A Rodeo Man's Promise by Marin Thomas

Author:Marin Thomas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2011-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Let the good times roll. The Roller Coaster will lift you up 203 feet, drop you down 144 feet at speeds up to 67 mph. Simulating a jet fighter’s barrel roll, you’ll turn 180 degrees, hang 86 feet in the air, take the famous “heartline” twist and dive and get your negative G’s on! Enjoy the rush!

Rush? How about heart attack?

“We’ve got an odd number of riders,” Riley said when he returned. Before Maria volunteered to sit out, he asked, “Who wants to ride alone?”

“Me.” Cruz raised his hand in the air.

As the line snaked through the turnstiles, Maria said, “Are you sure this is a good idea right before you compete?”

Riley smiled. “You’re scared.”

Of course she was frightened! Any sane person would be leery of riding a roller coaster that zigzagged through a miniature New York City.

“You won’t fall out.” Riley slipped his arm around her and Maria resisted hugging him back. “I’ll keep you safe.”

When their turn came to board the coaster, Maria chose the inside seat and checked twice to make sure the harness and lap belt were secured then she closed her eyes and focused on the seductive scent of Riley’s cologne.

“You’re not going to keep your eyes shut the entire ride, are you?” he asked.

“Yes, I am.”

“If you’re this scared, why did you agree to ride the coaster?”

“I didn’t want to disappoint the boys.” And I didn’t want you to think I was a boring person.

The taxicab lurched forward and another group boarded. A few seconds later the attendant’s voice bellowed over the intercom. “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare for the ride of your life. Please remain seated until your taxicab returns to the station.” A whistle blew. “See you back here in two minutes and forty-five seconds!”

The cars climbed the track, and Maria clutched the shoulder harness until her fingers hurt. The boys raised their hands in the air, shouting dares at each other. As the taxicab neared the summit Maria took in the aerial view of the south end of the strip, where Las Vegas Boulevard met Tropicana Avenue.

The sight lasted only a few seconds before the car plummeted one hundred and forty-four feet, sending her stomach slamming into her throat. Maria became a human pinball as the coaster hung her upside down then flung her through loops and corkscrew turns. She prayed the operator would cut the ride short but the blasted whirlwind experience lasted a lifetime before the train’s brakes jerked the ride to a stop inside Grand Central Station.

“Man, that was awesome!” Victor said.

“You hung on when we were upside down,” Cruz accused Alonso.

“No way, dude, I let go…for a second.” The boys laughed.

Despite the little aches and twinges—souvenirs from the ride—Maria basked in the moment, enjoying the boys’ excitement. For the first time since she’d met the teens they acted like typical seventeen-year-olds—friends bantering good-naturedly. A nice change from their usual threatening scowls and I-dare-you glares.

“Did you like the ride, Ms. Alvarez?” Victor asked.

“Awesome.” Maria ignored Riley’s chuckle in her ear.

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