August 29th, 2009 - World's Toughest Rodeo, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Jack stepped out of the shower and pulled a towel from the cabinet. After drying off, he wrapped it around his waist and secured it in place. He slid the pocket door open and stepped out. Elizabeth was standing at the stove, preparing something for lunch. She was wearing nothing but one of Jack's dress shirts.
She saw Jack step out, eyeing her up and down.
"Sorry, I hope you don't mind. I can't seem to find my clothes anywhere. Rosie must have taken them with her."
"Beth, I do not mind one bit. That shirt looks much better on you than it does on me." Jack walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, bent down and kissed the side of her neck. He watched Elizabeth as she flipped the hamburgers in the skillet. "Those look delicious."
"Would you like to run over and see if Rosie and Lee have eaten? I'm making enough for all of us. Oh, and ask her to bring me some clothes?" Elizabeth tipped her head back against Jack's shoulder and kissed him.
"Oh, I don't know. I kind of like you just like this." Jack slid his hand down the outside of her thigh.
"Jack." Elizabeth gently elbowed Jack in the stomach.
"Oh, alright. I'll be right back." He kissed her cheek and stepped back into the bathroom, closed the door and got dressed. He stepped out in his jeans and a t-shirt then disappeared out the door.
…..
Rosemary stepped into the trailer just as Elizabeth was placing the last burger onto a platter.
"Hey, Beth. How are you doing?" Rosie asked, hugging her friend.
"I'm better. Oh, good, you brought me some clothes." Elizabeth held them out and inspected them. "These aren't mine," she said, holding up the jeans and shirt.
"Yes, they are. I just bought them for you."
"You really didn't need to do that."
"I know. Lee and I were at the western wear store this morning and I saw that shirt and thought it would look great on you, so I grabbed it."
"What happened to your hand?" Elizabeth exclaimed, just noticing her swollen knuckles.
"What? This? Oh, it's nothing."
"Rosie, what did you do?"
"Seriously, Beth, it's nothing," Rosemary answered, her voice was low and slow.
Elizabeth knew Rosemary well enough, to know to let it go and not press her any further. She took the clothes into the bathroom and dressed, then joined the others who were already back in the trailer and preparing their plates.
"These are great, Rosie. Thank you."
Rosie nodded, an unspoken understanding between them. Elizabeth had only packed short sleeve shirts and Rosemary knew this. She had picked up a long sleeve shirt for her, so she could cover her bruises.
Jack turned to see her and his eyes moved from her face to her boots and back up again. "You look great, Beth." He put his arm around her, his hand resting on the top of her hip, and kissed the top of her head.
The shirt was black, white, and turquoise plaid with the entire bottom fading into black. She rolled the sleeves up part way, keeping her bruises covered. The two pockets on the front of the shirt were both covered with small rhinestones and the shirt snapped closed. Elizabeth had quickly fallen in love with her new wardrobe, this shirt was no exception. Rosemary had also gotten her a new pair of blue jeans and Elizabeth was wearing her favorite boots.
They finished their lunch, then the guys cleaned the dishes and kitchen area while Elizabeth and Rosemary sat on the couch, visiting.
"Are you nervous about your ride tonight?" Elizabeth asked, popping a grape in her mouth.
"A little. But I usually am, so, nothing new." Rosie smiled as she ran her fingers through her long blonde hair.
The guys finished and joined the women. Jack kept his arm around Elizabeth as they sat, feeling the constant need to protect her now.
It was time to head back into the arena. Jack and Lee had changed into their sponsor covered Wrangler shirts and their leather fringed chaps. Their riding boots were worn much more than their casual ones they had just changed out of. Their spurs were strapped in place. They had their riding gloves tucked into their pockets and the bull ropes slung over their shoulders.
Rosemary had changed into tonight's competition outfit of a turquoise shirt and black felt hat.
Rosemary and Lee were standing outside of Jack's trailer as he stepped out. Elizabeth hesitated in the doorway as Jack waited at the bottom of the steps.
"Are you okay, Beth?" Jack asked her as he held the door open.
