Tough tomboy Tabitha Conrad rides bulls and bareback broncs like a champ. In only her second rodeo season, she's headed for the finals. An over-protective older brother and his buddy sometimes take care of her a little too well. She's having trouble living up to the bold, bawdy reputation most cowgirls enjoy.<br><br>Wes Duncan lost his father and an older brother to bulls in the arena. Now he's working as a rodeo clown, determined to save as many downed riders as he can.  He finds feisty little Tab immensely attractive but as his best friend's kid sister, she's off limits.<br><br>As much as he admires her spunk and determination, every time she comes out on a bull, he almost has a heart attack. What can he do to keep her safe? And if he gives in to his heart and his lust, who will keep her safe from him?  Before they know it, Tab and Wes are caught up in a whirlwind of passion and misunderstandings. It takes a very close call to bring them to their senses and get Tab up for the ride of her life.

Cowgirl Up

The bruise on the shoulder she’d landed on was dark now, livid against the pale pink of her sleeveless top. Above the scalloped edge of the neckline, a reddened patch showed where his stubble had abraded her skin. His gaze swept over her, and she could see he was taking in every mark and shadow.


He shook his head. “Land sakes, Little Bit, I forgot all about you getting banged up with that bull yesterday. Then I had to go and add my marks, prob’ly all over you. I’m sorry. I had no right, no business doing that. I can’t even plead being drunk, unless maybe on you.”


He looked so woebegone she couldn’t even pretend to be angry any longer. “Cowgirls are tough. The bull didn’t hurt me much and you sure didn’t, cowboy. So quit the groveling. It isn’t your color.”


Chapter 8