Page 25 of The Cowboy's Surprise Return

“Bring it on,” Violet Granger, the last remaining challenger, said with a giggle. Her cheeks were flushed as she bent over, placing her palms on the wooden floor. “Oh, man. My wrestling arm is spent.”

Jackie watched with compassion. Violet had moved from Dallas to marry a man who’d left her at the altar a year and a half ago. By then she’d already bought a house and found a job with the town office, and had decided to stay. Now she was ready to move on, and had been flirting with Brant as well as Cole. This brave woman deserved a Wylder and all that their wonderful family brought with them. She deserved to win this one.

Violet was still folded over, butt in the air. That seemed to be the extent of her handstand.

“Need help?” Jackie asked, moving to her side. If the woman was willing to put herself out there, she deserved some help.

Before she could reply, Jackie hoisted Violet’s legs in the air, holding her there for a second, until her arms started shaking and she squeaked, “Let me down! Let me down!”

Jackie helped her drop into a roll so she wouldn’t hurt her neck as she collapsed. She lay there panting for a moment, then slowly climbed to her feet. “Your turn,” she said, her arms held out to assist Jackie.

“No, no, it’s okay. Knowing my luck, I’d kick you in the face.” Plus Violet might be a bit too helpful and cause her to win.

“Here goes nothing,” Jackie muttered, as the chanting reached deafening levels once more. Ensuring her sweater was tucked in, she pushed up her sleeves. She lifted her arms before swinging them down, planting her hands on the floor while kicking her legs in the air. Her handstand was awful, causing a crick in her back as she furiously waved her legs to keep them aloft.

Giggling, she tumbled onto the wooden floor, spreading her arms dramatically. “That was awful. I think you should win,” she declared, as Violet helped her up.

“I think you should. You did yours without help.”

The audience was in stitches, and as Jackie performed a slow bow, she wondered why on earth she’d agreed to take part.

Oh, yes. Her car’s broken bumper, which Clint Walker had estimated would cost her at least two hundred fifty dollars in labor, new bumper not included.

Violet stated, “You definitely should win.”

“You’re too nice.”

“I know.”

“I thought you’d be good at handstands.”

“Maybe I had too much to drink,” she confided. “The room is spinning a little.”

Jackie was declared the winner, despite her protests, and Laura revealed the man she’d won. His black shirt emphasized the power of his square shoulders. His black hat was pulled down low, creating shadows across his eyes, and his jeans were so form-fitting several women in the audience nearly swooned.

It was none other than the man Jackie had been thinking about all her life: Cole Wylder.

* * *

Cole sucked in a deep breath and stepped forward, revealing himself to the crowd of waiting women. He immediately spotted Jackie and exhaled in relief as she studiously fought a grin that, despite her efforts, lit up her face. Irresistible.

She glanced away, looking conflicted, trying to hide the smile. He shook his head, quickening his steps. It was a good thing she didn’t want him and he wasn’t doing relationships, because otherwise he might find himself sorely tempted to sweep her up into his arms and kiss her. It would be way too easy to get lost in the way she brightened in his presence, and the way it made him feel as though he’d finally found someone who understood him, who had his back. Being around Jackie was heady and dangerous.

“Cole Wylder!” Karen announced, and the women cheered. Cole caught himself, almost stumbling. He’d forgotten about the other bidders. He paused long enough to perform a grand bow before continuing toward the woman he’d be spending Valentine’s Day with.

“Jackie, I believe you already have Cole’s number…” Karen winked at the crowd “…but the two of you can stand off to the side to make your arrangements for tomorrow’s meet-up.”

Cole could have sworn Jackie’s chest expanded as she inhaled, as though needing to steady herself.

Good? Bad?

That smile was gone, her eyes filled with wariness.

Karen waited a beat as he cautiously closed the last of the distance between them. “Jackie? What do you have in mind for Cole tomorrow?”

He could’ve sworn the straitlaced librarian had a hint of mischief in her voice. She’d no doubt heard the rumors that Jackie had been crushing on him—even though she didn’t act like it.

“I need my bumper fixed,” Jackie said.

---