Bucked by Cat Johnson Page A

Bring that all with you when you come in.”
    “Well, you see, that’s the problem. I’m not in New Jersey anymore—” Mustang rushed to add, “—but I can get back there if you just give me some time.”
    “Where are you now?”
    “Texas?”
    “That’s fine. I’ve got a photographer who works with me out there. Can you get to Houston?”
    “Hell, yeah. No problem.”
    He heard the sound of papers rustling. “Perfect, I’ll have him call you. His name is Joe. Let me get your name and number.”
    “It’s Mustang Jackson.”
    The man laughed. “Mustang, huh? Perfect. I love it. Should he call you at this number or a different one?”
    Mustang’s spirits soared. This could work. This crazy scheme could save his sanity and prevent him from having to work with his father. “This number is good. Uh, can I ask you what the pay is?”
    “One hundred and fifty an hour, flat fee and you’ll have to sign a full release. You have a problem with that?”
    “No, that’s fine.” He had to sign releases all the time saying he wouldn’t sue the arena if he got hurt riding. That was pretty standard. Though how he’d get hurt modeling he didn’t know.
    “Okay, we’re set then.”
    Yes, they were and he couldn’t be happier. After saying goodbye and disconnecting with Guy, Mustang glanced down at the phone in his hand and couldn’t resist sharing his happiness. He found Sage’s cell-phone number easily in his very short contact list and called, waiting for her sweet, “Hello?”
    Mustang grinned just from the sound of her voice. “Hey, Little Bit.”
    “Mustang. Hi.” He could hear her smile.
    “Guess what?”
    “What?”
    “I got a job modeling.” He would rather die than admit what he was doing to any of the guys or to his parents, but for some reason telling Sage felt right.
    “Modeling?” Her voice rose to a squeak.

    He laughed, really laughed. Deep from his belly. “Yup and don’t sound so shocked. I’m a good-looking guy. Aren’t I?”
    “Yes, and so modest too.” She laughed.
    “Actually, the photographer’s never seen me so I may be sent packing before he even takes one picture. Besides, it’s for a sports website, not GQ Magazine or anything fancy like that.” Mustang stretched out on his bed, relaxing. It felt good to have the pressure of the sling no longer weighing around his neck.
    “I don’t know. You could be in GQ if you wanted, I think. I saw you dressed up for the prom.” Sage’s voice softened.
    Mustang held the phone closer to his ear so he could enjoy every nuance of every sound. “Yeah, I guess I do clean up pretty good.”
    “Mmm, hmm. You do. I remember you in your tuxedo with your black cowboy boots.”
    He laughed again. “Those new boots cost me a fortune and all your sister did was complain I wasn’t wearing real shoes. She wanted me to get those stupid lace-up black things they had at the tux rental place.”
    “I liked your boots. You looked perfect.”
    Mustang’s breath caught in his throat at the sincerity with which she’d delivered that incredibly touching compliment. “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “I should let you go. You probably have stuff to do that I’m keeping you from.” Though the last thing he wanted to do was hang up with her.
    “No, not really.”
    He heard the lie in her voice. She’d always been the worst liar. “No homework? You sure?”
    “Well, maybe a little.”
    “I thought so.” Still, he didn’t say the words good bye.
    “Mustang?”
    “Yeah?” His voice sounded husky in his own ears and he cleared his throat.
    “I really liked our kiss the other night.”
    His pulse sped. “Me too.”
    One more statement like that out of her and he’d be over there and sneaking into her bedroom window in a heart beat.
    “Do you want to come over again for dinner sometime this week? Maybe tomorrow or the next night?”
    “Yes.” Tomorrow and the next night and every night after that…until he left. The thought of