Cowboy Strong Read online

  For the fifth time, Alain’s mother’s voicemail picked up. Austin squeezed his cell in his hand, but it did nothing to abate his frustration. It wasn’t the phone’s fault his ex-girlfriend’s mother was no more useful than her. Her father wasn’t answering either.

  Nevertheless, their continued refusal to acknowledge his attempts to call pissed him off. He’d been a bear all morning and nothing helped.

  Casey brushed Tiny’s coat, and occasionally cast concerned glances his way, but she didn’t try to talk to him. Probably his swearing fit when he’d cut himself shaving gave her a pretty good idea that he was in no mood for nonsense this morning.

  He tried, God help him, not to snap at her, to keep his temper, because absolutely none of Alaina’s bullshit was Casey’s fault. She hadn’t asked to be born. He’d done his best her whole life to protect her. Right now, he needed time to think. Time to get his case in order so that if one of Alaina’s parents did call him back, he wouldn’t tear either of their heads off. He needed them to cooperate.

  The gravel crunched and he looked up to meet Natalie’s gaze.

  She smiled, but it fell away quickly and her brow furrowed. “You look sick. Is there something I can do--”

  “I’m fine.” He rose from his lawn chair. “I’m waiting on a phone call. It’s important.”

  She hadn’t done a thing to earn his wrath. Immediately, he regretted being so short with her. She continued to frown, but didn’t seem too put off by his temper.

  “I’m sorry. It’s a call to Alaina’s parents. I really need to talk to them, but they’re ignoring me, I think.” He swept his hand through his hair, then glanced at the phone screen. Nolan would be arriving soon to practice roping again. Austin’s nerves were so tight, he didn’t know how he’d throw a rope.

  “What’s wrong?” She lowered her voice, cast a glance at Casey, then reached for his hand. “I’d really like to help, if I can.”

  “You can’t. No one can.” A dull throb formed between his eyes. Why didn’t the phone ring?

  “I’m sorry you’re having difficulties today.”

  “I don’t know why you care. This is just a fling.” He turned away from her. “We’ll be going our separate ways soon.”

  “We already talked about matching up our schedules. I’d love to try.”

  “Whatever.”

  “You don’t have to be so callous about it.”

  “You don’t have to be so optimistic. Stuff happens. You meet people on the circuit and sometimes you never see them again. Big deal.” He faced her again. “I’ve got to listen for this phone to ring. I’m busy.”

  “Fine. Is it okay if I say hello to Casey?”

  Her future is on the line here. “Fine. Make it quick. I’m expecting Nolan soon.”

  Natalie hesitated. “I thought we could do like we’ve been doing. I could sit with her while we watch you rope. You don’t want me to watch her today?”

  His phone beeped with a text message. “She’ll be fine.”

  “Okay. I’ll get going then. Sorry you’re having a bad day.” She held up her hands, then walked toward the round pen where Tiny and Casey watched.

  The text was from Nolan, saying he’d gotten a flat and was running late. Absolutely perfect.

  He switched the screen back to the contacts and paused with his finger over Jen Rey’s number. Call her again? Maybe this time she would answer…

  Casey hugged Natalie. The two exchanged some words and Casey nodded.

  “Okay, see you later.” Natalie waved and headed back toward Austin.

  She stopped in front of him. “Whatever’s going on, I hope you work it out. Casey’s worried. If you decide to get your head out of your butt, give me a call. I’ll be around. If not, well, it was nice knowing you, Austin.”

  There were tears in her eyes.

  “Believe me, if you knew what was really going on between me and Alaina, you’d get in your truck and run as fast as you could. Nobody sane would get mixed up in this.”

  She tucked her hands into her pockets. “I think you’d be surprised what people might do when they care about someone. Too bad Alaina ruined the part of you that remembers that.”

  “Whatever.” He rolled his eyes. Never mind that he was being as juvenile as Alaina had. “I realized this morning that I can’t mix someone else into this tangle that’s my life. I have to look out for Casey. I’m the only one who is. Getting involved with someone else is just asking for trouble.”

