The Rodeo Queen's Touchdown

09-Parker

Parker

The rest of the week went quickly. My time was split between classes, the barn, and my job at the museum. I work part-time at the Museum of the Rockies in a bunch of areas. Most of the time, I work at either the admissions counter or the gift shop register. Sometimes, they ask me to do tours or work in the planetarium, though only when a more experienced person is out. My favorite is working in the Living History Farmhouse. I am doing a minor in history and working in that area allows me to dress up and act like I am from that time. It also gives me extra credit in some of my classes. My co-workers are great to be around, so it does not actually feel like work.

Lee and I also found time to go dress shopping. Luckily, Bozeman is more built up so there are a lot of choices. The dresses that we picked look great; they will blow the guys’ minds.

I was also able to avoid Jonas all week. When I wasn’t in class or my room, LeeAnne stuck to me like glue. True to her word, she did not tell anyone about my issues. That’s not to say that she did not pull out the overprotective big sister gig. Anytime I had to eat in the cafeteria, Lee made sure to come with me and even went so far as to include some of our guy friends as unknowing protection. I could feel the daggers that Jonas sent my way. He looked pissed every time I walked past him. I hoped that he would finally take a hint and leave me alone.

On Friday, LeeAnne decided we needed to take some time to get ready. Most classes are either canceled or so under-attended the day of homecoming that teachers do not cover anything of importance in class. Blowing off our afternoon classes, we went into town to get manis and pedis. I don’t normally get my nails done because they just get ruined when I do chores at the barn, but for today, I figured what the hell. It’s not very often that I go to dances or act all girly. It was nice for a change of pace. I got my fingernails evened out, buffed, and polished in a dark blue color. I’m wearing closed toe shoes, so I decided to just get my toenails evened out and buffed. LeeAnne got long, fake nails that were sanded down to sharp tips, looking a lot like a set of talons. She had the technician paint them red with rhinestones at the tips. I would hate to get in a fight with her while she was wearing those claws; talk about scratching your eyes out! Since she was wearing sandals, she got a similar design on her toes, only with shorter nails.

The afternoon was fun and relaxing, laughing and gossiping as we watched people walk past the window on the street. After finishing at the salon, we went back to our room for some pre-game partying. Tori brought her stuff over so that she could hang out with us. Dusty had asked her to the dance and as a co-captain, they were also required to go. We drank some white wine and listened to music as we did our hair and make-up before putting on the dresses.

After getting ready, LeeAnne looks over at us and whistles, “Woohoo ladies, we look smoking.”

She is right, we do look hot. Tori has her hair down in tight ringlets, wearing a light blue strapless bodycon dress with black thread sewn throughout the dress to look like vines reaching to her mid-thigh showing off her sinewy legs. She finishes the look with pair of tall wedges that lace up to her calves, making her legs look longer than they actually are.

LeeAnne is wearing a maroon halter maxi dress that reaches to her feet. It sweeps the floor every time she moves. There is a large band that ties around her neck and wraps around her chest and tapers at her waist, showing off her tanned shoulders and back. The skirt flares at her hips and molds nicely to her body. She completes her outfit with a pair of muted red high heel stiletto sandals with a strap around the ankle. Watching her close the buckle of the shoes, I couldn’t help but wonder how she will walk in those, much less dance all night. LeeAnne decided to straighten her hair and put it up in a high, tight ponytail. The ends fall to the middle of her back and shows off most of her back.

I was really excited to put on my dress. It is a deep blue, almost black, one-shouldered dress that clung to my body like a second glove. It shows off all my assets. There is a slit that runs up the left side of my leg up to the middle of my thigh. If I stood just right, there did not appear to have a slit. Wanting my hair out of my face, LeeAnne helped me put it in a French braid that wrapped from the back of my head and came over my shoulder. I complete the look with a pair of closed-toe black stilettos. They were oddly enough comfortable and I could move quite well.

We continued to drink and dance as we waited for the guys to pick us up. Each couple was doing something different before the dance but had plans to meet up later and hang out as a group.

The first to arrive was Dusty. He was looking handsome in such a western way, dressed in black jeans, baby blue dress shirt, bolero tie, black cowboy boots, and black cowboy hat. Dusty comes from a wealthy family in Arkansas. His ranch has been in the family for generations and he will inherit it when he is older but he does not act like an entitled brat. They were off to a pre-game party at the hockey house.

