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Tell me what’s going on in yours. Did you talk to that boy yet?”
    Jessica had told Viola about Conner during her last visit with the woman before leaving for New York City. She’d been bursting at the seams wanting to talk about him, and since most of her friends from high school or community college were wrapped up in their own lives she hardly talked to them anymore. Of course, she didn’t tell Viola where she’d met him—she wasn’t ready to discuss her sexual proclivities with anybody, least of all her older friend.
    “Yes, actually, I did. But it didn’t go quite like I expected.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Jessica winced as she recalled Conner’s face. “He happened along when I was trying to deal with an ornery subcontractor. They’re the guys from each farm who handle the bulls. Anyway, this guy is a real jerk. He wasn’t cooperating with me, giving me the information I need, so I threatened to disqualify his bulls. Well, he didn’t like that idea at all and grabbed my arm.”
    “He did what?”
    “It wasn’t that big a deal. Things like that happen sometimes.”
    “Did you report him?”
    “No. If I reported every guy who said or did something offensive I’d be reporting half the contractors on tour. It’s just part of life here.” She could feel Viola’s disapproval through the phone line, so she plowed ahead. “Anyway, Conner made me show him my arm. He got this look in his eye and I thought maybe he’d ask me out, but then he turned tail and ran. I don’t know what to think now. He seemed almost… I don’t know, angry or something.”
    “That I can’t help you with. I never know what men are thinking. If I did maybe I’d be married right now.” Jessica made a dismissive noise and Viola laughed.
    “Those men don’t know what they’re missing.”
    “So what’re you gonna do now?”
    “I don’t know. I guess wait and see how he reacts the next time I see him.”
    “Probably as good a plan as any.”
    “Listen, I should go. It’s late and I’m tired. The first event is always kind of crazy with everybody getting used to new rules, new staff…”
    “You take care of yourself, you hear?”
    “I promise.”
    Jessica ended the call and tossed the phone on the bed. Flopping down next to it, she blew out a loud breath. Why did Conner act so strangely around her? She resolved to find out.

Chapter Three
     
    Conner felt bowed up like a Halloween cat. He couldn’t get the look on Jessica’s face out of his mind. Muttering to himself, he wiped the rosin off his bull rope for about the hundredth time.
    “Buddy, you all right?” Brady asked from his spot next to him.
    “No,” Conner admitted.
    “You wanna talk about it?”
    “Not right now.”
    “Okay. Well, I’m here. You know that.” He squeezed Conner’s shoulder and went back to preparing his own rope.
    “Thanks, man.” He was grateful Brady hadn’t pushed. In the mood he was in right now he just might spill his guts. He knew Brady would understand. Hell, when it came down to it he doubted Brady would even be shocked.
    This is some seriously fucked-up shit. I gotta talk to somebody before my damn head blows off.
    He turned to Brady. “I know you’re tired, but could you see your way clear to having a drink with me tonight?”
    “Of course I can. Something going on that I should know about, dude?”
    Brady must’ve sensed how fucked up he was to agree so quickly. Conner sighed. “Look, man, I don’t wanna scare you. I’m not gonna off myself or anything like that. I’m…confused about something and it’s eating me alive.”
    “No problem, bud.” They finished their work in silence and made their way to the chutes. Conner set to watching the competitors, steadfastly ignoring everything else around him. The last thing he needed was a pint-sized, big-breasted distraction. His finely honed competitive sense led him to an 88 that night and he took down sixth place. Better than getting bucked off.
    Later