by T. J. Kline
Sydney gave him a wary look. It was obvious that his sudden concession confused her.
“I’ll make you a deal.” Scott wondered if he wasn’t making the biggest mistake of his life with what he was about to propose.
“I don’t think I’d like your deals.”
“I’ll lay off your case for the rest of the rodeo, but . . .”
“Of course there’s a ‘but.’” She sighed.
“But, you have to go to the barbeque and dance with me,” he finished.
She stared at him in disbelief, and he hoped she wouldn’t question his proposal. He wasn’t even entirely sure why he’d suggested it other than to prove to himself that all rodeo queens really were the same. It’s not like his heart was involved this time around; Liz had cured him of any delusions there. This was simply attraction. A few kisses to work her out of his system and prove his point. What could that hurt?
She grasped her horse’s reins, her hand absently patting his neck and shoulder. “Why?”
“Let’s test my theory. I think all rodeo queens are from the same selfish, conniving mold. You say you’re different. Prove me wrong.”
She eyed him cautiously. He could almost see the thoughts running through her mind. Did he have an ulterior motive? Would he be a jerk all evening? “And you’ll stay off my case for the rest of the weekend?”
“Both days of the rodeo. Scout’s honor.”
He could see that she still wasn’t sure she could trust him. “All right. I’ll meet you here at—”
“I’ll pick you up at five at your house.”
“Why?”
“To meet your family, of course. To know you, I have to meet them, right?” He briefly wondered if he really wanted to go through this just to prove his “theory.”
“Fine.” She reclipped the colt to the trailer and reached into the truck for a scrap of paper and a pen. “Here.” She handed him the paper. “Here’s a map to my house and my cell number. Call me if you get lost.”
Without another word, she unclipped the stallion, mounted him, and rode back into the arena. As he watched her ride away, Scott had the sinking feeling he’d just condemned himself to a very long, trying evening.
WHAT IN THE world did I get myself into? Sydney wondered. Whatever possessed me to agree to this ridiculous deal?
“Sydney?” Turning, she saw Mike Findley approach. “You’re going to the barbeque tonight, right?”
“Yeah, I have to be here by six. Why?”
“Good. I have an idea to run past you, to see what you think about it.” She wasn’t sure what to say and wondered if he could see her confusion. “Don’t worry.” He chuckled. “I’ll clear everything up tonight. See you then.”
More confused than ever, Sydney watched him leave and made her way into the arena.
I CAN’T BELIEVE I’m actually going through with this, Scott thought as he pulled up to the address Sydney gave him. Five dogs, ranging from an enormous German shepherd to a wiggling cocker spaniel, ran from behind the house to greet him at the front gate, barking incessantly. Putting the truck into park, he reached for the long, rectangular package in the passenger seat.
“What in the hell am I doing?” he muttered to the dogs as he arrived at the front porch. He reached down and patted the shepherd on the head. “Like I don’t already know that they are all alike, right? I must be a glutton for punishment.” Just as he raised a hand to ring the bell, he heard the voices inside.
“Sydney, he’s here!”
As the door swung open, Scott realized he hadn’t made such a bad deal after all. Sydney stood before him wearing a form-fitted white leather dress, white hat, and white dress boots. The dress had obviously been tailor-made for her, hugging every curve she’d been blessed with.
“You look amazing,” he said. He hadn’t meant to speak his thoughts aloud but couldn’t seem to help himself.
She gave him a brilliant smile. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad, yourself.” She moved away from the door. “Come on in.”
Scott followed her in and stepped into the family room. He wanted to seem aloof, but he had a hard time ignoring the electricity that passed between them. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he was a kid. You’d better get it together or she’s gonna eat you alive, just like Liz did. The thought of his ex-fiancée brought his nerves back under control. He might give Sydney the benefit of the doubt, but he wasn’t a fool. Not twice.
“Why don’t we call a truce for tonight?” Scott handed her the package in his hand.
“I think we can manage that.” She lifted the top from the box and gasped. Nestled atop green ferns were dark pink miniature carnations accenting a dozen white roses.
“They’re gorgeous!”
“I’m glad you like them.” Scott watched her face light up with delight as she pressed the flowers to her nose and congratulated himself on placing the rush order for the flowers earlier. He realized that there was a small part of him that almost hoped she would prove him wrong and wanted the night to go well.
“I love them, thank you. I better get them in some water.”
“You must be Scott Chandler,” the voice came from the hall. Scott saw a man making his way to where they stood and assumed it was her father.
He offered his hand. “Yes, sir.”
“Bill Thomas. That was one hell of a rodeo this afternoon.”
“Thank you, sir. You’ve got a nice ranch here.” Bill Thomas had the look of a man who was no stranger to hard work but who definitely knew how to have fun when the opportunity presented.
“Hi, can I get you something to drink?” A petite woman with emerald eyes and elf-like features made her way into the kitchen. “I’m Sydney’s mother, Julia.”
