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“Be glad to see you there, Frank.” You and that pretty granddaughter of yours.
    Frank studied Tyler for several beats. “Yup, believe you’ll do.”
    Having said his peace, or so it seemed, the old man ambled off to the stables.
    A bead of cold sweat trickled down Tyler’s back. He narrowed his eyes on Lacy and watched her take a brush to her pinto. She was singing to the horse, and the animal nodded his head in response. Before Tyler knew it, he was smiling. Hell, he’d smiled more since he’d been pierced in the neck with that damn dart than he had for three years, maybe more. He removed his hat and slapped it against his leg. Well, why the hell not .
    He settled his hat low over his eyes so she couldn’t see the apprehension in them and sauntered to where she worked. “Lacy?”
    She whirled around, nervousness in her expression. “Yes?”
    “I wanted to thank you for breakfast. You were right. That was some of the best French toast I’ve ever tasted.” He smiled and glanced down at his feet, hoping he didn’t look like what he truly was—a man out of practice conversing with an attractive woman. Another bead of sweat jogged down his back. “The warm syrup was a nice touch, too.” He cleared his throat and fought to ignore those turquoise eyes of hers. “That was mighty nice of you to invite me and Pete. I hope you didn’t go to too much trouble.”
    One of her sunshine smiles spread. “I…I’m glad you enjoyed it.” She pursed her lips, and he waited. “It was meant as an apology breakfast. Now, after Honeybun piddled on your boots and I scalded your hand with coffee, looks like I’ll never get caught up in the apology department.” She tilted her head and studied him. “But are apologies required between friends, I wonder? We are friends, aren’t we, Tyler?”
    Eyes prettier than a field of Texas blue bonnets regarded him.
    “Yeah, we’re friends. I was hoping you’d come to the rodeo next weekend and be one of my good luck charms.”
    “Oh?” Her hand fluttered to her throat.
    He brushed a curl from her face. “Usually Olivia, my daughter, brings me luck, but since I haven’t ridden in a while, I figure I could use a double dose.”
    “Given our history, are you sure you want me for a good luck charm? I haven’t exactly brought you good luck so far.” She patted the horse on the neck, then turned her eyes on him again. “I’m more like the ‘break a leg’ kinda charm. What if my being there jinxes you? I’m carrying around enough guilt for everything that’s happened to you so far. If you did poorly on your ride or got hurt, I don’t think I could take it.”
    Was she blowing him off? When she said she wanted him for a friend maybe that was her way of saying she didn’t want anything more serious. Well, he’d not beg.
    He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Suit yourself then.” He turned and dragged his wounded pride to his truck. The confined cattle were bawling. He needed to stop making a fool of himself and get on the road so he could return to the Star-D with these cows.
    “Tyler?”
    A hand clasped around his arm, and he turned.
    “If you truly want me to come, I’ll be there. Just don’t hold me responsible for anything that happens.” She chewed at her bottom lip. “Me being a jinx and all.”
    God, watching her mouth when she talks is a helluva sensual delight .
    His relief was a big surprise, but what really bowled him over was the damn feeling of euphoria that swept through him.
    “I’ve always loved watching you ride the bulls.” Her cheeks were flushed when she lifted her gaze to his.
    He studied her for a few beats. How had she come to matter? He trailed fingertips down her cheek, over skin as soft as the rose petals Olivia was so fond of. “I’ll see you there then.”
    ****
    The air hung heavy with dust and excitement. After years of competing, Lacy’s soul recognized the underlying hum of the rodeo environment. Recognized and rejoiced at being