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“I wonder if they’re really as tough as they say.”

“Me too.” Finn’s interest was piqued. His apple was forgotten as he tossed it aside. “I don’t know much about them, but usually the Mexican fighting bulls are more squirrelly than other breeds. I do know Blevins is particular about his stock.”

“Particular, how?” Dolly asked.

“He doesn’t let anyone handle the bulls but his own guys,” Finn said. “Says they’re too temperamental for the average Joe.”

“Which guys?”

“Hector, Taylor, and Ryan.”

Bingo.Nash tried to conceal his excitement.

“Taylor Keating?” Dolly said faintly.

“Yeah, your sister’s sweetie. He’s got a way with bulls.”

“And bullshit,” she muttered.

“Hector Ortiz is from Jaripeo, right? I figured he’d know his own bulls. But Ryan Chester is originally from Rocky Ridge out of Canada, right?” Nash asked.

Finn scratched his chin. “I don’t know. Ryan’s been working for the UPRC for as long as I’ve been here. I don’t really know him or Hector all that well. Maybe we could ask them for tips on riding those devils.”

“Good idea,” Nash said.

“Anyway, I’m sorry I interrupted you guys. I could come back in a half hour. Would that give you two enough time?”

Dolly exhaled a shuddering breath. “We should go,” she muttered, her words as unsteady as her steps as she nearly ran out of the barn. That wasn’t like the Dolly he had come to know. She didn’t get embarrassed easily, at least he didn’t think so. Besides, it was just a kiss. They hadn’t gottenthatcarried away.He shrugged at Finn, who tugged on the string to return the barn to darkness.

“Are you all right?” Nash said, hurrying to catch up with Dolly.

“Fine. Just fine.”

“I’m sure Finn’s not going to say anything.”

She gave a bitter laugh. “Of course he is. Bull riders gossip worse than old ladies. But that’s okay. I’m sure Pat has already gotten the ball rolling on that news.”

“Well, at least Finn didn’t think we were snooping around.”

“No, he thought we were screwing around.”

“Well,” Nash said. “To be fair. We were.”

He should be focusing on Jackson Blevins. Instead, his mind replayed the softness of Dolly’s lips, the desperate grip of her fingers, and the way her body had pressed against his—no, this was not the time for distractions. “Look, maybe I was out of line with the kiss…” he began.

She whirled on him. “No, that’s not it. I liked it. The kiss.”

He was pleasantly surprised. “Then why are you running like your tail’s on fire?”

Folding her arms in front of her, Dolly bit her lip. “I just don’t like an audience.”

“Are you sure that’s all that’s bothering you?” he asked, stroking his fingers down her cheek.

“I guess I’m just tired. It’s been a long day. And tomorrow is gearing up to be a longer one.”

That was true. They walked back to her Winnebago in silence.

“Do you think the coast is clear?” he asked.