Author's Note: For reference purposes;

(Canadian Pro Rodeo Association) CPRA, for Canada

(Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) PRCA, for America

(National Finals Rodeo) NFR, World Wide

(Professional Bull Riders) PBR, World Wide

Ch. 4

Caleb hated that song. Why was he thinking about it – now – of all times? Laughing inside at himself, his mouth was curved up into a big, sweet smile that had pushed his cheeks up into little balls of embarrassment, exposing his pearly whites. He sure hoped she hadn't noticed his childlike clumsiness. But, Kelly was watching, this adorable cowboy, thinking, "Oh my, how I've missed you." She was smiling and liked how his blonde curls barely caressed the underside of the brim of his hat, and how his blue eyes skipped about while he was tripping.

Taking a step closer to his destination, he said, "Kelly … h, how are you?" Grinning, Kelly swept her shoulder length dark curls away from her face "Caleb. You're not going to fall over drunk again, are you?" referring, while pointing, to his beer. "Ahh, no. I'm just gonna cook outside. I needed some beer to top it off, you wanna join me? "He asked with a hopeful grin.

Thinking for a moment … "I only went to Maggie's to pick up a few supplies for my horse", and she hadn't eaten yet so, she was getting hungry and said, "Why not, a girl's gotta eat, right?" "Yes you do. Do you wanna ride with me, or?" He thought he'd extend a ride to her, but seeing as they were next to her car, he knew she wouldn't leave it there, he also knew the answer before she spoke, "No, I'll follow you, how about that?" The smile on his face somehow got bigger, than it was before and he said, "Alright then, let's go!"

Kelly loved the outdoors, and loved the view Caleb had from his trailer, but that living space left a little more to be desired. While he went inside to get the steaks, two potatoes, seasoning, and utensils for grilling, Kelly began exploring the property.

She absolutely loved the fire pit with the chairs around it. Then walking out further, to the edge of the property she took in the great outdoor breeze while scanning the magnificent scenery thinking "Oh wow, this is beautiful!"

Caleb came out with an arm load of stuff and after placing everything down he began preparing the grill to let it get nice and hot. Grabbing two beers from the cooler and opening them, he walked over to her and offered her one saying "I love it out here."

Looking up at Caleb she said "Thank you, and yes, it's amazing. I haven't seen you around, where have you been?" After taking a drink from his bottle he looked at her "Well, I was on the circuit and just got back a couple of days ago." She also took a drink from hers and added "So, are you gonna tell me about it, cowboy?" with a smile.

Caleb thought - with a grin - it would be nice to grab a blanket and put it on the ground, but thought she might like the chairs instead. Mulling over that thought he finally asked her, "So, I was thinking, maybe we could sit on the ground. I could grab a blanket to throw down. What do you say?" She liked that idea a lot and said, "Sure, sounds good to me." And with that Caleb was off, grabbing that blanket.

Walking back he thought he would throw the steaks and potatoes on the grill first, before returning as Kelly sat in a chair. She waited as he did his thing, leaning all the way back in her chair with her head slightly tilted up and eyes closed, letting the soft breeze play with her hair.

While Caleb was seasoning the steaks he couldn't help but to look in her direction, thinking how lucky he was to have this beautiful woman share his company tonight. He loved how the gentle breeze teased her curls. He adjusted the setting on the grill so that the meat would slowly cook to perfection, then closing the lid and grabbing the blanket, he walked to an open spot in the middle of the property and flung it open letting it drift to the ground and said, "In a little while those steaks and potatoes will be done."

Rising from her chair she walked to where Caleb was, lightly brushing her arm up against his. Caleb, realizing how difficult it would be for Kelly to wriggle to the ground in her dress, he extended his hand to gently guide her down. She was impressed and thanked him.

There is no doubt that Kelly was attracted to Caleb, of course he was so adorable, but there was so much more to him than just his gorgeous looks and charming personality. No, it was how polite and considerate he was with her. How he always put her needs before his own, and always asked for her opinion. Never assuming she'd want this, or that, he actually cared about her thoughts and it showed. For her, that made him more attractive than anything else, or for that matter, anyone she'd ever known before. How is it possible that anyone could treat him so bad? She'd heard the stories around town about his ex – marriage, but she didn't want to ask him anything about that yet, maybe at some point he would feel comfortable enough to share that, but right now, was not the time.

She'd had her share of failed relationships too, and this cowboy was quite different from all the rest. She'd be careful with him, and ease into things, if there was even a relationship possible, yet, though she was confident.

Caleb thought about how to start this conversation and carefully choosing his words as not to shock her with the tragic details of the rodeo too soon, he began with the basics and how much work would be involved, then he'd tell her about his ride on Triton.

