Page 8 of Titus

He gladly accepts, then, surprising me, he responds, “The Quinn Jaxson.”

I didn’t think he would know who I am.

As if reading my perplexed mind, he adds, “I know exactly who you are.”

“Good because I’ll be watching your qualifying round tomorrow. Callahan, you make eight seconds look effortless.”

“Wouldn’t be much of a show if it looked hard, now would it?” he says in an arrogant cowboy way but I nod in agreement.

“You’re good for the sport, Destry. You know how to handle yourself in and out of the arena, and that’s exactly what sponsors like us look for.”

“I appreciate that. Lookin’ forward to getting that win.”

Without mincing my words, I say assuredly, “I’m sure you will and you’ll be wearing our name.”

He chuckles, either at my words or at his thoughts, because his next words are unexpected but music to my ears. “Whatever the offer is, yes.”

“That easy?” I question with a hint of skepticism. I’m well aware of my family’s name and the reputation of Jaxson Boots but part of me was expecting a little pushback from him.

“Pretty much. I’m not going to turn down money and you took the time.”

“Perfect! Welcome to Jaxson Boots. We can talk logistics tomorrow after the qualifiers. I would say good luck but I know you don’t need it.” I wink and he tips his head as if trying to focus on business but it’s clear from his wandering eyes that something or someone has his attention. Since my mission is accomplished and I have exactly what I came for, I let him off easy. “My team is waiting. Looking forward to partnering with you.”

“Absolutely,” he says with a nod.

After tipping his hat, he walks off and I do too. I spot two more of my potential recruits and make my way to them. I make introductions, give my pitch about the Jaxson Boots team, and allow them to boast about their accomplishments. I pass out my business cards and inform them that I will be attending the qualifying events this week to watch them work.

The qualifying rounds of the competitions start tomorrow. Each event has thirty-two competitors. Sixteen will compete Monday and Tuesday morning and late afternoons. Eight will advance to Wednesday and Thursday and any that don’t advance will have a chance at the wild card on Friday. The two finalists in each event will compete for the championship next week. It’sgrueling and highly competitive because the prize purse is sixty-five thousand for each event.

Now that I’ve handled my business, it’s pleasure time and right now, my pleasure is wrapped in all black, staring over at me with a sexy smirk on his lips and lust in his eyes. He’s the good kind of trouble I’m craving to immerse myself in.

CHAPTER

FIVE

Titus

The Millers Pointe Rodeo is considered one of the top of the season and this kickoff barbecue proves it. The sponsors are deep in this tent and everything is laid the hell out and top notch. I’ve already met with the reps from Backfire BBQ and the Luxury is Powers dealerships and secured sponsorships. I’m on a high and leaving here with fine ass Quinn just took this shit up a notch. She’s handled her business, we’ve eaten some grub, and now we are heading to the spot, Forty Acres.

“What size tires are these? Your truck is high as hell,” she says after I open my passenger door.

“Negative fifty-five offset wheels on big boys, thirty-eights. And I had the truck lifted six inches.”

“Clearly, you didn’t think about us ladies when you bought this. I cannot get up there,” she snaps and I smile at her. “I’m serious,” she adds.

I’ve been itching to have my hands on her since I saw her walk into that barbeque tent. My eyes stayed on her ass, even when I was handling my business. So now that I had her here with me, I wasn’t wasting any more time. After stepping behind her, I place my hands on her hips and lean into the side of her face.

“The right lady doesn’t have to worry about getting into my ride. Because I want her in it, I’ll lift her sexy body every fucking time.”

Before she can say a word, I wrap my left arm around her then scoop her knees with my right one and lift her right into my passenger seat.

“Boy, you could have dropped me,” she exclaims.

“Never that,” I tell her before closing her door.

“Don’t look at me to pick your ass up, ma,” Lab tells Quinn’s friend Rini.I finally remembered her name.“I’m not fucking up my back.”

“Well, can you at least help me up? I damn sho’ can’t jump up into this truck.”

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