The Cowboy Next Door. Marin Thomas

a spin then two more kicks—made C.J. look like a superstar. When the buzzer rang he waved his hat at the crowd before dismounting.

      Show-off.

      C.J. landed on both feet, then faced Shannon’s chute and bowed.

      “Another stellar ride by one of the best cowboys on the circuit!”

      When Johnny appeared at Shannon’s side, she said, “Thanks for being here.”

      “You’re ready.” He straightened her Kevlar vest and she wished those strong arms would pull her close for a hug. Instead, she gathered strength from the confidence in his voice.

      “Don’t lean too far forward. Heat Miser is famous for butting heads with his riders.”

      Mean bulls didn’t care for anyone on their backs and it didn’t make a bit of difference if the rider was female or male. Shannon adjusted her leather glove, then put one boot on the rail. C.J.’s voice stopped her cold.

      “Better hold tight, Douglas, or that bull will stomp your head!”

      Shannon placed her boot back on the ground. “Is that any way to treat your better half?” she said, loud enough to turn heads.

      Johnny stiffened next to her, but she kept her eyes on C.J. This was part of the show—their love-hate relationship. Dynasty Boots wanted fans to believe they were a warring couple—fiercely competitive during the rodeo then wildly passionate for each other afterward.

      C.J. smiled for the cameras. “You’ll never make it to eight, Douglas.”

      Johnny stepped between them. “Give her some breathing room, Rodriguez.”

      “Jealous, Cash?” C.J. nodded to Johnny’s clothes. “I see you’re dressing like your namesake.”

      “You got a problem with my name, Rodriguez?”

      “Yeah, it’s stupid.”

      “If you don’t have anything nice to say...” Johnny smirked. “You know...shut your mouth.”

      C.J.’s gaze cut to Shannon. “Is Cash doing all your talking for you now?”

      She cringed when she saw their images on the JumboTron. “Back off, C.J.”

      “You think I’m afraid of a country-western wannabe?” C.J. puffed out his chest.

      Johnny bumped the brim of his Stetson against C.J.’s. “You heard the lady. Back off.”

      “Make me.”

      Before Shannon realized Johnny’s intent, he swung his fist, catching C.J. across the jaw and knocking him backward. The group of onlookers steadied C.J. before thrusting him toward Johnny.

      C.J. threw the next punch, catching Johnny across the cheek, but Johnny kept his balance and took another swing at C.J. The shorter man ducked, then pushed Johnny to the ground, where they rolled in the dirt.