Free Certified Cowboy by Rita Herron Page B

bareback riding, bull riding, barrel racing and cow penning.”
    A buzz of excitement rippled through the room as the boys began to chatter about the events.
    Johnny met Rachel’s gaze across the room and noticed a hesitant look in her eyes. She was going to stick around long enough for Kenny to take part, wasn’t she?
    A movement near the back caught his eye. Then he spotted Frank Dunham heading toward the back door.
    “I’ll coordinate with your counselors regarding a practice schedule and they’ll work with you on making your choices.” Johnny thanked them, then strode toward the back to catch Dunham. When they’d made it outside, he called his name.
    “Frank, I need to talk to you.”
    The man pivoted and paused on the steps. He was tall, with dirty blond hair, scars on his forearms and eyes that looked worn down and defeated.
    Johnny motioned for him to step aside so they couldn’t be heard by the campers who were chattering in excited voices about the events as they poured from the dining hall.
    “Dunham, we had some trouble up in the north pasture. Some fencing was cut and part of our stock got out.”
    A wary expression colored Dunham’s face. “And because I have a record, you think I did it?”
    Johnny shrugged. “I know you served time with Carter Flagstone, and he’s pretty pissed at me and Brandon.”
    “I do know Carter,” Dunham said, tilting his chin, his eyes teeming with anger. “But I didn’t mess with your fence.”
    Johnny gritted his teeth. “Carter didn’t offer to pay you to sabotage our plans here?”
    Dunham squared his shoulders, fisting his hands so hard that his knuckles bulged. “You’ve got it all wrong,” Dunham said. “Carter told me about this place, but he did it as a favor.”
    “What do you mean, ‘a favor’?”
    Anguish lined the man’s face. “Since I was released, my wife won’t let me see my children. Carter thought if I helped out with the kids and proved myself, maybe the judge and my ex would change their minds.”
    Guilt nagged at Johnny. He understood the uphill battle in overcoming past mistakes. The entire premise of the BBL was built on aiding in that fight.
    “The last thing in the world I’d do is jeopardize the rodeo and what you’re doing for these children.” Dunham’s mouth flattened. “But if you don’t believe me, I’ll leave right now.”
    Johnny stared at him for a long minute. He did believe him. “No, that’s not necessary. But do me a favor. If you see anyone messing around, let me know.”

    R ACHEL AVOIDED J UNE W ARNER as she scooted through the crowded room to interview the boys. If the woman posted a picture of her or Kenny on the news, Rex would know where they were.
    Then they’d have to leave.
    The scent of hay and fresh-cut grass wafted around her, the clean, fresh air a reprieve from the hot kitchen and the odor of that cologne she’d detected in her cabin before lunch.
    She scanned the land near the riding pens as she approached, her nerves on edge as she remembered the panties shredded on her bed.
    Had Rex found her, or was that another one of Ricardo’s stunts?
    No…she’d heard Ricardo talking about being with Johnny in the north pasture to repair some fencing all afternoon.
    Maybe one of the other campers had played a joke?
    She prayed that was the answer, but she had to remain alert.
    Horses neighed and trotted across the field, enjoying their freedom, their manes dancing in the wind. A pang of longing mushroomed inside her. For the past two years she’d felt trapped, as if she was in a prison of her own.
    Several riding pens had been built side by side with connecting chutes and corrals for use in the rodeo events. Johnny led a dark brown stallion from the barn, the animal’s regal stance reminding her of Johnny himself. Big, strong, tough, invincible.
    An amazing animal.
    An amazing man.
    Stop it, Rachel. Just because he’s been nice to Kenny doesn’t mean you should fall for him. You’re a woman