Hot Damn Read Free

Oh yeah. He wanted her naked and lush beneath him on the nearest bed. He wanted to hear that sweet, husky voice call his name when she came apart in his arms.
    But Nash had a personal rule that he wasn’t about to break. Not even for Scarlet Ballew.
    He didn’t do one night stands with the locals.
    Nash knew sure as spit that if he did, he’d land himself in hot water again. Once burned was enough for this cowboy. He’d move on to another rodeo locale and she’d stay right here where she belonged.
    They danced to three more songs until the music stopped. From the stage behind them, a band was setting up to start their first set. Scarlet was gasping and laughing, out of breath. When she leaned her forehead against his chest, Nash closed his eyes and just breathed her in. Lord, she was sweet and tempting.
    “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get a beer.”
    She took his hand and he led her to her table. They flopped down and smiled at each other as the waitress set down their drinks. “Thank was fun,” she said, tipping the bottle back.
    Nash took off his hat and settled it in an empty chair. Raking quick fingers through his hair, he glanced at Scarlet and saw her go still. Her gaze flipped to his hair then down to his mouth. Nervously, she licked her lips before looking away.
    He leaned back in his chair. “So are you a regular here?”
    She shook her head. “Only on ladies’ night. Band and all. Most of the time, I’m a homebody.”
    “You work?”
    “I’m a loan officer at First National but I’m on vacation this week.”
    “Lucky me.” He had no intention of seeing her again after tonight but an unexpected thrill shot through him at her words. For the first time in longer than he could remember, the thought of spending more than an hour or two with any particular woman was really appealing.
    Apparently choosing to ignore his remark, she waved at her friends who stumbled over. Each held the hand of a cowboy and it was obvious from their expressions they’d been having a good time on the dance floor. The thudding of drums and the sounds of guitars tuning up mingled with the chatter. In the distance someone whooped loudly and raucous laughter followed.
    Nash stood when he was introduced to Scarlet’s friends, Patti-Pie and Lyssa, and both women joined them. The men shook hands with him and they talked briefly before they headed off to shoot some pool in the back room.
    “So? Ya here for the rodeo? I’m going tomorrow.” The little blonde was flushed, grinning up at him with an open expression.
    Nash smiled and reached into his front pocket. “Can’t get in without a ticket,” he said, handing over three. “Here you go.”
    “Oh my God! Aren’t you just the sweetest? You must be in the rodeo and not just here for the show.”
    “That’s right.”
    Lyssa smirked. “A real cowboy. This man is no wannabe.”
    Nash let the confusing comment pass. Scarlet glanced at her ticket before tucking it into her purse. “You never said what you do exactly? Are you one of the amateur cowboys or are you semi-pro?”
    “Been riding the rodeo circuit for the past five years or so.”
    Patti-Pie grinned. “Oh, Nash, do you do the steer decorating thingie? I love that one.”
    Scarlet frowned and pursed those kissable lips. “That sounds weird. What is it?”
    Nash shook his head and settled back in his seat enjoying the women and their chatter. “It’s kind of different compared to most events. The cowboy rides out after a steer and ties a ribbon on it. That’s about all there is to it. After everyone’s had a turn, the bull’s decorated. Not quite my thing.”
    “Weird.” Lyssa agreed, tugging her giant purse to her lap to put away her rodeo ticket. “So, I guess you do everything else.”
    “Pretty much. I ride broncs with and without a saddle. Then there’s steer roping and bull riding.” He shrugged and brought his long neck to his mouth. “You name it.”
    “So what do you like best, Nash? I