Elizabeth forced a small smile, then slowly stepped out into the open air. She immediately put her hand in Jack's, squeezing it tightly.
"Stay with me during the rodeo," Jack said, looking down at her.
Elizabeth looked up at Jack and nodded.
As the couples walked toward the arena, they approached the area where Elizabeth had been attacked; it was the only entrance to their eventual destination. Jack looked at Elizabeth as they passed it and could see tears filling her eyes. Jack wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against his side as they walked; he could feel her body tensing up. Rosemary and Lee kept their eyes on Elizabeth as well, to see how she was going to handle being back in the tunnel.
As they neared the end that opened up into the area of the rodeo stock pens, Jack could feel Elizabeth relax just slightly.
Two rodeo security officers that had been waiting near the administration area, saw the group coming and approached them.
"We got a complaint early this morning, that a couple of cowboys attacked a group of men last night and left them for dead," one of the officers started. "Do you guys know anything about this?"
"Hey, Jake," Jack said to the other officer that had initially been silent. The officer who seemed to be in charge looked back and forth between the two men.
"Hey, Jack." He stepped forward and shook Jack's hand. Elizabeth caught his eye as he noticed the condition of her face. He looked down at Jack's right hand and could see the redness that had spread across his knuckles. "I suppose I can probably guess what happened last night, but I need you to tell me," Jake said, looking up at Jack.
Jack looked at Elizabeth, who dropped her gaze and nodded. Jack told them everything that he knew, and the other officer was writing notes into a small notebook as Jack spoke.
Jake looked at Elizabeth, "Is that everything that happened, ma'am?"
Elizabeth nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"We will need you to sign a statement for the police."
Elizabeth nodded again.
Jake turned back to Jack. "We'll take care of everything, Jack." Looking back to Elizabeth, Jake removed his hat, "Elizabeth, I'm very sorry this happened to you. I'll personally make sure those men get what they deserve."
Elizabeth forced a smile. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Rosemary was by her side now, her arm wrapped around her waist.
…..
Polly had been walking down the long corridor when she'd spotted the two security officers talking to Rosemary and the others. She quickened her pace and just as she was about to call out to the officers to report Rosie, she noticed Elizabeth's face. Polly stopped dead in her tracks and stared. Her heart started to race, a lump formed in her throat. She thought that she might be sick as the realization of what she had caused began to set in.
Rosemary looked over, noticed Polly and straightened, standing taller. Jack and Lee looked over to see what Rosemary was looking at and saw Polly with a large purple bruise across her jawline. Elizabeth's gaze moved over to where Polly was standing and saw what the others were seeing.
Jake noticed the foursome looking past him at something and turned to see what it was. He noticed Polly's face and looked back at Jack. "Is there more to the story?" Jake asked.
"Nothing that I know about," Jack replied, looking over to Rosemary.
Jake looked to Rosemary with questioning eyes. Rosemary, still watching Polly, opened her mouth to speak, then stopped. She could see the hurt in Polly's eyes, and knew that she never meant for her little trick to go as far as it had. Rosemary shook her head and looked at Jake, "No."
Polly was crying by now, turned and ran back down the long hallway.
"Alright. I'll get the paperwork filled out and call the police. I will make sure that all four are arrested."
The group nodded as Jake seemed to exhale as he spoke.
"What if they get off?" Lee asked.
"There are cameras all over this place. I will have my guys search through the footage of a couple in that area and we'll nail those bastards. They won't be getting off." Jake turned to Elizabeth. "They might need to take some photos of any marks that they left on you. I'll have the police contact you if they do."
Elizabeth nodded.
"Elizabeth, again, I'm very sorry. I will make sure that there is always a guard on duty in that area from now on."
Elizabeth smiled and nodded again, not wanting to speak for fear of the tears taking over.
After the officers left, Jack and Lee both turned toward Rosemary.
"Taking care of business?" Lee said.
Rosemary smiled, "It was handled, wasn't it?"
Elizabeth looked between the two, listening, but not asking any questions.
