He lifted his cowboy hat and ran a hand over his short hair. “It’s honestly just blind trust. If my rosin isn’t right or the rope is worn, that’s what I think about, and my ride is shot. I need equipment I don’t have to think about.”
“So you stick to what’s earned your trust?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Would you say you trust the Agri-Corp equipment you’veused so far?” I needed a sound bite from him, no matter how hard I needed to not so subtly press for it.
“It does the job,” he shrugged. “We stick to what’s proven.”
Fair enough, I can cut the first part out and piece it together to sound a little more positive.
“Just one more question and I’ll let you get on your way,” I promised with my best friendly smile.
“Ah, take all the time you need, darlin’.”
I ignored the heat that rose to my cheeks and hoped he did too. “Your family is a rodeo legacy that carries on between you and your brothers. Being the oldest, is there any advice you give to your younger siblings before they ride?”
“Not a chance,” he said with a laugh. He threw his head toward his brothers, Alan and Dean, who were throwing ropes around fake calves behind the arena. “Those two haven’t been separated more than a minute since the womb.”
Billy snorted behind me.
“And Colt is too stubborn to listen to any advice.” He turned and waved, and I followed his gaze.
There, on the far edge of the arena, leaning on a fence, was Colton. He was wearing a faded gray t-shirt, jeans, and mud-caked boots. His hat was pulled low, casting a shadow over his face. He was talking to a petite woman with fiery red hair stuffed under a straw hat. She put her hands on his shoulders and kissed him.
I turned back to Jimmy and offered my hand. “Thank you, Jimmy. This is perfect. I appreciate you taking the time to talk to us today. We’ll see you around.”
He shook my hand and smiled. “My pleasure, Allegra. Imay be biased since my dad is on the board, but I think Agri-Corp is a great company, and I’m glad they were humble enough to ask for your help.”
Genuine kindness, just like his father.
“Where to now, Miss Ford?” Billy asked, her face bright pink with happiness.
I kept my gaze focused on the girl who had her hands on Colton’s waist, pulling at his belt. “Now, we interview the bronc rider with a ticket to the NFR.”
Chapter Eight
“You’re joking!?” Martha practically screamed.
I pulled the phone away from my ear, trying to protect my hearing, and smiled. “Not even. It was ridiculous.”
I was in a small office below the announcer’s tower. The rodeo was going to start in ten minutes, and I needed to talk to someone about what had happened yesterday before it started.
The music was blasting outside, getting the crowd excited for the show. I leaned against the dusty wall.
“Okay, I’m sorry you have to start over. Jeff just walked in, and he’ll never believe me.” She paused. “Jeff, come here. Allegra has the craziest story! I’ll take my shirt off later, just listen!”
I rolled my eyes. They were disgustingly cute.
“Hey Allegra!” Jeff greeted me.
“Okay, go,” Martha commanded.
“So, I had to interview this cowboy for a promotional video-”
“Not just any cowboy, Jeff, the most gorgeous cowboy Allegra has ever seen,” she interrupted.
“I never said that!”
