Isobel’s heart caught mid-beat as Ryder hit the dirt, the air in her chest trapped until—thank God—he rolled to his feet in one fluid motion. Relief flooded her so fast it left her dizzy. He dusted off, strode out of the arena with that unshaken swagger, and disappeared behind the rails.
She turned to Bella Rose, voice low but urgent. “What was it you were trying to tell me earlier?”
Bella Rose’s gaze stayed fixed on the chutes for a long second before sliding to meet hers. “Ryder’s last name is Hayes.”
Isobel blinked, unfazed. “You didn’t ask, so it never came up. Is that supposed to mean something?”
“It’s more than something,” Bella Rose said, her tone carrying a shadow now. “In rodeo circles, that name carries a crown and a curse.”
Isobel tilted her head. “Explain.”
“His daddy? Ty