A few minutes later, Trey came to pick up LeeAnne. He looks very handsome in a dark red dress shirt and black slacks. His hair is trimmed and spiked a little on top.

“Hey sis, how’s it going? What are you all dressed up for?” he asked noticing my outfit.

“Looking good yourself,” I complimented, “I am also going to the dance.”

“Oh cool. Lee ready?”

“Yup, she is just doing some last-minute touches. Be out in a min. What are you guys doing before the dance?”

“I got reservations at the new sushi place that she wanted to try.”

And that was why my brother is the best boyfriend ever. He hates sushi but is willing to sacrifice to make LeeAnne happy. I am so jealous.

“Alright lady, we will meet you at the dance after dinner,” LeeAnne says as she gives me a light kiss on the cheek. Trey reaches over and gives me a side hug.

Well, it’s just me now and decide to wait by the door, thinking that Aaron would be over soon. He would have left right after Trey. I keep checking the time while waiting for Aaron. It’s now 6:30 and beginning to like I might have been ditched. I knew it was too good to be true. I am fighting tears and taking off my shoes when there is a frantic knocking at the door. When I open it, Aaron is on the other side looking panicked.

“I am so sorry Parker. I got detained and didn’t mean to be late,” Aaron said apologetically.

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Aaron

I have been looking forward to this dance all week. I haven’t told anyone that I was taking Parker because I was trying not to make it a big deal, even though for me, it totally was. Taking extra care to make a great impression, I take a longer than usual shower and carefully gel my hair back. I leave a little stubble on my face instead of shaving completely because I have noticed how much Parker likes it. I even asked LeeAnne for tips on my outfit. She picked out a pair of black slacks, black dress shirt, and deep blue tie. I forgo the jacket because I think that look silly in it. For comfort, I rolled up my sleeves to my elbow. I was ahead of schedule, wanting to stop and pick up flowers. Unbeknownst to Parker, this was going to be our first date.

Halting in my steps, I could not believe who was standing at our front door. Rhonda was standing there, hand extended towards the knob as if she was about to let herself into our house.

“What the f**k are you doing here?” I asked as she pushes past me into the house.

Twirling on her thin heels, Rhonda rounded on me, “I’m here to go to the dance with you, silly.”

She was speaking in this bubbly, sweet voice. It was sickeningly fake and highly annoying. I scoffed, looking her up and down. Wearing the shortest dress imaginable, she looked more prepared for a night on a street corner than to a formal college event designed to impress alumni for money. I guess she was going to be using her mouth in a different way than I would to ask for donations. Hopefully, her mouth will be too full to speak, or she might turn off donors.

“I already have a date, and you are sleeping with my teammate, so…” I gesture toward the door.

“Oh, come on baby. You know how much fun we could have together,” Rhonda says coyly, rubbing her hands up and down my chest.

Grabbing her wrists, I roughly yank her hands away. With a disgusted look, I say, “Not interested. Your type of fun requires a shot of penicillin after. Now, if you will excuse me, I am running behind.” Without looking back, I left Rhonda in the entryway.

I drive like a bat out of hell toward Parker’s dorm, worried that she has already left. I feel horrible for letting Rhonda delay me. Making it there in less than five minutes, I raced up the stairs and knocked frantically at her door. During the car trip, I prepared thousands of excuses and apologies, but as soon as Parker opened the door, my brain went to mush. Standing in front of me was a goddess. Parker was wearing a one-shoulder dark dress with little sparkly gems drawing attention to her chest. It clung to her and displayed every luscious curve I have ever dreamed of. When she transferred her weight and stuck her leg through her dress, I could see a slit that went up to her mid, milky-white thigh. I could imagine running my hand up that slit and feeling all that soft skin. As I finish my perusal, I see that her dress ends right at the floor so that it covers all but the toes of her shoes. Her black hair is down with a slight wave running through it and her face wore a natural look to her makeup. Her whole appearance displayed a self-confidence and elegance. I was a very lucky man. My tongue must have shriveled up because it refused to make any sound.

“Hey,” Parker says hesitantly, finally breaking me out of her spell.

“Hi,” my voice cracks. I clear my throat and try again, “I am so sorry about being late. An unwanted visitor showed up and would not get out of my way.”

“That’s okay, I understand. If we are too late for dinner,” she cuts off, nervously tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Her nervousness was endearing. I smile at her confidently, “Oh no, we have plenty of time for dinner. Do you have everything you need? You look gorgeous, by the way.”