Jack still had his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against his side. He pressed his lips against her temple and lingered there, his eyes closed, wishing he could take back what had happened to her.
He lowered his mouth to her ear and whispered, "You aren't leaving my side tonight, Beth."
Elizabeth turned her head to look at him. "They won't let me stay back here."
"Yes, they will. I won't give them the option."
Elizabeth nodded and laid her head against his shoulder, breathing in his cologne.
…..
The opening ceremonies began and Jack, Lee, and Rosie had to go out into the arena. Jack left Elizabeth with a group of committeemen, with instructions to protect her with their lives. The men all stood behind her, as she watched the ceremonies from the side of the arena. They had seen her face and had asked no questions.
Jack kept his eyes on the corner where Elizabeth stood watching, unable to stop worrying about her. He knew she was safe with his friends, but he felt uncomfortable not being next to her.
As soon as the prayer was said and the National Anthem sung, Jack hurried out of the arena and returned to Elizabeth.
The four friends remained in the area next to the chutes the entire evening, watching through the gates. Elizabeth was mesmerized by all the activity behind the chutes, amazed at all that went on. Groups of cowboys would all kneel together and pray, others were stretching out their legs against the gates, while more were sitting in their bronc saddles on the ground, practicing their moves.
Seeing the group praying reminded Elizabeth of something she had seen Jack do the previous night.
"I saw that you knelt with your head down last night after your ride," she said to Jack. "Were you praying?"
Jack turned to her and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Yes, I have decided that I need to praise Him with the good and the bad. And thank Him for allowing me to walk out of the arena."
Those last words sent a chill down Elizabeth's spine. Allowing me to walk out. The thought of a day where Jack might not, caused her to shiver.
Jack rubbed her arms with his hands. "Are you cold?" He asked with concern in his voice.
"No. The thought of you not walking out of here scares me." She looked up into his dark hazel eyes. She could still see the pain behind them; the guilt that Jack carried with him since her attack. Elizabeth raised her hands to his face, still staring into his eyes. "You need to stop holding onto that guilt, Jack. Last night was not your fault."
Jack, surprised at her statement, leaned down and kissed her. "I should have been with you."
"You can't be with me every moment of every day, Jack. It was a bad thing that happened, driven by alcohol and evidently a jealous girl." She rubbed his cheek with her thumb. "I will be okay, Jack. I promise. I just need a little time...and you."
Jack wrapped both of his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. He held her head with his hand and rocked back and forth to the beat of the current song that was playing over the loud speaker. He moved his hands to her face and tilted it up towards his, lowered his lips to hers, and kissed her in a way that made Elizabeth forget everything that was around her.
Their kiss was interrupted by a tap on Jack's arm. Jack pulled back, still staring at Elizabeth, then slowly turned his head to see who it was.
A police officer was standing next to them. "Excuse me, ma'am. Are you Elizabeth Thatcher?"
"Yes."
"I'm Officer Miller. I have a statement that Roy, with security, filled out and gave us. I just need you to review it, let me know if anything is inaccurate or missing, and sign it."
Elizabeth nodded and took the paper from his hand. She carefully read over it, having to pause a couple times in order to continue. Jack kept his hand on the small of her back and watched her as she read. She wiped a few tears from her cheeks, then handed the paper back to Officer Miller.
"Yes, everything is there."
The officer pulled a pen out of his pocket and handed it to her. "Can you sign it right here?" He pointed at a line at the bottom of the page that he had attached to a clipboard.
Elizabeth signed her name and returned the pen to him.
"Thank you," he said as he placed the pen in his chest pocket. "We have your contact information if we need anything. I'm very sorry this happened to you. We'll do everything in our power to make sure they pay for it." The officer turned to Jack, "Though it looks like they already have." He gave Jack a small grin then walked away.
Jack pulled Elizabeth back against his chest and held her for a few minutes. "I love you," he said and kissed her on her forehead. "You are so strong, Elizabeth." He rested his forehead against hers, breathing in her perfume.
"I love you, Jack."
