Page 2 of Hooking Up

“I might let you buy me a drink.”

He appraised her from the top of her cowgirl hat to the tips of her serviceable, not flashy, boots. She was a no-bullshit kind of girl.

“I bet you’re mighty thirsty after that run. Put up your horse and we’ll see about getting you a drink.” He shot her a grin, turned and walked away.

She watched him go—broad shoulders, rounded ass in Wrangler jeans, arms swinging freely. He was a man who knew ladies fell at his feet by the heaps. She wasn’t one of them, but she would let him buy her a drink and amuse her for a few minutes.

When she set Josey Wheels in motion again, she caught the glance of the man at the end. The quiet one. As she neared, he pushed off the fence, biceps bulging, his dark, intense stare following her.

Something stirred deep inside her. A much different feeling than what Jeb Anderson’s cocky, self-assured smile did to her.

I’m always in control,she said to herself. With all men, she held the reins—period. She’d never find herself at the mercy of some asshole like Frazer again.

Finding someone better than you is easy, you son of a bitch. They’re all better than you.

*

This bulls and barrel event would be a total bore-fest if not for one smart-mouthed and sexy-as-sin contestant. Bella Roberts had them all sporting a set of blue balls, and Carter was no exception.

He watched her ride away, as tall and graceful in the saddle as a freaking rodeo queen. She’d been intriguing him since Fort Worth a month ago, and now he reckoned she was in his blood.

Only one way to get her out. I have to have her.

Gripping those trim hips of hers and pulling her down over his cock. Sliding into her from behind while he wrapped that long, thick ponytail of hers around his fist…

He clamped down on his rampant fantasies and focused on the things he knew about her.

Today was the first day he’d seen her agree to go out with any of the cowboys, fans or rodeo workers vying for her attention. He’d heard rumors of guys staying over in her trailer, but he scoffed them off as lies. A woman as cool and aloof as Bella Roberts wasn’t bedding every Wayne, Vince and Austin.

The only guy who’d even given her pause was that goddamn Jeb Anderson. A man like Jeb had the brains of a cowpoke. He’d never hold Bella’s interest. She was too smart for him.

Besides, he was trouble. If Carter had a buck for every time he’d seen Jeb in a bar fight, he wouldn’t need to earn prize money in the team roping event.

Carter shook his head, walking in the opposite direction that the feisty cowgirl had gone. He didn’t make it five steps before he stopped dead.

He’d changed his mind.

He swung around and strode right after her. Dammit, he was going to get some answers.

“Bella.”

She glanced up from her task of removing her horse’s saddle, a wary expression in her gray eyes. The mahogany highlights in her hair seemed to flicker like flames, echoed deep in his groin. God, he wanted her. Since Fort Worth, he’d thought of little else.

“What can I do for you, cowboy?”

“It’s Carter Fallon.”

“From Team Fallon-Lopez. I know.” The honeyed way she drawled his and his partner’s names kicked up his libido another notch. She didn’t meet his gaze but continued brushing her horse.

He sidled closer. “How ‘bout you let me buy you more than a drink.”

Was it his imagination, or had she just rolled her eyes? His ego wasn’t so fragile, however. He stepped closer.

Bella’s confidence was sexy as hell. Her sure, quick movements. The way she carried herself. Dayummm, she was prettier close-up. With wide-set eyes and the longest lashes he’d ever seen, one look from her was a shot straight to his heart.

When she gave him the full force of her stare, his throat closed off.

“What do you have in mind, cowboy?”

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