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“You are talking to the wrong people.”

“They are talking to me.” She laughed. “Apparently, I look like I am in need of some good but not-so-friendly advice.”

“Did you tell them I’m a reformed man?”

“Now there’s a news flash no one would be expecting.” She played with his hair at the nape of his neck. “I didn’t want to break their hearts thinking they still might have a chance when they don’t.”

“I’ll be a caught man come Sunday night.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m more interested in tonight. I’ve been promised a steak dinner by your granddad, baby and naughty stories by your mom and aunts, but my favorite thing I’m looking forward to is watching you ride—although I’m a bit worried I’ll scrunch my eyes shut. I also want to dance under the stars with you, so take care today.”

“I always take care.”

“I mean it, Bodhi. I want you in one piece. Ride safe.”

“I ride to win,” he said. “There is no riding safe.”

She sighed and leaned back against one of the metal fences and watched the queens file out. The roar of the crowd was deafening. Bodhi took a piece of her kettle corn, tossed it up, and caught it in his mouth.

“You promise to watch me.”

“Of course. But it’s pretty crowded in the stands. I see your granddad with a lot of people around him, and I don’t like crowds or tight spaces. Did you mean it when you said I could watch from back here?”

“Sure. All access means all access.” He winked, and she laughed.

“That would only add to your bad-boy reputation.”

“I’m a very good boy now,” he murmured in her ear, causing her stomach to flip excitedly. “I’ll prove it later. Now I’ll show you where you can watch. And if any cowboy tries to give you anything more than a few tips about how a ride is scored, remind him you’re taken.”

She laughed. “That so-called safety advice sounded way too sexual. You’re wearing your brace, aren’t you?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

“It will be fine, Nico.” He kissed her like he meant it and then reluctantly drew away. “I got to go get prepped. Make sure you watch the barrel racing—that’s intense. Lang used to dominate when she was a teen.”

“Sounds scary.”

“Scary?” he mocked. “It’s good, clean American entertainment.”

“Clean?” She wrinkled her nose. “It’s dirt, sawdust, sweat, and manure.”

He laughed. “Girl, I am going to have to work on your attitude.”

“I hope you do.”

“I intend to.” He led her to an aisle. “You can stand here and see most everything, and no animals will be coming and going through here. Just wear your pass.”

She noticed the paramedic truck.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I do this for a living, and I’m good. Besides, I intend to collect on the dances and so much more tonight.”

Nico enjoyed her perch from backstage. She could see most of the action, she had plenty of room, but the best part, she had Bodhi. She had imagined that once the rodeo started, she would be on her own and likely a little bored, as she’d never gravitated toward anything where she was a spectator.

But Bodhi was with her most of the time, sitting beside her on the fence and keeping up an entertaining and informative commentary that gave her an appreciation for the rules, rituals, and hard work defining each event. Sometimes he stood between her legs while she sat on the fence, which she loved because she could rest her hands on his shoulders and stroke down his arms. She was getting a little obsessed with the size and strength of his shoulders.

And more obsessed with him and enamored with this lifestyle.