“But—”
“Relax. Two friends, two coworkers, enjoying the fair together. It’s not a date. You can even ask the rest of the creative team to join us.”
If only it could be a date. She must be insane. “Okay.”
He winked. “See you tomorrow.”
And the next day, and the next, and the next. The door shut behind him. She closed her eyes. Spending so much time with Clay? Pure pleasure—and torture.
❧
Clay pulled into the drive at the ranch house with his heart in his boots.
“How’d it go?” His best friend’s wife perched on the arena fence while her student rode a sorrel mare. Hooves created dust clouds with each step.
“I’m officially a glorified male model, Lacie.”
“It’s not like you had much choice, and it’s a brilliant move. You’ll be a household name and this place will boom.”
He groaned. “Son of four-time bull-riding champ sells himself out as a male model.”
“Oh, it won’t kill you. Think of how the hands won’t be looking for jobs.”
“Only reason I’m doing it.” He hung his head. “But there’s more. Remember that girl I told you ’bout?”
“The one you met at the fair? The ad exec, who doesn’t want to get married?”
“Rayna. That’s the one. I convinced Cowboy Western Wear to hire her firm for the campaign.”
“You didn’t.”
“I even requested her on the project.”
Lacie jumped from the fence. “What are you trying to do?” She propped both delicate hands on her hips.
What was it with women and that stance? “It seemed like a good idea at the time.”
“Okay, so you’re attracted to this girl.”
“I could fall real easy. Feel myself teetering every time I look at her.”
“But she doesn’t want any of the things you do. Now why would you mess around and make it so you see her every day?”
Clay shrugged. It didn’t make much sense. “ ’Cuz I want to see her every day?”
“And how do you think that’ll improve the situation? Seeing the girl of your dreams every day, but she doesn’t share your dreams.”
“Maybe she’ll fall for me, do a complete turnaround, and want three kids.”
Lacie bit her lip. “Is there any undoing the advertising thing?”
“No. Billy finalized the deal with the owner this morning.”
“Who’s Billy?”
Clay groaned again. “The publicity agent CWW saddled me with.”
She tried to suppress a grin.
“I saw that.” He pointed at her. “I’m glad you find my discomfort so amusing.”
“Did you warn Rayna?”
He kicked at a clod of dirt. Why didn’t he think of that? She might have handled working with him better had she been forewarned. “Nope. Sprung it on her with my presence.”
With an exaggerated sigh, she looked heavenward.
“She’s the art director, so she’ll have to supervise all the photo shoots. I even roped her into coming to the fair and the rodeo with me tomorrow night.”
“Think you might grow on her?”
“I hope.”
“Oh Clay, you have to want the same things. If you don’t, life is. . .” Unshed tears flooded Lacie’s eyes. “Very trying.”
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“You and Mel are okay, aren’t you?”
“We’re great.” She swiped at the tears and looked past him. “My next student’s here. Gotta get back to work.”
❧
Rayna stared at the galley proof the graphics designer had dreamed up. Billy had provided a picture of Clay, handsome and confident, astride her worst nightmare—a massive man-stomping bull. She couldn’t focus on Gabby’s copy either.
“You okay?” Gabby’s voice came from the doorway.
How long had her friend been there? “Just kind of uncomfortable with the new campaign.”
“I can imagine.” Gabby set a cup of coffee on the desk. “Here. I haven’t tasted it yet. Looks like you could use it more than me.”
Rayna sipped the steaming liquid. Needed more creamer. “Thanks.”
“What do you think of the copy?”
“Haven’t gotten past the picture.”
“He’s definitely easy on the eyes.” Gabby patted Rayna’s shoulder. “But he’s not as cute as Adam.”
Rayna raised an eyebrow. Mission accomplished. “Clay talked me into going to the fair.”
Gabby grinned. “You’re going out with him again. I knew you two hit it off.”
“It’s not a date. He thinks I’ll enjoy the fair if we stay away from the barns.”
