Page 39 of Sheltered by the Lawman

Chapter 13

HOURS PASSED AND, one after another, the Cades took their turns on a bull’s back. All the while Monica and Cull sat on a bench close to the arena watching. She enjoyed that he didn’t leave her side and even held her hand at times.

“I didn’t realize you and your brothers are local stars,” she said.

He chuckled. “What? People just like to watch us make fools of ourselves.”

“No, I’m pretty sure I heard more than a dozen women yelling that they love you. And did that woman actually flash you her breasts, asking for your autograph?”

“Oh, you saw that, did you?” He lifted a brow.

“I think everyone saw that. I don’t have any paper, but since I’m a fan of yours, I’d like your autograph too.” She wagged her brows and held up the pen she’d borrowed from Ria.

“A cowboy is always ready and willing to oblige a pretty lady.” He took the pen. “Where can I sign? Hopefully no breasts. I mean, I’m not saying I wouldn’t mind, but I’m here to protect you, not to fight off men.”

“How about here?” She held up her palm. He took her hand into his larger one and he signed his name. “I’m never going to wash this hand again,” she teased.

“I have an idea.” He stood and helped her up.

“I’m not getting on the back of a bull,” she said adamantly.

He laughed. “Not on one of these, sweetheart. If you ever want to ride I know a place that has a mechanical bull that I’d love to see how you do on.”

“Slow down there, cowboy. Just because I’m wearing country attire doesn’t mean I’m ready to get on the back of a bull, fake or real.”

“Point taken.” He led her toward the back side of the fairgrounds and when they reached the Ferris Wheel, he stopped and nodded his head. “Let’s ride.” He handed the controller a few dollars.

Her stomach flip-flopped. “I don’t know about this.”

“What’s to know? It’s a ride.” He still held her hand.

A part of her wanted to refuse because the ride went up in the air, but another part enjoyed the idea of being next to him, alone, high up from everyone else. So, she bravely sat down with him in the cart, the controller locked the door, and the ride jolted forward. The cart swung back and forth, but it wasn’t too bad. No doubt that their bodies touching helped her relax. She was more focused on the waves of desire sweeping through her then looking down.

They rose almost ten feet higher as the controller allowed more people to board. The breeze was a bit cooler and Cull must have sensed that she was chilled because he put his arm around her, pulling her close in the nook of his body. Yes, that was exactly what she needed.

“Sorry you had to be stuck watching bull riding.” He removed her hat and set is aside.

She shrugged. “I didn’t mind. In fact, I enjoyed it.”

“Ah, you are getting used to all this country stuff, huh?”

“It was scary watching you, though.”

“Why is that?” His eyes were on her.

She swallowed hard, a tingle at the corners of her lips where a smile started. “I didn’t want to see you get hurt.”

His thumb made figure eights on her neck, causing an eruption of heat and desire in her bloodstream. “You must like me a little,” he teased. “That’s good because I like you too.”

She lifted her chin to look at him, nibbling her bottom lip. He liked her too? “I’ve come to count on you. If you’re hurt what would I do?” Over the time that she’d known him, which wasn’t long, she’d learned to care for him.

“I’m sure you’d go on.”

He misunderstood what she meant. “That came out wrong. I-I care about you but not only because you’re the person I can rely upon.” She moistened her lips, feeling her hands shake. He moved his fingers to the curve of her shoulder, caressing her with his callused palms. Then he tugged a tendril of her hair behind her ear and kissed that spot. His lips were so warm, inviting.

As much as she wanted to believe in this fairytale—hero saves heroine and they live happily ever after—she realized it wasn’t that simple. How could she plan her future without knowing who she was, what her life was like? “What are we doing here, Cull?” There was a tremor to her voice.

His beautiful blue eyes met her gaze, holding it, drawing energy from her. “I’m not the person to ask. I’m just as confused as you are.”

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