The giant man starts to turn, and when I finally see his face, I know it’s really Bronco. My stomach drops as my heart races. Every part of me reacts to the sight of him. His dark eyes lock with mine, and my breath catches in my throat. Holy cow. He’s even more ruggedly handsome in person. Is that possible!?
We both stand there for a long moment just staring at each other. That is until my father snaps at me because I haven’t done what he told me to do.
“Come meet him.” Bronco has shifted to the side so I can now see my father. The cowboy glares at him, and whatever expression is on Bronco’s face has my father taking a step back.
“Tracy?” Bronco says as his attention shifts back toward me. For the first time in my life, my name actually sounds sexy. The way it rolls off his tongue with a rough twang makes my legs weak.
“Yeah, that’s me,” I manage to get out.
Why am I always so awkward? I don’t want to be Nina, but sometimes I wish I had some of her confidence when it came to men. Well, this man. One that has ruled way too many of my fantasies.
I’ve more than once brought up to my father how cool it would be if we could get Bronco to perform here. We could double ticket prices and people would pay it. It was a pipe dream idea that I never thought would happen. The Circle C Rodeo is so far under his tier. Once upon a time I thought maybe we’d work our way up, but each day that dream slips through the cracks that are forming all over this place.
Bronco clears the ten yards of space between us in a flash. For a big man, he can move so quickly and smoothly. It’s probably why he’s the best. Sometimes when I’ve watched him, it seemed as though he could even predict what was going to happen. It’s like he knew what the steer was going to do before it even did. Could he do that with people too? I pray he can’t.
“Bronco.” He holds his massive hand out to me, and I stare down at it for a second.
I fight a gasp when I finally get the nerve to hold my hand out, and his rough fingers engulf mine. The texture against my skin is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before, and I immediately want to know how it would feel in other places.
“She’s not dumb, just not great with social shit sometimes. She’s awkward, really,” my father says. It’s odd because on one hand he’s defending me, which is abnormal, but on the other he’s insulting me. Did he call me here just to embarrass me in front of Bronco? This is worse than the Trashy nickname. “She picks up on things quickly. I’m sure she can be taught,” my father adds, which is weird.
Bronco releases my hand and then rubs his temples. His eyes close, and I can see the veins in his neck start to protrude as his face turns redder. Call me crazy, but I don’t think he’s blushing. In fact, he’s getting pissed, and whatever he’s trying to do to calm himself down isn’t working.
“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be shy. I’m actually good with the crews that come in and out of here. I was just a bit starstruck is all. I can’t believe Bronco Layne is here at the Circle C Rodeo. I didn’t think you knew we existed, but I promise if you headline an event, I’m fully capable of handling everything that you’ll need,” I rush to say.
I’m thankful I don’t stutter over my words. This could be big for us, and I don’t need my father blaming me for losing us this opportunity.
“I’m not here to do a show.” He drops his hand from his face. Crap. “Can you do something for me?”
“Of course she can. Once we’re done with all the proper—'' Bronco levels my father with another stare that has him taking three steps back this time. I can tell I’m missing something. I’ve gotten good at reading my father when he’s trying to hide something from me, and that’s happening right now.
“What is it that you need?” I ask.
Again, when I speak, Bronco’s full attention swings back to me. It’s a strange sensation to both want it but it freaks me out when I’ve got it. Part of me wants to throw myself at him, and another wants to run. But I know one thing for sure: I’m not going to be a buckle bunny.
Not that I hold it against any of them. They can all do what they want, but seeing all the meaningless sex around me has jaded me, I think. Then again, losing my virginity to Bronco would be a hell of a way to lose it. Not that he’d even want it, but how could anyone ever follow him? I’d be ruined for life.