...Caren liked Connie’s cheeky banter, but right then her interest centered on a very virile cowboy. One who could curl her toes with just his smile. “I didn’t miss J.R. win again, did I?”

An unladylike snort flew from Connie. She tossed her short blond curls as she shook her head. “Let him win today. This is only the preliminaries, the eliminations. Tomorrow is the big money.”

The announcer called the current rider’s score and drew Caren’s attention away from Connie and back to the arena. J.R. rode in through the gate. The sight of him sent her heart racing. “I think I have it bad.”

Connie looped her arm around Caren’s shoulder. “So does he. See there. He’s looking for you.”

Sure enough, his gaze swept over the crowd until it stopped at her. The effect of his public attention centered on her made her weak in the knees. A female catcall nearby made him grin. His handsome face was full of strength and determination. Caren smiled back, basking in his interest. He clutched his chest in an exaggerated gesture and then pointed to her. She never felt less like trailer-trash.

“Holy smokes.” Connie whistled. “I didn’t think I’d see the day. He’s dedicating this round to you. A cowboy’s way to show he cares.”

Dedicating his ride, his performance. Caren wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. “That could be the kiss of death if he doesn’t do well.”

Connie stared, her brows drawn into a frown. “He’s just made a very public demonstration of affection…cowboy style. I hope you feel the same for him.”

Not only did Caren feel affection, but she knew this could be love. Caren couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this alive…joyous. “I never want him out of my sight, but I thought it was one-sided. Do you really think he likes me?”

“Sometimes it happens fast. Sometimes we women have to drag them to the altar kicking and screaming. Only time will tell.”

As he performed, Caren couldn’t look away if her life had depended upon it. The horse turned so fast, she wondered how he not only stayed on, but made it appear easy. Earlier, Bud had leaped much the same way. That gave her a good idea how hard this sport was. Both the rider and horse had to be in top condition. People were cheering for him.

“That’s his best horse,” Connie said. “You can see why. The two of them are a sight to behold.”

When J.R. finished, the crowd went wild. Caren didn’t have a clue what had made this ride better than his previous, but she made a promise to learn. He rode out of the arena and headed straight in her direction. While people congratulated him, he would nod and acknowledge them, but he didn’t stop until he reached her side. Her heart leapt for joy. Every cell in her body celebrated.