Page 20 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
"That's my girl!"I shout, virtually screaming, not giving a damn who hears me.Several cowboys around me chuckle and slap my back in congratulation, like her victory is somehow mine too.
Jo's smile as she exits the arena is pure sunshine, lighting up her whole face in a way that makes me want to kiss her mindless and fuck her out here in the open.I would gladly go to jail for that offense.Jo catches my eye in the stands and tips her hat in my direction, a private acknowledgment that turns me on more than I would've expected.Sizzling heat rushing through my veins.
"Your fiancée's on fire today," a familiar voice proclaims beside me.I turn to see Buck, his microphone temporarily abandoned, sliding into the seat beside mine."Two arena records in one day.She's making the rest of 'em look like amateurs."
"Jo is extraordinary.Didn't think it was possible to set a time that fast on this arena setup."
Buck's lifts his hat just enough that he can wipe the sweat off his head."Talent like that don't come along every day.You're a lucky man, Clay."
I am lucky, for sure, but for how long will I have that amazing woman in my life?She thinks this is nothing but a fake engagement for publicity.The question I asked myself a moment ago echoes in my mind now as I watch Jo being congratulated by other competitors.I need to remind myself our romance is strictly for show---a strategic move to boost both our careers and stick it to Brock Sterling.But the way my heart races when she smiles at me feels pretty damn real.
I clear my throat and finally say, "Yeah, I know I'm one lucky bastard."
Buck pats my shoulder before standing."Gotta get back to the booth.Big announcement coming up in a minute."
He heads back toward the announcers' stand, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the ramifications of his words.Lucky man.If only he knew how complicated "lucky" can get.
Jo climbs the bleacher steps while grinning at me, her face aglow from her big victory.Several people stop her along the way to offer congratulations, and she handles every interaction with that perfect blend of gracious acceptance and genuine warmth that makes her so damn appealing.
Once she sits down beside me, I grin and kiss her cheek."Two arena records in one day.You're turning into a serious show-off."
"Says the man who took first place in two events himself."She bumps my shoulder into hers, and even that casual contact makes my dick rouse."We make quite the team, don't we, Jo?"
The word "team" hangs in the air between us, loaded with meaning I'm not sure either of us is ready to examine.Before I can respond, Buck's voice reverberates out of the speakers once again.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special announcement from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association!"
The crowd quiets, and I feel Jo tense beside me.PRCA announcements during events usually mean something big---new rules, special recognition, or in rare cases, opportunities that can change careers overnight.
A man in a crisp suit and pristine white hat makes his way to the center of the arena, microphone in hand.I recognize him from photos in rodeo magazines---Jim Crawford, one of the PRCA's top executives.
"Thank you, Buck," Crawford says."I'm here today to announce an exciting new partnership between the PRCA and Western Heritage Brands, one of the fastest-growing lifestyle companies in the country."
Jo's hand finds mine on the bench between us.We intertwine our fingers, holding on tight.
"Western Heritage Brands is launching a nationwide campaign focusing on the authentic spirit of rodeo," Crawford continues, the now-silent arena waiting to hear more."And they're looking for the perfect couple to be the face of this partnership."
My pulse quickens as Jo squeezes my hand hard enough to make me wince.This must be what Buck was hinting at earlier---the big opportunity that could change everything.
"The selected pair will represent both the PRCA and Western Heritage Brands in a series of national advertisements, promotional appearances, and social media campaigns," Crawford explains, his enthusiasm evident even from this distance."We're talking print ads, television commercials, billboards---the works.This is the largest promotional deal in PRCA history, folks."
The murmur that ripples through the crowd tells me everyone understands the significance of what Crawford just announced.This isn't just about prize money anymore.It's the kind of exposure that can set up a cowboy and cowgirl for life.
"The campaign will focus on couples who embody the true spirit of rodeo," Crawford continues."Partnership, dedication, and authentic connection both in and out of the arena.We're looking for riders who can represent not just the sport, but the lifestyle and values that make rodeo America's original sport."
Jo's breathing has become shallow, like mine.This is exactly what we've been working toward without even knowing it---the visibility, the narrative, the story that Buck kept talking about.
"Selection will be based on a combination of factors," Crawford explains."Competition results, of course, but also marketability, social media presence, and that indefinable quality we call 'rodeo heart.'"
I can feel the energy shift in the crowd as Crawford's words sink in.This is it---the chance to secure more than just my family's ranch, but also a future I never dared dream of.A future with Jo.If she wants that.I'll convince her we belong together, no matter what it takes.
"The deadline for applications is next Friday," Crawford says."And I'm pleased to announce that the selection committee will be conducting interviews right here at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in two weeks."
Houston.My stomach drops.Jo's ex-husband Tyler lives in Houston and works for a big oil company there.I glance at Jo, but I can't read her expression.
"The winning couple will receive a guaranteed minimum of one-point-five million dollars over the course of the three-year contract!"Crawford exclaims, arms spread wide.
And the crowd erupts in appreciative whistles and applause.
