“It’s great to see you in town, Knox,” Bill said. “We’re all looking forward to the rodeo tomorrow night.”
Knox dipped his head. “Thanks, man. It’s always good to have someone rooting for me.”
Bill chuckled. “Well, the stands will be full of fans tomorrow. I’m taking the wife and kids.”
“Great to hear,” Knox said.
Bill continued the small talk for a while longer. After leaving, Knox headed to the grocery store. He parked in front because the rear lot was full—with all the visitors, and whatnot.
“Oh my gosh, would you look at who’s in Prosper?” a woman said when he was in one of the store’s aisles.
It could have been anyone, because he didn’t recognize the voice. He turned, and barely had a chance to recognize the platinum blonde hair and pink glitter shirt of Barb before she launched her arms about his neck in a hug.
Her perfume must be extra strength, because he almost choked on the smell.
She drew away from him, her bright pink lips stretched into a wide smile. “You are looking fine, Knox. I heard you were in town, but I never expected to see you at the grocery store.” She laughed and peered into the basket he was carrying, containing a few essentials.
“Great to see you, Barb,” Knox said, stepping back, and hoping she’d get the hint to release him.
She dropped her arms, but one hand strayed to his bicep. “So, what’s new, big guy? I mean, you’re single now, and tearing up the pro circuit. You must be living your best life.”
Could she smile any bigger? Everyone in Prosper, and probably beyond, knew to only give Barb minimal information. “I don’t know if I’d consider being divorced and not seeing my daughter much living the high life.”
Barb’s mouth puckered into a pout. “Oh, you poor thing. I heard all about the divorce, of course, and then she went and married your brother of all people.” At least she’d lowered her voice, but still…
Knox wondered if he was in one of those B movies that populated Netflix nowadays.
“Well, Macie did what was best for her, and things are fine,” he said, wanting to hightail it out of the store, even if it meant leaving his grocery basket behind.
Barb tilted her head. “You’re such a sweetheart about it all,” she said. “I’m so impressed.” Her hand with her long pink nails remained on his arm. “I’ve got to confess, though, Macie and I are friends. Not best friends, mind you, but we hang out once in a while. I hope you won’t be too mad about that.”
“Of course, not,” Knox said. “Macie’s a fine woman.”
At the lift of Barb’s eyebrows, he took another step away.
“Sorry, I’ve gotta run,” he said. “Great seeing you.”
“You, too, Knox,” Barb said. “I’ll be cheering for you tomorrow night.”
Knox tipped his hat but kept walking toward the cash register. Please don’t follow.
“Don’t be a stick in the mud,” Barb said into the phone.
Jana rolled her eyes. “Just because I’m not going to the rodeo doesn’t mean I’m boring.”
When Barb didn’t answer, Jana said, “Really? When have I ever gone to the rodeo?”
“Now that I think of it, it’s been a long time… maybe since high school.” Barb hummed. “Not since you and Knox—”
“Okay, that’s enough of memory lane,” Jana cut in. “Besides, I’ve got orders to fill. The raspberry jam is selling like crazy, and the stores have put in new orders.”
“Whatever, hon,” Barb said, not an ounce of sympathy in her voice. “Raspberries aren’t going anywhere, and a couple of hours off isn’t going to crash your business.”
“Maybe, maybe not. But I hope you have fun,” Jana said in a peppy tone. “Tell me all about it tomorrow.”
Barb laughed. “All right, hon. If you change your mind…”
“I know, I know.” Jana was smiling when she hung up, but she was also irritated.
She wasn’t going to the rodeo, that was for sure, but Barb had also told her about seeing Knox at the grocery store. She’d told Jana that he was all broken up over Macie. “I think he’s still in love…”
Yeah, that was irritating. Why exactly, Jana wasn’t entirely sure, but just the thought of it brought back the emotions she’d long gotten over when she first heard about the shotgun wedding. But why should she feel betrayed? Those lingering feelings needed to go away, now.
