"Oh, so close. No time for the Eber cousins, no time. Better luck next year, guys." The announcer sounded truly disappointed.

Seth threw Chanel a pained look. "Sorry."

She shrugged and laughed as they trotted toward the exit gate. "Doesn't matter. The rush was totally worth it."

"Maybe next year you should team up with a real man." The shout came from behind the bucking shoots.

Chanel turned to spot the speaker and saw Clint MacIntosh, a former high school cla.s.smate. He still had a round baby face and had grown a beer gut to go with it. Matched his dad's, she thought. Even in their younger days he'd been a major jerk face and was the leader when it came to ridiculing Seth.

"Just ignore him," Seth said in a low voice.

Chanel seethed but kept her mouth shut and followed her cousin to their horse trailer. They dismounted and removed the bridles from the horses' mouths.

"Chel, it's okay. I'm used to it. People lob those things at me in Eugene too. It comes with the territory." Seth caught her by the elbow, forcing her to look at him.

"It's not right. I'd like nothing more than to walk over there and pop him in the mouth." Chanel glared toward the chutes where Clint and several others were laughing and spitting chewing tobacco on the ground.

"Let it go. You've still got breakaway coming up. Don't lose your focus."

Taking a deep breath, Chanel placed a hand on Vivi's neck. Just touching the horse brought her blood pressure down.

"I'm going to find Maddox. You coming?" Seth turned toward the stands.

Chanel shook her head. "Nah, think I'll hang here 'til it's my turn again." She needed some time to get centered. Kicking some a.s.s in her event would make her feel much better.

Seth gave her a quick hug. "You've got this."

Maddox settled onto the hard bench and took a long drink from his c.o.ke. Christine picked at some nachos beside him. After caravanning into town with Jerry driving a truck pulling a horse trailer, followed by Mitch's and Fritz's pickups, everyone scattered when they reached the fairgrounds. Seth and Chanel had stayed in the lot behind the chutes to get their horses ready for team roping. Jessi launched herself from the truck and disappeared before it could idle to a complete stop. Maddox knew she'd be barrel racing later on in the program. Mitch and Fritz were helping with the stock, and Jerry was holding court at the beer garden. He'd muttered something to Maddox about being conned into the wild cow milking event and needing some fortification. When they'd first pulled in, Maddox had seen David from a distance gathered with a group of people near a camper and cl.u.s.ter of horse trailers. The other man hadn't spared a glance for his family, but Maddox knew he knew they were there. If you could see them, they could see you. He was grateful Christine hadn't abandoned him and hoped Seth and Chanel would join them after their event.

This was his first rodeo, and he was excited to see what the fuss was all about. All of the Eber kids had been putting in some serious practice time outside of their working hours. Jessi had conned him into rolling big barrels into place in the arena, so she could race around them on her horse. Before he'd sat in a saddle, he would have thought the activity simple, but after biting the dust twice during his short riding career, he'd developed a new respect for equine sports.

Before David left Maddox released steers from the chute for him to wrestle-which he had to admit piqued his interest, but he wasn't brave enough to ask about it as it looked like a good way to get injured. And, of course, he'd pumped countless animals through the chute for Seth and Chanel to rope. But nothing prepared him for the first bucking bronc to burst into the arena.

He almost dropped his cheeseburger as he watched the cowboy-sans padding and saddle-cling to the beast with one hand as it writhed and kicked beneath him. The first one rode until a whistle blew. Christine whispered that the goal was to hang on for eight seconds, and on top of that, the riders were judged for style. The last part went right over Maddox's head. How much style could a guy pull off when he was just trying to survive? He was still reeling from the idea that someone would get on a horse wanting it to try to pitch him. His entire riding career had been hoping to h.e.l.l he wouldn't be thrown. After being dumped twice, he was even more intent on it not happening again. The next cowboy wasn't so lucky and was tossed on his head, barely managing to escape the stomping hooves. Maddox cringed knowing the pain that would shoot through the man's body after an impact like that. They played rough on the field, but no human could dish out the intensity of a thousand pound animal.

Jessi caught him gaping as she pa.s.sed by with her gaggle of friends and smacked him on the back. "Just wait 'til the bulls come out."

Maddox had seen the giant cows on the ranch, and his eyes bugged. "People ride those things?"

"Oh yeah," she said through a laugh as she continued up the grandstand steps. The girl had matured a lot over the last couple months. She'd stopped fawning over him and trying to show him off to her teenage buddies. Now she felt more like a little sister.

"Hey, Maddox!"

