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“Welcome to the forty-ninth annual Prosper Rodeo, folks!” Rex Prosper’s voice boomed across the arena. “Let’s give it up for our loyal organizers and committee!”
The arena erupted in applause as Holt leaned against the edge of the fence by the bullpens.
Rex continued with introductions and recognizing sponsors while Holt scanned the area behind the bullpens for his brother. Tonight was the last night of the rodeo, and the first night that Holt had come. Knox was in the top five bull-riders and was heading into the championship round. He’d clocked out over eight seconds both of the previous nights.
Holt hadn’t spoken to his brother since the incident at the ranch. He’d finally texted him yesterday, but no reply from Knox.
Being at the ranch was painful. His mother stayed in her room most of the time, and his father had gone silent. So that left Holt feeling plenty guilty. Not about Macie. Never Macie. He’d never change any of his decisions the past few weeks with her. No . . . his guilt was that his mother didn’t have the relationship she’d always wanted with Knox. And that things could have been restored between Knox and their dad if Holt hadn’t responded so drastically.
The other side of his mind continued to argue. Sometimes, a man needed to be set in his place. And sometimes, a woman needed defending.
A clown, who was the true master of ceremonies, made his way to the middle of the dirt arena. He began telling jokes and had the crowd laughing in no time. The bull-riding would be one of the final events, so there’d be plenty of time to find Knox beforehand. But there was no sign of him.
Holt straightened from the railing and headed out of the arena, then walked toward the parking lot filled with horse trailers. Everyone was busy, preparing for their events. It was another ten minutes before Holt found Knox sitting on a camp chair next to a young woman. Holt’s gut tightened as he observed what was obviously flirting. The woman wore a white sequined shirt with turquoise jeans. With her dolled-up makeup, he guessed she was in one of the rodeo events.
“You got anything to give me for good luck?” Knox was saying as Holt approached from behind the pair.
The woman laughed. “How about one of my earrings?”
“Don’t you need it?” he asked.
“No one will notice,” she said with another laugh, then undid her earring and handed it over.
Knox held it in his palm. “It’s right pretty, and if I win the championship, I’ll buy you a brand new pair.”
“Knox,” Holt said.
Knox’s fingers closed over the earring, and he turned.
“Been looking for you,” Holt said, completely ignoring Knox’s scowl and the woman’s curious expression.
“That so?” Knox said, returning his gaze to the woman. “I’m busy at the moment.”
Holt moved so that he was facing the couple. “This will only take a second.”
Knox’s jaw worked, and Holt knew he was battling to protect whatever image he’d created with this newest woman.
“Sugar, can you give me a second with my brother?” Knox said at last.
“Oh, he’s your brother?” The woman’s interested eyes landed on Holt again.
Well. All the guilt that Holt had felt over punching Knox had completely fled now.
The woman rose from the chair and strutted away, but not before giving a flirtatious wink to Knox.
He tapped the brim of his hat in acknowledgment.
“This better be quick,” Knox said.
Oh, it would be quick.Holt sat in the camp chair the woman had vacated. “I have three things to say. First, Mom is wrecked, and if anything, you owe her a visit. Second, Dad knows nothing about your debts, and as of now, they are all forgiven. You don’t owe me another cent, but you’ll also never get another loan. Third, if you harass Macie in any form, I’ll be sure to help her file a restraining order.”
Knox’s green eyes had gone black. “We share a kid.”
“That can be changed in court.”
Knox’s jaw clenched. “You can’t be serious. Macie’s just trying to get back at me. There’s no way she wants anything serious with you.”
“She moved out right after you left,” Holt said. “I don’t think she knows what she wants, but if she wants me, then nothing’s going to stand in our way.”