"Hey, Liz," Rosie said, rubbing her arm. "Sorry to bother you. I just wanted to let you know that I'm going down to get Samson. Barrels are up soon and I have to go get ready."
Elizabeth turned to her friend and hugged her. "Good luck, Rosemary."
"Thanks, Liz. I'll be back as soon as I'm done." She started to walk away then stopped and turned back. "This ride is for you," she said smiling and pointing at Elizabeth.
Elizabeth smiled back and shook her head. "She is so crazy."
"That she is," Jack replied.
John, one of Jack's fellow bull riders and friend, approached them, removing his hat as he looked at Elizabeth.
"Hey, Jack." John said, shaking his hand.
"Hey there, John. This is my fiancé, Elizabeth."
"Ma'am," he said, tipping his head.
"Hi, John."
He turned back to Jack, "I heard what happened. I just wanted to let you know that we all know who it was and will keep an eye out for them."
"Thanks, John. But the police are handling it and will be arresting them."
"That's good." John paused, glancing briefly at Elizabeth then down to the dirt, then back up at Jack. "Just let us know if you need anything."
"Thanks. We will." Jack patted him on the shoulder as John turned and walked back to the chutes.
"This is a real family, isn't it?" Elizabeth asked, wrapping her arm around Jack.
"Yes, it is. We all watch out for one another."
"I can see that."
…..
Lee had returned to them after talking with a friend for a while, and the three stood along the fence and watched as the barrel racers ran their patterns. Rosemary and Samson entered the arena and the three yelled and cheered for her as the duo ran another perfect pattern.
"Folks, Rosemary and Samson have just moved up into first place with a time of 14.56. And that time is going to be hard to beat!"
Elizabeth and men cheered, along with the thousands of excited fans.
The three sat on the end of the platform behind the chutes as the final barrel racers competed. Elizabeth watched as the men prepared for their rides, zipping the sides of their chaps. Jack pulled his glove from his pocket and smacked it against his leg a few times, dust filled the air around it with each hit. He pulled it onto his hand and tightened the strap around the wrist.
Elizabeth sat quietly, watching him and Lee as they worked through each ritual of preparations. Jack looked over to find her staring at him and he smiled, leaned over, and kissed her on the lips.
"I like having you here."
"I like being here," she smiled back.
Elizabeth heard metal rattling and could feel the platform shake beneath her. She turned to see bulls moving through the chutes. As the first bull reached the end chute, they began to close the partitions between each one. Elizabeth had never been this close to them, and she could hear them snorting and pawing at the ground.
"Do you want to see one up close?" Jack asked her.
"What? Oh, no. I don't think so." Elizabeth said, shaking her head.
"It will be okay. It's still a little while before the first one goes. You can sneak up here to the first chute."
Elizabeth hesitated, then stood. Jack stepped up onto the platform, then reached down and took her hand, pulling her up beside him. She walked up to the chute and looked down over the top of the huge bull. She could smell the sweat and manure and feel the heat of his breath at her feet. She was surprised at the size of the bull; it was larger than she had expected.
"What do you think?" Jack asked, smiling.
"I think you guys are nuts. That thing is huge."
"Well, you are right on both counts." Jack's smile grew, revealing his dimples. Jack looked down the platform and could see one of the gatemen coming down, checking each bull. "You better step down." He motioned toward the man with his head.
Elizabeth leaned back to peek around Jack and saw the man in the official blue shirt. She stepped to the end of the planks and jumped down.
"I'm the sixth rider and Lee is fifteenth. He will stay with you as I ride. Plus, Rosie will be back soon."
Elizabeth nodded in understanding, "Okay."
Jack jumped down next to her, then sat back onto the boards. He pulled her close to him, standing between his legs. She leaned back against his leg and watched the bull riders as they lined up behind each chute, preparing for their ride.
After a few minutes of Jack holding Elizabeth against him, he pushed her out slightly and stood, taking her hand, they joined Lee along the fence. The first bull shot out of the chute and kicked so hard and so high, that Elizabeth thought it might flip right over onto it's back. The rider came off at six seconds and ran to safety.
