Page 55 of The Cowboy's Country Charm

“Happy to train them in the field. But I wasn’t interested in a desk job and only a desk job.” He was so wrapped up in the missions that it wasn’t until he got out that he’d understood why they were pushing the training spot. Because it wasn’t until then that it hit him. Crashed into him like a high-speed train. “At the time it felt like they were putting me out to pasture.”

“No one to rescue.”

He nodded. Because what else was he good for? “Thirty is still pretty young for most jobs. Hell, Tom Brady didn’t retire until his mid-forties.”

“Didn’t he retire twice?”

“And I totally understand why he didn’t want to give up the action for an announcing job. Once I get into the police force, I intend to volunteer for mountain search and rescue. I’m damn good at it.” And maybe the inevitable setbacks wouldn’t haunt him. Maybe.

“Of that I have no doubt. But, Rusty, I don’t need to be rescued. At least until I tell you I need rescuing.”

His heart dropped into his stomach. If she didn’t need him to rescue her, then she didn’t need him at all. Maybe that was for the best. No complications. No hurt feelings.

“I really didn’t mean to imply you were incompetent.” He shifted in his chair. “I think just the opposite. Are we good?” Because he wanted to keep seeing her… even if she didn’t need rescuing.

She reached over, touched his hand, and then leaned in to kiss his cheek.

Was she going for a just-friends relationship? Friends with benefits? Whatever she wanted, he was willing. “By the way, there’s a ranch rodeo this coming weekend. I’m competing. Thought you might want to come. From what Mel tells me, Ariel is planning on going. It’s Sunday. Starts at one o’clock.”

She blinked at him as if seeing him for the first time. “I don’t know. I’ve got a lot going on. But you say Ariel is going?” She bit her lip.

“Yup. It will be fun. I promise. And you can see what real cowboys do. And you don’t have to stay long.”But I’d love it if you were in the stands, cheering me on.

“It’s different from a regular rodeo?”

“You’ve never been? It’s a lot different. Come for an hour or two. The event I’m competing in is cattle penning, and it’s in the beginning. They’re holding it at the complex, so no hassle to get to.”

She took a bite of burger and swallowed before answering. “I’ll think about it.”

That was a pretty noncommittal response.

“Well, I do declare—it’s Rusty,” called a familiar voice from across the room.

Chapter 16

Rusty’s head swiveled in the direction of the bar, and Kristy followed the direction of his gaze. A pretty woman about the same age as Kristy walked toward them. She wore cutoffs, a tank top stretched across a well-endowed chest, and cowgirl boots. Large hoop earrings dangled from her ears, and a cascade of blond hair fell over her shoulders. Her eyes were painted with eyeliner, her lashes looked fake, and her lips were ruby red, but despite the heavily applied makeup, she still looked attractive.

“Tamara Lynn,” Rusty said, a big old smile gracing his face. Was it her imagination, or did his eyes light up.

“I haven’t seen you around lately. What’ve you been doing with yourself?” She looked pointedly in Kristy’s direction. “Keeping busy, I see?”

“Somewhat…”

Tamara stuck out her hand. “Tamara Blake.”

Kristy shook it. Her hand felt rough. This woman worked. “Kristy Winslow.”

“Pleased to meet you. You new around here?”

“She just moved here from Cheyenne. She’s with the event company for Boots and Bells.” Rusty jumped in to answer.

“Is that right?” Tamara looked her up and down. “Heard about the bachelor auction.”

“It’s also including bachelorettes.” Maybe she could get another woman to sign up.

Tamara had already turned her attention back to Rusty. “You signed up?”

“Reluctantly.”

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