Maddox snapped out of his musing to see Brad and Ryan Wilkins, along with their parents, heading his way. They were good kids, and he was glad for some more company.

"Hey, guys," Maddox greeted them as they got settled. He shook hands with the boys and their father, Craig.

"How're you likin' the show so far?" Craig asked.

"It's nuts. I can't believe people think football is rough. It's nothing compared to this. We're fully padded!" If only Chanel could hear the words coming out of his mouth. "Are you guys doing anything tonight?"

The boys grinned, and Ryan said, "Bull riding."

"But we have to wear helmets," Brad said glowering at his mother, "even though we're eighteen now."

"Lame," his brother added.

Bea shook her head at her sons. "Be grateful I even let you go out there on those things. I like your brains unscrambled."

Maddox laughed. "I don't know, guys, I think a helmet is more necessary on a bull than on the football field." G.o.d, he sounded old. Chanel must be rubbing off on him. When he glanced toward the arena, a blonde in red jeans and a sparkly white top winked him as she walked by. He remembered her from the Grand Entry.

"That's Brittany Ericson. She's a junior at our school," Brad said, "and a big flirt."

Maddox made sure not to encourage her by avoiding eye contact. He had to wonder if that's how Lila had been in high school.

"Maddox!"

As if she'd sensed him thinking about her, Lila waved from the bottom of the grandstand. She wore skintight black jeans and a spaghetti strap tank top, generous cleavage bulging. Still not used to this tiny community, he was surprised to see her. After giving her a little wave, he shifted his attention back to the arena, hoping his expression was one of deep concentration on the exchange between the rodeo clown and the announcer. The clown had burst into the ring with several small dogs and an a.s.sortment of props halting the flow of events.

Next thing Maddox knew, Lila was taking a seat next to him, pressing her thigh against his. "Hey, you!"

Maddox resisted the urge to pull away to spare her feelings in front of so many people. Her s.e.xy tone threw him. Most girls would've been p.i.s.sed at him for not calling in the six weeks since they'd slept together-at least to start with. He could usually talk his way out of it and be back in their good graces pretty quick. Sadly, he kinda wished Lila were mad.

"Mitch must be keeping you busy out there," Lila said, capturing his hand. He stared at their joined fingers for a moment, barely recognizing his own. They were rough, cracked in places.

"Yeah," he replied, noticing the twins both had their ears c.o.c.ked toward the conversation happening behind them. No doubt Lila's reputation was all over the high school, and anything that had to do with s.e.x would grab the boys' attention.

"So, you staying in town tonight?" Lila asked.

Maddox shifted uncomfortably wishing she'd lower her voice. Never in his life had he not been able to banter with a pretty girl, but this evening he had nothing. He could only think how strange Lila's hand felt in his compared to Chanel's.

"Depends on my ride. I came in with the Ebers."

Lila bit her lip and leaned close. "You've got a place to stay. I'll get you home tomorrow."

Maddox glanced over at Christine, relieved to find her chatting with Bea Wilkins. He couldn't tell if Craig was listening in or focused on the action in the arena. Both boys, however, were sitting a little straighter.

Out of nowhere, Jessi bounded over and squeezed her way onto the bench beside Brad, making the entire Wilkins family shift to accommodate her. She caused enough of a distraction for Lila to look away and loosen her grip on Maddox's hand. He slipped free and leaned forward, folding his hands between his legs.

The pickup men herded the final bronc of the section from the arena, and the first round of team roping was announced. Maddox had learned a lot over the weeks helping Chanel and Seth practice. He felt he had a pretty good idea what a good run looked like and was even a bit surprised by the excitement p.r.i.c.kling through him. Lila continued to lean on him, but he kept his eyes straight ahead and ignored her attempts at conversation. Finally, she said she was going to find some food and would be back. Maddox nodded in response hoping she'd find someone else to hang on for the remainder of the rodeo. A small pang of guilt stabbed him in the gut. Maybe she was looking for a chance at something real, something more than easy s.e.x. Finding a guy that didn't know her backstory or was willing to overlook it in Clifford's Bend was going to be hard. No wonder he looked good to her. Sadly, he didn't feel anything for her. As much as he hated to admit it, there was only one woman in this place that had his attention.

Seth and Chanel were the fourth pair, and the announcer gave them a warm welcome. They were met with heavy applause, but Maddox noted some whispering and a few negative shouts.

"Rodeo ain't for queers!" A middle-aged man with a giant belt buckle cutting into his fat stomach shouted. A ripple of laughter went through the people sitting with him.

