A Bull Rider To Depend On

“Because this works for both of us. Skye gets out from under the debt and I get a place to put my money.”

“And a place to live.”

“The best part of all.” He raised his chin as the chute across the pen opened and a young riderless bull charged out, twisting and bucking. “He has potential.”

“That he does. I like the new lines Hennessey is breeding.”

So did Tyler, although he’d be retired from riding before most of the young stock was ready to buck for real. Once the young bull had disappeared through the gate and the crew started loading another, Tyler shot his brother a look. “You know that I’m grateful that you gave me a roof. I’d do the same for you.”

“If things don’t start looking up, that may happen sooner than you think.”

Jess’s job wasn’t all that stable, which was one reason he was living as cheaply as possible, and in Ty’s way of thinking, that opened up opportunity. “Then you can try your luck on the circuit guilt free. You aren’t shirking your duty. Your duty shirked you.”

Jess was not impressed with his brother’s argument. “Look.” He paused, and Tyler prepared himself for the lecture. “Look” followed by a silence meant something important was about to be imparted.

“Don’t do anything to mess up Skye’s life. She’s had enough trouble.”

Tyler waited for the rest. Nothing. He tilted his head, frowning a little. “Do you honestly think I want to mess up Skye’s life?”

“I know you’re irritated at her for thinking the worst of you.”

“Totally guilty.” He looked back across the arena as a bull came down the alleyway. “But I see this as an investment and a business proposition. If Skye’s life gets screwed up, so does mine.”

Chapter Six (#u9b1a17c3-f462-500b-8da8-c2eea914ba01)

Skye felt numb as she left the lawyer’s office a little less than two weeks after Tyler had made his proposal to her. This is the lesser of two evils. It was either go into partnership with Tyler, hope for a miracle—which hadn’t worked out all that well so far—or lose the ranch a little at a time.

“Cheer up,” Tyler said, lightly tapping her on the arm with the rolled-up papers he carried as they walked together down the tiled hallway toward the exit. “I’m back on the circuit in a week. You’ll barely see me.”