Rank by D. R. Graham Read Free Book Online

jeans and tank top that she had on when I saw her coming from the concession stand. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and she didn’t have any make-up on, except maybe that cherry lipgloss. Her lips did look shiny. Lee-Anne had on dark jeans with rhinestones over the seams, new looking boots, and a sparkly low cut top. Her hair was sprayed to the point that it didn’t move when she did.
    Blake abruptly got up to say hello to someone he knew. It was a pussy move because he knew I could take him, and would have, if he hadn’t broken the tension. I leaned in and asked Lee-Anne, “How long did it take you to get ready?”
    “Shut up.”
    “What? I’m not trying to insult you. It’s a serious question.”
    She eyeballed me scornfully, but when she realized I wasn’t joking, she answered, “Forty-five minutes. Why?”
    I turned my head back to look at Shae-Lynn, who obviously spent no time getting ready. “I was just wondering.”
    “Relax, Billy Ray,” Lee-Anne said. She shoved my shoulder, trying to loosen me up. “You’ve been so serious since —” She checked my expression. “Since, you know.” She took another sip of beer. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up. I just miss good time Billy.”
    “Yeah, well, good time Billy has responsibilities now.” Blake returned to the table and sat on the other side of Shae-Lynn, away from me. I turned so I could have a private conversation with Lee-Anne. “Are you okay with her dating someone older?”
    “Blake? Yeah. Why not? He’s a total sweetheart.”
    “He’s an asshole.”
    “To you maybe. He’s sweet to her. He always has been. He’s been following her around like a puppy dog for years.”
    “How long have they been dating?”
    “Since tonight. He’s asked her out a million times and for some reason she finally said yes.”
    Arms wrapped around me from behind and a girl’s voice whispered in my ear, “Guess what?”
    I twisted to see that it was Tawnie.
    She kissed my cheek and her chest squished against my back. Her breath smelled like beer. “I got a sponsor. Jordan Outfitters has offered to pay for all my travel expenses for the rest of the season. I also get all the boots I want.”
    “That’s great.”
    “It’s all because of Stella.” She squeezed my neck and kissed my ear.
    “Congratulations,” Lee-Anne and Rochelle said at the same time.
    “That’s great news.” Shae-Lynn stood and yanked Blake by the hand. “You can have my seat. We’re leaving.”
    Blake tipped his hat at all of us, then eagerly hurried to keep up with her. I watched them leave out the front door. Tawnie sat down in Shae-Lynn’s chair and told us all about how the Jordan rep had approached her at the hotel and had her sign some papers. She was really excited.
    After a while, Tyson asked Lee-Anne to dance, Rochelle wandered over to the bar with a guy, and Cole never came back from a trip to the restroom because he was chatting up a cute curly haired girl. Tawnie and I were alone at the table. Her tight black jeans and unbuttoned white top showed off all her curves. Her hair was hanging perfectly straight and it was so shiny.
    “You look nice,” I said, because the alcohol had kicked in.
    Her smile was sexy. “Thanks. Do you dance?”
    “I wouldn’t be able to call myself a cowboy if I didn’t know how to two-step, now would I?” I stood and led her by the waist to the dance floor. When I spun her to face me, the small of her back arched under the pressure of my palm. She smiled and slid her hand over my biceps to rest it on my shoulder. As we moved across the floor, wafts of wild lavender breezed over me. I spun her around and her hair fanned out catching the light. The cowboys loitering around the edge of the dance floor all angled to watch her move.
    We spent the rest of the night two-stepping until the DJ announced last call and played a slow song. Tawnie stepped in close and our belt buckles clinked together. She slid her palms up over