Page 50 of Jillaroo from Jacaranda

Rose looked from left to right, then shrugged. ‘How about we go and watch people get thrown off the mechanical bull?’

‘Yeah, why not?’ Ty looked in the direction she was. ‘I might even give it a go.’

‘I’d like to see that.’ She got to her feet.

‘I’ve got an idea to make it a bit more fun.’ Ty leant into her space, his face a picture of brazenness. ‘If I make it to the eight seconds, you have to dance with me.’ He held out his hand to seal the deal.

She placed a wary hand into his. ‘Yeah, righto, you got yourself a deal, Parker.’

For a split second of breathtaking intensity, time froze, and their eyes and hands remained glued to each other’s. And in that instant, Rose wanted to fling herself into his arms and dance with him all night long, and well into the dawning of a brand-new day. But then, just as quickly, she mentally slapped herself back to reality.

Side by side, they made their way over to the gathered crowd, who were cheering for a copper-haired lanky lad hanging onto the back end of the bull while his legs dangled onto the padded mat. As the eight second bell rang out, he let go, rolled to the side and jumped to his feet, fist pumping the air in triumph to the roar of his mates. Rose laughed at the larrikin’s antics – Aussies knew how to have fun, that was for sure.

It wasn’t long before it was Ty’s turn to give it a crack. He beamed at her from where he was leaning against the rail that enclosed the mechanical bucking bull. Rose cheered along with the crowd as he climbed up. A group of blokes across from her chanted his name. She held her breath as the horn blew and the mechanical bull started circling, faster and faster, its bucks gaining momentum. She cheered louder, clapping her hands. As nervous as she was about dancing with Ty – anything could happen beneath the disco ball after the few drinks they’d had – she secretly wanted him to win so she had damn good reason to hit the dance floor with him. The crowd counted him in. Six seconds. Seven seconds. Eight seconds. The buzzer rang out. He’d made it!

Hightailing it off and onto his feet, he bowed to the adoring crowd and made his way towards her, his face a picture of absolute satisfaction. She was sure she looked just as happy.

Just as Ty reached her, a bloke beside her decided to make a move. ‘Hey there, darling, would you like to come dance with me?’ Each word was slurred.

Rose stepped back a little. ‘Thanks, but no thanks.’

‘Ahh, come on! Don’t be a party pooper.’ The guy grabbed her wrist and tugged her forward.

‘I said no.’ She pulled her hand free and rubbed where he’d squeezed.

‘Oi, that’s enough.’ Ty appeared between her and the obnoxious drunk, his expression fierce. ‘Are you deaf, mate?’

The bloke took a step forward and puffed his chest out. ‘Nope, are you, dickhead?’

Ty folded his arms across his chest. ‘No, I’m not, and she said no.’

The bloke cracked his knuckles. ‘And who the hell asked you?’

In a flash, Ty had the collar of the insolent bloke’s shirt wrapped tight in his hand. ‘The lady asked you to leave her the hell alone,’ he said an inch from the bloke’s face.

‘Okay, alright, I get it.’ The drunk held his hands up.

Nodding, Ty dropped his fisted hand to his side.

Out of nowhere, the guy threw a punch. Ty ducked just in time before he straightened with a none-too-friendly smirk on his face. ‘Now, that’s just asking for trouble.’

The bloke shrugged. His mates stepped in and dragged him backwards.

‘You should keep this one in his kennel,’ Ty said gruffly before turning all his attention back to Rose. ‘You okay?’

She was shaken but nodded. ‘Yeah, all good. Thanks for having my back.’

‘Of course. I always will.’ Reaching out, he rubbed his hands down both her arms. ‘You sure you’re right?’ His gaze pierced hers.

‘Uh-huh.’ She forced a smile. ‘Let’s pretend it never happened and get on with enjoying our night.’

‘Does that mean you’re ready for that boogie you promised me?’ A smile flashed through his concern.

She almost found herself saying no, but she wasn’t about to let some idiot ruin her night. ‘Yup. Let’s do it, Parker.’

Taking her hand, he protectively led her towards the packed dance floor. They fell into the rhythm and Ty twirled her around in time to the catchy country tune. Before she knew it, she’d forgotten all about being harassed, her inhibitions were gone, and she was having the time of her life. They boogied from one song to the next for almost half an hour, until the lights dimmed, and a slow song started.

Nooo!