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“Don’t beat yourself up. We all do stupid shit now and then.”
“So you’re not mad at me?” she asked hopefully.
“No. I’m still very pissed at you and we’re going to talk about it later, once I can speak without shouting at you.”
“Oh,” she said in a small voice.
Dylan guided her back to the barn and helped her get out of her gear. “How’s that shoulder? You landed hard on it.”
“The adrenaline is still running,” LeAnn said. “But I’m going to feel it later.”
“Better get ahead of it,” Dylan said, handing her two ibuprofen and a bottle of water. “It wasn’t a bad ride. You handled whatever Whiplash threw at you well. There are a few things we can work on, but I think you can give Muriel and anyone else who decides to join you in this a run for their money.”
“How did you do?” LeAnn asked.
“Third place.”
“You’ll get ’em next time,” she said, linking her fingers through his.
He stared down at them, but didn’t say anything.
“I wish I could’ve stayed on the full eight seconds,” she said, liking the warmth and comfort she got simply by holding his hand. She could use another hug, but she didn’t want to push her luck. He had a right to be pissed at her.
“A lot of cowboys don’t go the eight seconds. A lot of cowboys wouldn’t have been able to stay on that bull. There’s no shame in that. Maybe you’ll get another chance to ride Whiplash—once I’m done evaluating him.”
Dylan always knew what to say to make her feel better.
Her sisters stormed into the barn.
“Are you all right?” Reba said, taking her by the arms and turning her around.
“Just dizzy from you spinning me like that. Knock it off. I’m fine.”
“I told you they said no,” Dolly said between her teeth.
“I gave Muriel plenty of time. The impact was still there, and the crowd was on board. I just gave them a little extra.”
“And you,” Dolly said, whirling on Dylan. “You’re supposed to be her trainer. You’re supposed to keep her safe.”
“She’s safe,” Dylan said. “I will admit, it was too much bull for her at this point, but your sister handled it fine.”
She hated that Dylan felt the need to stick up for her. “Don’t blame Dylan. This was all my idea. I hoodwinked him and everybody else.”
Reba spoke over her. “Fine? You weren’t sitting next to our parents when she came out of that chute.”
LeAnn winced.
“I don’t have a lot of experience dealing with parents at rodeo events, but I expect it was a bit of a shock to them.”
Dolly gave a little laugh that didn’t have a trace of humor in it. “That’s putting it gently, yes.”
“I’d better go talk to them,” LeAnn said.
“Not here. Not now,” Dolly said. “You’re coming with me. We have a PR storm going on right now. You caught the WPRC with their pants down. You’re going to have to make it right.” Dolly grabbed her by the arm and tugged her along. Reba gave Dylan one final glare before following them.
Chapter Ten
Dylan went straight back to his hotel room after the rodeo. He was glad he’d splurged on it but was even happier he had won his bulldogging event so he wouldn’t have to feel guilty about forking over the money. After taking a long, hot shower, he should have felt better. While he was clean, he was also still torqued at LeAnn. She’d reminded him of Johnny Montana today. Full of piss and vinegar and to hell with the rules.