  Natalie licked her lips. “I’m not saying I don’t have my own problems, but everything can be overcome. I would’ve put a lot of effort into helping you and Casey through yours. I would’ve loved to have been part of your dynamic. But this is what you want, and I knew from the start you weren’t going to give me a whole lot. That’s my own fault for thinking there could be more. You’re broken. I hope someday you’re not.” She drew in a breath. “See you around, Austin.”

  She left, the gravel crunching under her boots, her stride sure, even if the rest of her wasn’t.

  Austin blinked. Did I stupidly let go of something I should have protected a lot harder?

  His brain said no. His heart said yes.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  One minute, Jacko lunged forward in pursuit of the steer. The next, he was falling forward and Austin went flying over the gelding’s head. He landed with a crunch audible even over the noise of the crowd.

  Natalie covered her hand with her mouth in horror.

  Nolan turned Bourbon as Jacko found his feet again. Austin sat up, left arm pulled to his chest. He wore a dazed expression, as though he couldn’t fathom how he’d gotten into the arena, much less how he’d ended up with a face full of sand.

  Nolan leaned down in his saddle.

  Austin shook his head, face pale as wax.

  Two cowboys rushed to help him to his feet. He rose, wobbly, but left with them.

  Casey flew out of the bleachers, down toward the fence, but her dad was already out of the arena by then.

  Natalie followed her.

  Casey’s eyes were huge when Natalie reached her side. “Where are they taking him? What happened? Jacko would never throw Daddy.”

  Natalie looked back at the arena, but Nolan had already exited with Jacko. “I think the barrier caught around Jacko’s leg. It tripped him.”

  “Do you think my dad is okay?” Casey’s lower lip trembled.

  “I’m sure he’s fine. Let’s go see if we can find him.” She took Casey’s hand and steered her through the crowd. They had to go outside to get to the back of the arena where the cowboys waiting to ride loitered.

  They found Nolan on the ground, inspecting Jacko’s legs.

  “Where’s Daddy?” Casey squeezed Natalie’s hand tight. “Uncle Nolan, is he okay?”

  He met her gaze. “We’ll go see in a minute. I have to make sure Jacko’s all right. He’d kill me if I didn’t take care of the horse.” He ran sure hands over Jacko’s legs.

  The horse never flinched. Nolan rose, then led him in a circle, but Natalie couldn’t see anything wrong with the gelding’s stride.

  “I think he’ll be okay.” Nolan rubbed the horse’s neck. “Let’s take him back to the pen and get him settled in. Then we’ll find Austin. He’s with the EMTs. He’ll be taken care of.”

  “But…” A big tear slipped down Casey’s face. “What if he’s hurt bad?”

  “I can take the horses if you want to go find your brother.” Natalie reached for the reins. “She’s terrified and since they’re okay, it’s what we should do.”

  “You sure?” Nolan glanced between the horses and Casey.

  “It’s fine. Take her to find Austin.” She accepted both horses’ reins from him. “I’ll come find you in a few minutes.”

  “What did he say to you in the arena, Uncle Nolan? Was he okay?” Casey tugged his hand.

  “He was kind of fuzzy. Maybe hurt his arm. C’mon, Princess.” He swung her up onto his hip, even though she was too big for
it.

  They walked away toward the medic’s tent.

  Natalie led the horses from the arena building and back into the parking lot where the round pen and Austin’s motorhome waited. She kept an eye on Jacko, but he seemed unfazed by his accident. He probably just wanted some hay and rest.

  Her heart had been in her throat when she saw Austin fall. Whatever he said about a stranger not wanting to get tangled in the mess of his life, she could definitely dispute it. His words had stung, but even now, she worried for him. So he was in a bad mood. She had her fair share of them all the time. One little disagreement didn’t mean they were mortal enemies now. He might not like it, but she wanted to comfort Casey in any way possible. She hoped she’d be able to find them again once she got the horses put away.

  It didn’t take her long to untack them and store the equipment safely in the trailers. Right as she finished checking their water and hay, she got a text from Nolan.

  On our way to St. John ER. EMTs think broken arm.

  She typed back. Want me to meet you there?

  Waiting for his next text was excruciating.

  Sure. Our princess is freaking. A’s arm is not a pretty sight.

