Page 13 of The Undercover Cowboy

“Fans?” the first rider scoffed. “That’ll be the day.”

“Fuck off,” Nash said, not so good-naturedly this time.

The two snickered but moved along, leaving Nash fuming and Dolly glaring daggers at their retreating backs.

“Sorry about that.” Dolly gave Nash an apologetic smile. “I didn’t mean to make things worse.”

“It’s fine,” Nash grumbled. “I’m used to it. Anyway, I’m getting hungry. You want to grab some lunch?”

“Really?” Dolly blinked, surprised by his sudden invitation, but pleased nonetheless. She hesitated, not wanting to get too personal with him. But then she reminded herself that getting to know him better could only help her market him, so Blevins never suspected he was being investigated. But she also had work to do and couldn’t really get away right now.

“Yeah, it’s the least I can do for taking my bad mood out on you before. I know you’re just trying to help and I appreciate it.”

“Thanks,” she said. “That means a lot. Unfortunately, I need to take more shots of the other athletes and then I’ve got to get back to the mobile office and do some editing and update the UPRC’s social media sites.” Was she imagining the quick disappointment that crossed his face? “But how about dinner after the rodeo closes?”

“I’d like that,” he said.

He would?Dolly tried not to read too much into that.

“Great,” she babbled. “Give me a call and tell me where to meet you.”

Nodding, Nash gave Donnan a pat on his cute little head and then gracefully climbed out of the pen and walked toward thefood vendors. Dolly watched him go until Donnan nudged her hand with his head. She absently pet him.

“Well, do you think we can go viral?” she asked the calf.

Donnan didn’t answer, but Dolly thought he’d give it his best shot.

Chapter Five

Dolly

The barbecue restaurantNash chose was a down-home Texas joint, complete with the smell of mesquite smoke and bright neon beer signs flickering on the walls. Rodeo people filled the booths and barstools, laughing loudly over their brisket and ribs, their conversations a low hum of rivalry and camaraderie.

Dolly slid into a booth across from Nash and wasted no time checking the UPRC’s Instagram page. She hadn’t had time to edit the Donnan pictures, but the eight-second ride Nash had today was front and center. Nash’s lean silhouette, swathed in shadows against the blinding midday sun, stood stark and arresting. The image captured him mid-ride, the bull beneath him a blurred fury of muscle and wild energy. He was a portrait of determination amid chaos. It was a good start.

“Got quite the eye, don’t you?” Nash’s voice cut through Dolly’s concentration as she reviewed the reaction to her latest post.

“Comes with the territory,” she murmured, her thumb hovering over the screen, tracking the influx of heart reactions and comments.

“That’s some fancy editing. Makes me look almost competent.”

“You did all right today. Blevins jumped the gun.”

“Smoke and mirrors. And smoke doesn’t last long. Let’s hope your smoke holds out until we find something solid on Blevins.” Nash reached for a bottle of barbecue sauce, turning it over in his hands. The label was faded, the edges peeling.

“Has the news trickled down to the other riders yet?” Dolly asked.

“Yeah, from what I hear Blevins fired four other bull riders.”

“At least you weren’t the only one,” Dolly said, scrolling through her phone. “I’ve been looking at some strategies to engage fans and increase your visibility. We could create a series of videos featuring you and Donnan. You know, show off the softer side of a tough cowboy.”

Nash scoffed, shaking hot sauce on the basket of fried pickles that the waitress had placed on the table. “And how’s that going to help me become popular?”

“Fans want to feel like they know you. Your failures and successes become personal to them. Trust me, it’ll help people connect with you more,” Dolly insisted. “We could even host a live Q&A session with UPRC fans. Answer their questions, and then give them a glimpse into your life. I’ve got a detailed social media plan all worked out for you.”

They ordered the special and it came out fast. Dolly snapped a picture of the generous spread before them: fall-off-the-bone ribs, tender brisket, and all the fixings, including coleslaw, baked beans, and corn bread.

“Really?” Nash asked as he caught her taking the photo, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “You’re one of those people who has to document every meal?”

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