Page 6 of Rainbow Rodeo

Dalton dipped his chin in agreement.No shit on that.

Tank sighed dramatically. “They’re doing that twin thing, Ben. Make them stop.”

“Ain’t nobody got that power. They used to be the same egg.”

Ben got it.

Tank probably did too, but he did love to tease.

“Looks like they’re clearing out,” Dustin murmured. “Come on, guys. I’m starving.”

“Are you the one that’s scared now?” he teased.

“I’ll hang out with Dalton.” Tank waggled his eyebrows. “Still spoiling for a fight.”

Dustin’s grin went wide. “Cool. We’re making burgers.”

“I’m in.” Tank waved off Dustin.

They stood there and watched, but Dalton’s focus was on the hard body beside him. Christ, he’d been watching the fine son of a bitch for ten years. He even liked the way Tank smelled—sweat and musk and maybe a little dirt. He was a rodeo man, after all.

He’d been a kid when he’d gone to the bullfighter, burning with hormones and stolen beer, wanting a kiss, a touch. Anything. He’d been stupid in love, the man his hero, the center of his world.

Tank had turned him down so gently. Sweet as cherry pie about it. Dalton had never been so humiliated.

The looks from the others had been bad enough, but when Uncle Roy had come to him? Told him to leave the bullfighters alone? That meant everyone knew.

His cheeks heated even now, just thinking about it.

“You okay?” Tank asked.

“Yep. Just waiting to make sure they all go.”

“They’re stupid, but the ass kicking looks to have worked.”

“Once they realize they’re outnumbered by decent folk, they usually hit the road.” He watched the trucks burn out of the lot.Reckless bastards.

“Yep. You did good, Dalton.”

The praise made him blush, and he was grateful for the darkness. “Just doing my job.”

“Sure, but you have a talent for it.” Tank touched his arm, making all kinds of things tingle.

“Kicking ass? Thanks, I think.”Fuck-a-doodle-doo.“I smell the burgers.”

“Me too. Come on, buddy. I’m starving.”

Buddy.That was an improvement over kiddo. He guessed he’d take it. Hell, what choice did he have? He’d grown up, moved on.

“Let me go check that we’re all set for the night with Dustin, and I’ll be right there.”

Chapter Three

TANK GRINNED,tickled as shit to be back with the Jakoby circle. So many familiar faces. So many people shaking his hand.

“Dude! I thought you were gone forever!” Deb threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Pops was keeping secrets!”

The eldest Jakoby was the spitting image of her momma, all redheaded and freckled, the wild hair and slight frame making her seem about twelve and vulnerable, when she was damn near thirty and the toughest broad in rodeo.

---