Page 46 of Stud Ranch

The men traded a sly look.

“And if you don’t?” Sloane asked slowly.

“Then I do anything you guys want.”

Her eyes sparked brighter. “Anything?”

“Anything,” he verified.

Shaw looked to Sloane and twitched his head toward Dylan. “The man’s pretty confident that he’ll win, isn’t he?”

“I know another man just like that—on the ice. Now, let’s go watch this rodeo, though now I don’t know whether to cheer on Dylan or the bull.”

As they left the bungalow and strolled along the stone path to the makeshift arena, Dylan started to question if he could uphold his end of the bargain. Either way he would lose.

In the end, both of his lovers would walk away. They’d either go their separate ways, or Sloane and Shaw might fix their relationship. And when this was all over, he would still be left drifting alone on the cold wind.

* * * * *

As soon as the three of them walked through the gate, screams erupted from a group of people already seated in the stands.

Shaw’s protective hand on Sloane’s spine tensed, and he jerked his head toward the sound.

“What the hell?” Dylan darted away to check it out.

From this spot, Shaw peered over everyone’s heads to see a group of people spilling out of the bleachers and milling around, swatting at the air.

“Bees. At least it’s not bears.” He took Sloane’s hand and led her in the opposite direction. The stands extended along the front of the field and were already jam-packed with people.

Sloane surveyed the crowd. “Where did all these people come from? Surely they’re not guests at the ranch!”

He threw her a crooked smile over his shoulder. “People come from the village to watch the rodeo. They may not all agree with what goes on here, but after the long winter, they’re ready for any entertainment they can get.”

As he led her to an empty space on a wooden bench, Dylan jogged back up to them.

“Bees,” he confirmed. “A hive under the bleachers.”

“Anybody get stung?” Sloane twisted to look at the Boot Knockers and their women who’d piled off the benches in a hurry.

“One of the guys. Nothing major.” Dylan leaned in to plant a kiss on Sloane’s lips. “I’ve gotta help with the horses for the opening ceremony. Check under the seat before you sit down.”

Dylan swung around to go. Shaw didn’t even think before he shot out a hand and laid it on his lover’s shoulder.

Dylan turned back. Under the brim of his Stetson, his eyes burned with surprise and a glint of confusion.

“Break a leg.”

“Let’s hope I don’t break my back.” He flashed a grin and then jogged off, disappearing in the crowd of newcomers pouring into the arena.

“Bull riding is dangerous. What if he really does get hurt?” Sloane chewed on her bottom lip.

Shaw wouldn’t lie to her by assuring her that it wouldn’t happen. Fact was, Dylan’s last ride had knocked him out when the bull tossed him up against the wall. Shaw and some of the other guys had watched it live on TV. He’d tweaked his spine in that fall, and he got regular massages as a result.

“Sit here, baby.” He peered under the bench for any sign of flying things but it was all clear. He held her hand while she mounted the few steps to reach the top, the best seat in the house.

Once they were settled, he caught a whiff of kettle corn on the breeze. “You want some popcorn? They make it fresh. I remember how much you love it.”

Her stare locked on his. “Maybe later. What I really want is for you to tell me why you still call me baby.”

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