeo."

  The machine hissed and spit then poured. The aroma of coffee once again scented the air.

  "I don't think so," Jolie said and hoped Whisper wouldn't push. She didn't much care to sit around and drink the night away, and she wasn't looking for a guy who thought ladies' night was a great way to find their next conquest. No, she'd much rather go home, grab a beer from the fridge and read a good book. Peace and quiet proved a nice break after a long day of customers, ringing phones and constant chatter.

  For a long few seconds, Whisper sipped her heavily sugared coffee drink and stared at Jolie over the rim of her mug.

  "What?" Jolie lifted her eyebrows, challenging Whisper to say something. She didn't disappoint her.

  "I've been wondering what's wrong with you? You have a figure I would die to have and you have a head full of the most beautiful mahogany hair, which I can't seem to find in a box, but here you sit night after night—alone, I might add."

  "What are you talking about?"

  "When's the last time you've been out on a date, Miss Jolie Lockhart? Hmm?"

  "I date," she said and hated how she sounded as if she needed to defend herself.

  "Not from where I'm standing. Didn't Jhett Reeves come by a few days ago and ask you out?"

  Jolie wrinkled her nose. Jhett had been asking her out off and on again for years. The answer was still no. Though good-looking and from a good family, the man had nothing else going for him, especially in the personality department. He'd been a jock in high school, great at all the sports, but socially he lacked any finesse. Even his buddies he hung out with back then had moved on, or rather they'd matured into adults, whereas Jhett hadn't progressed from his teenage bullying years. "Jhett," she said, "can't put two words together let alone a full sentence without a reference to how wonderful he is. What are we going to talk about when he's through telling me about all his wonderful attributes?"

  Whisper shook her head. "Honey, you're missing the whole picture here. Jhett with his blond hair and quick smile has a body a woman can hold onto and never get enough. What do you need to talk for? One kiss from you and I assure you, he'll quit talkin' and give you what you really need."

  "Then you go out with him. 'Cause I'm not interested in anything Jhett has to offer."

  Despite her opinions of Jhett, he was a sought after bachelor of Skeeter Blue. He co-owned Reeves Construction with his daddy, though lately there'd been rumors regarding the business. They'd run into some snags, lost a big contract with a company in Austin, and with the economy in such a pickle, it was no wonder they had some rocky times.

  "Nah," Whisper said with a wave of her hand. "I'm not looking for anything more serious than a few dates and that man is looking to hook someone into being his wife. I want good times, and with the rodeo week about to be in full swing, I'm sure to rope me a cowboy."

  Whisper stood five-foot eleven with a slim figure, and the biggest green eyes she'd ever seen, and her long lashes were all hers. She only had to bat them a few times before men flocked to her side. Stray dogs and cats weren't the only ones she picked up and brought home.

  "As long as you're careful," she reminded Whisper. "You do realize these men are only after one thing…"

  "Yeah." She winked. "Me too."

  "You're incorrigible."

  "So my mama's told me." She sighed without a tad of remorse. She placed her coffee mug on the counter. "Do you know what I'm going to do?"

  "I'm afraid to ask," Jolie said as she reached for the chalkboard sign and jotted down the specialty drinks of the day.

  "I'm going to do your chart," Whisper continued. "We're going to find out where that man of yours is hiding."

  "I'm not looking for a man." She held the sign out in front of her for inspection.

  "Well you should be. It's not right for a healthy, good looking woman to go home every night alone."

  "I like my solitude."

  Whisper rolled her eyes. "Nobody likes it that much. I'll tell you what: I'll pack up Lulu and drop her off at your place so you won't be alone."

  "Who?" She glanced over her shoulder as she hung the chalkboard on the wall.

  "You know, that cute little kitten I found—"

  Her gaze riveted to Whisper. "Don't you dare. No animals. I mean it."

  "Fine. Then you meet me at Big Bob's Saloon tonight."

  "I don't—"

  "Lulu will love your house. All that purdy furniture… Mmm-humm, she's just itchin' to get her claws a good scratch."