SYDNEY BARELY LISTENED as her parents discussed the day’s rodeo events with Scott. It was odd how at ease he seemed tonight in comparison to his demeanor earlier in the afternoon. He certainly wasn’t an easy man to figure out. One minute he was arrogant and condescending. The next, he was charming and thoughtful. Her pulse quickened as she took in his dark blue jeans and the long-sleeved maroon shirt hugging his torso beneath his leather jacket. He stood confidently, laughing with her parents, his tanned, calloused hand tucked into his pocket. None of his moods changed the fact that he was rakishly appealing.
“Sydney?” Her mother’s voice cut into her thoughts and she blushed, realizing that all three of them were staring at her. “Honey, are you listening?”
“Um . . .” she struggled to find any answer. Her father frowned, but Scott seemed to know exactly where her wayward thoughts had turned and arched a brow.
“I said I think you two should head out, don’t you?” She silently thanked her mother for realizing she hadn’t had a clue. She’d figure out what her mother’s knowing smile meant later. For now, Julia Thomas was her savior.
Sydney glanced at the clock on the microwave. “You’re right, I’m supposed to be there by six. Let me just get my sash.”
“It was great to meet you both,” Scott told her parents as he headed for the front door.
Sydney hurried out of the room, cursing her girlish fantasies with every step. Pull yourself together, stupid. This night means nothing, other than proving to a chauvinistic cowboy that rodeo queens aren’t groupies on horseback. Pinning her sash at her waist, she made her way back to the front door where Scott waited.
“Sorry,” she said. “I’m having a little trouble.”
“Here, I’ll help.” He took the rhinestone pin from her trembling hands. Gently he slipped the pin through the shoulder of her dress and closed the clasp.
“Not your first rodeo, huh?” Sydney attempted to shake her nerves.
Scott’s jovial mood instantly became dark and brooding. “Let’s go.” He reached for her arm.
Realizing she had just reminded him of his experiences with other rodeo queens, she cursed her big mouth and followed him to his truck. As he opened the passenger door, she wondered just how quickly this disastrous eveni
ng might end.
“SYDNEY!”
Whirling around, she looked for the owner of the voice. The band had just unloaded their equipment and it was becoming more difficult to hear by the minute. Dinner wasn’t scheduled to begin for another thirty minutes, but the smell of tri-tips on the barbeque was already thick in the air. Just enough smoke wafted from the grills on the light spring breeze to tease her taste buds and make Sydney realize her hunger.
“Sydney, Scott! Over here.” Spotting Mike Findley waving at them, they navigated the tables to reach him. “Join me for dinner.”
“Sure,” Scott said. He pulled Sydney’s chair out for her. “Why don’t you wait here and keep Mike company, and I’ll get our food?”
“Scott, be sure that my steak is pretty rare. My teeth are too old for that tough shi- . . . stuff,” Mike corrected.
“Okay. Sydney, what about you?”
“Medium is fine.” She tried to hide her amusement at Mike’s correction.
“I’ll be right back,” Scott promised as he walked toward the end of a quickly lengthening line.
As Scott left, Mike looked at Sydney curiously, cocking his head at an odd angle and smiling. “Did you two come together?”
Sydney nodded.
“Well, I’ll be dam- . . . darned,” he exclaimed.
“Mike, let’s clear this up right away. My dad’s a cattleman. I’ve heard plenty of cursing.” She laughed. “And what’s the big deal about us coming together?” Mike shook his head, grinning like the cat that had just swallowed the proverbial canary. “What is so funny?” she asked again.
“It’s nothing, although my idea may go over more smoothly now.”
“Since you brought it up,” she inquired, “what is this idea you have?”
“I know I was pretty cryptic this afternoon, so let me start from the beginning. I hear you have some horses for sale.”
“Yeah, but . . .”
“How old?” Mike asked.
“Between four and six. But Mike . . .”
“I’d like to take a look at them on Monday if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, but will you tell me what’s going on?” she asked, exasperated by trying to keep up with the conversation.
“I’m always looking for good stock. Besides,” Mike added. “I like your work.”
“What?”
“I’ve seen that stallion you ride, and I was told you trained him. I’d love to buy him too.”
Sydney immediately shook her head. “Valentino isn’t for sale at any price.”
“Are you?”
Sydney furrowed her brow, not understanding what Mike was trying to ask. Her confusion must have been obvious.
“I want you to come work for me,” he clarified.
“What?” She breathed.
“I want you to travel with the rodeo as our trainer. You’d help set up the opening ceremonies, acts, keep the horses conditioned, train new ones, that sort of thing.”
Sydney barely held in her excitement, wanting to leap across the table and hug Mike. This was more than she could have hoped for: the opportunity to train horses for rodeo with a world-class stock contractor. “Are you kidding?”
“I sure as hell hope he’s kidding.”
Mike and Sydney jumped at Scott’s voice. She looked up at him as he placed the plates on the table and could see the anger smoldering behind those dark eyes.
“No way, Mike. Jennifer is bad enough. We don’t need two women on the payroll.”
“Scott,” Mike warned.
“Forget it! For one thing, you’d have to pull another trailer for her to stay in. Her answer is no.”
