Page 11 of August’s Cowboy Braxton

"I'm sure."

Kyle's smile widened at the compliment. "I'll get some shots during the parade rehearsal. We should schedule a formal session soon. I've got some concepts I think you'd love."

"I'll check my schedule."

“Great. I can’t wait.” He leaned in and gave her a quick hug before walking away.

I watched him disappear into the crowd while I cataloged everything about the man who’d just made it to the top of my list of potential suspects.

Addison's jaw tightened, but she turned back to the group of junior queens waiting for her and smiled like nothing had happened.

The parade rehearsal moved outside, where a mock route had been set up through the rodeo grounds. Addison walked the girls through formations, hand positions, how to wave without blocking their faces, and how to smile even when the sun was in their eyes.

I stayed on the perimeter, scanning faces, checking angles, watching for anyone who paid too much attention.

Kyle was there, his camera covering his face, moving through the crowd like he’d been given unlimited access.

A little while later, Addison moved on to a sponsor photo op near the main grandstand. Local businesses lined up with their banners. Addison stood next to a feed company owner, a real estate agent, and a man in a too-tight shirt who owned a truck dealership.

The truck dealer put his hand on Addison's waist. She shifted, but he kept it there.

Then she smiled at the camera, said something polite, and tried to step away. His hand tightened.

Hades lifted his head from where he’d stretched out next to the rail. I got there first, crossing the space in four strides.

"Take your hand off her." My voice stayed low and controlled but everyone within ten feet heard it.

The man blinked, his hand finally dropping. "I was just⁠—"

"You're done."

He looked at Addison, then at me, then back at Addison like he expected her to smooth it over.

She didn't.

"Thank you for supporting the rodeo," she said, her tone pleasant and final.

The group dispersed. The photographer moved on, and the moment passed.

But Addison didn't look at me until we were back inside the operations tent. "I was handling that."

"I know."

"Then why did you interfere?"

I looked at her, taking in her controlled posture, tight smile, and the way she held herself like someone used to managing situations without asking for help.

"Because you shouldn't have to ask twice."

Her expression shifted just enough for something uncertain to flicker across her face before she locked it down again. "People touch me all the time. Sponsors, photographers, fans. It's part of the job."

"Doesn't mean it has to be."

She stared at me like she was trying to figure out if I meant it.

"I'm not trying to control you. I'm trying to make sure you don't have to negotiate your own space every time someone decides they're entitled to it."

Her mouth opened, then closed. She looked away. "Okay."