“Mm-hmm.” Gabby crossed her arms over her chest.
“He invited the entire creative team and gave me tickets for everyone for the Saturday night rodeo at the Fort Worth Stockyards.”
“I’ll be at both places. But with my date.”
“Adam? Awesome.” And it was, except Rayna was stuck going to the fair. With Clay. Alone.
❧
Rayna waited in her car as Clay pulled into the parking lot of her condo and stepped out of his truck. Cowboy to the bone. His pearl-studded black shirt and blue jeans revved her heart to double time.
Her most worn jeans, tennis shoes, and grape button-down blouse didn’t compare. If only I owned suitable clothing for the fair and the rodeo. Did she really just think that?
With a wink, he sauntered over to lean in the window. “Are you the only taker?”
I will not fall for the cowboy. I will not fall for the cowboy.
Maintain professional aloofness. “Guess so.” Don’t look at him. “Actually, Gabby and Adam will be there, but they’re going together. I’ll drive my car.”
“Nonsense. No need in you dealing with this traffic. Ride with me.”
Surely he could hear her pounding heart. Come up with a great excuse. Why did he always create cobwebs in her cowboy-dazed brain? “Okay, but we’re just riding together. This is not—”
“A date. I know.” He opened the door for her and flashed a knee-jolting grin.
four
The good thing about her height, Rayna had no trouble getting out of Clay’s way-too-high four-wheel drive.
“I was coming to help.”
“I managed.”
They began the long trek across miles of asphalt to the admission gate.
He slowed his swagger to match her stride. “Have you always lived in Texas?”
“Born and raised.”
“How can you live here your whole life and never go to a rodeo?”
“Daddy always said they were silly, but he used to take me to a dude ranch as a kid.” Until I had an asthma attack there.
“But you’re an adult now. You’ve lived on your own awhile.”
“I guess they never interested me.” Might as well tell him his livelihood bores me brainless. “Sorry.”
The gulf between them stretched wider.
Big Tex didn’t say anything as they entered the gate, and Rayna gazed up at the huge statue, shielding her eyes from the sun. “Why isn’t he talking tonight?”
“He only talks on the hour. We missed it.” Clay turned away from the stockyards, toward the neon lights and thumping music. “What kind of music do you like?”
“Symphony.”
“Are you sure you were born in Texas?”
She laughed. “Daddy wanted us to be cultured. He took us to a lot of art galleries, symphonies, museums, and plays.”
“Not the fair or Six Flags?”
“A few times when we were little.”
“Do you like roller coasters?”
“I love them.”
“There’s that risk taker.”
For the next hour, Rayna screamed, laughed, and lost her stomach. After the roller coaster, the Tornado shot them high in the sky and twirled until she thought she’d lose her lunch. The Tilt-
A-Whirl flung her soundly against Clay’s chest, where he held her so tight, she could feel his heartbeat.
The ride stopped. Regretful and dizzy, she pushed away from him and clambered out of the cozy cocoon.
He steadied her. “I hate to break up the party, but the rodeo starts soon.”
“That’s okay.” Rayna clutched her stomach. “I’ve had enough. But it was so much fun. I haven’t done that in years.”
“Maybe we could go to Six Flags sometime, too. You okay?”
“Standing.” She wobbled. “Barely, that is.”
He laughed. “Let’s get something to eat.”
“Is there anything without grease?”
“ ’Fraid not.” He surveyed the line of booths. “Let’s see. You like chicken, don’t you?”
“Grilled.”
“It’s not exactly grilled, but I bet you’ll love the chicken on a stick.”
“Sounds interesting.”
Clay took her hand.
Warmth spread over her as they maneuvered through the press of the crowd. Numerous concession stands lined the area with the heavy essence of deep-fried batter.
He pointed to a bench. “Wait over there. No sense in you standing in line, too.”
