Read Online Boots and Buckles by Myla Jackson - Free Book Online Page A

“Good morning.”
    And the day began with a knotted stomach, a temporarily satisfied itch and a host of possibilities.

Chapter Six
    Sam tossed his saddle into the storage bin, brushed Dakota and ran inside the trailer to wash up. Ten o’clock was fast approaching and he wanted to meet Mona for coffee. He hoped she remembered.
    After running a quick comb through his hair, he slipped into a clean shirt and hurried for the door, grabbing his cowboy hat from the hook on the wall.
    Grant met him at the bottom of the stairs. “In a hurry?”
    “I promised Mona I’d meet her for coffee this mornin’ at ten.”
    His partner’s jaw tightened and he stood back as Sam dropped down out of the trailer. “We need to be in place by one o’clock.”
    “I’ll be back by eleven thirty.”
    “Good.” Grant threw his brush into the storage area.
    As Sam climbed into his truck, Grant threw over his shoulder. “Careful you don’t lose your concentration. Today’s the big day.”
    “I won’t lose mine.” Sam shot a look at Grant. “Question is, will you?”
    “I’m good.” Grant’s lips thinned. “And Sam…”
    “Yeah.” Sam jammed the key into the ignition and paused, waiting for Grant to continue.
    “We’ve got five more stops on this rodeo circuit before we’re done.”
    “I know.”
    “Just don’t want you to get hurt.”
    “I won’t.” Sam twisted the key and the diesel truck’s engine roared to life, drowning out any further conversation. He leaned out the window, a grin spreading across his face. Danged if he wasn’t happier than a pig in a sty. “I really like her. She’s different.”
    When he shifted into reverse, he could have sworn Grant muttered, “I know.” He looked back at his friend and partner, but Grant had already turned away.
    This was Sam’s first Tri-County rodeo in Temptation, Texas. It wasn’t Grant’s. Did Grant know Mona from the last time he’d been there?
    Sam made a mental note to ask him when he got back. Or maybe he’d ask Mona. In the meantime, he had a coffee date with the woman. His foot slammed the accelerator as soon as he pulled out on the highway. Ten minutes later he parked in front of the Shear Safari Hair Studio, his palms damp, his heart racing like a teen on his first date.
    All because he was going to see Mona. What was it he found so interesting about her? Sure she was sexy and great in bed, but what else? She didn’t take any guff from randy cowboys, she liked to dance and have a good time. Working at the Ugly Stick Saloon built character, and she never failed to smile at her customers. Yeah, she was special and Sam wanted to get to know her a whole lot better.
    This was the first time since he’d left North Dakota, hell, the first time he’d ever considered dating a woman more than a couple casual dates or one-night-stands. He’d been too busy earning money to put his sister through school. Now that she needed him less and less, he could pursue a real relationship.
    He stepped through the glass door into the shop, an acrid scent stinging his nostrils even before he could open his mouth to say hello.
    “Have a seat, Charli, I’ll be just a minute,” Mona called out from around a corner.
    Sam heard the sound of running water and voices, one of them Mona’s. A minute later, a woman wearing a towel on her head emerged from behind a wall, followed by Mona.
    Sam scraped off his cowboy hat and grinned. “Hey.”
    Mona’s eyes widened and a smile graced her lips. “Oh, it’s you.” She blushed, her cheeks a pretty rosy hue.
    “Wowza,” the woman said. “You two know each other?”
    “Uh, yes, we do.” Mona waved a hand toward Sam. “Sam, this is Lacey Lambert. Lacey, Sam Whitefeather.”
    “ The Sam Whitefeather? Of the Sam and Grant roping team?”
    Sam nodded. “That would be me.”
    Lacey patted her towel turban. “Dang, he’s a hottie. Where’d you hook up with him?”
    Mona patted the swivel chair and Lacey sat. “At the Ugly Stick