Maddox gritted his teeth and hoped Seth and Chanel hadn't heard. This was the hick behavior he'd expected when he first arrived in Clifford's Bend. Aside from David, his experience with the crew at the Double O had proven him wrong. Brad put an arm around Jessi's shoulders and gave her a squeeze. Good for him, Maddox thought.

He turned his attention back to the arena. The pair had settled their horses in the boxes flanking the small chute. Maddox watched them exchange a few words and a long glance, exactly like they did it at home. Their preparation had reminded him of practices with his team, though he had to admit, he'd always blown off most of that. He just wanted to get on the field, start hitting guys, and get his chance to take the ball to the end zone. All the discussing, studying plays, and practicing drills drove him nuts. He just wanted to play the game. He'd been surprised to find Chanel and Seth, together and separately, on multiple occasions standing on the ground throwing a rope at a steer shaped dummy, complete with horns. Where was the fun in that? He'd made the mistake of teasing Chanel about it, and she'd gotten all p.i.s.sed and started lecturing him yet again about the importance of hard work. Sick of her droning, he'd turned around and started walking the other way. The next thing he knew, a loop dropped over his head and cinched tight around his arms and torso. The rope burned against his bare skin but not as hot as his temper.

Maddox whirled around, could feel anger heating his face, but he stopped short when he saw she was doubled over laughing. Her hands flapped uselessly as she tried to wipe the tears. G.o.d, he'd wanted to stay mad at her, but that laugh undid him. If he hadn't been tied up, he would have marched right up to her and planted a kiss on that happy mouth. She was always serious, cranky, or sarcastic with him, so seeing her let loose sent a wave of longing clear through him.

The crack of the chute opening brought him back to the present. A white spotted steer charged down the center of the arena while the cousins blasted out of their boxes. Chanel had her loop around the horns in no time, but Seth's fell short of its heels.

"No time for Seth and Chanel Eber, no time." The announcer said. "Better luck next year."

Maddox heard Christine groan beside him, and he gave her a sympathetic look.

"I hope there is a next year," she murmured.

"What do you mean?" Maddox asked.

Bea reached back and patted Christine's leg just as the fat man shouted, "That girl ropes better than you, fancy boy!"

Maddox's body clenched. He was dying to charge up those grandstand steps two at a time and bust that guy's jaw. He knew he could knock his fat a.s.s right off his seat. Brad stood, Jessi clinging to his hand, and started down the steps. Ryan and Craig followed them while Bea cast a worried look their direction.

Christine's chocolate eyes met and held Maddox's. "Fighting won't help."

Maddox flushed when she read his thoughts.

"I've raised two boys and lived surrounded by men almost my entire life. You all think the same." She gave him a smile and smacked him on the thigh.

"He's gotta know you're Seth's mom, and you're sitting right here."

"Del MacIntosh knows exactly who I am," Christine said without glancing toward the man and his cronies. "It's a small town. You learn who's worth your time, and who isn't. No matter what, you keep your head held high. Those a.s.shats will get what's coming to them at some point."

Maddox laughed. He liked Christine. In fact, it would be nice if he could talk to his mom like he could talk to her. It was sad that David didn't appreciate her more. He wished he knew what to say to comfort her right now but was coming up empty. So, he settled for reaching over and giving her a one-arm hug.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN.

Stars shimmered in a clear sky while the rodeo stock munched hay in the corrals behind the arena. Horses were watered, fed, and tied to the outside of horse trailers. Their riders cleaned up in campers or the fairground bathrooms and headed to the exhibition building where a live country band was busting out some tunes. Young families were starting to filter out of the hall, a few overtired toddlers melting down. A rowdy crowd hung outside in the beer garden working on their courage to hit the floor.

Chanel took a long drink of her ice-cold beer and sagged back against the metal siding of the building. She'd taken first in the breakaway compet.i.tion and would be roping in the finals the next afternoon. More than anything she wanted to trailer Vivi back home and crawl in her bed. It had been a long day in the sun, and though it had been fun, being in town wore her out. Things had been more stressful this year with Seth on site. He'd blown off the insults and barbs tossed his way throughout the day, but they'd built up on Chanel's shoulders. Seth had insisted on staying for the dance and showing Maddox how colorful small town nightlife could be, despite her insisting that he'd already lived it to the fullest. She had a bad feeling about tonight.

The boys sidled up to her, flanking her on both sides.

