Page 21 of A Montana Rodeo Star

Jason’s brows tugged together and he cocked his head. For a second he seemed to truly consider the suggestion then he shook his head. “Nah. We help train people because we love doing it.”

“And you love competing, but you don’t do that for free.” Brent was almost positive that Tate and Jason didn’t take any money from the handful of kids who came and went from their small ranch.

Jason cut him a look but didn’t confirm. “You gonna get in the saddle or just keep standing there? I’ve got better things to do than talk shop.”

With a sigh, Brent studied the horse. He was mostly sure that if he charged at the horse he’d end up spooking the thing and it’d trample Jason.

Maybe that wouldn’t be so bad.

“Stop grinning like a loon and get in the dang saddle.”

A very distinct feminine chuckle at his back had Brent stiffening. Still, he didn’t give into the urge to look at her. Instead, he did as he was told and charged forward. He managed to get in the saddle and grip the rope seconds before the horse threw its body into impossible positions.

Jason whooped and hollered. There were a few more whoops of surprise and cheers as he continued to hang on and focus on his foot placement. He kept one hand in the air. The seconds went on for ages. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion until at last, he was thrown into the dirt.

The air was knocked from his lungs but that was the extent of the pain he suffered. He was vaguely aware of Jason retrieving the reins of the horse and leading him away from where Brent lay sprawled on the ground.

A shadow crossed over his body, and he squinted as Faith’s eyes came into view. She hovered over him, a grin pulling at her lips. “That was pretty good. Do you think you can move?” She held out a hand and he reached for it but had to do most of the work in getting upright.

“Check him out, Faith, and we’ll do this again.”

Brent grimaced which only spurred on Faith’s laughter.

He would never get tired of that sound. It was genuine and perfect just like her.

Get a grip, Brent. She’s not on the market. She said so herself. And neither are you, for that matter.

“You okay to go again?”

He nodded, rubbing at his torso after he’d managed to catch his breath. “I’m ready.”

“Okay, when you’re done, come to the house. I’ll get you some stuff for your sore muscles.”

Brent didn’t have a chance to voice his surprise before Jason called him over. “That was good, but we’re going to keep at it. I want you to focus on…”

Brent cut a glance at Faith’s retreating form. She was going to help with his muscles? Because they were becoming friends? Or because her brothers knew she could take care of the medical adjacent stuff.

Probably the latter.

“Brent, you listening?” Jason barked.

Nodding, Brent rubbed his hands together. “Okay, let’s do this.”

Brent sucked in a sharp breath and Faith withdrew her fingers immediately.

“Sorry,” she whispered.

“It’s fine,” he grunted. “Really, it’s not so bad.”

She gave him that look. The one that said stop acting like a tough guy and let me take care of you. He both loved it and hated it all at once. He liked the idea of someone caring enough about him to want to help.

“I’m sure it’s just bruised.”

“Yeah, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you knocked a rib out of alignment. Maybe you should go get an adjustment. Chiropractors can make sure that everything is where it should be.” As if to prove her point, she pressed a couple fingers to that sore spot on his back and he muttered a curse.

The woman smiled sweetly at him. “Like I said,” she stepped back. “Go get an adjustment and maybe take it easy?”

“Can’t.” Brent let his shirt drop so he was no longer showing any skin. “I have a competition this weekend.”