Page 12 of Roping the Rodeo Queen
She freezes for a moment, then gradually rotates toward me.And she makes a sheepish face."Yeah, I forgot it's my truck."
I shake my head in disbelief, climbing out of the truck to halt beside her."Come on, Jo, let's talk about this."
She chews on the inside of her lip for a moment.Then she waves for me to go away."See you at the next rodeo, McKendrick."
Jo hurries back to her vehicle.
I'm so damn confused I can't think straight.By the time I've regained my senses, her truck is racing down the road amid a storm of dust.
On the cab ride back to my place, all I can think about is Jolene Callahan and the look on her face when she came all over my cock.
Chapter Seven
Spotlight Rodeo
The Texas heat feels like a living thing pressing against my skin.Two months have gone by since I last saw Jolene Callahan in the flesh---or even on a TV screen.After our mind-blowing sex in her pickup truck, she threw me away like a discarded takeout box.Whatever her problem is, I don't give a hoot anymore.My career as a professional rodeo cowboy takes precedence over just about everything else.
That includes Jo Callahan.
Fortunately, there's no rodeo today.I've arrived a few days early because...No, it has nothing to do with a certain sexy barrel racer.Like I said, my career as a professional rodeo cowboy matters more than anything else these days.My stats have improved enough that I'm actually making decent money now---not championship-level money, but enough to keep the ranch afloat for a while and make sure Dad's medical bills remain under control.That's what matters.
This isn't my first time performing at a Texas rodeo, but it is my debut at Frontier Days in Weatherford, the seat of Parker County.I hear there'll be a big kickoff in a few days featuring a cattle drive, a parade, and a street dance.Now that's what I need after so long on the road.
I adjust my hat and survey the rodeo grounds which are already bustling with activity this morning.Everybody wants to get an early start to adjust to the new environment.The familiar scent of hay, leather, and livestock fills my senses and centers me in a way nothing else can.This is my world, and I've earned my place in it with blood, sweat, and sheer determination.
"Clay McKendrick, you son of a gun!"
Buck's voice booms across the grounds, and I grin as I turn to see him striding toward me.The man looks the same as ever---weathered face, silver belt buckle catching the morning sun, and that infectious energy that makes everyone around him feel like they're about to witness something extraordinary.
"Buck, you crafty old coot!"I shout, grinning as I jog across the distance between us with long strides."Didn't expect to see you here.Thought you were calling Cheyenne this week."
"Switched up my schedule at the last minute."He clasps my shoulder with a firm grip."Couldn't miss seeing my favorite up-and-comer take on Weatherford.It's an iconic site for rodeo, and some famous cowboys have made their names here.Besides, the sponsors requested me specifically."He winks, tapping the side of his nose."Seems someone's been generating quite the buzz lately."
I bow my head and clear my throat.Ever since that night with Jo, something bizarre has been happening.Photos of us dancing appeared on social media, and suddenly people were gossiping about Clay McKendrick---the Montana cowboy who caught the eye of rodeo royalty.Sponsors had started reaching out, and my performance numbers had climbed steadily.
I guess Jo was right about exposure after all.
"Just focusing on my upcoming events," I reply to Buck.
But we both know it's more than that.Buck is a smart man.The visibility strategy Jo had laid out before the pickup truck sex incident has been working better than I ever imagined."Hey Buck, who else is competing this weekend?"
His expression shifts slightly, and I catch something in his eyes that makes my mouth go dry."Well now, interesting you should ask.Got quite the lineup this time around.Sterling's here, of course, along with most of the usual suspects."He pauses, studying my face."And word is Jo Callahan's making an appearance too."
My throat constricts, but I keep my expression neutral."That so?"
"Yep.Heard she's been having quite the season herself.Three first-place finishes in the last month alone."Buck's wrinkles crease into what might be concern or humor---with him, it's hard to tell."Are you two still...?"
"Still what?"I cut him off, a bit too hastily."There was never any 'us,' Buck.Just a couple of drinks and some dancing."
Yeah, I'm leaving out the scorching sex in Jo's truck.Nobody needs to hear about that.
Buck raises an eyebrow but knows better than to pester me.Smart man.The truth is, I've been struggling to forget about that night for two months now, and I'm not about to dissect it with Buck in the middle of the rodeo grounds where anyone might overhear.
"Right, nothing at all between you and Jo," the old man says, drawing out the word as if it sounds odd to his ears."Well, anyway, she's scheduled to compete Saturday evening.Barrel racing finals."He adjusts his hat, squinting at me in the subdued morning light."Might want to prepare yourself, son.This circuit's smaller than you think and avoiding someone gets mighty difficult when you're both chasing prize money."
I grunt and return my attention to unloading Thunder from the trailer.The gelding snorts as I lead him down the ramp, eager to stretch his legs after the long drive.
"Not avoiding anyone," I mutter, more to myself than to Buck."No time for women or gossip or...whatever."
