Page 9 of Big Daddy Bull Riders

“No, sir.”

“How about we take you over to the café? Marsha makes some mean dishes, that’s for sure.” He waited a second before adding, “Our treat.”

“Thank you!” Mina exclaimed, her smile a mile wide. “I’d love that!”

“About six work?” Jackson probed.

“Perfect.”

“We’ll see you then.”

He held her gaze for another moment before he and Slater turned away.

The day had gotten very exciting, and it didn’t have a thing to do with the runaway horse.

* * *

Back at their property, about three miles east of Big Cedar city limits, sitting at their kitchen table with glasses of sweet tea before them, Jackson said, “Did I lay it on too thick with Little Miss Cute Stuff back there?”

Slater laughed. “I was worried about the same thing. But I don’t think either of us did.” He took a drink of tea. “I was surprised when you asked her out. Don’t get me wrong, I had the notion. But I lacked the bravery.”

Jackson snorted. “You mean the feller who jumped out of a moving truck and onto a galloping horse isn’t brave?” He shook his head. “Could’ve fooled me. I’d say you’re the bravest man I know.”

Slater took another sip of tea before saying, “Much obliged for the compliment. But jumping onto running horses is my strong suit. I do it for a living. Among other things.”

Jackson nodded. He almost pointed out that Slaterused todo it for a living. It had been almost half a year since his last performance, though. He silently hoped those days were behind them. Every time Slater performed at a county fair or rodeo, doing his trick riding and all the related stunts, it drove him crazy with fear. He didn’t know what he’d do if anything ever happened to that man.

It was the same way every time he’d climbed on the back of a bull or a bronc, looking to hit eight seconds, too.

But Jackson couldn’t begrudge him for doing it. He’d spent years in the rodeo, too. Once it was in your blood, it was hard to get out.

Yet it had been a long time since even Slater had done much. Getting older—and some broken bones and nearly dying—understandably caused a person to settle down a bit.

He pulled out of his thoughts and paid attention to Slater as his friend continued speaking.

“I love our life out here. But you know how it is. We’ve talked about so many times before. It would be even better with a little cutie for us to pamper and take care of.”

Jackson nodded. “Don’t I know it.” He took a drink of his own tea and sat the glass back on the table.

“That’s why asking her out had me so scared,” Slater said. “Couldn’t help but think she might be the one. I know that’s a silly notion, but… well, you never know.”

“Not silly at all,” Jackson replied. “Talking to a gal in that situation can be nerve-wracking.”

Across the table, Slater nodded. “Kind of like talking to you about… us… and all that… scares me.”

Now it was Jackson’s turn to nod. They’d danced around the conversation for a while, but neither seemed ready to broach it.

He was certain they would. When the time was right.

But now obviously wasn’t it, because Slater stood quickly and said, “I need to get out there and feed the horses.”

Jackson just nodded once again, picked up his tea, and watched Slater walk out.

They’d talk.

Eventually.

CHAPTERFIVE

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