The next bull came out and jumped sideways so hard, that it fell onto its side. After struggling for a moment, the bull regained his footing, stood and bucked off into the arena, without its rider. The announcer reported that the rider would get a re-ride option due to the bull falling.
When the gate flew open on the third bull, the rider came off in only two seconds. As soon as he hit the ground, the bull spun back around, running over top of the man. The bull fighters quickly got between the bull and the cowboy before the bull could do more harm. One of the gatemen ran out, pulled the man to his feet, and helped him out of the arena. The man moved as if his leg had been stepped on.
The injured bull rider came through the gate near Elizabeth, Jack, and Lee. A couple of people from the sports medicine team ran up and assisted him. After a short assessment, they helped him down the hall toward the medical room.
Another bull and rider entered the arena, this time reaching the buzzer.
"That's going to be a hard to beat," Lee said to Jack as they watched the rider run to a nearby gate.
"Yes, Rodney had a great ride tonight. He's always been one to watch."
Elizabeth stood between the two men and listened to them talk about each of the riders and the bulls. The gates rattled again as they loaded the next group of bulls into the chutes, moving them through one by one.
"This is my group," Jack said as he bent down and kissed her. His was more passionate than Elizabeth had expected and she could feel her legs grow week as she kissed him back. "I love you," he said, breathing hard.
"I love you, too. Good luck," she smiled at him, trying to catch her breath.
He kissed her forehead, removed his cowboy hat, and placed it on her head. "Wow, you look great in a hat." Jack leaned down and kissed her lips again, their faces mostly hidden by the hat.
Jack ran back to the platform and jumped on it. He bent down and picked up his bull rope, then headed toward the crowd of cowboys. She watched Jack as he moved down to the chute that held his bull, Tonka's Twister, and he stood staring down at him. She saw him close his eyes briefly, saying a short prayer.
Jack looked back in Elizabeth's direction and found her watching him. He kissed his fingertips then pointed them to her. Elizabeth kissed her lips out then mouthed the words; I love you.
Rosie came running to join them and Lee grabbed her, spinning her, before setting her back onto the ground. "Great ride, babe." He kissed her, dipping her backwards in the process.
Her hat fell off as he lifted her back up and he picked it up, dusted the dirt off, and placed it back onto her head.
"That was a great run, Rosie," Elizabeth said as she hugged her.
"Thanks, Liz. Samson has been going excellent this year."
"He sure has," Lee said as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her against him.
"Is Jack up soon?" She asked.
"Yes. Two more riders, then it's his turn."
The three returned to the fence and watched as each rider took their turn, only one of them staying on for the allotted time.
Jack was next and Elizabeth could feel her heart begin to race, as it does each time he rides.
Jack lowered himself onto the bull and began the preparation of his rigging. With his mind continuously returning to Elizabeth, he tried to bring it back to what was before him.
Focus on the task.
Jack heard his father's words as if he was standing next to him. Jack looked up and looked at each of the men that were helping him, stopping on their faces.
"Did any of you say anything?"
They all shook their heads.
Jack returned his attention to the bull rope. Elizabeth's face flashed in his mind again.
Focus on the task before you. She is safe.
Jack looked up again, not knowing what was happening. He shook it out of his mind and returned to the rigging, warming the rosin once more. He laid the rope across the palm of his hand, pulling it tight. He wrapped it behind his hand, then back across his palm once more. Elizabeth continuously flashing in his mind with each movement he made.
Focus on Me.
Jack suddenly felt a wave of calmness wash over him and peace flow through his body as he realized that it was not his dad's voice he was hearing, but in fact, it was his Father's; God.
Jack quickly sat back onto his pockets, bit down onto the mouth guard and nodded.
The bull launched out of the chute and bucked harder than anyone had seen that evening. The bull's motions would have thrown any other rider, but Jack had been able to keep his center, and keep with the bull.
The feeling of calm stayed with Jack through the entire ride, as he moved in sync with the bull's motions. It had kicked harder and jumped higher than ever before, trying everything to get rid of Jack. Anger could be seen in the bull's eyes as he threw his head up with each buck.
