Page 87 of Roped in Rawhide

Pigtails’s jaw drops. “How would you know?”

The other woman shivers as if the memory is penetrating deep. “I spent the night with two of them after Wild West Days.”

“Two?” Her friend looks green with envy. “You whore! Why didn’t you tell me?”

She shrugs. “I wanted them for myself.”

“Selfish bitch.” But there’s no real malice behind the insult. “That’s not happening today. Feast your eyes on the prospects. Who are you gonna call dibs on?”

My eyes snap to the bucking chutes where Chance was last spotted. I haven’t been paying a lick of attention to the show. Thankfully, he’s perched in clear view on top of the fence next to several other bronc and bull riders. His focus is already fixed in my direction. The fact he found me in the crowd spreads a comforting reassurance through my veins. Not that I really need it. He’s always aware of my presence.

His arm waves in the air and I realize he’s holding his phone. That prompts me to glance at mine. He sent me several messages while I was engrossed in buckle bunny gossip.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: I prefer when you’re my bad girl.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: I also like it when you’re my good girl.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: I don’t like it when you ignore me.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: What’re you looking at?

Best Boyfriend of My Life: It’s obviously very interesting…

I cringe at my neglectful behavior.

Me: Heyyyy, boyfriend. Sorry about that. These two buckle bunnies in front of me are engaging in a fun game of “who am I going to ride tonight.” Your name has been mentioned.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: I hope you put them in their place.

Me: Not yet.

Best Boyfriend of My Life: I’m yours. Everyone should know it.

Pigtails and Sundress gasp in unison. I glance up to see what’s captivated them. Wyatt Paine just burst from the second bucking shoot on a massive beast of a horse. It must be some sort of draft mix. The livestock at this rodeo is top tier.

My fingers are secretly crossed that Chance’s rival bites the dust. Meanwhile, the buckle bunnies are beside themselves. Pigtails is rocking back and forth on the bleacher bench. Vomit threatens to spew out of me. She has no idea who she’s lusting after.

But Sundress is no better. She’s bouncing erratically to a lewd beat. Her breasts are seconds away from popping free at this family-friendly event. Maybe it will cause a distraction.

Unfortunately, Wyatt stays on. He earns a score of eighty-five, which is much better than he deserves. The cheers from his biggest fans are deafening. As if that’s not bad enough, their constant movement poisons the air with sickly-sweet perfume. I’d rather get doused with bug spray.

“Wowwwww,” Pigtails expels. “That was incredible.”

“His grip on that rope rein will collar my neck later.” Sundress grabs her throat for emphasis.

Bile fills my mouth and I barely manage to swallow in time. But these two aren’t done. They exchange a disturbing glance. My skin crawls as they set their sights on Chance who’s still propped on the railing like a temptation.

“I’ve decided,” Pigtails chirps. “You can have Wyatt. I’m going to make Chance mine tonight.”

You and your bandeau bra can keep dreaming.

“He has a girlfriend,” I mention it casually, but loud enough for them to hear me.

Pigtails whips around. There’s already an accusation in her muddy brown eyes. “Excuse me?”

“Chance,” I clarify. “He has a girlfriend.”

She scoffs. “If you’re referring to that blonde bimbo he’s posted on his Instagram page, I’m not buying it. There’s no way he’d actually settle for her. It has to be a publicity stunt to clean up his act or something. She’s not even pretty.”