“And who might this be?” she asked, looking behind Zach at Dusty, who stood next to Diablo’s pen. The bull munched hungrily at some hay.
“Oh. This is Dusty. Dusty O’Donovan. Her pa used to work at McCray Landing.”
“Silly”—the woman tossed her twin ponytails, her hands on Zach’s shoulders—“I didn’t mean her. I meant the bull.”
Mary Ann’s giggling laughter grated. Yeah, funny. She meant the bull. Dusty walked toward them. She wouldn’t be ignored or belittled.
“The bull’s Diablo,” she said. “And I’m going to ride him.”
Zach cleared his throat. “Darlin’, I’ve told you before—”
“And you are?” Dusty interrupted, holding out her hand.
The woman shook Dusty’s hand limply. “Angelina,” she said. “Angelina Bay. Zach and I are…that is, we used to be engaged.”
“Nice to meet you, Angelina,” Dusty said sweetly. “Are you involved in the rodeo?”
“Oh, goodness no.” She tossed her ponytails again. “My brother is though. He’s a bronc buster and a bull rider. And my daddy’s entering some livestock in the show. We raise prime beef at our ranch. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, Bay Crossing? On the western slope?”
“Can’t say that I have,” Dusty said, rubbing her hands on her thighs. Her palms were sweaty for some reason.
“Dusty’s from Montana,” Zach said.
“How nice. Do you ride bulls there, Donna?”
While Dusty seethed, Zach answered for her. “It’s Dusty.”
“Of course, what a cute little name.”
“Isn’t it?” Dusty fought her anger, wishing she could control the crimson she knew was rising in her cheeks. “And yes, I do ride bulls in Montana. And here.”
“A female bull rider. You must be tough as nails.”
“It’s not toughness that makes a good bull rider, Andromeda.”
“It’s Angelina.”
“Of course.” Dusty smirked. Resisting the urge to add the “what a cute little name” remark showed her maturity. Okay, even she didn’t buy that, but Andromeda had been a good one. Inspired.
“If you’ll excuse us, Angie,” Zach said, “Dusty and I have some work to do with Diablo.”
“So this is the one with the half mil purse,” Angelina said, ignoring Zach’s obvious attempt to get rid of her.
“Yes,” Dusty said, before Zach could open his mouth to respond.
“I bet Harper could ride him,” Angelina said.
“Who’s Harper?” Dusty asked.
“My brother. He’s a champ.”
“He’s welcome to try,” Zach said, “as long as he signs the disclaimer. You remember Chad’s accident last year, don’t you?”
“Yes. But honestly, Zach, I think Harper’s a better rider than Chad.”
Zach snorted. “I beg to differ, but he can try if he wants to.”
“I’ll definitely speak to him about it,” she said. Then, “I’d love to get together for lunch and catch up. Are you free today?”