Jack couldn't hear anything other than the bull's hooves meeting the dirt, the leather of his chaps smacking against his legs, and bell jingling that was hanging below the bull from his bull rope.
The buzzer sounded and Jack released his hand in the middle of one of the bull's spins. He flew off the bull, hitting the dirt and rolling. He stood to see that the bull was chasing a bull fighter, then disappeared through the gate.
The roars of the crowd slowly filled Jack's ears as he looked around the stadium, smiling. He unstrapped the safety helmet and pulled it from his head. His eyes searched for Elizabeth at the gate and spotted her, standing next to Lee. He dropped to his knee, bowed his head, said a prayer, a bit longer than last time, then stood and ran to Elizabeth.
Lee had motioned to her to stand on the gate and she stepped up onto it. Jack climbed it on his side and they met at the top. He wrapped one arm around her and pulled her tight against him as he kissed her hard and eagerly, in front of everyone.
The crowd was screaming louder and more wildly, watching the couple celebrate.
"Rodeo fans that are lucky enough to be here tonight, you have witnessed a record-breaking ride!" The announcer was speaking louder than usual. "Jack Thornton has just received the highest score ever of 97 points!"
You could almost feel the stadium shake as the fans screamed, stomped their feet and clapped.
"This man has been on fire this entire season and will most definitely be on his way to compete in the world championship. And I'm sorry ladies, this cowboy is taken and will be getting married to that beautiful woman you see there."
Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm as she pulled back and looked into Jack's glistening eyes.
Jack grabbed her face with his hands and kissed her again, leaning against the gate to keep his balance. He pulled back and stared at her bright blue eyes, "I love you."
"I love you, too."
Jack finished climbing over the gate and joined them on the ground. Several of his friends had joined them and were congratulating Jack on his ride, all talking at the same time. They had shaken him, slapped him on the back, hugged him, shook his hand as his fellow competitors were almost as excited as Jack over witnessing his ride.
Elizabeth stayed back and watched Jack, enjoying his moment. Pride filled her as she listened to the men tell Jack how great the ride had been. Rosemary, stepped up next to her, putting her arm around her shoulders.
"That ride was for you, too, Liz."
"No, I think that ride was for someone higher than me."
Rosemary looked at her with questioning eyes.
"That ride was for God."
When the other cowboys finally cleared out and returned to what they had been doing, Jack returned to Elizabeth. He picked her up and kissed her as she kicked her legs up, then slowly set her back down.
The four remained by the gates and watched as the other men rode. It was finally approaching Lee's turn, and he left the group to go to chute that held his bull, Manic Midnight.
Jack stepped up onto the gate and waited anxiously for his friend to ride.
The gate swung open and bull burst out into the arena. Dirt flew into the air as the bull bucked and spun. Jack watched on as Lee held his ground on the bull. Jack made mental notes of things to tell Lee about his ride, something they have done for each other since they began traveling together six years ago.
The buzzer sounded and Jack pumped his arms into the air, yelling for his friend. He watched as Lee freed his hand, but as he was launched off the bull's back, he came down behind the bull. The bull kicked out just as Lee was behind him, catching the bull's hooves square in the chest.
Lee hit the ground in a heap and didn't move.
Jack climbed over the gate and ran to his friend, keeping his eye on the bull along the way. The bull was secured behind the gate and Jack dropped to his knees next to Lee. Three bull fighters and a gateman all reached him at the same time.
Jack lowered his face next to Lee's and began talking to him. Suddenly, Lee drew in a deep breath and rolled onto his back. Jack grabbed his head, stabilizing it so Lee wouldn't move again.
"Hold still, brother."
Lee struggled drawing in his breaths and one of the bull fighters unzipped Lee's safety vest, pulling it open.
"What happened?" Lee asked, his voice low and raspy.
"You took it square in the chest by the bull's back feet," Jack answered, his face still inches from Lee's.
After successfully breathing in several deep breaths, Lee began to feel better and his breathing was beginning to return to normal.
