Bucked Off For Love
Formally part of the Cowboys, Bulls, and Buckles boxed set
Cassidy
Dating doesn’t exist in my life, and if it did, I especially wouldn’t go out with a cocky bull rider. Their smooth charming ways have little effect on me, until professional bull rider, Ryder Starling walked into my office, and I practically fainted when he took his shirt off. He thinks I can work magic and fix his torn rotator cuff, but I saw his fall. My best option is to pass him off to my co-worker and forget the feelings he brought to life inside me.
Ryder
It’s my last season before retirement and I’ve been at the top of my game, having some of my best rides yet. Then one stupid misjudgment and a fall might mean I have to retire before the season is over. I’m not ready to give up and sure as hell don’t want to settle down on the family ranch with a wife and kids. That was until I met Cassidy and her son Shiloh.
Dating doesn’t exist in my life, and if it did, I especially wouldn’t go out with a cocky bull rider. Their smooth charming ways have little effect on me, until professional bull rider, Ryder Starling walked into my office, and I practically fainted when he took his shirt off. He thinks I can work magic and fix his torn rotator cuff, but I saw his fall. My best option is to pass him off to my co-worker and forget the feelings he brought to life inside me.
Ryder
It’s my last season before retirement and I’ve been at the top of my game, having some of my best rides yet. Then one stupid misjudgment and a fall might mean I have to retire before the season is over. I’m not ready to give up and sure as hell don’t want to settle down on the family ranch with a wife and kids. That was until I met Cassidy and her son Shiloh.
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Chapter One from Bucked Off For Love
Chapter 1
Cassidy
If there is one kind of guy I didn’t date, it was a bull rider. I’ve treated so many of them for injuries and each and every one of them notices my “pretty face” and attempts to get in my pants. I’m not into one night stands. I’ve made my mistakes with casual sex in the past that if I were to even attempt a relationship, it would be something serious. It’s doubtful I’m going to find that in any of the men who step foot into my office. Once they are healed, they are back out on the bulls and screwing all the groupies. No thank you.
I glanced at the clock. My next patient was due anytime. I expected him to be a bit bitter. He was in his last year before retiring from the Top Bulls and Cowboys—TBC—association, and during his last match, he got injured and was now out for the time being. When his agent called, it sounded like he expected me to be a miracle worker. A torn rotator cuff wasn’t going to heal in a week. I’d watched the footage of Ryder Starling’s fall. He’d been bucked off the bull, right on to his shoulder. The network featuring the story showed it over and over, many times in slow motion. Each time I watched it, I cringed. He was lucky he hadn’t snapped his neck. Damn guy looked so smug before the fall. That cocky grin that drove ladies wild. He was on the beast almost eight seconds when the bull spun in a way Ryder mustn’t have been anticipating. Down he went. A shiver tore down my spine. I hated seeing those men get hurt. It was a shame, but also their choice.
I opened my office door and checked the tiny waiting room, but it was still empty. Was Ryder going to stand up his appointment? I hated when patients didn’t take it serious. I knew injuries and as a physical therapist, I knew how to help them heal, but some of my patients were so stubborn, I wished I could just reject helping them all together.
The door swung open and the man I recognized from TV sauntered in. He walked toward me, taking his black Stetson off and holding it to his side.
“Ryder Starling,” I said, even though I already knew.
“The one and only.”
Oh lord, here we go. Each bull rider who walked through here thought he was the best, especially if they’d ever held on for the eight seconds like Ryder had. “Come on in so we can have a look and discuss your treatment plan.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He winked, brushing past me.
Ma’am? I might be thirty-two, but I was no ma’am to the twenty-nine year old. He was rubbing me the wrong way. Thank God he was hot with his dark brown hair and matching eyes. Yes, this guy was full of shit. Maybe just once I could perform the miracle and get him the hell away from me.