Jana set to work in the kitchen. Her parents had been excited about the additional orders, but that only meant she was once again putting off her novel. After dropping off Knox at his truck yesterday afternoon, she’d gone on a major writing binge. Clocking in three chapters by the end of the night, she’d written more in one day than she could ever remember writing.
And right now, she had all kinds of ideas of how to raise the stakes in her novel. Enter a two-timing best friend and an old flame… Now if only Jana could write at the same time she made jam.
The evening descended faster than she was paying attention to, and only with the cooling breeze coming through the window did she realize that the rodeo had already started. She figured it wouldn’t be much different than the last time she had gone to a rodeo. They’d start out with the tie-down roping.
The bull-riding was always last, which meant that there was plenty of time to make it there, if she did change her mind. Which she wasn’t going to.
Jana lined up the final jars on the counter so they could cool. Both counters and the kitchen table were full of the jars of scarlet red jam. She’d be the last one to believe that Knox had been serious about learning to make jam. So why had he been so insistent?
A fluttery feeling began in her belly. Was it because he wanted to hang out with her? But, why? For old time’s sake? Then her face flamed. Was he looking at her as a stopover fling? Her chest burned hot. She was not that kind of woman, despite what had happened between them in high school. She’d been… caught in the moment, she guessed. In awe that the most popular guy in school had singled her out.
But it wasn’t just his looks and charm—it was the way they were around each other. He listened. He understood. Her sister’s ambitions were a lot like his siblings, whereas the two of them weren’t college-bound. They had things in common—their sense of humor, how they could be laughing at one moment, then walking hand-in-hand the next without speaking a word. They’d been comfortable with each other.
That was it. Jana had been comfortable with him. Had trusted him. And she supposed, there’d been some rebellion in her, as well as bright stars in her eyes. She believed Knox when he said he’d make it big, that he’d travel the country riding bulls, that he’d make a name for himself.
All that had happened… just without her, and with plenty of broken baggage on the way there.
Whatever his intentions were about making jam with her, it wasn’t going to happen. No way. But did that mean she couldn’t watch him do what he did best?
Jana glanced at the kitchen clock. The rodeo would be in full swing now. If she showered quickly, and put her hair up in a ponytail or something, she could still catch the end of it. She probably wouldn’t even have to buy a ticket.
That was how she found herself driving to the arena thirty minutes later, her heart thumping, her mind changing every five seconds. There was literally no place to park, so she ended up walking a good fifteen minutes to get to the arena. Sure enough, the ticket booths were closed, so she walked in.
The announcer was going crazy over a rider named Devon on a bull called Big Chance. Maybe Knox had already gone? Jana climbed up the stands and found a seat on the very top row that looked like it had been abandoned. She had no idea where Barb and Patsy were sitting. She planned to leave before the thing ended, anyway.
“And there he goes, folks,” the announcer boomed. “Down before the eight seconds, but what a ride. Let’s give Devon some appreciation for a tough battle.”
Jana clapped along with the rest of the spectators. Another bull-rider cam
e out on a black beast that looked like he was ready to kill something. He bucked his way toward the edge of the arena, and the spectators hanging close to the walls squealed and moved back.
“Watch your fingers and toes,” the announcer said with a chuckle. “Black Volcano means business tonight, yessir.”
When the cowboy atop the bull was tossed to the ground, the spectators groaned. “Tough luck, folks. Sometimes, the bull is just too mighty even for a seasoned rider.”
Two more riders on two more bulls. From her perspective, she couldn’t tell who was waiting to ride next until the rider climbed up the side of the gate and straddled the bull.
“Next up is our hometown favorite,” the announcer boomed. Cheers started before he said, “Let’s welcome Knox Prosper back to our rodeo!”
The stands went nuts, and half of the people were on their feet clapping and yelling.
Jana’s skin buzzed at the amazing reception. Knox truly was everyone’s cowboy, and she was pretty sure after tonight, he’d forget all about her—Jana Harris and her small life.
