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CHAPTER
ELEVEN
“I’m nervous, these people are important to you, aren’t they?”
“Yes, but not as important as Luke and you two get along like a house on fire.”
Isabella sat next to him in his truck as they drove under the Tebow ranch sign. “Yes, but these are grownups. I can’t charm them with a bedtime story and bubbles in the tub.”
“I’m sure you could, but don’t you dare try. I don’t want to have to fight these cowboys off you with a stick.”
She shook her head at his teasing. He should know by now that she had eyes for no other man. “I appreciate you doing this. With all the information you’ve given me and the promotional opportunities, we should be able to foster some valuable contacts for Terra Dura.”
“Great, that was the plan.” He handed her a piece of paper from the console between their seats. “This is a list of upcoming rodeos. If you could get someone to design a banner, we could purchase some advertising spots in the arenas.”
“Thank you, I’ll do some research.” She placed the paper in her bag.
“Have you talked to your uncle?”
His question caught her off guard. “Yes, yesterday. He wanted to know when I was coming home.” Isabella hated the words as soon as they came out of her mouth.
“What did you tell him?”
“I…said I didn’t know. What should I have said?”
He didn’t answer her. Their arrival at the McCoy’s home disrupted the conversation. “First, we’ll meet with Aron and Lance, the ranch foreman,” he told her as they passed the main house and headed west of the barns and other outbuildings. “Once we finish with them, there are a few other folks I’d like you to meet.”
“Okay, whatever you say is fine with me.” As he found a parking place, Isabella couldn’t help but wonder what Bull thought about her uncle’s call. He’d said he loved her. Didn’t that mean they would be together?
A longing to talk to Renata swept over Isabella. She and her friend had exchanged several short calls and a few emails but that was all. After her trip to Texas turned into an extended stay, Isabella had asked her friend to take Lola to her home. Once she officially moved in with Bull, she’d bring the dachshund to Texas. “You do like dogs, don’t you?” she asked as they approached the ranch administration office.
“Yes, I like dogs.” He looked at her a little strangely.
“Bull! Hold up!” A man came galloping up on horseback. “Miss Cortez, good to see you. I’m Josh Long, we met the other night at Isaac’s place.”
Isabella nodded, recalling his face from among the people she’d been introduced to at Hardbodies. She remembered him because of his close resemblance to Adam Cartwright on her favorite Western series, Bonanza. “Hello. Yes, you’re married to the lovely Emma.”
“I am and I don’t mind being known for that at all.” His horse danced in place, anxious to be on his way. “Redford, I wanted to forewarn you about something.”
“Sounds ominous. If you’re going to be looking for another job, my offer still stands. I could use someone as knowledgeable about the industry as you are.”
“Well, thank you, Bull. I’m happy here at the moment.” He glanced at his surroundings, causing Isabella to follow his gaze. The ranch was well-kept and bustling with activity. “Tebow is a good place to work and Emma’s happy in Kerrville. Leakey is a little off the beaten path for her.”
“I understand.” Bull was sympathetic. “If you ever change your mind, just say so. You’d be the kind of employee I could trust to step into my shoes if need be.”
Isabella studied Bull’s strong face as he visited with his friend. He looked tired. She knew he had more work than he could manage and entertaining her was taking up a lot of his time. How inconsiderate she was being. She could be making herself useful, the learning curve in his business wouldn’t be insurmountable for her. Isabella resolved to bring the subject up when they were alone.
“So, what’s on your mind, Long?” Bull asked.
Josh smiled as if he had a secret. “I hear rumblings that our names are up for the Cowboy Hall of Fame.”
Isabella squealed and threw her arms around Bull’s neck. “I’m so proud of you!”
Bull accepted the hug, but his expression didn’t change. “No one’s contacted me.”
“Well, they will. I ran into Phil Oden at the stockyard in Fort Worth on Tuesday and he gave me the head’s up. We’re both in the running and they say you’re a shoo-in.” He glanced at Isabella. “This man is the most decorated bull rider in the PBR. He’s a legend.”
Bull held up his right foot. “Some legend. My boots are worn and my pick-up is held together by baling wire. I pour all my extra cash back into the business.”