Couldn’t she trail behind him and keep holding his hand? With a nod, she took a seat. Rayna tried to people-watch but couldn’t keep her eyes off Clay. Every time he looked as if he might turn in her direction, her gaze darted away. Needing a distraction, she pulled her phone out of her pocket. Five texts from Gabby: Where r u?
She punched in Food Court and looked up as the vendor handed Clay their food. Rayna pretended extreme interest in the passing crowd.
“Here you go.” He offered a grease-splotched, white-paper-wrapped item and a large lemonade.
She stifled a wince.
A grin twitched Clay’s lips. “Try it. If you don’t like it, you can munch on unbuttered popcorn or something, or I’ll find a salad for you to graze on when we head home. But just try it.”
Rayna unrolled the paper to find greasy fried coating with a shish kebab stuck through it. She started to pull the breading away, but he grabbed her hand.
“One bite.”
Closing her eyes, she sank her teeth into the deep-fried chicken, onion, and the unexpected tang of dill pickle bathed in grease. “I can feel my arteries clogging, but it’s so worth it.”
“Good, huh? My favorite. I usually buy several, take them home and freeze them.”
Gabby and Adam rounded a concession stand booth, her hand firmly engulfed in his. Her eyes lit up. “Hey, y’all made it.”
“We’ve been here awhile.” Clay tipped his hat. “Riding rides.”
“We toured all the stockyards.” Adam pulled Gabby to his side as if he thought Clay might try to steal her away.
Rayna cleared her throat. “I’m here for research.”
“Researching the roller coasters?” Clay winked.
“That was your idea.”
“Hey Adam, when we get to the rodeo, can we talk?” Clay asked.
Adam swallowed. “Sure.”
“I’ll meet you in the lobby near the main entrance.”
“Let’s get something to eat before we go.” Gabby tugged Adam toward the concession stands.
“See you there.” Rayna waved. What did Clay want to talk to Adam about?
Clay rolled their trash into a wad and sank it in the garbage can like a pro basketball player. “Hey, wanna ride a bull?”
The hair along the back of her neck stood on end. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No.” He motioned, and she followed his gaze. “A mechanical bull.”
The rawhide-draped dummy moved slowly then spun, and the little boy astride tumbled off, giggling all the way to the cushioned mat. Then the bull ducked its head and prodded the child with a fake horn.
“Come on. It’ll be fun. I’ll go first.”
Clay paid for both rides and mounted the fake bull.
“Hey, that’s Clay Warren!” a heavyset woman shouted.
Soon a massive crowd circled the area.
Again, the bull started moving slowly but picked up speed in seconds. Rocking, spinning, and bucking, it never came anywhere near throwing Clay. To applause, he dismounted with ease and returned to her side.
“Okay, your turn.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Where’s that risk taker with barbecue sauce on her chin? Go on.” He nudged her toward the dummy and the crowd clapped louder.
Rayna climbed aboard. The attendee showed her where to hold and insisted she keep one hand in the air. As soon as the mechanical ride began, she grabbed on with both hands. Despite her good grip, one jerky whirl later, she landed in a heap on the mat.
Dizzy and stomach twisting, she laughed along with the crowd as Clay applauded and whistled. The bull concentrated on butting her backside until she managed to scramble out of its range.
“You sure were a good sport.”
“It looked easy. Especially with you up there, like you could stay on forever.”
“I’ve had a little practice.”
She and Clay stayed to watch a few more hapless souls meet the same fate as Rayna then headed toward the truck.
The seventy-two-foot cowboy waved as they exited.
“See you next year, Big Tex.” Clay tipped his hat.
❧
Cowtown Coliseum’s lobby bustled with folks. Concession lines snaked through the corral there.
Clay took off his hat and clutched it against his thudding heart. Win over the brother, win over the girl? Tension emanated from Adam.
Gabby and Rayna had gone to the restroom while a bull waited for Clay. Part of him wished he could sit in the stands with her and watch instead. Even though he’d spent the afternoon with her, he longed for more.
“What did you want to talk about?” Adam’s tone was all business.
