Love All Out - The Complete Series (A Stepbrother Romance) Read Online Free PDF Page B

scanned the crowd and spotted Renee and James standing near the concession stand. I hadn’t expected to see James until the rodeo was over so his presence caught me off guard.
    Damn it! I haven’t checked my hair, or my makeup… Jesus, why am I so nervous? He’s just a man… a man I don’t even like, not really. But God he’s hot.
    James was even more attractive than I’d remembered. His arms and chest had filled out since high school and his chiseled face was browned by the sun.
    “Just breathe,” Matt whispered out of the corner of his mouth. He took my hand and we followed Daddy over to Renee and James.
    “I’m so glad you could make it,” Renee told us as we approached. “You all remember my son, James, don’t you?” She smiled and looped her arm through her son’s.
    “Yes, of course,” Daddy replied. He shook James’s hand. “It’s so good to see you. You’ve certainly grown up since the last time we met. I’m sure your mother is thrilled to have you home again. You remember Willow and Matt? I think they were a few years behind you in school.”
    James was stiff and seemed bothered by our presence. “I’m not sure we ever really met,” he answered dryly. He looked me up and down, as if he was surveying merchandise. Part of me wanted to slap his face, but part of me was flattered he was looking at me at all.
    “Well, you were a couple of years apart,” Renee said. “But I’m sure you’ll all become fast friends now. James, Willow and Matt are incredible with horses. You should all get together and go for a ride sometime.”
    “Maybe,” he replied with a hint of disdain in his voice. “Right now, I need to get to the stables and check on Seven. The roping will start soon and I need to make sure he’s ready.”
    Daddy whistled. “I didn’t realize that you rope as well. You’re a man of many talents, that’s impressive.”
    “Thank you, Mr. Rogers. I hope you all enjoy the show.” James nodded his head in goodbye and set off for the barn.
    “I was just about to get something to drink and find our seats,” Renee told us. “Would you all like anything?”
    “Please, let me,” Daddy insisted. We walked up to the concession stand and each ordered a soda. My Coke was flat and watery, but I was happy to have something to do with my hands other than fidget. Matt and I followed Renee and Daddy into the arena and I was surprised by how small the crowd was.
    “A lot of people show up late,” Renee explained, as if she was reading my mind. “The bull riders draw the biggest crowd. People will trickle in as the night goes on. Now, where are we…?” She pulled out her ticket. “Box four… it should be down here near the bull chute.”
    “Wow, we’re in a box?” Matt asked. “I guess I should have looked at my ticket. I’ve been psyching myself up to sit on hard bleachers.”
    Renee shook her head. “James is my only child, Matt. I like to be close so if something happens, I won’t have to fight the crowd to get to him. Oh look, Dale and Bradley are already here.”
    I groaned, but Matt was the only one who seemed to notice. We made our way to Box four. Dale spotted us first and he and his son rose to greet us.
    “Hey guys, we were wondering when you’d get here,” Dale said. “Good to see you, Matt. Willow, you look lovely as always.”
    “Yes, you look amazing, Willow,” Bradley agreed.
    “Thank you,” I replied. I tucked a strand of my long blonde hair behind my ears and gave Bradley and Dale each a stiff hug. Daddy and Renee joined Dale in the front row of padded folding chairs while Matt, Bradley, and I filed in behind them. I settled in to my seat with Bradley to my left and Matt to my right.
    “I can’t wait for the action to start. What’s up first?” Matt asked.
    “Steer roping, I think,” Bradley replied. He leaned into my ear and whispered, “To be honest, rodeos aren’t really my thing. But when Dad said you’d be here, I couldn’t resist.”
    You