I took a seat opposite of him. “I’m Cassidy Danvers. I’ve been studying your chart and the x-rays. You’re messed up awfully bad. Why didn’t you opt for surgery?”
“After I retire. I want to finish out this season then worry about surgery. Do you know how long recovery is? Three to six months. I don’t have that.”
“I understand, but you have to be in pain.”
“I am. It’s been hell these last two weeks since the fall, and you’re going to help.”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I could do to help, but I’d try. Maybe I could help enough so he could finish out the season. That was what his agent had said when he’d demanded my services.
“What do you do when you’re not riding?” Why the hell did I care?
“Help out on the family ranch.”
An answer I expected. He was all cowboy, even his clothes said so in his red and black flannel shirt and the tight wranglers he wore. Never had I been attracted to someone like him before, but for some awful reason as I sat across from him, I wanted to know more about him.
I don’t date bull riders.
“You’ll need to take it easy.”
He chuckled. “Can I get a note for my dad? He doesn’t believe in days off.”
I smiled. “Sure. Since you’re opting for no surgery yet, I have a list of exercises I want you doing daily as well as coming in here twice a week.” I glanced at his arm. “And that sling you’re not wearing, wear it.”
“I hate that thing.”
“Do you want to get back on a bull?”
“Fuck yeah.” He paused. “Excuse my language. My mother would slap the back of my head for cussing in front of a beautiful woman.”
Damn it, I was smiling again, all because he thought I was pretty. Why was he having this kind of effect on me?
“Then wear the sling a good bit of the day.” I stood and went around to him. “Let me see your arm.”
He held it out to me and I moved it a few ways, wanting to get an idea how it moved. I didn’t bother to ask him to tell me when it hurt. From my experience, these men lied through their pain, so I’d learned to study their expressions. I set his arm against his chest then gently rubbed my fingers into his shoulder.
“That feels good,” he said.
I stopped and went back around the desk, thankful for the long white jacket I wore because I swore I could feel his gaze on me as I walked. “Did you bring anything else to wear to go over the exercises?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like a more comfortable top.”
“I got one on under here,” he said, tugging at the red and black flannel.
“It’s up to you, I just thought you might be more comfortable in something other than that button-down.” And those tight, tight pants that showed off his impressive back side—not that I looked when he came in.
Ryder stood and with his eyes locked on mine, unbuttoned his shirt one by one.
“The way you’re watching me, kinda gets me excited.”
And my gaze dropped to his crotch. My cheeks burned as my focus darted back to his face, but then got lost on his chest. His bare chest.
“Guess I was wrong. No undershirt.”
I tried to form a coherent word, but none formed. Holy shit, I swore I was looking at one of those cheesy covers on books in the romance section at the local grocery store. Tanned, defined, and hard.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes, sorry. I’m not feeling too well today.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Not sure, just not myself.” I stood, going over to him. “So let’s get this done as quickly as possible. I don’t want you catching what I have.”
The sooner I got him out of here, the better. I couldn’t believe this guy was having so much effect on me. It wasn’t as though I’d never been around an attractive man, but it had been awhile since one had me so flustered. Inhaling, desire coursed through me, taking in that woodsy scent. I gripped both of his shoulders—his bare shoulders—as I steadied myself.
“Ma’am, maybe you should sit back down and I come back another day.”
I didn’t want him to ever come back. If I never saw him again, that would be a good thing.
“No, no. I’m fine.”
As soon as the words were out, he turned, taking my hand in his. “You’re awfully pale.”
With his hand on my lower back, he guided me into the chair. He was right, I must be pale because the room was spinning. What was going on?
“Can I call someone?”
“No, my co-worker isn’t here today. Her kid was sick.”
“I think you caught whatever that kid has.”
If only, instead I found myself so attracted to this guy, that he’d made me light-headed and weak kneed. Was that even possible?
“Want me to come back later?” he asked with concern.
“Beth will be back tomorrow. Maybe you can work with her to get taken care of.”
