Page 14 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
Chapter Eight
Unexpected Confessions
What is Jo up to now?She claims that she regrets the way she treated me in her truck that night outside the honky-tonk.Okay, great.She knows she screwed up.But I'm waiting for her to explain why she tossed me out like a bag of garbage.Right now, she's just staring at me while biting her lip.If she thinks pitiful puppy eyes will wear me down...Aw, hell, she's right about that.But she should be the one to apologize.
I fold my arms over my chest while still holding the lead rope."Okay, what have you got to say, Miss Callahan?"
Jo shifts her weight from one boot to the other, her fingers fidgeting with the brim of her hat.For someone who can face down a passel of drunk cowboys without flinching, she sure looks nervous right now.
"I was scared," she finally admits, her voice barely above a whisper."That night, what happened between us...it made me feel confused and off balance."
My heart does that annoying beat-skipping thing it always does when she's honest with me."What exactly are you afraid of, Jo?"
"Feeling something again."The words tumble out like she's been holding them back for months."After my divorce, I swore off getting involved with anyone on the circuit.Too complicated, too risky."She meets my gaze, and I sense unexpected vulnerability there."But then I met a tall, handsome cowboy who made me feel things I didn't want to feel.So, I panicked and pushed you away.Hard."
She searches my face for a reaction, but I'm not giving her the satisfaction.Not yet.She has some serious groveling to do first.
"Well, congratulations on the successful evasive maneuver," I quip."Mission accomplished, Miss Callahan."
"Clay..."She steps closer."I've regretted it every day since."
Thunder shifts restlessly beside me, sensing the tension.I stroke his neck absently, buying myself time to process what she told me."That's a nice speech, Jo.Did you rehearse it on the drive over?"
She flinches, as if I've slapped her, but recovers quickly."I deserved that."
"Yeah, you did."I sigh, some of the anger draining out of me as I see the genuine remorse in her eyes and on her face."Look, I get it.We all have our reasons for keeping walls up.But that doesn't excuse you treating me the way you did."
She removes her hat, lowering her head, and runs her fingers through her auburn hair."I handled it all wrong.The truth is, that night scared the hell out of me because you made love to me like it meant something, likeImeant something to you.And that terrified me more than any angry stallion I've ever faced."
Thunder nickers softly, and I realize I've been standing here longer than I intended.Other competitors are starting to filter into the stable area, and the last thing I need is more gossip about Jo and me.
"So, what do you want from me now?"I ask, genuinely curious."Forgiveness?A do-over?"
"Not sure.Maybe I just want the chance to not screw it up this time."
I probe her expression, hunting for any sign she's playing me.But all I see is a woman who looks as confused and conflicted as I feel."Jo, I---"
"Clay McKendrick, imagine seeing you again!Ready to get whupped again?"
Brock Sterling's voice cuts through our conversation like a rusty blade.He strides over with that trademark swagger, his sponsor patches gleaming in the stable lighting.Perfect timing, as always.
"Sterling," I acknowledge with a nod, stepping slightly in front of Jo.
"And the lovely Miss Callahan is here too."Brock tips his hat with exaggerated politeness."Heard you two have been the talk of the circuit lately.Congratulations on your recent wins, Jo."
"Thanks," she replies, her professional mask sliding back into place so smoothly it's like watching an actress step into character."You're looking well, Brock."
"Can't complain.Three straight wins will do that for a man."His smile is all teeth and no warmth as his gaze shifts between us."Speaking of wins, I heard the PRCA scouts are particularly interested in partnerships this season.Marketing gold, they're calling it---the right cowboy and cowgirl duo for their new campaign."
I grit my teeth, trying not to let Brock goad me into snarling at him.Naturally, he would know about that before the rest of us.His daddy's connections run deeper than oil wells in this business.
"Guess you and Maddie will be getting his-and-hers facelifts then, huh?"Jo's voice remains perfectly level, but I note the slight tension in her shoulders."Gotta look good for the cameras, right, Brock?"
Brock rolls his eyes."Oh please.My face is picture perfect."
I glance up at the sky briefly, shaking my head."Uh-huh, Brock, whatever you say."
"Big money's on the line, McKendrick.Seven figures for the right pair."Brock's eyes glitter with a visible appetite for fame and glory that makes my lip curl."Course, they're looking for authenticity.Real chemistry.Like the kind you and I could have, Jo.Imagine the possibilities, babe.Two champions, both at the top of our games and sexy as hell."
