The Cowboy Next Door

The spectators’ applause competed with the industrial-sized fans, which moved stagnant air through the building and kept the temperature at a steady eighty-five degrees—not bad considering the thermometer outside hovered at one-hundred-five.

“Yuma is the only town in Arizona to put on a rodeo the last Saturday in the month of August.” The crowd noise grew deafening. “This event is for bull riders only, but be sure to stay afterward for the legendary chuck wagon races. Let’s have a round of applause for our sponsors, the Yuma Main Street Merchants Association.”

Shannon caught C.J. watching her. He wanted her to lose and his steady stare squeezed her like a vise, crushing her chest until she couldn’t draw any air into her lungs.

“Take a deep breath and relax.” Johnny’s quiet voice broke the tension in her body and her lungs opened enough to suck in a gulp of oxygen. “Don’t worry about Rodriguez.” He grasped her hand. “Concentrate on your ride.”

“Folks, we got ourselves fifteen of the toughest rodeo athletes in the Southwest ready to ride fifteen of the meanest, orneriest bulls on the circuit.”

Johnny released her hand, and she resisted the urge to cling to his fingers—leaning on him was a sign of weakness. The only person she could rely on when the chute opened was herself. Gathering her courage, she studied the bulls.

Shannon zeroed in on Heat Miser’s rear hooves. Every few seconds the bull kicked the rails, causing Shannon’s adrenaline to spike. Her heart rate sped up and her mouth watered—she could taste how much she wanted to even the score with C.J.

Music blasted over the sound system as the JumboTron played clips of bull rides from previous rodeos. “Before our competition begins, let me introduce southern Arizona’s famous rodeo couple!” Shannon and C.J. waved to the crowd.

“Shannon Douglas hails from Stagecoach, Arizona, and next to her is our hometown legend C. J. Rodriguez!”

The giant video screen zoomed in on Shannon and C.J., and she forced a smile. C.J. blew kisses at the camera and the women in the stands screamed wildly.

“Sponsored by Dynasty Boots, Shannon and C.J. are traveling the country, promoting women’s roughstock events. For those who don’t know, Shannon is in the running this year for the prestigious title of Cowgirl of the Year.”

When the applause died down, the announcer said, “Place your bets, folks! It’s cowgirl against cowboy. Who’s gonna come out on top in today’s ride-off?”

The crowd went crazy.

Shannon heard several shouts for her name but a whole lot more for C.J.’s. There would always be fans who believed women didn’t belong in roughstock events. Most of Shannon’s supporters were her competitors who respected talent—female or male made no difference.

“Did you do your research on Heat Miser?” Johnny asked when Shannon dropped back to the ground.

“He kicks twice, spins then kicks again before he comes out of the spin.” She’d watched the bull perform at a rodeo in Alamosa, Colorado, which was both helpful and not so helpful. Knowing what she was up against before the gate opened wasn’t the least bit reassuring.

“Folks, Rodriguez will ride Gigolo.” The announcer chuckled. “Seein’ how they’re both ladies’ men, C.J. and Gigolo ought to get along swell.”

Shannon ignored the raucous laughter, tired of the lewd jokes that went hand in hand with her and C.J.’s fake romance. Johnny walked a few feet away to gain a better view of C.J.’s ride.

“It’s a fact that Shannon’s bull, Heat Miser, is rated higher than C.J.’s, but you can never tell with a bull. Let’s see if this cowboy makes it to eight.”

C.J. sat on Gigolo’s back and made a big production out of fussing with the bull rope, and then the fun began.

The bull’s rhythmic bucking pattern—two kicks, a spin then two more kicks—made C.J. look like a superstar. When the buzzer rang he waved his hat at the crowd before dismounting.

Show-off.

C.J. landed on both feet, then faced Shannon’s chute and bowed.

“Another stellar ride by one of the best cowboys on the circuit!”

When Johnny appeared at Shannon’s side, she said, “Thanks for being here.”

“You’re ready.” He straightened her Kevlar vest and she wished those strong arms would pull her close for a hug. Instead, she gathered strength from the confidence in his voice.

“Don’t lean too far forward. Heat Miser is famous for butting heads with his riders.”

Mean bulls didn’t care for anyone on their backs and it didn’t make a bit of difference if the rider was female or male. Shannon adjusted her leather glove, then put one boot on the rail. C.J.’s voice stopped her cold.

“Better hold tight, Douglas, or that bull will stomp your head!”

Shannon placed her boot back on the ground. “Is that any way to treat your better half?” she said, loud enough to turn heads.

Johnny stiffened next to her, but she kept her eyes on C.J. This was part of the show—their love-hate relationship. Dynasty Boots wanted fans to believe they were a warring couple—fiercely competitive during the rodeo then wildly passionate for each other afterward.

C.J. smiled for the cameras. “You’ll never make it to eight, Douglas.”

Johnny stepped between them. “Give her some breathing room, Rodriguez.”

“Jealous, Cash?” C.J. nodded to Johnny’s clothes. “I see you’re dressing like your namesake.”

“You got a problem with my name, Rodriguez?”

“Yeah, it’s stupid.”

“If you don’t have anything nice to say...” Johnny smirked. “You know...shut your mouth.”

C.J.’s gaze cut to Shannon. “Is Cash doing all your talking for you now?”

She cringed when she saw their images on the JumboTron. “Back off, C.J.”

“You think I’m afraid of a country-western wannabe?” C.J. puffed out his chest.

Johnny bumped the brim of his Stetson against C.J.’s. “You heard the lady. Back off.”

“Make me.”

Before Shannon realized Johnny’s intent, he swung his fist, catching C.J. across the jaw and knocking him backward. The group of onlookers steadied C.J. before thrusting him toward Johnny.

C.J. threw the next punch, catching Johnny across the cheek, but Johnny kept his balance and took another swing at C.J. The shorter man ducked, then pushed Johnny to the ground, where they rolled in the dirt.