“I heard you’re the best.”
I didn’t feel so light-headed anymore, but I sure as hell was going to pretend it. “Beth is just as good as I am. In fact, this is her practice.”
“All right. Can I call someone to come get you?” he asked. “I hate to leave you here like this.”
Leave, please. Once you’re gone, I’ll be all better. “I’m gonna drink a bottle of water then close up. You were my last appointment for today. I’ll have Beth call you tomorrow. My apologies.”
“I feel like I should make sure you get home okay.”
Of course he wanted to play the gentleman card now. “Really, it’s fine. I’m not your problem.”
“If you insist.” He opened the office door. “Feel better, Cassidy, and I’ll see you soon.”
Not if I could help it. I hoped I was never in the same room with that man again.
Cassidy
If there is one kind of guy I didn’t date, it was a bull rider. I’ve treated so many of them for injuries and each and every one of them notices my “pretty face” and attempts to get in my pants. I’m not into one night stands. I’ve made my mistakes with casual sex in the past that if I were to even attempt a relationship, it would be something serious. It’s doubtful I’m going to find that in any of the men who step foot into my office. Once they are healed, they are back out on the bulls and screwing all the groupies. No thank you.
I glanced at the clock. My next patient was due anytime. I expected him to be a bit bitter. He was in his last year before retiring from the Top Bulls and Cowboys—TBC—association, and during his last match, he got injured and was now out for the time being. When his agent called, it sounded like he expected me to be a miracle worker. A torn rotator cuff wasn’t going to heal in a week. I’d watched the footage of Ryder Starling’s fall. He’d been bucked off the bull, right on to his shoulder. The network featuring the story showed it over and over, many times in slow motion. Each time I watched it, I cringed. He was lucky he hadn’t snapped his neck. Damn guy looked so smug before the fall. That cocky grin that drove ladies wild. He was on the beast almost eight seconds when the bull spun in a way Ryder mustn’t have been anticipating. Down he went. A shiver tore down my spine. I hated seeing those men get hurt. It was a shame, but also their choice.
I opened my office door and checked the tiny waiting room, but it was still empty. Was Ryder going to stand up his appointment? I hated when patients didn’t take it serious. I knew injuries and as a physical therapist, I knew how to help them heal, but some of my patients were so stubborn, I wished I could just reject helping them all together.
The door swung open and the man I recognized from TV sauntered in. He walked toward me, taking his black Stetson off and holding it to his side.
“Ryder Starling,” I said, even though I already knew.
“The one and only.”
Oh lord, here we go. Each bull rider who walked through here thought he was the best, especially if they’d ever held on for the eight seconds like Ryder had. “Come on in so we can have a look and discuss your treatment plan.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He winked, brushing past me.
Ma’am? I might be thirty-two, but I was no ma’am to the twenty-nine year old. He was rubbing me the wrong way. Thank God he was hot with his dark brown hair and matching eyes. Yes, this guy was full of shit. Maybe just once I could perform the miracle and get him the hell away from me.
I took a seat opposite of him. “I’m Cassidy Danvers. I’ve been studying your chart and the x-rays. You’re messed up awfully bad. Why didn’t you opt for surgery?”
“After I retire. I want to finish out this season then worry about surgery. Do you know how long recovery is? Three to six months. I don’t have that.”
“I understand, but you have to be in pain.”
“I am. It’s been hell these last two weeks since the fall, and you’re going to help.”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure what I could do to help, but I’d try. Maybe I could help enough so he could finish out the season. That was what his agent had said when he’d demanded my services.
“What do you do when you’re not riding?” Why the hell did I care?
“Help out on the family ranch.”
An answer I expected. He was all cowboy, even his clothes said so in his red and black flannel shirt and the tight wranglers he wore. Never had I been attracted to someone like him before, but for some awful reason as I sat across from him, I wanted to know more about him.
