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Fiction Short Story

by Kimberly S. Shoemaker

Lassoing The Lady's Heart

Callie Walker tossed the left boot behind her. Blades of grass teased against the cuffed leg of her faded jeans. A hawk circled in the cloudless turquoise sky.

"I believe this belongs to you." An unfamiliar bass tone caressed her ears and chills cascaded down her spine.

She spun around and collided with a broad-shouldered, rugged-looking man. He rested on one knee and held her boot in both hands. "Uh, yes. My feet need freedom from these horrible leather boots."

"Allow me." Dimples formed at the corners of his mouth and his cobalt blue eyes sparkled as he spoke. His smooth cropped hair shone like a dew-covered raven's wing.

Callie tucked her bootless foot behind the opposite leg. "Thanks, but I'll put it on later."

"Desdemona was a fine competitor in her day. Won several Texas State championships until she injured her stifle. You did a pretty fair job of guiding her into that stall."

"Fair is an overstatement." Her chest heaved as she inhaled and her pulse quickened as she stared at the brawny stranger.

A rough hand reached for her right hand. "Dr. Brady Monroe. Gotta love Dallas and the rodeo. It's in my blood."

He’s not a cowboy? What about the leather Stetson, the form-fitting jeans and silver bolo tie secured around his tanned neck?

Callie blushed. “Callie Walker from Los Angeles.” Her voice cracked as she spoke. She giggled, looked at the ground and composed her expression. “Allied Media Solutions is holding an organizational retreat here this weekend. I'm the Administrative Assistant to the Director of Marketing. I'll be relocating here to set up a new satellite office."

Brady revealed his long legs and tall stature as he stood. "If you're not busy, perhaps you'd consider joining me for an evening of dancing?"

Dancing? Romancing? Her thoughts tumbled as she accepted his gesture and pulled to her feet. "We have a strategic planning meeting tomorrow morning at seven."

Brady's thick fingers fused with hers. "Don't worry. I'll have you home before midnight, Corporate Cinderella."

Hmmm. Board games with the bigwigs versus an enjoyable evening with a handsome physician? Not a hard choice by any stretch of the imagination.

"I'd enjoy that very much." She forced a wider smile and studied the furrows that framed his beguiling eyes.

"Seven o'clock?" His fingers loosened and the tips danced over the back of her hand.

"Fine. I'll be ready." She glanced at the pink mother-of-pearl watch face. But only if I spend the next three hours soaking my trail-weary body.

Her heart pounded as she pivoted away from him and headed toward the guesthouse. One foot in front of the other. You can do it. Don't linger too long, or he might change his mind.

"Aren't you forgetting something, Miss Walker?"

Her face flushed, she glanced back at him and swallowed several times. He dangled her auburn-leather riding boot.

Her fingers grazed his as she reached out and claimed the ill-fitting boot. "Thank you."

"Not a problem. Better take the other one off as soon as you get inside. Wouldn't want my dancing partner being sidelined by sore feet."

* * *

High heels paired better with the dusty mauve sheath dress but her aching feet demanded gold beaded flat sandals. She fastened them at her ankles, tucked a brocaded clutch purse under her arm and checked her look in the mirror. She exited the suite and headed toward the elevator. Pain engulfed her feet and she winced as each footfall met the carpeted floor.

Brady appeared in the foyer. He wore black, pleated trousers and a black silk shirt unbuttoned at the neck. He winked as she approached. "I confirmed our reservations." His gaze swept over her slender body and landed well below her knees. "You'll enjoy seeing the Dallas skyline after dark."

"Sky? Line?" The words clogged in her throat. "What about our date for dancing?"

Brady shook his head as her slippery soles touched the polished wood flooring. "I want you to enjoy your first night here. Even slow dancing would aggravate your swollen arches."

"Thanks. I appreciate the change in plans."

She stepped forward and his arm wrapped around her waist. A gentle tug brought their bodies together. Brady's warm breath billowed against her cheek.

His laughter filled the air. "I'm a dermatologist not a podiatrist, but I can sense when a woman's worn the wrong shoes."

They stepped onto the weathered porch planks, and she looked to the sky. Alluring amber smudged a pale peach sunset. A slight breeze teased her bare arms and she shivered.

Brady scooped her into his muscular arms and carried her down the creaking steps. Hints of sandlewood and spice teased her nostrils and the silk of his shirt rustled beneath her arm.

He carried her to back of the property. A cozy gazebo glittered with an array of festive lights and housed a romantic table set for two, complete with two flickering long white tapers.

"I thought you'd enjoy this more." His smile calmed her quivering lips. "You can relax and let the serving to me."

"Serving?"

A gusty wind whipped her long red hair around her face and her mouth watered as hickory scented smoke curled from a burning mesquite wood-pit barbeque and permeated the humid Texas air. Two beef filets rested on the grilling rack.

Once they entered the gazebo, his strong arms released her. A calf bawled in the distance and drowned out Callie’s errant heart beat.

"You're a guest here at Sunset Ranch. I want you to always remember tonight." He flicked his finger against a lemon-yellow light. "Forget that stubborn mare and those narrow boots. Concentrate on something more enjoyable."

Wax trickled down each taper and struck the star-shaped glass holders. Brady poured two glasses of wine, handed one to Callie, and raised his to hers. They clinked the crystal rims together as the candle flames danced higher.

"Think my rodeo skills can manage something more special than roping calves?"

"Depends on what you're after." One sip of the chilled wine warmed her body.

"I'd like to lasso a lady's heart. Think she'll let me?"


About the Author
Kimberly Shoemaker has been writing fiction for most of her life. At age eight, her play was chosen for presentation during a holiday program. During junior- and senior-high school, she served as editor for the student newspapers. In addition, she won various awards for her writing and poems. For the past five years, she has dedicated herself to a full-time pursuit of publication in romance and women's fiction. Her professional memberships include: Romance Writers of America, Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers, and Washington Romance Writers. Kimberly has hosted various presentations and workshops for writers and college students and also served as the chairperson of CPRW's writers' retreat.