A Helluva Man Read online

  “Ha! Tamara Grayson, you are something else. I apologize if I made you feel pressured, but I don’t regret one moment I’ve spent with you. I can tell you want to go and I won’t stand in your way…if you’ll promise me something.”

  The sun was right behind his head and Tamara shielded her eyes to look up at him. “What kind of promise?”

  “Promise me we can see each other again. Soon.” Jaxson McCoy liked this girl, he really did, and he wanted to be assured he could pull out of this parking lot knowing he would see her again. “I’m just not ready to let you go.”

  Tamara felt confused. She’d let herself get carried away and he certainly hadn’t forced her. She couldn’t deny how attracted she was to him. There was just one question in her mind. “Why me?”

  Jaxson looked taken aback. “Why you?” He took his hat off his head and raked a hand through his hair. “Damn, baby. Have you looked in the mirror? You’re adorable.”

  Tamara blushed. “I’m average at best.” She put both hands behind her back.

  Jaxson cursed. “Forget how dumb I can be. Those little rough spots on your hands are badges of honor. You are a damn impressive woman.” He held his hat in his hand and gave her a smile. “I want a chance to get to know you better.”

  “I’m sorry. I just wasn’t ready for that,” she waved a hand at the trailer.

  Jaxson took her hand in his softly. “I understand. And I won’t pressure you. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I want that, quite badly,” he grimaced and made a face, eliciting a smile from Tamara. “But that can wait. I’m just asking for more time with you.”

  Tamara looked away, thinking about what she should do. “I have a busy few days ahead of me.”

  “That’s fine, I do too.” He paused to think. “Like I told you earlier, I’m on my way to the Houston rodeo. If you can find time to come down, I promise to show you a good time.”

  Hell’s bells! He was being so sweet and understanding. Tamara could feel her heart responding to him, this was a guy she could really like. “Okay. I think this weekend would be best for me.”

  Jaxson grimaced again. “That’s two whole days from now! But if that’s what you need, then it’s okay by me.

  “It’ll give us a few days to cool off, I guess.”

  “A few days?” He laughed, clearly happy with her decision. “I’ll need a few years to cool down after what we just did…and didn’t do.”

  A hand came across to smack Jaxson on the arm. “Stop! You’re embarrassing me.”

  He didn’t stop. Instead, he reached out and ran one finger around the neckline of her tee. “I’ll just take a dozen cold showers in the meantime. How long can you stay?”

  She wanted to swat him again but didn’t. “I’m flying out to New Zealand early Monday morning.”

  “New Zealand? Wow. What for?”

  “I’m competing in an Ironman triathlon there.”

  Jaxson let out a slow whistle. “Impressive. Give me your phone, so I can give you my number.” Tamara surrendered her phone and he began to enter the numbers. “I guess you’re supposed to abstain from sex while you’re in training.”

  “I think that’s been disproven, actually.” She gave him a wink and grin. “Although, I did succumb to temptation with the sausage and the Dr. Pepper.”

  “A good night of sex would be an effective workout.” He handed her back the cell phone.

  “You’re bad, Jaxson McCoy.” The words were said with a smile.

  “Maybe I am, Tamara Grayson, but I kinda think you like it.”

  She wouldn’t admit it, but he was right.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “Sometimes I forget how rich you are, Chels.” Jaxson kept his eyes on the rearview mirror as he eased the big rig into the designated parking area reserved for him in the private garage of the opulent Stanhope Building.

  “Your country boy drawl doesn’t work on me, McCoy. Your family is rolling in money.”

  “Sorry to bust your bubble, sweetie, but Heath’s the rich one. I’m just a cowhand on my family’s ranch.”

  “Likewise. My daddy’s rich and I’m just a rodeo cowgirl.”

  “Yea, right. Only child and heir apparent. Hold on. I’m taking you off speaker and shutting off the engine.” Picking up his phone, Jaxson held it to his ear. “You still there?”

  “Yes. Actually, I’m thirty floors above you, sitting on a stool and sipping a martini in the rooftop bar. When did you get into town?”

  “Thursday. Memphis and I competed in the cutting competition. We came in second.”

