Rodeo Nights Read Free Page A

deepened through years of squinting into the sun. The way he used his eyes hadn’t changed, either. His slow, open regard surveyed her from her hair to her toes.
    Years in New York, years of confidence and accomplishment, allowed her to stand steady under his look, though she felt a tightening in her shoulders. It jumped a notch higher at something that flickered across his eyes as he took in her silk blouse, matching silk slacks, sleek belt and deceptively simple pumps. She didn’t need him to tell her the outfit was inappropriate for a night at the rodeo.
    “Different, but good,” he repeated in a murmur.
    “I am different.” She deliberately left her words a statement, not a defense. “And I’m very good at what I do. I’ll do a good job.”
    He met her eyes a moment longer, a slight frown tugging his brows, then nodded once. “I’m sure you are good at what you do.”
    He broke the look then—she hated the sense of being released—and turned to Roberta with that same, new half smile. “How’s my favorite rodeo secretary?”
    “Probably smarter than the last woman you used that line on.” But there was warmth and affection in the hug she gave him, and in the gruff words that followed. “Glad you’re here, boy. And I know Jeff and Mary are.”
    Walker patted her on the back before they disengaged from the hug. For a flash, his eyes came to Kalli and she had an image of being enfolded in his arms. Then he turned away, and her breath came out fast, as if she’d been holding it.
    “Yeah, well, I figure even a rodeo hand who’s had his brains scrambled a few times should be able to ride herd on the setup you and Jeff and Mary have going.”
    Kalli felt the way she had once as a kid when she’d swallowed too much spicy, steamy chili. She could feel the burn all the way down her throat and into the pit of her stomach. A glance at Tom confirmed what Walker’s words had just told her: Walker didn’t know about the committee’s stipulation. And, since both Tom and Roberta were looking at her, it was clear who they expected to break the news.
    “You aren’t going to be riding herd alone, Walker,” she said.

Chapter Two
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    HE STILLED FOR a heartbeat and a half, then pivoted on one low boot heel to meet her face-to-face.
    “How’s that?”
    “The committee has agreed to let us step in for Jeff and Mary with the understanding that you can provide the rodeo experience and I can provide the business expertise. That’s the condition they set.”
    “No need for you to stay. I’ll tell them. You go on back to New York and I’ll—”
    “I’m staying. Until the rodeo closes for the summer or until Jeff can take over again. Don’t you think I would rather handle this on my own? Don’t you think I—” She bit her lip, clamping down the words. “But the committee has legitimate concerns, and as Jeff’s representatives we have to do our best to satisfy them.”
    She hadn’t realized she’d cloaked a question in that last statement until she found herself looking at Walker, waiting for an answer. Even frowning, his expression gave away none of his thoughts. But his eyes... She drew herself taller, her shoulders tightening. Well, she wasn’t looking forward to a summer with him, either.
    “We’ll do our best.”
    Walker’s voice had no particular emphasis, but as Tom and Roberta each let out a pent-up breath, Kalli thought the words might have had an added message for her. A hope that the two of them would do their best to get through the summer without inflicting any more scars on each other.
    “Well, great.” Tom clapped a band to Walker’s denim-jacketed shoulder, raising dust. “I know you two’ll do a great job and Roberta here will keep things on track, all right. Everything’s going to work out fine.”
    “Yeah. It’ll work out fine,” Walker said without inflection. “How about you and me making the rounds, Tom? Reintroduce me to the details of the