Page 15 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
The way he says it, like I'm not standing right here, makes my blood simmer.But before I can say anything, Jo steps forward, her chin lifting in that defiant way that always makes me want to kiss her until she melts in my arms.
Jo hooks her thumbs in the waistband of her jeans."Funny thing about chemistry, Brock.It isn't something you can manufacture in a boardroom."
Sterling's smile falters for half a second before he recovers."Maybe you're right about chemistry, but it helps when both parties are actually winners.Consistent winners."His gaze flicks to me dismissively."Some of us can't afford to hitch our wagons to shooting stars that might burn out."
That does it.I hand Thunder's lead rope to Jo without a word and stomp toward Sterling, coming near enough that I can see the uncertainty in his cold blue eyes."Know what's funny?Last I checked, I was ranked fourth in the standings.That's hardly burning out."
"Fourth place is first loser, McKendrick."Sterling's voice carries just loud enough for the other competitors filtering into the stable to hear."But hey, I'm sure your little ranch appreciates the participation trophies."
The mention of my ranch hits exactly where he intended, and my hands clench into fists.Jo's sharp intake of breath reminds me where we are, who's watching, and what's at stake.
"Easy, cowboy," Jo whispers under her breath, her hand grazing my arm.The contact grounds me, pulling me back from doing something stupid that would give Sterling exactly what he wants.
Brock smirks."Jo, you're a smart girl.You know which side your bread's buttered on.Ain't that right, Jo-Jo?Me, I've got all the butter any girl could hope for."
"Then you find one of those girls.I'm taken."
Brock's brows hike up, and he seems genuinely baffled."That's bullshit.Everybody knows you prefer horses over cowboys."
Not sure what he's implying, but it makes me want to march over there and punch him in the jaw hard enough to break it.Though I'd love to see Sterling with his jaw wired shut, eating through a straw, I won't give him the satisfaction.
I stick to that promise until he opens his mouth again.
Sterling grins and winks at Jo, cupping his groin with one hand."Come on, sweet thing.Let a real man show you how it's done."
I fist my hands, seething like I've done before."Brock, you slimy son of a bitch---"
Jo slings an arm around my waist, tugging me close."Like I told you, Sterling, I'm taken.Clay and I have been seeing each other quietly for months.In fact, we're engaged."
What in tarnation is she talking about?Engaged?That's news to me, but I won't let on to Brock that I'm confused.All I can do is play along and hope she'll explain later.So, I sling my arm around her shoulders as I smile down at Jo while I inform Sterling, "That's right.We've kept it on the down-low until we were ready to announce the engagement.Now seems like as good a time as any.Jo's my sweet little dumpling."
Jo jabs me in the side, and I realize I might've laid it on a bit thick with the "sweet little dumpling" comment.But Brock's expression is worth the pain.His perfect smile freezes, then cracks at the edges.
"Engaged," he repeats flatly."You expect me to believe that?"
Jo's diamond sharp smile doesn't waver."Believe what you want, Sterling.We weren't planning to make it public until after Nationals, but"---She gazes up at me with an expression so tender it almost convinces me---"some things are worth celebrating early."
Thunder snorts and paws the ground, as if even he can sense the bullshit in the air.I stroke his neck to calm him while maintaining my poker face.
"Where's the ring?"Sterling challenges, his gaze narrowing as he glances at Jo's naked left hand.
"It's getting resized," she explains smoothly, wiggling her ring finger."Clay's got these big ole hands, and he overestimated my size when he picked it out.Isn't that right, honey?"
The endearment rolls off her tongue like she's been saying it for years, and I find myself nodding along with her story."Guilty as charged.Figured it was better to go too big than too small."
Sterling's jaw ticks, his composure finally beginning to crack."How convenient."
"Isn't it?"Jo threads her fingers with mine."We should probably get going, babe.Thunder needs settling in, and I promised I'd help you practice your new technique."
My new technique?I don't have a clue what she's talking about.Fortunately, I don't need to spout more lies to Brock.He shakes his head, clearly baffled, then strides away.
I bow my head, hissing words out under my breath."Now we're engaged?You're insane, Jo."
"Maybe.But there is an upside to my lie."She raises onto her tiptoes to whisper into my ear, "Now everyone will be talking about us and not Brock Sterling."
I grin."Jolene Callahan, you are a genius."
Chapter Nine