"Help me up, Jack." Lee said, pushing the men away that were at his side.
"I think you need to stay still until sports medicine gets out here."
"I'm fine, Jack. Just got the wind knocked out of me."
Just as Lee was about to get up, two people from the medical team dropped to their knees next to Lee.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. Just got the wind kicked out of me."
The woman picked up each of Lee's hands, asking him to squeeze hers. Lee obeyed. She checked his eyes, neck and chest.
"Okay, Mr. Coulter. Let's see if we can get you up."
Jack got behind Lee, and helped him up to his feet. He wrapped one arm behind Lee's back and held Lee's arm across his shoulder, steadying him.
Jack walked Lee out of the arena as the crowd cheered on. The announcer relayed Lee's score of 83 as they walked out.
Rosemary was at Lee's side as soon as they entered the common area. Fussing over him as the medical team finished their assessment on him.
Elizabeth was now by Jack, her arm around his waist. Jack laid his arm across her shoulders and watched as Lee was checked over. The pulled his shirt off, revealing a large purple and blue bruise that covered half his chest. Elizabeth gasped at the sight.
After several minutes of taking vitals and thoroughly checking him over, the team released Lee with a list of instructions and things to watch for.
Lee insisted on staying in the stadium and waiting for the final standings to be announced and awards handed out. He was not about to leave his best friend and not see him receive his latest buckle.
After the last rider, the final standings were announced. Jack stepped out into the arena to receive his buckle and oversized check of his winnings for that weekend.
As soon as he was done, Jack returned to Lee so they could get him back to the trailers to rest.
Jack held tightly onto Elizabeth's hand as they walked through the tunnel toward the parking lot. He never felt her tremble this time through and looked at her face as the neared the opening. She seemed calm and at peace and smiled back at Jack.
They got to the trailer and got Lee settled in Rosemary's; she had insisted on taking care of him that evening.
Elizabeth grabbed her bag of clothes and a few other things and followed Jack to his trailer.
"Why don't you take the bed. I'll sleep down here."
"You don't have to do that, Jack."
"I want to. It's getting very hard for me to keep my hands off of you." Jack brushed his knuckles softly next the bruise on her face, then looked up into her eyes. "Are you alright?"
Elizabeth nodded and grinned at him, "I'll be just fine, Jack."
"Do you hurt anywhere? Do you need any more pain reliever?"
"No, not really. My face is a little tender but much better than last night. Lee, on the other hand, is going to need a lot of pain killers."
"Yes, he is." Jack pushed her hair back, gripped the sides of her face, and captured her lips with his. Each of his kisses were filled with passion, and his arms moved down around her, his hand pressing against her back. He released her and stepped back, "See, can't keep my hands off of you. I think I'll go take a shower."
Jack reached down and unzipped his chaps. He removed and hung them in one of the wardrobe cabinets. He removed his hat that he had retrieved from Elizabeth's head after his ride, and slid it into his hat rack above the door. He pulled off his boots and placed them next to his others in a black rubber tray.
Elizabeth quietly lowered herself onto the couch and watched him as he put his things in their usual spots.
He unbuttoned his shirt and pulled it off, tossing it into a cabinet where he kept his dirty clothes. Elizabeth stared at his back muscles as the flexed with each of his movements. Without thinking, Jack unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants and began to push them off over his hips, then stopped. He slowly turned toward Elizabeth and grinned.
"I think I'll finish this in there," he said, pointing to the small bathroom.
Elizabeth stuck her lip out in a pout, "Oh, alright. But I was enjoying the show."
Jack walked over to her, his pants hanging low on his hips. Elizabeth's eyes dropped down, searching across his chest, six-pack and the ridges of his hips.
Jack placed his thumb and forefinger under her chin and lifted her face up toward his. He bent down and kissed her, pushing her back as he did, until she was laying on the couch. He covered her body with his as his kisses went deeper, his tongue moving with hers.