"The circuit just finished in Knoxville, Tn. Which is where I was, and since I've completed my local circuit with the CPRA, plus this one with the PRCA and won the titles for each, I've got the points and the money to be considered for the invite to the NFR, for the world title. I just don't know yet if I want to do that or join the PBR. I'll just wait till I hear from the PRCA if I get the invite or not and go from there"

Kelly was impressed with his level of competition and asked, "What is the difference. I mean they both have world titles, right?" After taking a sip from his bottle Caleb answered, "Well sure, but with the PBR, there is a whole lot more money to be won, and the title carries a higher clout of recognition. Either way, there's a lot of training involved to get prepared for it. But, you know all about that, with your Saddle Bronc Riding and all."

He had her interest, and there's no doubt she wanted to go further with her own training. Maybe he would help her with that. "Yes, my training is hard work, but (tilting her head with a half laugh) nothing compared to what you go through, I'm sure." Laughing too he said "Yeah but, hey do you remember when you brought your horse to Amy. You stayed on that guy forever. That was impressive."

Looking directly at him at this point and saying, "You remember that?" while shaking her head. He said "How could I forget, you told Amy how I took a, what was it? Oh yeah, a -FANTASTIC – nose dive into the barn stall, right before I threw up and passed out." Spitting out her beer before chocking with laughter and looking at him again she raised her beer bottle to Caleb's and together they saluted a cheer "Surf's up!" and busted out in laughter. In a motion she leaned forward then back again and finally resting her hand on his shoulder. In that moment they both, in unison, made eye contact, as if they each wanted a kiss, but both held back. Caleb did not want her to see that he was just some overheated cowboy with one thing on his mind, and Kelly wanted Caleb to make that first move. She was bold and audacious to a point. Both of them were being careful, yet knowing exactly how they felt about the other.

"You should go check the food, cowboy" She said, with a grin and almost damn near kissing him right then. He agreed, and she watched as he walked over to the grill. With a smile creasing her mouth she couldn't think of a better way to spend her evening. Carefully she got up, and walked over to the grill, and asked, "Can I help with anything?" Looking at her he said, "If you want you can grab the plates, forks and knives." She agreed as he told her where to find them.

Entering his trailer she was surprised at small the space was. But for a cowboy, it served his needs just right. He was gone a lot and didn't acquire many things throughout the years. For him it was perfect, for now. Grabbing the plates, eating utensils she had noticed that the place could use a little tidying up, but all in all, not bad.

Placing the items on the picnic table, he looked over to her and said, "Just another 10 minutes maybe." "Good" she said in response, and took a seat at the table, watching his every move with delight.

Bringing the food to the table and taking his seat across from her he said "Dig in." Shaking her head and raising an eyebrow, she grinned.

Starting the conversation while cutting into that juicy steak, she said "You never told me about your bull ride." Waiting to swallow before answering he said "Yeah, well, you know how we each have to pick our bull. I picked Triton; he was big, but not REAL big. But, boy was that bull fast on the spin and wild with the buck. I held tight and didn't flinch. I stayed on for the 8 seconds and jumped off. Triton turned around real fast and charged at me. Man I was over the rails in a flash. You should have heard the crowd, they went nuts," smiling, while looking at his steak for another bite. She loved watching his excitement as she ate her food. She knew those rodeos could be very exhilarating. Then looking up at her he said "But, not everyone had a good ride. My friend Luke got racked up real bad. He picked the biggest bull there Big Ugly Critter. I mean yeah, we all wanted to pick him, but Luke was nervous. As soon as the chute opened, Critter bucked him real hard and while Luke was coming down Critter came up and their heads smacked together. It was bad."

Looking concerned, she was now chewing slowly while taking in all that Caleb had said and added "Oh my god. Is he ok?" "Not really, he will be in the hospital for two more weeks, but after that, I don't know. I offered the Dude Ranch for him and his mother to stay at. But, she wants to talk to him first, so we'll see." Caleb replied, while taking a drink of his beer.

They ate quietly for a bit and as they finished eating Caleb rose to clear the plates and stuff. Immediately she rose and said "No Caleb, let me do the dishes, you cooked. The least I could do is clean up." He smiled that big smile of his and said thank you. Helping her inside the trailer he said "Well we could do them together, right?" Nodding in agreement she smiled as her eyes lit up as if to say. Kiss me, damn it.

Filling the sink with water and soap Kelly placed the dirty dishes in the water. Picking up one plate she wiped it clean and handed it to him. Their eyes meet as their fingers meet when he grabbed for the plate. He went to grab another plate and she reached in and unexpectedly caressed his hand while feeling each finger, under the suds. Then pulling the plate up, she wiped it clean. Looking at her dark eyes, for confirmation about that touch; he took the plate and dried it. In unison their hands went in at the same time and, this time she held his hand causing both to pause in anticipation. There they were, caressing each other's hand while trying to get those dishes clean. Both leaned in for their first kiss, sweet and pleasant. Kelly reached up with her free hand and knocked his hat off of his blonde curly head. He pulled away first and said, "Hey, that's my hat!" Still holding onto his hand she said "That's right, what are you gonna do?"

Caleb's phone rang. The number displayed was Linda's. Taking in a hard breath as his heart dropped, he pulled his hand away to answer his phone.

To Be Continued