Back Where You Belong by Vonnie Davis Read Free Book Online

“home” again. A smile bloomed, and her heart rate picked up. How many hours had she spent at rodeos?
    Loudspeakers blared the announcer’s perspective of the event happening in the arena. The strong aroma of spicy Texas barbecue wafted from several food stands, making her stomach growl. So, too, did the odor of peanut oil for French fries and the burnt sweetness of cotton candy. Many spectators displayed their Western finery, wearing shirts with fringes and huge belt buckles. Spurs jangled in a symphony of surround sound. The cutest sights were the children strutting around in their cowboy boots and flashy duds.
    Rodeos, there was nothing in the world to rival them.
    Faces she recognized mingled with those she didn’t. Of the many that were familiar, she knew most of their names. In a way, this was home. She’d grown up in the rodeo environment. The location didn’t matter, it was the sights, sounds, smells, and all of the hard-working people who came to compete or cheer for those who often risked injuries to display their skills against brawny and spirited animals.
    Grandpa tapped her arm. “I see Cooter Banks over there. Think I’ll go see what he’s been up to lately. When the bull ridin’ starts, I’ll meet you in the stands.” He hurried to his long-time friend.
    There was a time not so long ago when Grandpa was so burdened with grief over grandma’s passing that he’d simply given up on life. Both the ranch and his friendships suffered. She’d come home from college to nudge, jolt or pull him back into the land of the living. Seeing her efforts pay off buoyed her spirits for a few seconds before memories raced in.
    While she’d basked in Grandpa’s often snippy praise for all she did, his gruff ways salved her battered soul. He had no clue how she needed the safety of isolation, away from the constant reminder on campus of the video that changed her life. Well, she wouldn’t dwell on it now. Too much time had been wasted on all the pain and humiliation. Today was a day for rodeo enjoyment, and—glancing at the cotton candy stand—she planned on enjoying herself.
    She stepped over to the vendor of her favorite treat. Cotton candy had always been her weakness. “Fairy floss” her grandma called it. She’d been nine when she first heard Grandma refer to the spun sugar in that manner and had been charmed by the fanciful name.
    “I knew if I kept an eye on this stand, I’d eventually see you.”
    The deep voice washed over her senses, putting every hormone in her body on full-Tyler-alert. Jangling spurs grew closer. She turned and her heart stuttered to a stop. Her six-foot-three adolescent crush sauntered toward her; only now she was an adult with mature desires that flamed every time he was near.
    His battered tan Stetson rode low over his eyes, a tan leather vest and chaps covered a navy Western shirt and tight blue jeans—sex in a pair of spurs. Her heart rolled over twice before it jump-started again. Oh, my God. When am I going to get over him?
    Her gaze slowly swept over Tyler while desire pooled and flooded every cell, every nerve, every hair follicle in her body. No man ever affected her the way he did. Down, girl, down .
    Beside him was a petite teen with dark eyes and hair the same coloring as Tyler’s. A pink cowgirl hat sat on the back of her head. Black glasses framed her gaze as it locked on Lacy, no doubt taking her measure.
    “Lacy, I’d like you to meet my daughter.” He placed his arm protectively around the girl. “Olivia, this is my friend, Lacy LaRoche.”
    Olivia extended her hand, displaying the manners Tyler no doubt taught her. “Hello, Miss LaRoche. I’m pleased to meet you.” Her smile was genuine and her eyes sparkled with humor behind the lens of her glasses. She was a miniature Tyler in many ways.
    “Call me Lacy, please.”
    The lady in the concession stand extended a paper cone covered with pink cotton candy. Lacy took it and turned to Olivia. “Would you