“Yeah, that’s me,” I manage to get out.

Why am I always so awkward? I don’t want to be Nina, but sometimes I wish I had some of her confidence when it came to men. Well, this man. One that has ruled way too many of my fantasies.

I’ve more than once brought up to my father how cool it would be if we could get Bronco to perform here. We could double ticket prices and people would pay it. It was a pipe dream idea that I never thought would happen. The Circle C Rodeo is so far under his tier. Once upon a time I thought maybe we’d work our way up, but each day that dream slips through the cracks that are forming all over this place.

Bronco clears the ten yards of space between us in a flash. For a big man, he can move so quickly and smoothly. It’s probably why he’s the best. Sometimes when I’ve watched him, it seemed as though he could even predict what was going to happen. It’s like he knew what the steer was going to do before it even did. Could he do that with people too? I pray he can’t.

“Bronco.” He holds his massive hand out to me, and I stare down at it for a second.

I fight a gasp when I finally get the nerve to hold my hand out, and his rough fingers engulf mine. The texture against my skin is unlike anything I’ve ever felt before, and I immediately want to know how it would feel in other places.

“She’s not dumb, just not great with social shit sometimes. She’s awkward, really,” my father says. It’s odd because on one hand he’s defending me, which is abnormal, but on the other he’s insulting me. Did he call me here just to embarrass me in front of Bronco? This is worse than the Trashy nickname. “She picks up on things quickly. I’m sure she can be taught,” my father adds, which is weird.

Bronco releases my hand and then rubs his temples. His eyes close, and I can see the veins in his neck start to protrude as his face turns redder. Call me crazy, but I don’t think he’s blushing. In fact, he’s getting pissed, and whatever he’s trying to do to calm himself down isn’t working.

“I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be shy. I’m actually good with the crews that come in and out of here. I was just a bit starstruck is all. I can’t believe Bronco Layne is here at the Circle C Rodeo. I didn’t think you knew we existed, but I promise if you headline an event, I’m fully capable of handling everything that you’ll need,” I rush to say.

I’m thankful I don’t stutter over my words. This could be big for us, and I don’t need my father blaming me for losing us this opportunity.

“I’m not here to do a show.” He drops his hand from his face. Crap. “Can you do something for me?”