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“Good. I qualify.”
“Sure you do,” Dallas said. “And you’re mighty pretty. As pretty as any woman around. But do you really want to strut around in a bikini in front of a bunch of lecherous old judges?” He grinned.
Catie laughed. “You and your brothers are the judges.”
Annie swatted him, but Dallas kept grinning. “Need I say more?”
“Ha-ha,” Catie said. “Where do I sign up?”
“It’s pretty late, little bit. But I can probably get you in. I know the judges.” He winked. “If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure, Dallas. As sure as anything. Thanks.”
“All right, consider yourself entered.”
Annie smiled and winked at Catie, and Catie curved her own lips upward in what she hoped was a saucy grin.
“I’ll help you prepare, hon. We’ll get Dusty, too. And no doubt your big sister has a few tricks up her sleeve. By the time we’re done with you, you’ll be the bel
le of Bakersville.”
* * *
Amber’s honeyed gaze was getting tiresome. She was a sweet girl, but where the hell was Catie? This was her damn party, after all. Chad’s black lab, Marnie, panted at his feet. He gave her a quick pet. “Thatsa girl. You thirsty? I’ll see about gettin’ you some water.”
“Hey, Chad.” The husky drawl came from his brother Dallas.
“Dallas, hey.”
“Who you got here?”
“This is Amber Cross. Amber, my brother Dallas.”
“Nice to meet you,” Amber said.
“You too.” Dallas shook Amber’s hand and patted Marnie’s soft head. “Has this brother of mine told you what he’s doing next weekend?”
“What am I doing next weekend?” Chad said.
“Judging the rodeo queen competition. How quickly you forget.”
“Damn.” Chad thumped himself on the forehead. “I actually did forget. Is there something I need to do?”
“Just get ready to eye the beauty of Bakersville, little brother.”
“Rodeo queen?” Amber’s light brown eyes lit up. “What’s that about, Chad?”
“Bakersville’s answer to a beauty queen, honey. Nothin’ you’d be interested in.”
“Why not?”
“That’s my cue to leave, I think.” Dallas walked away, chuckling.
“Damn, brother,” Chad said under his breath. Now he’d started something.
“I just might enter this contest,” Amber said.
“Can’t. You’re too old.”