  Jolie held up her hand. "Fine. Whatever. I'll meet you at Big Bob's Saloon for one drink."

  Whisper's mouth curved into a wicked smile.

  "And wipe that grin off your face. I'm meeting you, but it doesn't mean I'm picking up some guy. I'll leave the strays for you, thank-you-very-much."

  "There's a storm brewing, Jolie Lockhart, and the man of your dreams will be riding in on it. I've seen it in the cards."

  Jolie glanced heavenward with a silent prayer for patience where Whisper was concerned. "I've never sat down for a reading with you."

  "No, but you're a good friend. Of course, I'm going to look out for you." She sipped more of her coffee then reached for her bag to retrieve her pastry.

  Jolie sighed, not bothering to explain to Whisper for the umpteenth time that there was no man of her dreams. The man she had loved with all her heart left town a long time ago. She'd moved on since then, but she'd yet to find anyone else who'd captured her heart in the way he had. Storm or not, she doubted it would bring anything more than a good downpour.

  Chapter Three

  Tye checked into The Stagecoach Hotel off the interstate to wash up and relax after his long haul. A little after five, decked out in his Wrangler jeans, black T-shirt, cowboy hat, and tobacco tanned ostrich boots, he headed into town and made his way to Main Street.

  He parked the truck in the lot and strolled over to the entrance of Big Bob's Saloon. The neon sign, with a cowpoke kicking his spurs together and waving his hat, stood over the entrance as a welcome to the establishment. He wondered who would be there tonight, and how they would respond to his return. He hadn't really kept in touch with anyone in Skeeter Blue. He'd never been any good at writing, or picking up a phone, for that matter.

  As he approached, he spotted a familiar face working the front door. "Hey Sam," he said with a grin, "haven't they hauled your ol' carcass out of here yet?"

  The old man turned toward him. He gave him a once over and for a moment he didn't think Sam recognized him, but then a smile creased his lips. "Well, I'll be damned. Look what the cat dragged in." He rose from his stool and held out his hand. "Tye Casper, when did you roll into town?"

  Sam Miller had worked the door at the saloon since as long as he could remember, checking IDs and greeting the clientele. He thought Sam was old whe
n he was in high school. He had to be pushing eighty now. He was tall and thick in the middle, bald, and he sported a thick mustache.

  "This afternoon." He took Sam's hand in a firm shake. "Came in with the rodeo crew."

  "Haven't you broken enough bones yet?" he asked with a chuckle.

  "Nah, I'm sure there's a few I've missed. How's that sweet wife of yours doing?"

  "Cathy's good and ornery as ever. That's why I love her so much. She keeps me in line." His smiled dropped then and he turned serious. "I know it's been a few years, but I was sorry to hear about your daddy's passing."

  "We were never close."

  "Still, it's not easy…" He shook his head. "Heard someone took over your old homestead. Put up one of those oil drills." Sam met his gaze with meaning. "Looks like they're building a big fancy house too. Looks near to done, but whoever's going to live there has been all mysterious, and this here is a small town. Seems like we should know our neighbor, don't you think?"

  Growing up, Tye and his father had been poorer than spit, but his old man hadn't wanted to sell the land or listen to the prospectors that had insisted there was oil there. Stubborn fool had died in a tin can called a home with no more than twenty dollars in his pocket. There were commercials with: This is your brain on drugs… There should be one for: This is your brain floating in a bottle of scotch.

  "Guess someone finally got smart and put the land to good use," Tye said. He gave Sam a smile and the man pursed his lips in disappointment. Tye wasn't one to gossip and he didn't see the point in starting now. Everyone in Skeeter Blue would know soon enough who their new neighbor was going to be.

  "Been by to see the boys yet?" Sam asked. "They'd sure be glad to see you."

  The boys were Sonny Norton, Mike Tethers, and Jimmy Burns. In high school they had formed a band, thought they were going to make it big. They were talented, but there were others that were more so. "Haven't seen them yet," he told Sam. The old man thought they'd be happy to see him, but Tye wasn't so sure.