“Listen, if we’re gonna work together, we need to call a truce. Seems you and me, we got off on the wrong boot.”
“A novel way to put it.”
“I’m sorry for liking your sister, but Rayna and I aren’t seeing each other.”
“You just ride roller coasters together?” Adam raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, I’m interested in her. I admit it.” Clay jammed his hat back on. “But she’s not. So are we okay?”
“As long as you don’t mess with my sister.”
“I’m not the type of guy who messes with women. I’m not looking for a bed partner.” Clay grinned. “Not until after the wedding anyway, and I want a lifetime partner. I respect women and my God who created them. Look, are you a Christian?”
Adam’s jaw clenched. “Yes.”
“We’re both trying to find the girl of our dreams who loves Jesus. Can we get past this tension?”
“I’m not tense.” Adam frowned, stiff as a two-by-eight.
“I made a bad first impression, and now you think I’m after everything female. Gabby is a lovely girl, but I’m not interested in her. Even if I were, she only has eyes for you. Look at her.” Clay motioned to the two returning women. “Who’s she staring at?”
“Me.” A huge smile stole over Adam’s face.
“If Rayna comes around to my way of thinking about us, I vow to do my best not to hurt her.” Clay offered his hand. “Either way, can we be friends?”
❧
Rayna relaxed as the two men shook hands. Adam’s rock-hard features softened as she and Gabby neared.
“They look like they’re getting along better. You’ll sit with us, won’t you?” Gabby sounded sincere.
Third wheel. No, thank you.
Adam reached for Gabby’s hand. “Clay wants to show Rayna a good place to take pictures. We’d better find seats.”
“See you Monday.” Thankful for the rescue, Rayna hurried to keep up with Clay’s swagger.
“What were you and Adam talking about?”
“We made peace.” Clay threaded his fingers
through hers and led her toward the arena. “I assured him I’m not some wolf out to conquer every woman I see.”
As they stepped inside the arena, the stench of manure hit her full force. However, the music wasn’t quite as annoying. Maybe it was the company. Corrals lined both ends of the arena. Clay led her down a narrow path with a wall on her left and the iron fence surrounding the arena on her right. An enormous tractor sat in the middle of the freshly plowed dirt.
Clay turned and climbed a few steps into the stands. “My friends have box seats over here.” Folding chairs lined the boxes with walls around three sides. Behind the boxes, stationary metal chairs with folding seats lined the stands.
A pretty blond waved from a box. A man exemplifying cowboy stood by her side—long camel duster over chaps and pearl-studded shirt, complete with boots and the mandatory hat.
“This is my newly hired art director for the ad campaign.” Clay raked dark curls away from his face and jammed his hat on. “Rayna, meet my best friend in the whole world, Mel Gentry, and his wife, Lacie.”
She looked like a country-and-western star, complete with big hair and rhinestone-dripping denim. Yet the look suited her petite frame. When Rayna offered her hand, Lacie greeted her with a warm embrace instead. Her husband followed suit with a brotherly bear hug.
“Almost time to start. Y’all better git.” Lacie kissed her husband then wagged a red fingernail in his face. “Now, you be careful.”
“Lacie, you watch out for her.” Clay’s eyes sparkled. “I’m trusting you to keep the cowboys at bay. Rayna’s here to work.”
As if any other cowboy’s appeal could come anywhere near Clay’s.
Rayna cleared her throat. “I brought my camera. Thought I might get a few shots.”
He pointed to the maze of corrals lining the left end of the arena. “That’s where most of the action is.” He finally let go of her hand and tipped his hat. “See you later.”
Her heart continued to rattle in her chest as he loped away.
“Tell me about yourself.” Lacie sat and patted the seat beside her. “What does an art director do?”
Rayna settled on the unyielding aluminum. “I handle the graphics and layouts for print ads, supervise video and photo shoots, and snap a few pictures myself. How about you?”
“During the week, Mel and I work the ranch with Clay. Weekends, we do this.”
Rodeo Dust Page 4