“Scott,” Mike interrupted, his tone quietly authoritative. “Just because you own a quarter of the company doesn’t mean you have final say on all decisions. Remember,” he added, “I’m still the directing manager, which means I get to hire who I please.” He shrugged and didn’t bother to hide his smile. “Besides, you know Jen and Derek will side with me on this one. So you’re outnumbered.”
Sydney was tired of them ignoring her presence entirely and rose from the table. “Have either of you considered the possibility that I might just say no? Now, it looks like my family has arrived.” She motioned to the front gate. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’d like to discuss this proposition with them.” Without waiting for an answer from either of them, she walked away.
“I DON’T KNOW what to do,” Sydney complained to her parents, throwing her hands into the air. “I mean, this is a dream job, but I’d never see you guys.”
“Sydney.” Her mother’s reasoning tone scolded. “Findley Brothers is only two hours from the house. That’s not that far.”
“I know, but . . .”
“What is it you’re really afraid of?” her father asked.
Sydney chewed on her lower lip. She hadn’t really thought that her hesitation was from fear. She had to admit that it was scary to think of leaving the protection of her parents’ ranch. She’d been training horses for years, but she was barely earning enough to cover her rodeo and business expenses.
“I’d have to relinquish the queen title,” Sydney pointed out.
Her father chuckled. “Wasn’t the competition simply a way to get the same opportunity you’re being offered? The committee will understand, and Alicia will take over and do a wonderful job.”
He was right. The queen competition was just a stepping stone, and Alicia would make a great rodeo queen.
“What about Scott Chandler?” Her father asked with a wink.
“Bill, stop it!” Julia slapped her husband’s shoulder.
“What about him?” Sydney shrugged.
“Wouldn’t you be working with him?”
“Well, that’s actually part of the problem.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that,” Julia teased. “If I was a young, single, not to mention beautiful young woman, I wouldn’t consider him a problem.”
Sydney laughed and shook her head at her mother. She knew her parents wanted to see her find someone, but she doubted that Scott was that someone. “Maybe if we’d met under different circumstances and he didn’t hate the sight of me. He doesn’t want me to have the job.”
“Well, it doesn’t really sound like it’s his decision.”
“Maybe not, but he could still make things miserable. How do I work with someone who doesn’t want me around and doesn’t care who knows it?”
“Sydney, do you want your mother and me to tell you not to take this job?”
Leave it to her dad to cut right to the point, she thought. “No, but . . .”
“Then you have to take responsibility for this decision on your own. You’re a grown woman, and your mother and I will support you no matter what you decide is the best move.”
Great, she thought. She was going to need more information to decide what the best move would be.
Chapter Three
* * *
“WHAT WERE YOU thinking? Why would you possibly do that?” Scott was furious, and he didn’t care if Mike knew it.
“Do what?” Mike asked innocently.
“Offer her a job?”
“Because I think she’d be an asset.” Scott could see the wheels turning in Mike’s mind.
“Really? Because that doesn’t sound like total bull at all. What’s your real reason?”
“I happen to like her,” Mike stated simply. “I think Jennifer could use the female companionship and I like her work. She’s a good trainer, and we both know Derek isn’t cutting it.”
“Mike,” Scott began, only to stop as he saw Sydney making her way toward them, the crowd separating for her to pass. If he’d realized how much trouble this woman was going to be, he would have said no to her request to carry flags.
“Well?” Mike sounded eager to hear her answer. He sounded far too confident that she would take the position while Scott prayed she’d turn him down and walk away for good.
“Actually, Mike, I’d like to speak with
Scott privately for a minute if that’s okay.”
Scott was about to refuse when Mike answered for him. “Of course! I’ll go and get a drink and meet you two in a couple of minutes.” The warning glance Mike sent him clearly told him to behave. Scott hadn’t seen that look since he was fifteen.
“Well?” Scott asked as Sydney lowered herself into the chair Mike vacated.
“I’d like to know why you don’t want me to take this job.”
He hadn’t expected her to be so blunt, but since she’d asked he’d be honest, even if it angered Mike. “I don’t think you have enough experience for the job.”
“And?”
“And I don’t think that the ranch is the best place for you.”
“Why?”
Her rapid-fire questions were making him sound defensive, irritating him that he should be in this position at all. “Because I don’t think the other hands will concentrate on their own jobs with you sauntering around the corrals,” he answered harshly.
She arched a brow at him. “I don’t saunter.”
“This isn’t a joke.”
“Okay.”
“Okay, meaning you’re not taking the job?” He tried not to sound hopeful, but he had a feeling that her taking this job would only lead to disaster.
“Oh, I’m taking the job. I just wanted to know exactly where we stand.”
“Sydney,” he growled.
She sighed. “Scott, you said you wanted a truce for this evening, right? Mike’s offer has nothing to do with tonight, so can we at least appear to get along?”
Scott hated the electric jolt that skittered through his veins at the sound of his name on her lips. It was the first time he’d heard it from her, and it rolled over him like a whisper on the wind. He couldn’t help but wonder what it would sound like after a kiss.
“You can pretend for one night, right?” He hated that her innocent appeal made him sound like the bad guy.
Scott knew this was her best attempt to keep peace between them. “You’d better go tell Mike,” he said through gritted teeth. “He’ll be thrilled.”