Rodeo Queen Read Online Free PDF Page A

gave him a brilliant smile. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad, yourself.” She moved away from the door. “Come on in.”
    Scott followed her in and stepped into the family room. He wanted to seem aloof, but he had a hard time ignoring the electricity that passed between them. He hadn’t felt this nervous since he was a kid. You’d better get it together or she’s gonna eat you alive, just like Liz did. The thought of his ex-fiancée brought his nerves back under control. He might give Sydney the benefit of the doubt, but he wasn’t a fool. Not twice.
    “Why don’t we call a truce for tonight?” Scott handed her the package in his hand.
    “I think we can manage that.” She lifted the top from the box and gasped. Nestled atop green ferns were dark pink miniature carnations accenting a dozen white roses.
    “They’re gorgeous!”
    “I’m glad you like them.” Scott watched her face light up with delight as she pressed the flowers to her nose and congratulated himself on placing the rush order for the flowers earlier. He realized that there was a small part of him that almost hoped she would prove him wrong and wanted the night to go well.
    “I love them, thank you. I better get them in some water.”
    “You must be Scott Chandler,” the voice came from the hall. Scott saw a man making his way to where they stood and assumed it was her father.
    He offered his hand. “Yes, sir.”
    “Bill Thomas. That was one hell of a rodeo this afternoon.”
    “Thank you, sir. You’ve got a nice ranch here.” Bill Thomas had the look of a man who was no stranger to hard work but who definitely knew how to have fun when the opportunity presented.
    “Hi, can I get you something to drink?” A petite woman with emerald eyes and elf-like features made her way into the kitchen. “I’m Sydney’s mother, Julia.”
    S YDNEY BARELY LISTENED as her parents discussed the day’s rodeo events with Scott. It was odd how at ease he seemed tonight in comparison to his demeanor earlier in the afternoon. He certainly wasn’t an easy man to figure out. One minute he was arrogant and condescending. The next, he was charming and thoughtful. Her pulse quickened as she took in his dark blue jeans and the long-sleeved maroon shirt hugging his torso beneath his leather jacket. He stood confidently, laughing with her parents, his tanned, calloused hand tucked into his pocket. None of his moods changed the fact that he was rakishly appealing.
    “Sydney?” Her mother’s voice cut into her thoughts and she blushed, realizing that all three of them were staring at her. “Honey, are you listening?”
    “Um . . .” she struggled to find any answer. Her father frowned, but Scott seemed to know exactly where her wayward thoughts had turned and arched a brow.
    “I said I think you two should head out, don’t you?” She silently thanked her mother for realizing she hadn’t had a clue. She’d figure out what her mother’s knowing smile meant later. For now, Julia Thomas was her savior.
    Sydney glanced at the clock on the microwave. “You’re right, I’m supposed to be there by six. Let me just get my sash.”
    “It was great to meet you both,” Scott told her parents as he headed for the front door.
    Sydney hurried out of the room, cursing her girlish fantasies with every step. Pull yourself together, stupid. This night means nothing, other than proving to a chauvinistic cowboy that rodeo queens aren’t groupies on horseback. Pinning her sash at her waist, she made her way back to the front door where Scott waited.
    “Sorry,” she said. “I’m having a little trouble.”
    “Here, I’ll help.” He took the rhinestone pin from her trembling hands. Gently he slipped the pin through the shoulder of her dress and closed the clasp.
    “Not your first rodeo, huh?” Sydney attempted to shake her nerves.
    Scott’s jovial mood instantly became dark and brooding. “Let’s go.” He reached for her arm.
    Realizing she had just reminded