  “Congratulations.”

  Opening the door, he climbed from the truck and pressed the lock on the key fob. “You aren’t riding in the parade this year?”

  “Nope. The forecast calls for a drizzle of rain and I don’t want to mess up my hair.”

  “It’s not going to rain, that’s just Houston humidity in the air, Miss Hothouse Flower.”

  “I’m not taking any chances. Why don’t you join me when you’re through?”

  Jaxson hated to disappoint his old friend, but he had something else to do. “Sorry. Can’t. I’ve got a date.”

  Silence.

  Jaxson glanced at the phone to make sure he still had a signal. “Chels, you still there?” He placed the phone underneath his chin and walked down the side of the trailer to open the tack compartment.

  “Yes, I’m still here. A date, you say?”

  Bending over, he pulled the silver clad dress saddle and halter from their storage box. “Yea, I met a girl. Her name’s Tamara. I’ll have to introduce you two.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Look…”

  Her voice sounded clipped, a little short. “Something wrong, buddy?” Jaxson asked as he carried the tack to the back of the trailer and opened the door to lead Memphis down the ramp.

  “Not a thing, buddy.” This time her voice held the carefree tone he was used to hearing. “I’ll watch the parade from up here and catch you at the rodeo tonight. I wouldn’t miss seeing you ride.”

  Jaxson smiled. “I’m in the second tier of competitors. I don’t ride until Sunday. Are you barrel racing tonight?”

  “Hell, yes. I’m presenting the flag too.”

  “Once a rodeo queen, always a rodeo queen.”

  “I’m more than a pretty face, cowboy.”

  “Can’t argue with the truth. I’ll see you later.” He laughed and hung up the phone, glad to know he’d be reunited with his friend later. Even more exciting, he’d be seeing Tamara in a little while. Jaxson didn’t know exactly when she’d get into town, but it couldn’t be soon enough to suit him.

  “Easy, boy.” He guided the App out of the trailer and began to saddle his mount. The horse shifted and snorted in protest. Jaxson held him steady. “Settle down. You know you’re going to enjoy being admired. The streets are lined with people and they’ll all be looking at you. Chelsea came through for us. If it wasn’t for her, we couldn’t park so close. We can slip out of this fancy building and be in place before you know it. When the parade’s over, we won’t have to ride all the way back to Memorial Park on the hard concrete.”

  Jaxson knew if anyone heard him carrying on this one-sided conversation with Memphis, they’d think he was crazy. Frankly, he didn’t care. Memphis was a damn good listener and his voice kept the horse calm. In his line of work, Jaxson spent far more time with animals than he did with people. His family were of a mind that he preferred it that way – and they were right.

  Once they were ready, Jaxson climbed into the saddle and went out to join the parade. All he had to do was exit the Stanhope’s private parking garage to find the excitement. He was always amazed how Houston’s bustling business district was transformed into a western themed wonderland this time of year. Thousands of people lined the sidewalks, some standing, some sitting in folding chairs. They’d come to see a spectacle that could easily rival anything New York’s Macy’s or Pasadena’s Rose parade could offer for the sheer pageantry and excitement. At l
east three thousand mounted trail riders would take part, folks who’d ridden for days from their home towns, camping out along the way with chuck wagons and campfires – all to congregate in Texas’s largest city for an old west celebration. Cowboys and horses weren’t the only draw, there were wagons, marching bands, floats, and celebrities galore.

  As Memphis clip-clopped down the street, Jaxson waved at familiar faces. Not all the rodeo participants took part in the parade, but he always did. He enjoyed it. The excitement and anticipation that filled the air always fueled his blood. He didn’t have to ride far before he arrived at the point where the organizers were lining everyone up. One poor guy was using a bullhorn and running around frantically, trying to ensure the event went off without a hitch. Jaxson just smiled, this was all part and parcel of the fun. Once he was in place, he craned his neck trying to see to the top of the skyscrapers surrounding him. They were in stark contrast to the mounted cowboys and cowgirls waiting to ride through the normally traffic filled streets. The rest of the world assumed that everyone from Texas dressed in a cowboy hat and boots, and during the Houston Rodeo season – they were right.

