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“I would like to find out why she suddenly turned cold, though she’s kinda flighty. She’s been out with a few of the guys on the tour.”
But another bull left the chute and the crowd started cheering making any further conversation impossible. Grabbing Duke’s arm, John made a gesture suggesting they should leave. Duke nodded, and they made their way through the crowd, then headed down the steps out of the stands.
“Let’s do it. Let’s go to The Tavern. Maybe she’ll show up,” John declared, “and that burger we just had was the size of a donut. I’m hungry, and you’re hankerin’ for that whiskey.
“Yeah, I’m into it,” Duke replied. “Where’s your car?”
“All the way over at the back of the field. I got here late and there was nowhere to park.”
“We’ll take mine. My dad got me a VIP parking pass. It’s right near the entrance.”
“You lucky sonofabitch!”
“The dealership comes with perks,” Duke said with a chuckle. “Come on, it’s just over here.”
As he walked up to a Mercedes SUV, John was simultaneously impressed and envious, then elated he was making friends with the lanky rich guy. Climbing into the luxury vehicle and settling in the leather seat, he told himself to stay cool.
“Duke, are you sure you’ll be able to convince Dan to let me in?” he asked as they rolled out of the show grounds. “I don’t wanna cause you any problems.”
“Yeah, I’m sure. I spend a lot of money there, and he’s not a guy to cut off his nose to spite his face.”
* * *
Driving down the highway into town with Big John, Duke was pleased he’d run into him. Rough, tough, guys could come in handy.
“Now we can talk without all that noise,” John said as they turned down Main Street. “Tell me more about this Bailey chick. You were startin’ to explain how the two of you hooked up.”
“Iwishwe’d hooked up,” Duke grunted. “Things never got that far, and from what I understand that’s how she is. She’s a user, but she’s on a mission.”
“A mission?” John repeated. “What do you mean? What kinda mission?”
“She doesn’t know I found this out, but her mare was stolen a while back and she’s been hunting all over for her. That’s the only reason she went out with me. She likes to have a guy with her when she goes off looking at horses. I’m hoping that’s why she’s with Rick Campbell. He knows a ton of people in that business, not to mention barns.”
“That’s all she wanted? Your company?”
“Yep. She claimed to be a buyer, but she wasn’t—or should I say, she isn’t. I figured that out pretty quick. She’s got will power, I’ll give her that. She’s so determined it’s only a matter of time before she finds her mare, and when she does, God help the person who stole it.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
When the last competitor in the bull riding event hit the ground, Bailey let out an excited cry and threw her arms around Rick’s neck. No-one had beaten his score.
“You’re going going to be show champion, I just know it!”
“What did I tell you about jinxin’ me?” he shot back with a chuckle, hugging her back.
“Like I said the first time, it’s just my opinion.”
Suddenly fisting her hair, he tugged back her head and kissed her, crushing her mouth and taking her breath away.
“I want you all over again,” he growled, lowering his lips to her neck and sucking in her skin as he urgently roamed his hands over her breasts. “We’re takin’ this back to my motorhome.” But just as he finished speaking Bailey’s phone rang.
“Sorry,” she stammered, pulling it from her pocket and checking the screen. “It’s a text from Susan. They’re five minutes away. I’m really glad they made it here safely, but talk about bad timing.”
“Maybe it’s good timin’,” he remarked, lowering his voice. “Now you can think about what I might do when we’re alone. I promised my ropes, remember?”
“Good grief,” she breathed, feeling butterflies fluttering her stomach. “How can I act normally after hearing that?”
“I’m sure you’ll manage. Come on. If they were only five minutes away they’ll be here any minute.”
