Page 16 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
Rivals and Revelations
As I stand at the edge of the arena here in Weatherford, my gaze keeps returning to a certain barrel racer with mesmerizing green eyes who has become my fake fiancée.How did that happen?I think Jo is a sexy witch drawing me into her magical web, convincing me to do whatever she wants.But right now, she's about to take her turn at the barrels.I'm waiting with bated breath to see her performance.As usual, Buck is narrating the whole rodeo---starting with Jo and the other ladies.I know from experience they're tough competitors.
A few days ago, Jo and I, as well as plenty of other folks, watched the Cattle Drive through town.Afterward, the Frontier Days festivities kicked into high gear with a parade and a street dance.We kicked our heels up for every line dance plus old traditional favorites.That included the Tush Push, which had us both grinning like fools, remembering that night at the honky-tonk.Somehow, being Jo's fake fiancé feels both terrifying and right.The crowd thinks we're in love, and sometimes, when she looks at me a certain way, I almost believe it myself.
But tonight, the rodeo begins in earnest.
I also noticed Brock Sterling in the stands---with Maddie Vale, his occasional sidekick.She and Jo have a bit of a rivalry going on.My engagement to Jo, fake or not, deserves a real ring, so I bought her one yesterday.It's a simple, modest stone set in white gold.I don't think Jo was faking it when she declared it's the most beautiful ring ever.
Buck's voice booms through the speakers."Next up, ladies and gentlemen, is our favorite barrel racer, the queen of the rodeo, Jolene Callahan!"
Jo bursts out of the gate, her body moving in perfect harmony with her horse, the determination on her face evident.There's something mesmerizing about watching her ride---the way she leans into the turns, her hair flying out behind her as her expression reveals her fierce concentration.Jolene Callahan is a vision of beauty, fluid grace, and raw power---a combination that makes me horny.
Damn, I need to kiss Jo.And do other things with her...
"Check out that form, folks!"Buck exclaims."Callahan's on fire today!"
Jo rounds the first barrel, her body angled at just the perfect degree, the crowd roars its approval.I suddenly realize I'm gripping the railing hard enough that my knuckles turn white.
"Would you look at that time on the first turn!"Buck shouts."Callahan's on pace to break her own record!"
I watch in rapt wonder as Jo thunders toward the second barrel.Her connection with that horse is incredible.They seem to share the same brain, the same heartbeat.The way she anticipates every movement, shifting her weight with subtle grace...You'd miss it if you weren't looking for it.
And I'm definitely looking.
Abruptly, some kind of noise echoes across the arena.Maddie's horse---tied nearby---rears up unexpectedly, spooking several animals near the gate.The commotion carries over to Jo's horse, who hesitates for a split second before rounding the final barrel.Even from this distance, I can tell Jo has tensed up slightly as she fights to maintain control.The crowd collectively holds its breath.
"Whoa there!"Buck calls out, his voice rife with confusion.But he recovers quickly."Looks like we've got some unexpected excitement at the gate!"Callahan's fighting to keep her line!"
Jo leans over, petting her horse's neck, and whispers something to her mount that I can't hear.Well, I am way over at the opposite end of the arena.Whatever magic spell Jo whispered to her horse, it worked.The mare steadies and makes the turn, but it's wider than it should, meaning Jo lost precious seconds.
"Callahan recovers," Buck hollers, "but that's gonna cost her on the clock, folks!"
Buck continues his commentary, following along as Jo races toward the finish line.My heart pounds, the crowd falls silent, and I stop breathing while Jo dashes past the line.Now we all wait to hear the judges' decision.
The numbers flash on the board: 16.7 seconds.Good, but not great.Jo's face tells the whole story as she exits the arena.Disappointment flickers in those green eyes, but only for a split second.Then she pats her horse's neck, murmuring praise despite the less-than-perfect run.
I start moving before I consciously decide to, pushing through the crowd of competitors and spectators until I reach Jo.Then I kiss her cheek."Hell of a recovery out there, and that's not bullshit.You were fantastic."
Jo looks up at me, then sighs.Her posture wilts."Should've been faster.That spook cost me the win."
"Was it Maddie's horse?"I glance toward where Sterling's occasional companion is tending to her mount, acting like nothing happened.
"Could've been an accident.Horses can get spooked."Jo's tone that tells me she doesn't believe that for a second.
"Accident my ass," I grumble.Maddie's smug expression as she brushes her horse's mane proves to me that she spooked Jo's mare."That woman's about as accidental as a rattlesnake in your boot."
Jo follows my gaze, her jaw tightening."Maybe, but I can't prove anything.And making accusations without evidence would only make me look like a sore loser."
She's right, but it doesn't stop the protective urge that rises inside me.I've seen enough dirty tricks in the rodeo world to recognize one when I see it.Maddie's timing was too perfect---right as Jo approached that final barrel.
I rest my hand on the small of Jo's back."You are no loser, darlin'.That recovery was something else.Most riders would've blown the whole run."
A ghost of a smile touches her lips."When did you become a sweet talker, Clay?"
"I have my moments."Rising onto my tiptoes to survey the arena, I search for some explanation for what happened, but I see nothing."Wait here, Jo.I'll be back in a minute."
While I jog over to Brock and Maddie, I suddenly realize Jo is right behind me.I slip my fingers between hers, and we march over there hand in hand.I'm hoping to avoid a serious confrontation."Hey, did you guys hear a crunching-crackling sound right before Maddie's horse spooked?"
