Rodeo Queen Read Online Free PDF Page B

Jen and Derek will side with me on this one. So you’re outnumbered.”
    Sydney was tired of them ignoring her presence entirely and rose from the table. “Have either of you considered the possibility that I might just say no? Now, it looks like my family has arrived.” She motioned to the front gate. “If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’d like to discuss this proposition with them.” Without waiting for an answer from either of them, she walked away.
    “I DON’T KNOW what to do,” Sydney complained to her parents, throwing her hands into the air. “I mean, this is a dream job, but I’d never see you guys.”
    “Sydney.” Her mother’s reasoning tone scolded. “Findley Brothers is only two hours from the house. That’s not that far.”
    “I know, but . . .”
    “What is it you’re really afraid of?” her father asked.
    Sydney chewed on her lower lip. She hadn’t really thought that her hesitation was from fear. She had to admit that it was scary to think of leaving the protection of her parents’ ranch. She’d been training horses for years, but she was barely earning enough to cover her rodeo and business expenses.
    “I’d have to relinquish the queen title,” Sydney pointed out.
    Her father chuckled. “Wasn’t the competition simply a way to get the same opportunity you’re being offered? The committee will understand, and Alicia will take over and do a wonderful job.”
    He was right. The queen competition was just a stepping stone, and Alicia would make a great rodeo queen.
    “What about Scott Chandler?” Her father asked with a wink.
    “Bill, stop it!” Julia slapped her husband’s shoulder.
    “What about him?” Sydney shrugged.
    “Wouldn’t you be working with him?”
    “Well, that’s actually part of the problem.”
    “Oh, I don’t know about that,” Julia teased. “If I was a young, single, not to mention beautiful young woman, I wouldn’t consider him a problem.”
    Sydney laughed and shook her head at her mother. She knew her parents wanted to see her find someone, but she doubted that Scott was that someone. “Maybe if we’d met under different circumstances and he didn’t hate the sight of me. He doesn’t want me to have the job.”
    “Well, it doesn’t really sound like it’s his decision.”
    “Maybe not, but he could still make things miserable. How do I work with someone who doesn’t want me around and doesn’t care who knows it?”
    “Sydney, do you want your mother and me to tell you not to take this job?”
    Leave it to her dad to cut right to the point, she thought. “No, but . . .”
    “Then you have to take responsibility for this decision on your own. You’re a grown woman, and your mother and I will support you no matter what you decide is the best move.”
    Great, she thought. She was going to need more information to decide what the best move would be.

Chapter Three
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    “W HAT WERE YOU thinking? Why would you possibly do that?” Scott was furious, and he didn’t care if Mike knew it.
    “Do what?” Mike asked innocently.
    “Offer her a job?”
    “Because I think she’d be an asset.” Scott could see the wheels turning in Mike’s mind.
    “Really? Because that doesn’t sound like total bull at all. What’s your real reason?”
    “I happen to like her,” Mike stated simply. “I think Jennifer could use the female companionship and I like her work. She’s a good trainer, and we both know Derek isn’t cutting it.”
    “Mike,” Scott began, only to stop as he saw Sydney making her way toward them, the crowd separating for her to pass. If he’d realized how much trouble this woman was going to be, he would have said no to her request to carry flags.
    “Well?” Mike sounded eager to hear her answer. He sounded far too confident that she would take the position while Scott prayed she’d turn him down and walk away for good.
    “Actually, Mike, I’d like to speak with Scott privately for a minute if that’s