The moment the ball left his hand, he knew exactly where it was going. He didn’t have to hear Adam’s yell or the splash to know he’d hit the target. He also got a round of applause.
Taking off the blindfold, he tucked it in his pocket, stepped out of line and joined his brothers. “Guess it wasn’t much of a handicap, after all.”
“Yeah, we know.” Monty smiled. “You just can’t help being cool.”
“Luis?”
He glanced in the direction of a voice he recognized all too well. His eager heart thumped faster. “Hey, Jordan.”
She made her way through the crowd toward him. Her white T-shirt with the running horse logo ballooned out from her slim body but she’d worn it anyway. Endearing. The white H&H cap looked adorable, too.
Her enthusiastic adoption of his family’s cause added another layer of attraction. Obviously he wouldn’t have to go looking for her, though. He greeted her with a smile. “How are you liking the celebration so far?”
Her answering smile encompassed him and his brothers. “It’s great. That was a neat trick with the blindfold.”
“You saw that?”
“He’s the best pitcher Mustang Valley’s ever seen, or ever will, most likely.” Rio puffed out his chest. “He took the Mustangs to the state championship two years in a row.”
“Really?” She gave him an assessing look. “That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
“Because my brother doesn’t brag, so I have to do it for him. I’m Rio. You must be Jordan.”
“Guilty as charged.”
“That’s Monty.” Rio pointed. “And Zay. Monty’s the vet for H&H and Zay created that awesome horse float for the parade.”
Jordan nodded. “That was incredible. I’ve heard several folks talking about that horse.”
“That’s nice to hear.” Zay blushed.
“They’re speculating on how you can possibly top that.”
“I already told him how.” Rio stuck his hands in his pockets and tilted back on his bootheels. “Two running horses.”
“That would be breathtaking.”
“We’ll see.”
She’d completely charmed his brothers. And him. He needed to get her alone before he totally lost perspective. “I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m ready for something to drink. Plus I owe Jordan one.”
“By all means get something to drink,” Monty said. “While you’re gone, the rest of us can look awesome knocking over milk bottles and busting balloons.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Zay chuckled. “Every year I think I’m gonna show up my big brother and every year I get my ass whipped.”
He smiled. “Maybe this is the year.”
“Not after that blindfold trick. Jordan, do us a favor and get this cowboy out of here.”
“Be glad to. Now that I think about it, I’m really thirsty.”
“Then let’s do something about that.” He tipped his hat to his brothers. “See you guys later.”
She fell into step beside him and tossed a nice to meet you over her shoulder.
“Nice meeting you, too!” Rio called out as they walked away.
Jordan lowered her voice. “Do you really want something to drink or was that an excuse?”
