Harlequin Special Edition March 2018 Box Set 2 of 2 by Brenda Harlen

Author:Brenda Harlen
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488094347
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER NINE

The first annual Clearville Cowboy Days was in full swing by the time the sun started sinking behind the horizon, painting the sky with a pinkish-orange hue. Warm summer air carried the sound of laughter and, as long as the wind wasn’t coming from the arena, the mouthwatering scent of smoky barbecue. Along with the draw of the rodeo, walkways led toward a fenced-off petting zoo and a carnival-style midway lined with cheesy stuffed-animal prizes. Bells and whistles rang out mixed with groans and cheers from the spectators gathered around the games.

“I still can’t believe this turnout.”

“Yeah, it’s impressive,” Jamison responded, trying to match his friend’s enthusiasm as he, Ryder and Lindsay dodged the boisterous crowds checking out the Rockin’ R benefit rodeo.

“The chamber of commerce has worked with Jarrett Deeks and his wife, Theresa, on the event,” Lindsay chimed in. “The hope is to raise money and awareness for their horse rescue, but it’s also a chance for Clearville to shine.”

“A chance for you to shine,” Ryder told his fiancée with a proud smile that had Lindsay shaking her head.

“Theresa and Jarrett already had much of this in place before I moved back and came on board. They’re the ones who deserve credit.”

“Says the woman who’s been working tirelessly on promotion and sponsorship and vendors—”

“All right, all right! I’ll take some credit if it’ll make you hush up!”

“I bet you can think of better ways to shut me up,” Ryder challenged with a suggestive lift to his eyebrows.

“You do realize other people can hear you, right?” Jamison’s pointed comment had his friend grinning even more unrepentantly while Lindsay gave his shoulder a quick shove.

“You’re crazy, you know that?”

“Only about you.”

At that, Lindsay showed she did indeed know how to shut Ryder up as she rose onto her tiptoes to keep his mouth occupied with a kiss.

Jamison jerked his gaze away to focus on a trio of dusty cowboys, complete with hats, chaps and bandannas, laughing with a group of wide-eyed, flirty girls, none of whom looked old enough for all the makeup they were wearing, let alone the beers they were drinking.

All in all, Jamison felt as out of place as…well, a corporate lawyer at a rodeo.

But it wasn’t the retro Wild West setting that had him feeling so uncomfortable. It was playing third wheel to Ryder and Lindsay, an unnecessary cog to the obvious affection and attraction between them.

“Are you sure the kids are okay going off by themselves?”

“They’re fine, Dad,” Ryder teased.

Lindsay’s response was more sympathetic. “I know Robbie, Tyler and Brayden are still young,” she said, referring to her son and his two cousins, “but they’re good boys. They’ll keep an eye on Hannah, and the carnival games are all being run by locals who’ll watch out for them, too.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.”

He’d worried about Hannah’s reaction to the loud noises, huge animals and large crowd, but his concerns had been misplaced. After little more than a brief hesitation, Hannah had taken off with the boys, leaving Jamison feeling…bereft.

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