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“Be my guest—just watch where you step.”

“What other animals are you going to have in the petting zoo?” Nash asked as they climbed into the pen.

Reba shrugged. “The usual. I’ve got a miniature horse, some rabbits, baby chicks and goats. Why?”

“Just gathering information. I wonder why Shelby didn’t mention it to me.”

“She might not have known,” Dolly said. “In my experience, Blevins doesn’t share a lot of information with her.”

“That’s part of the problem.”

Reba was called away on some veterinarian business, which left them alone with Donnan.

“Isn’t he just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?” Dolly gushed, reaching out to stroke the soft fur on Donnan’s head. The calf nuzzled against her hand, clearly enjoying the attention.

Nash simply grunted in response, his arms crossed over his chest as he observed the scene with a mix of amusement and annoyance. “Why a petting zoo?” he muttered, eyeing Donnan warily.

“Maybe he’s smuggling things in their pens?”

“It’s worth a look.” Nash sighed, uncrossing his arms and crouching down to get a closer look at Donnan. The calf eyed him curiously, sniffing at his outstretched hand before allowing Nash to pet him. “He’s cute—I’ll give you that.”

“Right? Now let’s take some photos and videos for your social media.” Dolly pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures, capturing candid shots of Nash and Donnaninteracting. “We want the fans to link you and Donnan together. He’s charming—you’re not.”

“Thanks,” Nash said dryly.

“But you can talk and interact with the fans and Donnan can’t. That makes you valuable to have around.”

Despite his earlier reluctance, Nash smiled as the calf playfully licked his hand.

“See? This isn’t so bad,” Dolly teased, her own grin widening as he continued to pose with the calf. “A little smiling wouldn’t hurt.”

“Smiling isn’t my style.”

“Try it on for size.” She circled them, capturing the moment. “It’ll be good for your image.”

“I thought all girls wanted a bad boy.”

“Bad boy, yes. Grumpy boy, no.”

His lips twitched, a reluctant smile forming.

“See? Not so hard.” Dolly clicked away. The contrast between the gruff man and the gentle creature was panty-melting and ovary-exploding.

“Are we done yet?”

“Not just yet.” She continued filming as Nash’s guard dropped, revealing a hint of warmth in his interactions with the calf. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to take your shirt off.”

“Fuck off,” he said good-naturedly.

It had been worth a shot.

But they were attracting attention. A few other bull riders in the area took notice. They sauntered over, smirking at the sight before them.

“Hey, Weaver!” one of them called out, chuckling as he leaned against the fence. “Looks like you found a bull more your speed, huh?”

“It might even let you ride him without bucking you off,” another added with a snort, causing the group to erupt into laughter.

“Back off, guys,” Dolly snapped. “Nash is trying something new for his fans. There’s nothing wrong with that.”