  Ok. Be there soon. She hit send, then tucked her phone in her pocket.

  Even with traffic, it didn’t take her long to arrive. She found Casey sitting alone in the hospital emergency waiting room. Almost no color clung to Casey’s face. She appeared completely stunned.

  “Hey, kiddo. Any word on your dad?” Natalie settled into the seat beside her.

  Casey shook her head. “They wouldn’t let me see him. Uncle Nolan said stay here. His arm looked so gross. What if they can’t fix it?”

  “They’ll fix it. That’s what doctors do. No problem.” But he was probably off the circuit for a while. “You need anything? A drink? A snack?”

  Casey shook her head. Blonde hair spilled over her shoulders. “I have to wait here in case someone comes to tell us something.”

  “Nah, let’s go for a little walk. Nolan has my number. He’ll text me if there’s news. You look like you’re about to slide out of that chair. Breathe deep, think good thoughts.” Natalie tugged Casey’s hand. “Your dad is a strong guy. He’ll bounce right back. Even the best cowboys get hurt sometimes. Comes with the territory.”

  Casey glanced toward the doors that kept her out of the ER bays and chewed her bottom lip. “I know, but...stuff like this doesn’t happen to my daddy. He’s the best.”

  “He’s really good, but it happens to everybody one time or another. I’ve fallen off horses more times than I can count.” She led Casey out of the ER waiting room, into the hall. “It’s scary, but most of the time, you get up and get right back on and things go back to the way they were. Sometimes you visit the hospital. It happens. Don’t worry so much.”

  Casey’s lips trembled. “Daddy says I’m good at it.”

  She ran her hand over Casey’s hair. “Try not to be so good at it. Let me text your uncle. I’ll tell him we’re headed for the cafeteria. You look like you could use some sugar.”

  “It’s kinda late. I won’t sleep.”

  Natalie laughed. “I think you’re some kind of adult in a little body. Who ever heard of a kid turning down sugar?”

  “Daddy’s rule.”

  “It’s a good one, but tonight is an exception.” She typed out a message for Nolan, then they went in search of the cafeteria. She needed coffee.

  They picked a table with a window view of the parking lot while they shared a piece of cake. They’d no sooner packed up their trash than she got a text from Nolan.

  His brain’s okay. Well…you know what I mean. He’s still a dummy. No concussion. Just a couple bruises on his face. Both bones broken in left arm. Doc set em. Getting cast. Should be out of here in a little while. Meet you at the door? Case can see him.

  “C’mon. Your dad’s about to get his cast.”

  “Is he okay?” Casey’s brow furrowed. “Can we see him?”

  “Yes and yes.”

  They hurried back down the hall and met Nolan at the ER door. He waved them in.

  “He’s beat up, grouchy as hell, but okay for the most part.”

  Casey grabbed her uncle’s hand as they walked down the hall. In a little room, Austin reclined on the bed with his eyes closed. Already, dark bruises covered his left arm. He looked like he’d gone through a battle and barely come out the other side.

  Natalie hesitated at the door. “I should probably wait outside.”

  Nolan put his hand on her shoulder and nudged her forward. “Oh, shut up and get in there. I’ll go wait outside. This tiny room is killing me.”

  It wasn’t like she could tell him they’d had words before the roping event. Uncomfortable, she followed Casey in.

  Austin only had eyes for his daughter. It was a few moments before he even seemed to realize Natalie was there. But when he saw her, his eyes lit up. “Hey.”

  “Hi. No offense, but you look terrible.”

  “I feel worse than I look probably. It doesn’t feel so bad if I don’t move my fingers, but it doesn’t feel great either.” He covered Casey’s hand with his good one. “Jacko’s okay? Nolan wasn’t just saying that?”

  “I put him away personally. He’s fine.” She shifted her weight. “I’m glad you’re both okay.”

  “Thanks for looking after Casey. Not that she’s a handful, but it’s very nice of you.” He lowered his gaze. “Especially after the things I said to you today.”

  “It’s my pleasure. I’m not mad at either of you. You were stressed out. No big deal. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I’m a little bit hurt by it though.” She slid her hands into her back pockets. “I wish you’d tell me what happened.”

