Rodeo Romance (Contemporary Western Romance Short) Read Online Free Page A

Cindy laughed at her own humor.

CHAPTER 4
    Heading toward the recreational building and about to enter, Trisha suddenly developed cold feet. “I think I’ll go on back to the cabin.” She stopped right at the door. “Six comes really early.”
    “Don’t think so.” Cindy grabbed her arm, shoving her inside. “Hey, they have a pool table.”
    “How could I miss it?” Trisha pushed the hair out of her eyes. “You practically threw me on top of it.”
    “Oh, I did not. You need to relax and loosen up, Trishy.” Cindy smirked at the dirty look Trisha threw her way. “Want a beer?”
    “I’ll take a water.”
    “Beer.”
    “Cindy,” Trisha warned.
    “Okay. Okay.” Cindy sighed. “Water it is.”
    Feeling like an idiot just standing there, Trisha spotted Jeb so headed his way. “Hey, Jeb.” She sat down at the table next to him. “Are you okay?”
    “I’m fine now.” Jeb held up his beer with a big grin.
    Laughing, Trisha looked around. Jake was sitting with his brother talking. A few men were playing cards, while others just stood around drinking beer. “How long have you been here, Jeb?”
    Jeb thought for a minute. “I’ve been here going on thirty years or so. Me and the boys’ father, John McCabe, were good friends. He was one hell of a man.”
    “I’m sure he was,” she replied, looking around. “This place is wonderful.”
    “It hasn’t always been this way.” Jeb shook his head rubbing his chin. “John wouldn’t be happy with the way things are going. He never would have let people like you and your friend, who we call greenhorns, work the place. No offense.”
    “None taken.” Trisha grinned, liking the old man even more. “Then why do they let greenhorns like me in?”
    “Why does anyone do anything these days?” Jeb spat in disgust. “Money.”
    Trisha nodded as if she knew what he meant, but she really didn’t and hoped he continued. She didn’t want to pry.
    “Ranching isn’t like it used to be. It’s a hard life and not in as much demand as it once was. As you know, people will pay a good price to live the life of a cowboy, but they usually run home after their time is up here, thankful they ain’t one of us.”
    Trisha looked over at Jake and Tim. “What happened to his leg?” She hoped she wasn’t overstepping the small friendship she seemed to be forming with the old cowboy.
    It took a minute for him to answer as he sat deep in thought. “Tim was practicing for a rodeo we have here once a year to raise money.” Jeb shook his head. “The bull he was riding decided that throwing him off wasn’t enough. Meanest damn bull I ever saw. He stomped on Tim’s leg like he was tap dancing. Broke his leg in five different places. Doctors swore he’d never walk again, but they don’t know Tim McCabe. He’s stubborn as they come and so is his brother.”
    “Maybe there’s a safer way to raise money instead of jumping on bulls, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing.” Trisha’s eyes met Jake’s creating a tingling heat. Confused by the sudden feeling, she looked away.
    “Those two have been in the rodeo scene since they were in diapers.” He looked at her with wide eyes. “But I guess you don’t follow the rodeo circuit.”
    Trisha smiled at the tinge of disgust in Jeb’s tone. “No, can’t say I do.”
    “Well, between John and those two boys, they’ve held every title there is on the rodeo circuit.” Jeb nodded proudly. “Actually, you and your friend will be helping get everything ready for the rodeo next week.”
    Before Trisha could comment, Cindy set her water down in front of her. “Here you go, party girl.” Cindy sat down, taking a long swig of beer. “You think that guy over there is cute?”
    Trisha looked to where Cindy motioned with her beer. “I don’t know. Why?” When Cindy didn’t answer, Trisha sighed. “I guess so.” Trisha looked at the guy again. He wasn’t bad, but not her type. His hair was light blond and