Page 111 of Stockman's Showdown

‘You did not just do the cowboy-hat rule on me!’ In front of the entire town!

‘A bet is a bet, lady.’ Bundling her up in his arms he brushed his mouth against hers, softly, slowly caressing her in a kiss that felt like more than just a kiss.

‘I’m claiming my prize,’ he mumbled against her lips.

She gripped his shirt with her fist. ‘Promise me, you’ll never do that again.’

He paused.

‘I will not go through that again. Not like my grandmother did for Charlie. No more bulls.’

His smile grew, and it was slow and sexy, she was helpless to resist.

‘I promise. Now let’s seal that deal with a kiss.’

She should have fought against it, but the way he kissed her it was drugging her, as his strong arms cocooned her to lean her back in a Hollywood style–kiss, leaving her with no choice but to hold his shoulder, and his hat on her head, as he claimed her with a kiss that was long, slow and tender as the rest of the world faded away and it was just her and Ryder.

There was no hiding their relationship now.

Forty-one

‘Did you have a good night tonight, Pop?’ Bree hooked her arm around Charlie’s as they strolled side by side across the dimly lit car park. She hadn’t seen much of Charlie tonight, as he’d stayed on the working side of the rodeo. It’s where her grandfather belonged, with his lifelong passion for the sport.

‘I did.’ He grinned back at the lights where the band was playing. ‘I helped a few lads with their grips. Gave a few tips on the best way to ride them bulls. It helped Ryder beat Chainsaw.’

‘Hmm…’ She was waiting for Charlie to say something about Ryder, who, after he’d returned his rodeo gear, had sat beside her for the rest of the show. Ryder didn’t care that he’d won nothing at the rodeo—except the adrenaline rush and their bet. Unlike Craig, who’d won another buckle for the best rider of the night, Ryder seemed content to keep his hand on her thigh and watch the rest of the rodeo as a couple.

It had been a long time since she’d been part of a couple.

‘Did you organise that minute of silence for Harry?’ Sadness filled his grey eyes. This is not how she wanted to end the night, when her grandfather had been on such a natural high.

‘We never had a funeral for Harry, and he deserved something. Was that okay?’

‘You’ve never made me prouder,’ he said, tenderly patting her hand. ‘Even though Harry never took part in any rodeos, he drove me there plenty of times. It’s because of my rodeo money he could buy Pandora.’ He pointed to the vintage car, catching the car park’s spotlights. ‘Harry and I emptied out our entire savings on fuel, hitting every roadhouse and outback pub on the way back to Elsie Creek Station. It was a hell of an adventure.’

‘Sounds like it.’

‘So…’ Charlie cleared his throat. ‘You and Ryder, eh?’

And there it was. She’d been waiting for it. ‘You won’t shoot him?’

Charlie chuckled. ‘Well, kid, if anyone would’ve shot him, it’s you. But, seeing as how you haven’t, what am I gonna do?’

‘Evening all.’ It was Leo, their neighbour, coming up behind them. ‘Bree.’ He tipped his hat to her.

‘Ugh. What a way to ruin the night.’ She rolled her eyes dramatically, as always whenever she met Leo. ‘Hello, Leo. I see you brought your balding gorillas with you. Isn’t it past their bedtime at the zoo?’ She tried to steer Charlie to the other side of the car.

‘Aw, Bree, that hurts.’

‘It would if you had feelings, but we both know you don’t.’ Pity it only amused Leo more, that was just a part of the game they played.

‘Bree, that’s not nice to talk to our neighbour like that,’ said Charlie.

‘Bree, listen to your grandfather.’ It was obvious Leo wasn’t offended at all.

She just glared at the man who always spoke with such precise pronunciation. ‘What do you want, Spawn of Satan?’

‘To say hello. I haven’t seen you in a while and I always enjoy our little chats.’

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