  …About ten miles away from downtown, Tamara sat in the front seat of a Ford 150, watching the urban sprawl go by. She couldn’t help but smile at her Uber driver. He was all decked out in Western wear, and it wasn’t due to the rodeo season. This was just the way Dylan Albright dressed. For the last two and a half hours, she’d been listening to the small-town boy talk about his move to the city and everything else he could think to tell her about his life.

  “We’re almost there, Miss Grayson.”

  “Thanks, I’m getting excited.” Excited to see Jaxson again.

  “I wish I was going to the rodeo. I won’t have a chance this year, not with driving and getting my new business off the ground.” He cast an admiring glance toward Tamara. “I’m sure glad I was the one they called to drive you.”

  “Thanks, Dylan. You’ve made the trip anything but boring.” She gave the talkative young man a smile, knowing his enthusiasm stemmed from what they had in common. “I hope you pass the personal trainer test on the first try.” To Tamara’s surprise, Dylan had recognized her. Despite the fact she’d won a gold medal in the 2016 Olympic games in Rio de Janeiro, neither her face or her name was familiar to many people.

  “So, NRG Park is huge. Where do you want me to let you off?”

  Tamara frowned. “You know, I’m not sure. I’d better call and check.” She’d wanted to surprise Jaxson, but the more she found out about the rodeo, the more she realized this wouldn’t be possible. “I’ve lived in Texas my whole life and I had no idea this was such a huge deal.”

  “Oh, yea, it is. My dad is an ag teacher in a little town called Florence, north of Austin. He’s been bringing his students down here for years. I’ve heard him sell the PTA on the value of spending money to get the kids involved in the Go Texan program many times. The rodeo and stock show will be attended by about two and a half million people over the next two-week period and over seventy thousand will fill the rodeo arena every night. The HLSR committee hands out twenty-five million dollars in scholarships every year.”

  “Wow, that’s impressive. The guy I’m meeting is riding in the rodeo.”

  “Yea, who?” Dylan glanced over at her as he slowed his truck down to make a turn.

  “Hold on.” She held up her hand when Jaxson answered. “Hey, it’s Tamara.”

  “Tam! God, I’m glad you called. Where are you?”

  She could hear music. “I’m in the city limits. I called to see where to meet you. It sounds like you’re at a football game.”

  “Nope, I’m in the middle of the rodeo parade. How far are you away from the corner of Louisiana and Lamar in downtown?”

  Tamara told Dylan what Jaxson wanted to know. He checked his GPS. “I can be there in about ten minutes.”

  She repeated the answer to Jaxson.

  “Good. I know there are some street closures. Have your driver get you as close as he can, then watch for me. I should be passing that point in about twenty minutes.”

  “Okay. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.” Goosebumps broke out on Tamara’s skin.

  “Good. I missed you.”

  “I missed you too.”

  “Are you wearing jeans?”

  “Of course, I’m dressed like a cowgirl.”

  “Excellent.”

  “Why?”

  “You’ll see. Just hurry and text me when you get there.”

  Tamara’s heart skipped a beat when they topped a bridge on the interstate and she could see the high-rises of the city of Houston. Her reunion with Jaxson McCoy was only minutes away. “Okay. I’m traveling light, but what about my things?”

  Jaxson chuckled. “Girls and their things. Have your driver drop your bags off in the lobby of the Stanhope building. I’ll call a friend of mine and let her know to hold them until we can get there.”

  “Sounds wonderful. Okay, I’ll text you soon.” When Tamara hung up, she noticed Dylan was smiling. “What?”

  “You’re blushing. What’s your cowboy’s name?”

  “Jaxson McCoy.”

  Dylan’s mouth dropped open. “Jaxson McCoy was the championship All-Around Cowboy last year!”

  Tamara chewed on her lower lip. “I presume that’s a really good thing.”

  “Well, hell yeah, it is.” Dylan put on his blinker to take the downtown exit off the freeway.

  “I’m sorry. I should know this stuff, being from Texas. I guess I’ve been sheltered and preoccupied.”

