“Shame. Now, go, before you lose your nerve.”

She gazed up at him, and for one sizzling moment, all the noise and laughter and booming country music faded away. Her heart thundered, and blood roared in her ears, as they shared a searing connection.

She wanted to cup his strong jaw, run her fingers over his lips. She wanted to see his eyes go lazy with lust.

But he broke the spell. “Go on and show us what you’ve got.”

Right. Turning back to the bull, she grabbed the rope and swung her leg over the saddle. Seated, she got a solid grip, then motioned for them to hit the joystick.

This time, she’d concentrate. She’d drop the fear and self-consciousness. So, when it started moving, she focused on moving her hips in time with the rocking. Her neck and back jolted, snapped, but she thought about Brodie’s advice. She dug her heels into the rawhide and let her upper body flap like a flag in the wind.

I’m doing it.

I might not be sexy, but I’m fierce.

And then the speed increased, and the bull whipped first in one direction, then back in the other.

That’s okay. I got this.

She pumped her arm, making an attempt at some kind of cowboy call, but even she knew it came out weird. But, whatever, she was riding the bull. Rolling her hips.

She was killing it.

And then, before she knew what happened, she was sailing—the breath caught in her lungs—and landing on her hip. She couldn’t control the laughter that exploded out of her.

Brodie crouched beside her. “Now that was sexy.”

“The way I’m sprawling on the floor?”

“The way you put yourself out there.” He cupped her chin. “You’re fearless.”

Little bits of happiness pattered on her heart like warm summer rain, drenching her parched soul. She got up and bowed for the onlookers, loving it when they clapped and hooted for her.

Just as Brodie started to lead her away, she stopped, grabbed his wrist, and lifted it. “Who wants to see Brodie Bowie ride this thing?”

“Hey, now.” Brodie’s voice was low in her ear. “I’m not the one who’s got something to prove.”

She gave his rock-hard body a push. “Don’t be scared now, you big bruiser. The fall’s not that bad.”

“It’s been a long time since we had a Bowie ride,” the MC called. “Come on, y’all. Help me get Brodie up here.”

“Brodie, Brodie, Brodie…” The roar was deafening, and Rosalina laughed when she saw his expression. Suffice it to say he wasn’t pleased.

She made her way out to the other side of the barrier and watched while Brodie sliced a hand through the air, and the bull started moving.

“Oh, this is going to be good.” Skylar watched, enthralled.