Ryder (Rope 'n Ride Series Book 2) Read Online Free Page B

though, he had to let Joy know that he hadn’t invited that kiss from the fan.
    He hadn’t liked how she’d turned away and refused to look his way again.
    Another pink cup was thrust under his nose, and he tipped it up before he realized it really held liquid. Some syrupy red stuff ran down his chin and onto his white shirt.
    “Dammit, I don’t have time to change.”
    The girls exchanged a look, their big brown eyes wide with censorship. “He says bad words too. Just like Channing.”
    “Sorry, ladies. Don’t repeat that.”
    “That’s what Channing says too.”
    He’d burst out laughing if he wasn’t so annoyed that his white shirt looked as if he’d had a run-in with an ax murderer. And he needed to get to the Calhoun circle in ten minutes.
    He went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. The only towels in there lay in sopping heaps on the countertop. He took a length of toilet tissue and dabbed at the mess.
    Maybe the patches he wore hid the stain well enough.
    Who was he kidding? The cameras would zoom in on the stain and he’d have an interview about it later.
    “Shit,” he muttered.
    Two little girls twittered, “Shit!” from the doorway and collapsed in giggles.
    A knock on the hotel door had him running to open it. Channing looked more than a little exhausted, and Ryder made note to mention to Wynonna that she needed to take over the Franklin hellions and give Channing a break. Asher had them 24/7 and no doubt he relished his rides just because Channing took over and he didn’t have to worry about his daughters.
    Channing’s hands were full of junk food and a roll of antacids. The girls jumped at her to get the goodies she’d brought for them.
    “I don’t think they need more sugar,” Ryder said to her on the way out.
    Her gaze dipped over his shirt. “I don’t think you do either.”
    He tipped his hat and practically dashed down the hall, feeling bad about leaving her in that situation. But when he got to the back hallways of the arena and took his place in the circle, a brand new sensation washed over him.
    Of being watched.
    And it wasn’t the cameras. Although one was trained on his chest, recording his sticky humiliation.
    “Where’re your lucky chaps, Ryder?” Buck asked.
    “With my other gear. I’m glad I didn’t have them on when the Franklin girls attacked with their pink ‘tea.’ Whatever it is.” He pointed at his shirt front, and Asher gave a shake of his head.
    “Sorry, man. They’re a handful.”
    “Yeah, Wynonna, Channing could use some help.”
    Wynonna looked up, distracted, and he realized she’d been looking at the production manager, who was just old enough to spark her interest. She’d always had a thing for older guys, and it had gotten her in trouble more than once with their parents. But it could really get her in deep manure now if she violated contract.
    “Be careful,” he mouthed to her.
    “Shut up,” she mouthed back.
    “Okay, we ready?” Lane asked.
    They clustered closer, and Ryder bowed his head. It took all of his control not to glance up at Joy. His heart was beating a thousand times a minute knowing she was only steps away. Wearing that little tan hat and a Prescott rodeo T-shirt that molded to her breasts.
    “Stay tough, stay strong. Do your best. For Dad,” Buck said. Lately he’d been adding some more words but right now it seemed fitting. The cameramen moved in and out of the family members.
    Ryder dropped out of the ring to let them pass, keeping his head down. From his peripheral vision, he caught Joy’s movement as she walked away, making room for a row of fans who were bouncing up and down, hollering for autographs.
    “Good luck,” Ryder said to Ridge, cuffing him on the shoulder as he passed. He rushed through the crowd and made it to the place where Joy would pop out.
    He watched her come, her tanned legs in denim shorts making him burn. She spotted him and something strange passed over her beautiful face.
    He