"There you are," Seth said. He'd changed into a clean teal b.u.t.ton up shirt and dusted off the jeans he'd been wearing all day. Maddox was still wearing his baggy pants and Doumit t-shirt. He loomed a head taller and several hands wider than most of the men in the beer garden. A couple of people recognized him from watching college football on TV. She'd been impressed with his graciousness, visiting with fans and moving on to rejoin her family. Nothing like the c.o.c.kiness he exhibited on campus. It's an act, she told herself, refusing to acknowledge how much he'd changed over the almost three months he'd been on the ranch. He wanted a good report for his coach, so he could return to the team and pick up where he left off. None of this meant anything to him.

Chanel had released her hair from her French braid so it fell past her shoulders in soft waves. She wore a pale pink tank top and clean jeans with bling on the rear pockets. She ran a hand through her hair, "You think it's too late to catch Jerry for a ride home?"

Jerry had gotten the c.r.a.p kicked out of him trying to slide under a cranky cow and squeeze some milk into a bottle. He'd offered to haul the horses back to the ranch, so he could call it an early night and the rest of the crew could enjoy themselves at the dance.

"Knock it off. We're out tonight. It's going to be fun," Seth said rolling his eyes. "We showed off our mad roping skills today. Tonight we wow everyone with our dance moves." Seth popped off a quick disco routine, ending with a spin and jazz hands.

Chanel smiled at her cousin in the dim light from the white Christmas lights strung around the perimeter of the beer garden. "I haven't danced in a couple years. Bert dragged me to a club on campus after I broke up with Jared. That night's a little spotty in my mind. I think there was a pole involved."

Maddox snorted. "You went to Mulligan's?"

"How do you know it was Mulligan's?"

"That's where the pole is."

"Yeah, well, so what?" Chanel snapped shooting a crabby look at Maddox.

"Relax. You just don't seem the type," Maddox said taking a swig from his red solo cup.

Chanel pushed off from the wall. "What exactly is the Mulligan's type? Loose? Greek? Expensive dye jobs?"

Seth stepped between them. "C'mon guys. We're out for fun. Maddox, don't push her b.u.t.tons. Chanel, relax a little. Let's get a refill and go inside."

Lila chose that moment to appear. She looped her arm through Maddox's and met Chanel's gaze. They'd never had a problem before, but the other woman was clearly staking her territory.

"Hey, you," Lila said turning doe eyes on Maddox, making Chanel want to gag. But then she caught something in his expression as he looked down at Lila, whose head barely made it to his chest. She'd expected to see playfulness, desire, something to indicate his interest in the other woman, but there was nothing. In fact, he almost looked sad.

"I want to dance with you again," Lila said in a husky voice, running a finger down Maddox's broad chest.

Maddox extracted his arm from hers. "Maybe in a bit. We're getting another round."

Lila pouted for a beat and then said, "Don't take too long, lover." Before she turned to go inside, she c.o.c.ked an eyebrow at Chanel, who just turned her back in response.

"So, what's the deal there?" Seth asked handing Maddox a fresh cup.

"I didn't know there was one," Maddox said.

"We know you slept with her," Chanel said. She hated how tight her chest felt. It was like reliving that morning all over again.

"Like two months ago. We haven't talked since. Figured she would've moved on by now."

"Are you kidding? And pa.s.s up the opportunity to be seen hanging off you in front of the whole county?" Chanel said.

"You wanna dance with me, keep her off me?" Maddox gave her a wicked grin that loosened the heart within her constricted chest.

"You're on your own." Chanel said shaking her head. This was his little mess to clean up. Besides, this was feeling too much like high school. Sensing impending drama, she again wondered why she hadn't gone home with Jerry? She'd keep an eye out for her dad and jump in with him first chance she got.

The band was cranking out a cover for a popular country song when they entered the exhibition hall. The floor was crowded with couples and singles dancing off the day. Seth nodded toward a high-top table, and Chanel followed. He took the cup from her hand and grabbed the other in one graceful movement.

"Watch our drinks," he called to Maddox.

Next thing she knew, Seth had her out on the parquets floor, ducking under his arm, spinning to the end of it, and rolling her right back to his chest. They laughed, and Chanel's mood lifted. How many hours had they practiced country swing dancing in Christine's living room? About as many as they spent in the arena chasing calves.

Chanel noticed Christine dancing with her father and then spotted Fritz watching from the sidelines. She silently thanked him for letting Mitch have this moment. He and her mother had loved to dance. Chanel used to sneak to the edge of the loft and watch them swing and sway in the living room to songs fast and slow when they thought she was sleeping. She swallowed and fell into step with Seth.