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“Yes You’re officially back on the PBR roster and scheduled to coreat” He allowed a tight laugh “I was getting worried No word from the powers that be And then, I’ve, ah, been in the press the last few days a little e of you and Miz Cooper weighed in your favor for a change”

Talk about a shocker “It did? Why?”

“Because you’re finally with a woht, and not by virtue of her association with you”

“Did that make sense in your head before you said it? ’Cause that didn’t hed “You two are a s are clai your whole relationship is a publicity stunt” Elroy paused “Is it?”

“No And here’s fair warning: that is not a topic of discussion With you Or anyone else”

“Never thought I’d be happy to hear you say ‘no comment’ and mean it Warms the cockles of my cold PR heart, McKay”

“You’re a riot What else?”

“The PBR is picking up your transportation expenses You’re in New York now?”

“Yeah”

“I can’t get you to Wichita directly—”

“Book me into Omaha I left my truck there I’ll drive to Wichita”

“Done What day you wanna leave?”

“Today As soon as possible”

Ava stared at him with shock

“The event isn’t for another couple days”

“I’s I need to take care of first”

Elroy sighed “Fine Contact otta remind you no press unless you’re escorted by a PBR et it I’ll keep in touch”

“Good” Elroy hung up

Chase returned to the bedroo? Just like that?”

“Yep”

“No discussion No yelling, no hashing it out?”

“What is there to hash out? You knew I’d be gone the second the PBR calledmy bull ridin’ ether” Chase held out his bag “This is s surrounding thes in life than being a bull rider”

Chase looked her in the eye and said, “I lied”

Although it pained hi and walked out

Chapter Twenty-Eight