She could only see his back and his cowboy hat from her seat, but the power of the bull beneath him was tangible. It was already pushing against the gate. And then the gate flew open, and out went Knox.
“Look at him go! If anyone can ride King Pin, it’s Knox Prosper!”
The crowd was on their feet, clapping and yelling. Jana jumped to her feet, then stood on her seat in the last row. Finally, she had a decent view. Knox was hanging on tight, and she thought of the fundamentals he’d told her about riding. Forward on the jump. Yep, he had that down. It was as if he were surfing an ocean wave by the way he moved with the bull, keeping in control of his balance. And the intangibles—feel and effort. That was what kept Knox winning, she was sure of it.
He’d told her every bull was different. And King Pin was huge and muscled and on a terror streak. The noise from the crowd only increased as they counted the seconds. Knox held on fast, and when the buzzer went off, the crowd roared. He eased his grip on the bull and slid off.
Both relief and adrenaline shot through Jana. He’d done it, and he was okay. No injuries.
“And there you have it, folks,” the announcer boomed. “Bull-riding at its finest by our own Knox Prosper!”
As if to answer, Knox took off his helmet, then waved it at the crowd, and the fans responded with enthusiasm.
“Let’s see what the judges say about Knox’s ride,” the announcer continued. The seconds ticked by while the announcer read through some of Knox’s previous scores at other rodeos. “This just in. Looks like Knox Prosper is getting an even 96. This puts him in the lead for the night. Congratulations, young man!”
Whistles sounded around Jana, and she found herself grinning and clapping. The next two bull-riders didn’t come close to Knox’s score, and the arena buzzed in anticipation of Knox staying on top. It seemed that his thousands of fans were only too happy to celebrate with him.
Jana should really leave right now if she wanted to get ahead of the crowd, but she didn’t move. For some reason, she felt mesmerized by the lights against the dark night, the glittering stars above, the warm summer breeze, and the thrum of energy from the people.
After the rodeo came to a close, Jana still remained in her seat while people filed out of the stands. The place emptied slowly, as the crowds funneled through the narrow exits. Jana supposed the cowboys were all in the lot behind the arena, taking care of their animals. The maintenance crew started up, cleaning up the garbage in the stands, and plowing the dirt in the arena.
Only when the crew neared her row did Jana get up and head down the stairs. She headed out of the arena, folding her arms against the cooling night. Most of the cars and trucks were gone now, and she still had a ways to walk. Her steps slowed when she looked over to the parking lot with a few horse trailers left. Cowboys had congregated into groups, talking.
When a certain cowboy caught her eye, her breath stalled.
Knox was talking to his family from the looks of it. Macie, Holt, their mother Heidi, and the mayor, Rex Prosper.
In Knox’s arms, he held a little girl who had to be Ruby. Jana had seen Ruby briefly once or twice about town, but she’d never officially met her.
It seemed that Knox was plenty busy, and Jana continued walking, her heart clenching a little. How hard must it be for Knox to be around his family now that his ex was married to his brother? Had Barb been right? Did Knox still have feelings for Macie?
Jana shook away the thoughts. It wasn’t any of her business to speculate or to even care about it. She hurried to her SUV, waving at a few vehicles that slowed—she didn’t really recognize anyone in the dark.
Texts starting piling in from Barb about the rodeo being over, about Knox winning the bull-riding, and how everyone was heading to Racoons.
We can pick you up, or you can meet us there, Barb had texted.
Jana was debating whether she should tell Barb about coming to the rodeo after all when another truck slowed behind her. She was far enough on the side of the road to let it pass, but the truck didn’t pass her.
“I thought that was you,” a deep, familiar voice said.
Jana’s pulse doubled, and she looked over to see Knox driving. No one was with him, which surprised her, although she wasn’t sure why. Maybe because she thought he’d be with his family, going somewhere to celebrate his win?
Since Knox had pulled to a stop, she stopped, too.
“Changed your mind about coming to the rodeo?” Knox teased.
How could he look so… great? He should be a sweaty, dirty mess, but he only exuded masculinity.