Her arms wrapped around his back, her hands pressing into his shoulder blades, pulling him into her more. Jack pressed his hips down against her, moving with her movements. He slid his hand behind her head, his fingers interlocking with her hair. He slid his other hand under the small of her back and pushed her up toward him. Elizabeth lifted her hips into him, her body instinctively wanting more.
Jack pulled his head up, his eyes searching her face. He lowered again, kissing her on the tip of her nose.
"And now my shower just became very cold." He smiled as he lifted himself off her body, sliding his hand down along her arm, across her hip and down her leg as he stood.
She saw him adjust the front of his pants as he turned and walked away and she covered her mouth, giggling, her cheeks flushed with desire.
Jack stepped out of the bathroom, cleaned up, shaved, and wearing a pair of shorts.
Elizabeth stood, holding some clothes and her toiletry bag in her hands, "Any hot water left?"
Jack nodded, grinning. "Oh, yes. All of it."
Elizabeth's cheeks grew warm as she walked past him and into the bathroom. She turned around to close the door and saw Jack staring at her, his eyes moving up and down her body, stopping on her eyes. He let out a deep breath through his nose, shook his head and turned toward the couch.
By the time Elizabeth came out of the bathroom, Jack had pulled out the couch and had the sheets and blanket covering it. He was laying back on it, his arm behind his head and was watching a movie.
Elizabeth found a cabinet that was mostly empty and put her things in it.
"I'm exhausted. I'm going to go to bed," she said as she bent down and kissed him.
"Do you need anything? There are bottles of water in the fridge."
Elizabeth opened it and pulled out a bottle. She returned to Jack and kissed him again. "Good night. I love you."
Jack raised his hands to her face and kissed her again. "I love you, too."
Elizabeth climbed the two steps up into the bed and was quickly asleep.
The next morning, Elizabeth woke to the smell of Jack's cologne. She blinked repeatedly against the brightness that had filled the trailer. She turned her head to the right to find Jack laying across the bed, his head resting in his hand that was propped up on his elbow. He was smiling at her and reached out, brushing her hair out of her face.
"Good morning, beautiful." He leaned down and kissed her.
"Good morning, handsome."
"We need to get going soon. Want some breakfast?"
Elizabeth smiled and nodded, then stretched her arms out. Jack kissed her on the nose then slid out of the bed and down the steps.
She rolled onto her side and closed her eyes, drifting in and out of sleep. The smell of bacon filled the air and pulled her out of her sleep. She slid to the edge of the bed and straightened the covers before climbing down from it.
"Need some help?" She asked as she walked behind him, running her hand across his back.
"There's some orange juice in the fridge. Want to grab it and pour four glasses."
"Sure," she replied as she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
Rosemary and Lee joined them, and the four sat around the table, eating breakfast and talking about the good points from their weekend.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Jack asked Lee.
"Very sore. But I'll live," he answered, holding his hand to his chest.
When everything had been cleaned up, the trailers packed and the slide out was brought back in, Elizabeth waited next to the truck as Jack checked everything around the trailer. She watched as Rosemary loaded Samson into the trailer and Lee loaded the last of the things into the back of the truck.
Jack returned to Elizabeth's side just as Officer Miller pulled up in his patrol car. He stepped out and walked up to the couple. Lee and Rosemary were quickly at their sides.
"I just wanted to let you all know that we found the attack on the security camera footage, and there is enough there to lock those men up for a very long time."
Jack wrapped his arm around Elizabeth's waist and pulled her tight against him.
"We've arrested all four of them and their preliminary hearing will be in a couple weeks. I'll keep you posted about everything."
Jack put his hand out to shake the officer's hand, "Thank you very much for all your help."
"My pleasure, Jack. We don't tolerate that kind of behavior in our city. Those men are locals and have caused trouble before. Nothing to this magnitude, but they will pay for what they did."
"Thank you, sir," Elizabeth said as she shook his hand.
"Yes, ma'am." The officer had a kindness in his eyes as he shook her hand. "Again, I'm very sorry."
He returned to his car and pulled away. Jack pulled Elizabeth into his arms and hugged her and kissed her on the top of her head.
"Let's get out of here. You guys ready?"
