Chasin' Eight (Rough Riders #11)(66)

“Need me to bat away all those bunnies for you?” she teased.
His jaw tightened. “Yeah. Seems to be a lot of them at this event.”

“So you’re done avoiding me?”

“Why would you say that?”

“Because you haven’t been around since we arrived in Scottsbluff.”

“I’ve gotten up early to work out. I met this rookie kid last week. After I rode, he cornered me, calling me out as Chase McKay.” He smiled sheepishly. “The little shit promised to keep my secret if I gave him bull ridin’ pointers.”

“Which you did.”

“Not that he listened to me. Kid is such a greenhorn. And stubborn? He won’t turn his foot out, refuses to wear a helmet, won’t consider a trying a different wrap. So I gave up talking to him about bull ridin’ and we watched the slack competition. What did you do—” his knuckles grazed her breasts as he reached for the lanyard around her neck “—besides craft fake press passes?”

“I had my assistant whip them up. Realistic, don’t you think? I needed access behind the chutes so I can video you from a closer angle. It’s made a huge difference. You won’t believe the footage I got today.”

His rough-skinned hand enclosed hers. “Ava. We need to talk.”

The lanky, shaggy-haired young rider inserted himself between Chase and Ava. “Man, that ride was epic. Textbook. I—”

“Ryan Ackerman, I’d like you to meet Ava,” Chase inserted.
“Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realize…” Ryan wiped his hand on his leg before he offered it to Ava. “Good to meet you.” His gaze dropped to the press credentials. “Wow. You’re a reporter?”

“Of sorts. Were you happy with your ride tonight?”

“Well…I…ah…I…”

Ava touched his arm. “This isn’t an interview, okay?”

“Sorry.” Ryan blew out a breath. “I pretty much suck at that kinda stuff.”

“The longer you do it, the easier it gets,” Chase said. “You goin’ to get your bag? ’Cause I was headed that way myself.”

Chase and Ryan returned as she finished stowing her video camera. Chase placed his hand in the small of her back, guiding her around groups of people. He paused before they exited the gate. “So, Ryan. Got a girlfriend at home?”

“No. Why?”

“Just making sure you’re free and clear since we’re about to stroll through the buckle bunny beltway. Got a preference? Blonde or brunette?”

Ryan blushed to the roots of his sandy-brown hair. “Don’t matter. Them kinda girls never look twice at me anyway.”

Chase flashed a devious smile. “That, my friend, is about to change.” He let his gaze fall to Ryan’s duffel bag. “You carrying condoms?”

“What the…? Why would you…?” Ryan glanced nervously over his shoulder to see who was within earshot.
“Simple question. Yes. Or no?”

“Yes,” he hissed. “Happy now?”

“Not as happy as you’re gonna be.” Chase put his lips on Ava’s ear. “Feel like snapping a few pictures of the PRCA’s newest up-and-coming bull rider?”

The warm rasp of his deep voice in her ear sent an electric tingle down the right side of her body. She automatically leaned into him. God he smelled good. Like leather and man.
“Ava?” he murmured. “Did you hear me?”

No. Whisper it again. At least ten more times. “Sure.”