Free Rodeo Queen by T. J. Kline

out of the water. “Besides, you’re repeating your insults.”
    She glared at him as she stepped out before shoving him out the way, ignoring his laughter as he walked behind her back to the trailer. Jake led the way and stepped through the doorway, but stopped so suddenly that Sydney ran into his immobile form. He let out a low whistle as he looked inside the trailer.
    He turned and faced them both. “Does this mean I’m heading out to pick up breakfast?”
    Sydney’s eyes met Scott’s, and neither bothered to contain the laughter that burst from within.
    “J AKE, GET THOSE horses in the trailer.” Scott’s shout echoed across the empty rodeo arena.
    Sydney rode up on Dakota. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come along?”
    “No, we need those other horses exercised before we head out.”
    “Fine,” she answered tersely as she turned the horse and rode toward the arena.
    Scott shook his head as he watched her departure from his side mirror. He’d thought that after this morning they’d be able to call a truce, but she hadn’t spoken to him while they cleaned up the mess in the trailer. He knew he was partially to blame. He’d allowed himself to get carried away this morning. But she looked so tempting in nothing but a t-shirt, her long legs bare to her shorts. He knew she was nervous about meeting everyone on the ranch later, and he probably should’ve allowed her on this first trip and gotten the instructions over with, but it was taking every ounce of control to be around her without kissing her senseless. And he was doubtful that being locked in a truck with her for the five-hour round trip was going to help any.
    This morning after a sleepless night on the couch, he’d tried to do something nice and make her breakfast, but that only ended up with him needing a cold shower. Not that he’d entertained any ulterior motives like crawling into bed with her. He barely contained a groan at the thought. It was worth it for just a moment when he held her body pressed against his. He hadn’t realized how a punishment could be so doubled-edged until he decided to give her the dunking she deserved. She’d looked so tantalizing as she stood from the water, her shirt clinging to her, he could just imagine how it would feel to hold her without the barriers of clothing. He shook his head to rid him of his reckless thoughts. The last thing I need , he thought adamantly, is to get involved with someone like her, like Liz.
    Just the thought of the tall, waifish blond brought back the pain of her betrayal. He found out sooner than most cowboys that a rodeo queen’s beauty, especially Liz’s, was only skin deep. Looking back, he could see where she’d manipulated him. It had been easy, since he’d been so taken in by her looks that he’d forgotten how spoiled Mike’s daughter had become when she returned to the ranch after college.
    All he’d seen was her emerald eyes and long silken blonde hair; she was like an angel on Earth. Before she’d headed off to school, she’d always been the annoying girl that constantly pestered him and his best friend, Kurt. Once she’d returned fully developed after her first year, both men had vied for her attention. She had mastered the art of flirtation, but Scott was attracted to her vulnerability, as if only he could shelter her from the rest of the world. He liked being her knight. And the first time they’d made love had been initiated by her desire for him to hold and protect her. With professions of love, they were soon engaged. Everyone on the ranch was happy; it finally looked as if the two families would join in more than just business. Even Kurt was happy for them—or so he thought.
    Arriving home from a trip to purchase cattle a day earlier than planned, he’d hoped to surprise Liz. He searched the house for her, and when he didn’t find her he’d assumed that she must have gone shopping with his sister, maybe making more wedding plans. Scott made his way