“That’s what I want to hear. You get a commission for sales or are you higher up that ladder?”
The car headed out, the ride smooth as silk.
“Not me. I’m a product development guy. Paul doesn’t either; he’s in marketing.”
“Huh. Well, I’m buying because I liked what you and Paul had to say. I’ll have my people call, make sure the folks who deserve it get the credit.”
“Thank you, I know they’ll appreciate that. And listen, I’d love whatever feedback you get, you know? So we can improve things. I’ve got a couple of the younger riders trying it out for me to tell me what works for them and what doesn’t.” He would love to see this be a big account. Mark was as straight up as they came.
“Yeah? Excellent.” Mark turned to face him, eyes laughing. “Have you considered working on a roping glove? It would save a lot of fingers.”
He laughed out loud. “Name me a roper that would wear one.”
Mark blew out a raspberry. “I bet I can name you a young roper’s momma that would make him…”
“Now that I’d believe. I do think this next generation will be safer. Less self-conscious about it, you know?” Rules were rules, and they were getting tighter.
“Yeah, and doctors are expensive. If the kids think the gloves are cool? Then they’ll wear them.”
“Right.” He peered out the window. “Okay, was that quick, or are you just very good company?”
“I am exceptional company! Are you kidding?” Mark waved to Grady. “If you need a ride back after, you can text. I mean, I hope to see you, but if I don’t…”
“We both have great seats, so I’m sure we won’t be too far from each other.” He handed Mark his phone. “Put yourself in there. We should definitely keep in touch.”
Mark’s fingers flew over his phone, then Mark handed it back. “There you go. It was great to visit with you. I look forward to doing it again.”
He texted Mark a thank-you for the food. “Now you have mine. Me too. Thanks again.”
The car rolled to a stop, and Grady looked in the rearview. “Enjoy your evening.”
“I will. I so will.” He’d had a great appetizer, met a new friend, and now he was going to see Jack.
11
Jack had heard about Mark Denton driving Hudson to the event twelve times before the friggin’ event started.
He didn’t want to worry about this shit. If Hudson wanted that, well, it was Hudson’s choice.
Maybe the whole dick pic thing had been less funny than he’d thought.
Shit.
He danced Ghost around the arena floor, just keeping her warmed up.
People were streaming in, and the family section was filling up, but Hudson’s seat was still empty. He knew they were here; were they together? Was Denton using his sponsor status to show off for Hudson?
Why the fuck did he care?
He wasn’t Hudson’s keeper. Not even a little.
Still, they had plans. That wasn’t cool, if they were going to hook up.
The music got louder, and Mackey’s team pulled together at one end of the arena and that meant things were about to get started. Time to get his head right and do his damn job.
He could be butthurt later.
The arena was full, the crowd rowdy and drunk, and he just hoped that the cowboys could keep the energy down, keep the bulls settled.