Hang Tough by Lorelei James Page A

out!”
    He reset their course, but she swore they’d gotten close enough the golf cart would have scratches from the bark. “Relax, sweetheart, I’ve got it under control.”
    She muttered, “I’m glad someone does.”
    Tobin kept his focus on the road until he parked next to a white metal fence. “Hop out and I’ll show you the rodeo grounds.”
    They walked slowly, side by side up a walkway made out of crushed rock. He stopped and rested his forearms on the top of the fence.
    â€œNot that I know anything about rodeo, but isn’t it unusual that this place has rodeo grounds?”
    â€œThe Split Rock caters to those looking for a ‘real’ western experience. We provide guests with an opportunity to ride a bull or a bronc.”
    Jade frowned. “Why would anyone choose to do those things?”
    â€œSome guys want to try it and there’s criteria to meet besides bein’ macho. The local guys who help us out used to rodeo. I can’t think of another place like this that has a bullfighter and a bull rider at their disposal.”
    The pride in his voice was unmistakable. “Are you a former rodeo cowboy?”
    â€œNope. Too risky for my blood.”
    â€œI’m not a huge risk taker either.”
    â€œI’m not surprised. It’s your type A personality.”
    Jade shook her head. “I’d be more successful if I was type A. I’m more type . . . C plus.”
    He laughed. “You? With three part-time jobs? Doubtful. How many degrees do you have?”
    â€œUh, one.”
    â€œOne bachelor’s of science and one bachelor’s of art kind of thing?”
    â€œNo. One bachelor’s of arts, but I did double concentrations, not that it counts as two majors. Heck, it barely counts as
one
degree.”
    He studied her. “What’s your degree in?”
    â€œHistory with concentrations in medieval and Renaissance studies and music.”
    Tobin blinked at her.
    Jade poked him in the chest. “Yes, Mr. Hale, it
is
exactly what you’re thinking. That is not an employable degree, as I’ve discovered.”
    â€œYour parents were fine letting you pick that major? Of all the—”
    â€œUseful, employable majors I could’ve chosen? Why yes, they thought it was admirable I turned my love of obscure history into . . . well, it should’ve been a career. Hence the need for three part-time jobs.” Jade wondered why her parents hadn’t pulled her up short and demanded she pick a normal major. “What about you?” Right after she’d said it, she wanted to take it back. Chances were that Tobin hadn’t gone to college; he’d probably gone straight to work.
    He dropped his hands and adjusted his cowboy hat.
    Of course the question put him on edge. Before she could tell him to forget it, he sighed.
    â€œI graduated from the University of Wyoming. I have a bachelor’s of science in animal sciences with a minor in reproductive biology. I have a master’s degree in animal sciences.”
    Stunned, Jade kept her jaw from hitting the dirt.
    That seemed to amuse Tobin. “Shocked, Miz Columbia?”
    â€œActually, I’m embarrassed for assuming . . .”
    Tobin shrugged. “No worries. We agreed to no more assumptions. Besides, most people see the cowboy first and never a scholar.”
    â€œIs that what you consider yourself first?”
    His gaze shuttered. “To be honest, Jade, I don’t know anymore.”
    The allusion of defeat in his tone, the lack of guile in his eyes and his body language . . . confused her. She waited for him to say something else, but he remained mum. “Tobin? You okay?”
    He shook himself out of the moment of melancholy, smirked and gave her a light punch in the arm. “Peachy keen, jelly bean.”
    â€œDude. Did you punch me in the arm like we were in third