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Where are you?
In the middle of the east grandstand. I’m sure you’ll have the highest score.
Don’t jinx me.
An opinion can’t jinx you.
If I’m not at the top at the end of the show, I’m holding you responsible. Gotta go. I’ll see you at one like we planned.
CHAPTER SiX
Bull after bull bucked out of the chutes, and Bailey found herself caught up in the crowd’s excitement. Though she’d seen plenty of rides, she’d never sat down to watch an entire event and it was captivating. The agility and power of the animals was breathtaking, and the brave bullfighters who drew them away from the cowboys were almost as entertaining as the riders themselves. When the event came to an end, Rick had kept his lead and was in the running for Show Champion. The rodeo would last five days, and with his high score there was a good chance he could win.
She checked her watch.
Twelve-thirty. She had half-an-hour to kill before meeting him.
She began to wander around the show grounds, thinking about Duke and the others she’d spent time with.
She’d needed them at her side in case of trouble.
And when they’d wanted more than the occasional kiss, she’d walked away.
Jumping into bed was the last thing on her mind.
Rick was different.
He had a unique, sexy appeal.
A twinkle in his eye.
A sort of—I know something you don’t—that brought her butterflies fluttering to life. She couldn’t deny the sparkling attraction, but she wouldn’t allow it to stand in the way of her goal.
Feeling slightly unnerved, and with five minutes to spare, she reached the spot where she’d be meeting him. Both hungry and thirsty, she bought a milkshake from the food truck and settled at one of the picnic tables. She’d taken her first sip of the rich creamy drink when Duke unexpectedly walked up and sat opposite her.
“I don’t recall inviting you to join me,” she exclaimed, glaring at him.
“Bailey, don’t get mad, I just wanted to—”
“You need to leave. I’m meeting Rick Campbell. He’ll be here any minute.”
“Okay, but I have some news.”
“What kind of news? Whatever it is, make it quick.”
“I’ve just heard of a decent ranch that has some sale horses. It’s off the beaten track about ten miles from here.”
“Really?” she exclaimed, her pulse ticking up. “Do you know the name of this place?”
“Leg Up Stables, and the owner is a woman named Sally Mayfield.”
“Who told you about it?”
“Remember I called some people for you a few days ago? One of them just got back to me.”
“Do you have an address or directions?”
“Yep, right here,” he replied, lifting a piece of paper from his pocket.
