Rough Rider (Hot Cowboy Nights, #2)(36)

Way back.

She’d never gone hog wild like that before. The Old Gringo boots alone were almost a month’s pay. She’d have to live on saltine crackers to make up for it. She almost spun back into the store to return everything, but then took a calming breath. She’d saved a bundle by camping out in the stock trailer instead of staying at a motel. Would one selfish splurge in her whole life really hurt anything?

When she got back to her trailer she opened the bags and boxes with trembling hands. She fondled the supple leather boots that were almost identical to the ones she’d drooled over in Cody. The denim miniskirt would certainly show them off—along with her legs. She stared at the skirt and boots with a sudden feeling of discomfort, as if she was trying to impersonate someone else. Then she recalled the look on Dirk’s face when Rachel had walked into the bar the night before.

Just once in her life, she’d like to have that jaw-dropping effect on a guy. She supposed tonight was her chance. She imagined the look of shock that would come over Grady when he opened the door. Maybe it was worth what she’d spent after all. His expression alone would be priceless—but part of Janice still couldn’t help wishing it was on another cowboy’s face.

*

Dirk took over two hours getting back to the rodeo grounds. He’d jawed so long with Reid and Garcia that he hadn’t got back into town until they’d blocked off the streets. He’d forgotten all about the parade and had no choice but to sit and wait it out. Once he finally got back to the arena, the first events were in full swing. He’d hoped to catch Janice alone but probably wouldn’t get a chance to talk with her until tonight—he hoped over a quiet dinner.

He still didn’t know quite what he was gonna say. What did he really want from her? He wasn’t sure of that either. There was a lot to figure out between them and opening that door suddenly seemed so hard. He’d kept his distance for so long that he wasn’t even certain what kind of reception he’d get. For the first time he could recall, Dirk felt unsure of himself.

So he’d stalled.

He’d first hung out with the bronc riders, watching every ride—mostly young cowboys eating dirt. Then he hung around the timed event end of the arena for the barrel racing. Once the last rider finished and the final scores were announced, he finally headed over to the bull pens. Grady was already suited up in his chaps and safety vest, occupied with his preparations. He must be one of the first draws. Dirk was one of the last. He’d hit it lucky.

He had his chance. “Hey, Red.” He tipped his hat.

“Hey yourself,” Janice answered mechanically and continued her routine, throwing the rope over the bull’s back and leaning down to hook it under his belly. “Haven’t seen you today.” She didn’t look up at him even though he knew she could have flanked the bull blindfolded.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t around to help you this morning. I came by early, but you’d already fed, so I went for some breakfast. I ran into an old rodeo buddy at the diner and then got stuck by all the parade roadblocks.”

“You don’t answer to me,” Janice said, sounding irritated.

“No, but I owed you the courtesy of an explanation,” Dirk replied. “Something wrong, Red?”

“No. Why would you say that?”

“I dunno.” He shrugged. “You just seem out of sorts…”

“I’m just busy, Dirk. There’s a lotta bulls to flank and a lotta riders to spot.”

“Yeah, I can see that. I’ll be glad to help until my ride. Do you think we can talk later? Can I maybe buy you dinner when you’re done tonight?”

Janice stood, setting her hook against the chute, and then settling her hands on her hips.

“What’s all this about, Dirk? You avoid me for weeks and then the minute Grady asks me out, you all of a sudden want to talk?”

“Grady asked you out? You didn’t accept, did you?”

“Yeah. As a matter of fact I did. He bought tickets for Chris LeDoux.”

Grady was watching them from the platform several chutes down. Even from this distance he could detect his buddy’s scowl. He leaned in closer and dropped his voice real low. “Do you really think that’s a good idea, Red?”

“What business is it of yours?” He could almost see her bristle. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, cowboy—especially after last night. Which reminds me…I was s’posed to give you something.” She pulled a card out of her back pocket and shoved it toward him.

“What’s this?” he asked.

“Rachel’s hotel and room number. She’s expecting you.” Janice picked up her rope hook and moved on to the next bull.

He followed after her. “Please, Red.”

Janice spun around. “If you wanted to talk to me so bad, you’ve had plenty of chances before now. Even last night—but I s’pose Rachel walking in must have been quite the distraction.”

“This is exactly why we need to talk. There’s some things I need to explain—”

“The look on your face last night was self-explanatory. There’s nothing more that needs saying. Grady might be a horndog, but at least he doesn’t play these head games.”

He winced, feeling as if she’d slapped him. She had no idea who the real Grady was, or what he was really after, but if he tried to warn her off again it would just look like petty jealousy. Shit! Now what the hell could he do? He couldn’t have dinked things up any better if he’d tried.