  He looked at Casey. “Maybe later. I am sorry. I’d like to make it up to you.”

  Okay, something that couldn’t be said in front of his daughter. Understandable. She could wait. “There’s nothing that an explanation won’t fix when you’re feeling better.”

  “You’ll pick up when I call you?” He lifted his gaze to hers. “Promise?”

  “Cross my heart.” She drew a little X beneath her collarbone. “So, I guess you’re out for about six weeks?”

  He grimaced. “Maybe a little longer. At least I didn’t have to get any metal.”

  “What will you do while you heal?” She hated to ask, but he and Casey still had to eat. He clearly couldn’t finish out the week at the Expo.

  “Sleep on Nolan’s couch for a while. He won’t mind. We’ll be okay.” He patted Casey’s hand. “Not to worry.”

  His eyes seemed a little cloudy and she guessed maybe he’d had some painkillers before they came in. He acted way too laid back to be the Austin she’d come to know. It made her want to tuck him in and let him get some rest.

  She glanced toward the door. “I should get going. They’ll be along to do your cast soon and hopefully get you a discharge.”

  “I’d really like it if you watched Casey tonight. I’m too sleepy to make sure she gets dinner and to bed all right. I don’t want to trouble you or anything.”

  “You sure? I mean, Nolan--”

  “Poor Nolan has me leaning on him. I am really starting to feel wacky after those painkillers.”

  “Are you all right, Daddy?” Casey leaned closer to him.

  He managed a lopsided smile. “I’ll be fine pretty soon. Can you hang out with Natalie tonight? Without giving her any trouble?”

  Casey nodded. “Yeah, that would be okay.”

  “Good girl.”

  “C’mon, Casey. Your dad clearly needs some rest. We’ll stop by and get your toothbrush and PJs from the motorhome and then head back to the motel.”

  Casey hesitated.

  “I’ll be fine.” Austin sat up a little, flinching, to give her a kiss. “Love you, Princess.”

  “Love you too, Daddy.” She gave him a one-armed hug and sniffled a little, but she followed Natalie from the room. “He seemed funny.
”

  “It was just the pills. He’ll be better tomorrow morning.” Thank heavens he was going to be all right. She couldn’t imagine what would happen to Casey if something happened to Austin. No doubt Alaina would run away screaming instead of taking in her own daughter. Nolan would do his best, of course, but how prepared was he to become the guardian of a little girl?

  They found Nolan outside near the entrance, sipping a Coke and chatting on his cell phone. He said goodbye and a quick, “Love you”, before he hung up. “My girlfriend. I was telling her I’m probably having houseguests for a while. She’s cool with it.”

  “Austin asked if I’d watch Casey tonight. We’re headed back. Do you need anything?” Natalie dug her keys out of her purse. “He seems pretty out of it.”

  “Eh, not the first time one of us has been banged up. We’ll be fine. Go get some rest. See you in the morning?” He ruffled Casey’s hair.

  Natalie nodded. “Yeah, we’ll be at the Expo Center bright and early.” She passed the keys to Casey. “Go get situated.”

  When Casey had gone, she faced Nolan. “Are you okay with me taking her? We haven’t known each other long. Austin’s confused. I don’t want either of you thinking I’m actually going to take her and not bring her back.”

  Nolan made a disbelieving noise. “We know you’re not a nut job. It’s fine. I mean, you didn’t take Austin and murder him in your motel bathroom or anything.”

  She laughed. “Well, no. But maybe it was only because he’s a pretty big guy and that would be a lot of work.”

  “Get out of here, Nat. You and the kid get some rest. I’ll text you tomorrow morning.” He extended his arms. “Hug?”

  “Sure.” She let herself fall into them. A lot of the worry she’d been carrying disappeared. “Take care of him. I’ll take care of her.”

  “Can do. And I know you will.”

  She made her way toward her truck.

  Casey was silent on the way back, not even saying much beyond thank you when they stopped at a fast food place and ordered dinner. She gathered up a few things to take with her to the motel, then after they arrived, she changed into her PJs, brushed her teeth, went to one of the twin beds, and promptly fell asleep.