I don’t date bull riders.
“You’ll need to take it easy.”
He chuckled. “Can I get a note for my dad? He doesn’t believe in days off.”
I smiled. “Sure. Since you’re opting for no surgery yet, I have a list of exercises I want you doing daily as well as coming in here twice a week.” I glanced at his arm. “And that sling you’re not wearing, wear it.”
“I hate that thing.”
“Do you want to get back on a bull?”
“Fuck yeah.” He paused. “Excuse my language. My mother would slap the back of my head for cussing in front of a beautiful woman.”
Damn it, I was smiling again, all because he thought I was pretty. Why was he having this kind of effect on me?
“Then wear the sling a good bit of the day.” I stood and went around to him. “Let me see your arm.”
He held it out to me and I moved it a few ways, wanting to get an idea how it moved. I didn’t bother to ask him to tell me when it hurt. From my experience, these men lied through their pain, so I’d learned to study their expressions. I set his arm against his chest then gently rubbed my fingers into his shoulder.
“That feels good,” he said.
I stopped and went back around the desk, thankful for the long white jacket I wore because I swore I could feel his gaze on me as I walked. “Did you bring anything else to wear to go over the exercises?”
“What do you mean?”
“Like a more comfortable top.”
“I got one on under here,” he said, tugging at the red and black flannel.
“It’s up to you, I just thought you might be more comfortable in something other than that button-down.” And those tight, tight pants that showed off his impressive back side—not that I looked when he came in.
Ryder stood and with his eyes locked on mine, unbuttoned his shirt one by one.
“The way you’re watching me, kinda gets me excited.”
And my gaze dropped to his crotch. My cheeks burned as my focus darted back to his face, but then got lost on his chest. His bare chest.
“Guess I was wrong. No undershirt.”
I tried to form a coherent word, but none formed. Holy shit, I swore I was looking at one of those cheesy covers on books in the romance section at the local grocery store. Tanned, defined, and hard.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Yes, sorry. I’m not feeling too well today.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Not sure, just not myself.” I stood, going over to him. “So let’s get this done as quickly as possible. I don’t want you catching what I have.”
The sooner I got him out of here, the better. I couldn’t believe this guy was having so much effect on me. It wasn’t as though I’d never been around an attractive man, but it had been awhile since one had me so flustered. Inhaling, desire coursed through me, taking in that woodsy scent. I gripped both of his shoulders—his bare shoulders—as I steadied myself.
“Ma’am, maybe you should sit back down and I come back another day.”
I didn’t want him to ever come back. If I never saw him again, that would be a good thing.
“No, no. I’m fine.”
As soon as the words were out, he turned, taking my hand in his. “You’re awfully pale.”
With his hand on my lower back, he guided me into the chair. He was right, I must be pale because the room was spinning. What was going on?
“Can I call someone?”
“No, my co-worker isn’t here today. Her kid was sick.”
“I think you caught whatever that kid has.”
If only, instead I found myself so attracted to this guy, that he’d made me light-headed and weak kneed. Was that even possible?
“Want me to come back later?” he asked with concern.
“Beth will be back tomorrow. Maybe you can work with her to get taken care of.”
“I heard you’re the best.”
I didn’t feel so light-headed anymore, but I sure as hell was going to pretend it. “Beth is just as good as I am. In fact, this is her practice.”
“All right. Can I call someone to come get you?” he asked. “I hate to leave you here like this.”
Leave, please. Once you’re gone, I’ll be all better. “I’m gonna drink a bottle of water then close up. You were my last appointment for today. I’ll have Beth call you tomorrow. My apologies.”
“I feel like I should make sure you get home okay.”
Of course he wanted to play the gentleman card now. “Really, it’s fine. I’m not your problem.”
“If you insist.” He opened the office door. “Feel better, Cassidy, and I’ll see you soon.”
Not if I could help it. I hoped I was never in the same room with that man again.