“That’s fine. Let’s go.”
“Bye, guys. I’ll see you in a bit,” Elise told them, and they watched her walk away.
“Hot damn, brother, we got ourselves one sexy woman,” Tommy stated.
“Sure do. But I’ll tell you something, Tommy. I sure don’t like that Tagart guy or his friend Carver.” Vic stared at Tagart who just happened to be watching Elise like a hawk.
“Me either.”
* * * *
Carver leaned over to whisper into Tagart’s ear, but Tagart was too busy fantasizing about Elise. She was super sexy as she did her dance, revved up the crowd, and rode the bull in short shorts and a sexy top. He wasn’t the only guy staring in awe, and as he looked across the room toward the bar, he caught sight of the two deputies that suddenly seemed to be her bodyguards. Tagart thought she was single, but the two Indian cops thought she belonged to them.
“I guess you’re going to change your plans for the Dixie Chix, huh?” Carver asked.
“Why would I do that?” Tagart replied while he continued to watch Elise as Gus helped her off the bull. Even he took an opportunity to squeeze Elise to him. She noticed and shook her head and gave Gus a kiss on his cheek that made the man blush before she wiggled her way off the mat. “The video guy Kurt is in position, right?”
“Yes, Tagart. He knows what to do. He’ll get all the riders and we’ll take it from there.”
“In that case, I’m going to congratulate my little cowgirl. I’ll be right back.”
“You’d better watch yourself. Those deputies seem really attached to her.”
“Not a problem.”
Tagart caught up with Elise on the other side of the bar after she exited the main riding area. There was a huge crowd of spectators as the first rider took a seat and began the first round of competition.
“Hey,” he called to Elise, grabbing her hand as she entered the hallway.
“Oh, hi, Tagart. I’m all done right? I can change now?” she asked as she looked up at him.
He looked her over up close now and licked his lips in appreciation of her.
“You did real good, darling. You want some help back there? That top looks kind of complicated.” He moved closer to her and placed his hand on her hip. She stepped back against the wall and he moved again.
“No need to worry. Everyone’s watching the bull riders. Why don’t we head into the room for some privacy.”
“I’m really not interested, Tagart. I’m kind of involved right now.”
He reached up and pressed his hand over her shoulder, blocking her in so she couldn’t move.
“With who? Those two Indians out there? They’ll eat you alive and spit you out.”
“It’s really none of your business. I think you should leave me alone now. I want to change out of this ridiculous outfit and take off some of this makeup.”
He couldn’t help but touch her. He liked the way her skin felt under his fingertips. He inched higher, and she tightened up until he nearly touched the underside of her breast.
She pushed her hands against him.
“Quit it.”
“Come on, baby, just a little kiss.”
“She said no, asshole.”
Tagart didn’t have to look up to know it was one or both of the deputies. They had been watching her all night, and he had taken too long to make his move. He should have shoved her into the back room, bent her over the table, and told her how it was going to be. He clenched his teeth as he looked at them over his arm.
“I’m having a private conversation.”