Jana moved closer to the truck, while still keeping a fair distance. “Thought I’d see what all the fuss was about.”
He chuckled. “And what did you think, sweetheart?”
The endearment shouldn’t have affected her; it was common enough around these parts. But she felt her pulse go up another notch. “Impressive,” she said, a smile tugging at her mouth. “I guess congratulations are in order.”
Knox tapped the brim of his hat. “If you’re doling them out, then I’m accepting, ma’am.”
“Oh, so modest,” Jana teased. “I see not much has changed about Knox Prosper after all.”
“Well, between you and me,” he said in a low tone, “I didn’t want to change the good parts.”
The heat in her chest inched up her neck. Jana stepped back. “Well, congratulations again, and good luck again tomorrow night.”
“Want a ride?”
“My car’s just up there,” Jana said, pointing, although it wasn’t exactly visible in the darkness.
“Want a ride?” Knox said, his tone low and warm.
Jana hesitated, then took a step toward the truck, and Knox leaned over to pop open the door for her. She climbed in, her heart in her throat, her hands too hot. She smoothed them over her black jeans she’d paired with a blue and white polka-dotted shirt.
Knox began to drive, slowly, because her car was only a half-block up ahead.
Jana dared another glance at him. “Heading to a big celebration with your family?”
“Nah,” he said. “There’s another night of bull-riding to go. Besides, the only one I wanted to spend time with is Ruby, but there’s a lot of factors involved.”
“She’s darling,” Jana blurted out, hoping it was okay to say. The little girl obviously took after her mom with her dark curls and brown eyes.
Knox only smiled. “She’s got every member of the Prosper family wrapped twice around her pinkie finger.”
“I’ll bet,” Jana said. “First grandkid, and all.” She bit her lip, not knowing what was off-limits here.
Knox was already slowing the truck because they’d reached her SUV. Her phone chimed three times in a row, as if the texts had waited to deliver at the same moment.
“Busy night?” Knox said.
Jana glanced down at her phone. “It’s Barb. The ladies are meeting at Racoons, wi
th half the town, I imagine.”
“Well, have fun.”
His tone was kind of off, and Jana met his eyes. Even in the dim light of the dashboard, she could feel the intensity of his gaze.
“You going?” she said. “I’m sure you’ll get free drinks all night.”
“Naw,” he said. “I’m done with the bar scene. Stirred up too much trouble in my life.”
Jana blinked. “Wow, I didn’t know. I mean, the place is harmless, really. No bar fights around here or crazy stuff going on.”
Knox took off his cowboy hat and scrubbed a hand over his hair. It was a wild mess, but sexy, too, as one would expect. “I’ve been dry for eight months now. So being in a bar complicates things.”
“Oh, yeah, true.” Jana couldn’t stop staring at him. He’d given up bars and didn’t drink?
“Like I said, Jana Harris, I’m a changed man.”
Jana nodded, her mind spinning too fast to respond.
“And if you’re okay with that, maybe you’d agree to have lunch with me tomorrow?” he said, one edge of his mouth lifting. “Or better yet, I could bring lunch to your place, and you can teach me all about jam-making.”
Jana was still trying to process what Knox had told her about not going to bars. It took her a moment to say, “You don’t give up easily, do you?”
“No, ma’am.” Knox held her gaze. “You still got my number?”
“I do.” She held back a smile and climbed out. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime.”
Knox waited until Jana got in her car and pulled out before he stepped on the gas again. But then she braked in front of him, so he braked, too. He couldn’t have been more surprised than he was seeing her climb out and walk toward his truck. Her black jeans followed her curves to a T, and her hair hung in waves down her back. Waves he’d been tempted to touch when she was sitting next to him in the truck. His windows were already down, and when she reached his side, she rested her fingers on the windowsill.
“Where are you headed?” she asked.
Again, he was surprised. “Heading to the truck stop for a shower and some grub, then I think I’ll call it a night.”
Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch Book 3) Page 5