Hello! Today I’m bringing y’all a short snippet from Howdy, Ma’am, the first book in the Bull Rider Series. I do love the cowboy hero in this book. He and Velia sure have had a tough ride in the three books in this series.
Set up:
Velia divorced her first husband, Justin. Her dad accompanied her to the courthouse, along with two of the men who work for him. Justin had caused a scene in the courtroom. Because of Justin’s history of abuse, her dad sent one of his men, Roy Bianco, home with Velia after court. Caulder had been invited to dinner the next day, but there was an incident minutes before he arrived, and Velia ended up in the hospital. Roy and Caulder stay with her at home that night. She’ll soon be leaving with Caulder on the bull riding circuit.
After Alice left, Velia went to the kitchen and got a wine glass from the cupboard.
Caulder jumped up and hurried to her. “Whoa there, little filly, you can’t be drinking with that pain medication.” He slipped his arm around her waist.
“I forgot.” She grasped the woodwork along the doorway.
Roy came to assist Caulder with her, but Caulder picked her up and carried her to bed. Roy lingered right behind. “Is she okay?”
“She’s dizzy.” He laid her on the bed and pulled the covers over her. “Maybe you should stay right here.”
“I’m fine.” She grimaced then held her head. “Maybe not.”
“Your pain pill is starting to work, Velia. Let it ease the pain and stop fighting 
against it.” Caulder rested one knee on the side of the bed and brushed the hair away from her face, gently running his knuckles along her cheek.
She looked up at him. With the tender care everyone was giving to her, she felt more like a child than a grown woman, but the burning fire making its way over her body, reminded her she was no child. And neither was Caulder.
“Rest while you can. We’ll be waking you soon.” He leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead.
He stopped several inches from her face and stared into her eyes. Another heated rush fell over her. She wanted him to lie beside her and hold her in his arms. Velia closed her eyes and felt the mattress rise as he lifted his knee.
He moved away and stood beside the bed. “Try to get some rest,” he said, as he turned to leave. Caulder whirled around at the door. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.
“I’ll be all right.”
He hurried back to the bed and put another kiss on her forehead, cupping her face in the process.
She covered a yawn with the back of her hand, feigning sleepiness so he’d leave, but in reality, she hid the fervor in her eyes. The warmth of his lips lingered on her skin. Why would he do such a thing? Her weighted eyelids fluttered, and she fought to keep them closed. When he walked away, she opened her eyes as he went through the door. He sat in the chair positioned where she could see him from the bed. She moved to her side and watched his motions as he sipped wine and talked to Roy while they ate. Once he glanced back in at her. What’d she get herself into? Would he expect perks while on the road? Would she?
End of Excerpt.
I love Caulder, but oh, you have to like Roy Bianco. The dear man had a big role and a big job in Hey, Cowboy, Book Two, which proves why the family needs him. In book three, Ric Armano actually visited Velia without Roy and Nero, but he should’ve been there.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel 
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