Parker turned to a table by the door and grabbed her little purse. I offer her my arm and as she puts hers through the crook of my elbow, a beautiful blush covers her face. I can feel the warmth of her hand on my bare skin, making my c**k twitch slightly. It feels so good, so natural, to walk like this with her. I walk her down to my car and assist her into the passenger seat, tucking her dress in so that it does not get caught in the door. Hey, my mom taught me how to be a gentleman!

“You look handsome,” Parker compliments.

“Thanks,” I smile back at her.

“So, where are we going?” she asks.

“It’s a surprise,” I answer mysteriously.

“What makes you think I like surprises?” she teases.

I just look over her and smirk. I happen to know she loves surprises. After our brief exchange, we revert back to discussions of our classes and how I think the game will go tomorrow. It is so easy to talk to her because she genuinely cares about me and I can discuss football without having to explain all the little details.

Parker’s favorite food is Italian, so I am taking her to this little Italian restaurant. It’s a little family homestyle place with red brick walls, a fireplace in the middle of the room, and candles on each tabletop. The pictures all over the walls depict various places and sights of Italy. As we walk into the main area, Parker looks around in awe. I knew she would like this place. Its homey and down to Earth, much like Parker. Parker is not a showy person, not impressed with expensive things; she appreciates the subtler things in life.

“Oh my god, this place is adorable,” she gushes. “How did you find it?”

“Some of the guys and I were driving around freshman year looking for places to eat off campus and came across this place. The food is really good, even if it has a very romantic vibe.”

Just then, the waiter arrived to take our orders. It took a bit of time before Parker decided what to have, too many choices for her. My favorite here is the chicken parmesan with spaghetti. It’s nicely breaded and heavily cheesed but with just enough sauce to keep it moist. Parker chooses the eggplant parmesan with angel hair pasta. We continue to talk all through dinner, acting silly and retelling stories from our youths. We were having such a good time, that time flew away from us and we arrived at the dance a little later than I planned.

When we arrived at the dance, it was in full swing. There are students and alums standing around the room, some by the bar, others by the tables. There are even a few on the dance floor. Parker and I made our way around the room to get to the bar. We are stopped by some alums asking me about our season so far and if we think we are going to get to the playoffs. Many ask about my future plans for the NFL. I was able to introduce them to Parker and help promote the rodeo team.

As the people thinned out and stopped asking us questions, I veer Parker to the dance floor, “Wanna dance?”

She merely took my hand in response.

Parker

The homecoming dance was lovely. There are 15 high-tier tables and 25 sit down tables for people to sit or stand to eat and/or socialize. All the decorations are blue and gold, the school colors. Instead of streamers and balloons everywhere like a high school dance, the ballroom is done with a touch of elegance and class. All the attendees are dressed formally, with a few exceptions. As we walk around, we point out some of the other students and try to make guesses as to the outfits that they chose.

When Aaron asks me to dance, I think my heart stopped beating. It was a dream come true. We are just swaying to the rhythm of the music, but it still feels like we’re floating in the clouds. Aaron has his arms around my waist, pulling me flush against his body. My arms are wrapped around his neck, playing with the ends of his hair. We stared into each other’s eyes, the rest of the room disappearing.

Without noticing, our bodies slowed to a stop as we just stood at the edge of the dance floor. Our postures remain the same but somehow it seems that we are getting closer. My breath hitches as Aaron slowly lowers his head to mine. Oh my god! Is Aaron going to kiss me? Is this night for real? My eyes close of their own accord as his mouth gets so close to mine that I can feel his breath on my lips. The anticipation is killing me.

“Hey bro, when did you get here?” Carter comes over to us, slapping Aaron on the back. Aaron straightens up quickly, any evidence of the almost kiss gone with our shock of being interrupted.

We both turn as the rest of our group joins us. We spend the rest of the night as a group, not giving Aaron and I an opportunity to be alone. I’m not going to lie; I was very disappointed that we were not going to try that kiss. The dance is a lot of fun. LeeAnne and I dance together a few times, then LeeAnne and Trey dance all the slow songs together. Carter did not come with a date, so he just randomly finds women to dance. Most of the time, we are all dancing in a giant crowd, occasionally taking breaks to enjoy the delicious hors oeuvres and drinks that are served in a buffet style. Aaron walks me back to the dorm, saying good night at my door. I go to bed dreaming about finishing that kiss.