Ryder (Rope 'n Ride Series Book 2) by Em Petrova Read Free Book Online Page B

noticed the cameraman smiling like the village idiot. Swinging his gaze right at the camera, he said, “You get what you wanted?”
    “Yep. Should we ask her for a consent to film form?”
    “Hell no,” Ryder growled. The last thing he wanted was to yank an innocent woman into the world of production. He could barely take a full breath without a camera recording the expansion of his chest.
    The national anthem began to play, and he hurriedly turned to put his hand over his heart. It was pounding as fast as a horse who’d been ridden too long. But he hadn’t been ridden hard or fast—yet.
    His brothers loved to sing, adding their deep voices to the crowd of uplifted voices. Channing’s was high and clear, and he couldn’t help but wonder if Joy was singing.
    By the time the song had finished, he barely hesitated before whirling to look at her again.
    She was gone, but her father stood in her place. As soon as Thunder caught his eye, he smiled and made his way through the crowd to reach him.
    For some reason Ryder felt like a kid coming to take the man’s daughter to prom. He planted his boots so he didn’t shift around and waited.
    Joy suddenly appeared again, a ray of sun popping from behind a cloud. Ryder tried to school his features, aware of Thunder’s attention on him.
    By the time they both reached Ryder, he didn’t think he could feel more off his game. He clenched and unclenched his fingers to dispel his nervousness.
    When he glanced around, his family had scattered to ready themselves for their events. Bull riding was often last at these rodeos, since it was the biggest draw, so Ryder had all the time in the world to get Joy alone and kiss that soft smile off her face. Replace it with an expression of bliss.
    Thunder shoved his hand at Ryder. “Hello, young man. I was hoping to run into you here in Cheyenne.”
    Ryder took his hand, a rough hand that knew hard work every day of his life. Their grasp was equally matched as they pumped their arms up and down.
    “Nice to see you, Thunder.”
    “Have you met my daughter Joy?”
    “Briefly, yes. Nice to see you again.” Ryder held out his hand to her, and she took it. Soft, silky and full of promise. Tension crackled inside him as he looked into her eyes.
    Quickly, she released him and gripped her hands together.
    “What do you say I buy you a beer?” Thunder asked, clapping Ryder on the shoulder.
    “Sounds good. All that singing has left me as dry as dust.”
    Thunder chuckled at his half-ass attempt at a joke and Ryder felt like a fool. He didn’t know if he could even tip a beer up to his lips without dumping it down his shirt. Then he’d be facing the woman he liked far too much with another stained shirt.
    “Good, let’s head to the concessions, why don’t we?” Thunder took off into the crowd. People stopped him to say hi or take a photo with him, and he was patient with everyone.
    Ryder trailed behind with Joy, getting similar treatment. Except there were more fans swamping him and he wasn’t remotely patient. He ground his teeth as people took selfies with him or asked for his autograph. All he wanted was to get Joy alone again.
    Halfway to the concession stand, he spotted Wynonna weaving through the throng of people, her hat pulled low. But he knew that grimace on her lips—she was crying.
    He rested a hand on Joy’s arm. “Will you go on and tell your father I’ll be right there? I see some family business that needs a minute of my time.”
    She blinked up at him, all sweet, feminine cowgirl. Nibbling her lower lip, she looked as if she wanted to say something.
    He cottoned on to it. “I know nobody keeps your father waiting, but this is important.” He glanced toward the place where Wynonna had disappeared.
    Joy nodded, making her long, thick braid caress her round breast. Ryder clamped off a groan of need and smoothed her arm with his fingers.
    “Thank you. I’ll just be a minute.” He reluctantly released her and dodged into