Free Roping the Wind by Kate Pearce Page B

leave.’
    ‘As long as it isn’t a lynching party, I’ll be OK.’
    Rob sat back and studied Jay’s face. ‘Thing is, you do look kind of familiar.’
    Jay’s stomach tightened. ‘Don’t say Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, or I’ll definitely have to leave.’
    Rob laughed. ‘You get that a lot, do you?’ He shook his head. ‘Nope, can’t see it myself but you are familiar.’
    Jay forced a smile. ‘I was on the rodeo circuit for a fair few years.’
    Rob slapped his hand on the worktop. ‘That’s right! Jay Turner. You were all set up to become world champion a few years ago. What happened with that?’
    Jay’s hand slid down to his right knee. ‘I got hurt. That’s what happened.’
    ‘It’s a tough old business.’ Rob shook his head. ‘I make boots for some of the guys on the tour and, jeez, some of them are going to pay for their moment in the spotlight for the rest of their lives.’
    Jay shrugged. ‘It’s part of the deal.’
    ‘But no one expects to get sidelined before they want to go, right?’
    Jay tensed but there was no sympathy in Rob’s voice, only a friendly interest. He met Rob’s gaze head-on.
    ‘I’ve been told I have no chance to compete at a professional level again and yeah, it sucks. Now I just have to figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life.’
    ‘And you think that might be making cowboy boots?’
    Jay picked up a scrap of tan leather from the worktop and smoothed it between his finger and thumb. ‘I’ve always loved working with leather. My grandfather made his own boots and I used to sit and watch him for hours. On the rodeo circuit I got used to fixing my gear and gained some skill along the way.’
    Rob nodded. ‘Yeah, sometimes the best way to learn is on the job.’
    ‘I suppose it is but I always wanted to learn properly. I figured I’d take it up when I retired.’ He cracked a smile. ‘I got my wish sooner than I expected and started doing more complex leatherwork at the physical rehab place in Oregon.’ He shrugged. ‘They told me I had to do something or they were going to force me to learn how to crochet.’
    Rob chuckled and slapped his hand on the worktop.
    Jay put the scrap of tanned calfskin down. ‘That’s why I’m here. I’ve always been fascinated by the history of cowboy boots and I want to make mine special and unique. I heard you were the best teacher on the West Coast.’
    ‘Thanks for the compliment.’ Rob sat forward. ‘I can teach you. I have an adult class in the evenings you can join and, if you like it, we can take it from there.’ Rob got to his feet and went to his desk, then returned with his business card. ‘Leave me your details and if you’re connected to the web, you can enroll online. It’s real easy.’
    Jay stood too and realized that Rob was almost the same height as him.
    ‘Thanks for seeing me.’
    ‘It was a pleasure. Watch out for the cops on the way out.’
    Jay grinned as he made his way back down the hall. He already liked Rob Wilton’s no-nonsense attitude. It suited him just fine. He was going to be treated just like any other guy and judged on his skill rather than for how long he could sit on a bull. After months of uncertainty he realized it was a challenge he was more than ready to take.
    He remembered to wave at Mrs Rettle as he left the building but she only scowled at him. He had to give her credit. Dealing with young adults all day certainly hadn’t dampened her dander. It might’ve made her a little paranoid, but, hell, teenagers were tough.
    He tipped the brim of his hat back to stare up at the clear blue sky. Life was definitely getting better. He had the opportunity to embark on a new career and the delight of dating Dr Helen. His pulse quickened as he thought of her. He’d call her tonight and see when he could meet her again.

Chapter Eight
    ‘So what’s the problem? I thought you’d jump at the chance to take Peter Hart’s job.’
    Helen put down her spoon and