  “Sure.” Dylan nodded. “Your sport doesn’t cross much with his. Two different worlds.” He gave her a wink. “They do say opposites attract.”

  “Yea, they do.” She could certainly vouch for that fact. She’d spent a great deal of time in the last two days remembering how it felt to be in Jaxson McCoy’s arms.

  “Who’s performing tonight. Do you know?”

  Tamara smiled. She’d looked it up. “One of my favorites. Garth Brooks.”

  “Oh, good. Mr. ‘Friends in Low Places’. You’ll enjoy hearing him.” He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. “My grandmother still talks about going to the Houston rodeo in 1970.That was the year Elvis Presley was there. One of two appearances he made at the Astrodome.”

  “Wow, I would’ve liked to been there to see him.”

  “Yea, me too.” For the next few moments Dylan was quiet as he wove through traffic, working to get Tamara as close to her destination as possible. When they came to a stop, she tipped him. “Give me a call and let me know how your test goes. I might can hook you up with some gym owners I know.”

  “Wow, thanks, Miss Grayson. I’ll do that. I’ll drop off your luggage where Mr. McCoy said and if you ever need another ride, keep me in mind.”

  “I’ll do that,” she assured him. “And thanks.”

  Once her ride had pulled away, Tamara looked around to get her bearings. Checking the street signs, she took off on foot, hurrying to cover the few blocks left as quickly as possible. When she drew closer, Tamara had to push her way through a throng of people. Every step she took, she could see more and more of the passing parade. Raising her phone, she texted Jaxson.

  I’m here.

  I’m getting close. Step out where I can see you.

  After saying ‘excuse me’, a dozen times, Tamara managed to get to the edge of the curb. Passing in front of her was a float featuring at least a dozen children and some of the animals from the petting zoo. A see-through fence gave the kids and their excited charges protection from falling off the moving stage. As cute as they were, she didn’t waste more than a couple of seconds watching them. Instead, her eyes were drawn to a line of mounted cowboys behind the float – and the one in the center took her breath away. Jaxson spotted her and tipped his hat, his smile bright enough to rival the sun. She waved at him, thinking he would ride on by. When he pulled up on the reins to stop his horse to hold out his hand, she couldn’
t believe it. “What?”

  “Come here, pretty girl. Ride with me.”

  Tamara hesitated a second. “For true?”

  “For true.”

  With a deep breath of anticipation, she took his hand, and placed her foot in the stirrup. She was about to pull herself up behind him, but he changed her direction, placing his other hand at her waist. “I want you in the front, so I can see you.” Jaxson pulled her hair back over her shoulder. “And I can touch you.” He placed a gentle kiss where her neck met her shoulder. “I like your hair down.”

  Once she was settled, Tamara was clasping the saddle horn. She felt so high up. Who was she kidding? She was high on Jaxson McCoy. Just these few moments in his presence had her blood fizzing like a carbonated drink. “Thanks. This is amazing!” She didn’t clarify if she meant the parade or being with him, but both were true.

  “Young families flock to this event, it’s a tradition they enjoy. I get a charge out of seeing the little kid’s faces.” He pointed to his left. “Look at that one? Isn’t she cute?”

  She followed his line of vision and joined Jaxon in waving at a little girl with red pigtails who was frantically trying to get his attention. “Mr. McCoy! Mr. McCoy!”

  “Do you know her?” Tamara asked.

  “No, but I guess she knows me.” Jaxson took his hat off and waved it in the air.

  “You’ve got a fan.” Tamara giggled, overwhelmed by the excitement.

  “Just one?” he breathed the question against her neck.

  “Well, I haven’t seen you ride yet,” she teased, turning her head so he could hear her over the noise of the nearest marching band.

  Jaxson slipped a hand around Tamara’s waist and eased her closer to him, until the thick muscles of his chest blanketed her back. “I plan on you seeing me ride – up close and personal.”

  Tamara shivered at his words. Somehow, she knew he was speaking of more than the rodeo. “I bet you’re good at it.”

  His chest rumbled against her back and something that sounded suspiciously like a growl found its way to her ear. “I will do my damndest to make sure you aren’t disappointed.”