Read Cowboy Famous: Book 4 (Cowboy Justice Association) for Free Online

her knees and elbows on the ground. Bruising easily, she was sure to have some black and blue marks from this activity.
    Grunting as she propelled herself forward on her belly, her ponytail got caught in the netting overhead. Jazz cursed and reached up to free herself but a set of larger, rougher hands were already there. His palm gently pressed on the back of her head so her nose was millimeters from the dirt.
    “Keep your head down and use your hands, elbows, and feet to push yourself along. Don’t worry about looking up.”
    His commanding tone left her in no doubt he knew what he was talking about. Keeping her head down, she managed to clear the net and sprang to her feet.
    “Easy. Pace yourself this first time out, Jazz.”
    The sheriff was following her along the course and she wasn’t sure if she was glad or annoyed. Having him watch her so closely was slightly unnerving, but if he could help her compete then it would be worth it.
    “Get a running start for the rope swing.”
    Jazz paused about ten feet from the mud pit before speeding up. She grabbed the rope and sailed over the muck but landed awkwardly, stumbling and having to right herself.
    “Are you okay? You look like you twisted your ankle. Do you need a medic?”
    Geez, he was right next to her wearing a concerned frown. After last night’s issues with her luggage, he must think she was a total weakling. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she shook her head.
    “I’m okay.”
    “Now for the wall, you’re going to want–”
    “I’ve got this,” she interrupted.
    Determined to show him she wasn’t useless, she lunged at the wall six foot wall built with logs but missed grabbing the rope and landed in a heap on the ground. The dirt and grass stuck to her damp skin and her knee was scraped and bleeding.
    That was certainly impressive.
    Muttering every curse word she knew under her breath, she pushed to her feet, ignoring the throb in her knee and the protest of her now sore bottom. There was no doubt about it. She was going to be a giant bruise when she was done today.
    A strong hand wrapped around her arm and helped her stand.
    “Will you take some advice now or are you going to be stubborn?”
    *   *   *   *
    The little blonde’s chin was lifted in challenge as if she was planning to toss his help back in his face. She’d already done better than he’d expected and certainly better than the other two females. He hadn’t got a good look at her figure last night or this morning but dressed in shorts and a t-shirt her body was toned and a little distracting if he was honest.
    Something flickered in her eyes and her shoulders dropped in defeat. “I’ll listen.”
    Griffin admired her gumption and go-getter attitude, but she was plumb going to wear herself out on this course if she didn’t listen to a few tricks.
    “Use your legs. Power up as high as you can and climb trying not to pull yourself up. Your arms will be tired and the monkey bars are next.”
    Jazz chewed on her lip and nodded before taking a few steps back so she could get a running start. Her movements graceful, the second time she got over the wall without much fuss. She was probably going to be sore later from her fall but at least she’d completed the first three obstacles. He’d seen much worse in his time.
    The monkey bars were difficult and she struggled as he tried to coach her regarding momentum. Eventually her shoulders gave out and she had to move on to the balance beam stretched over a pool of water. He’d seen men throw the challenge right here so they could land in that cool water on a hot day. This one, however, skipped right over the four by four without so much as a wobble.
    Damn good balance.
    Grinning now, Jazz sailed through the tires lifting her knees and then crossing the finish line. His misgivings had been premature. She was a fighter and he admired that. She didn’t give up but had wisdom enough to know when to let someone help her. It was a rare