“Hmph, we’ll just see about that.” We get the hay and buckets that are the last of the supplies I’ll need. Daddy will come down to the barn and load up Trigger. Not that I can’t load him up myself, but it’s something he loves to do since most of the time, he can barely get to the rodeo to watch me ride.
“Momma don’t, please. I hate it just as much, but there comes a point when it’s time to hang up your hat and move on.” My own voice is full of defeat.
“Keep your chin up, girl of mine. I have a feeling he’ll get his head out of his ass before too long.” Her arms wrap around me, and that’s how Daddy finds us, his two girls in a hug. I see that smile of his plastered on his face as he walks Trigger up towards us.
“You two must be in cahoots.” Daddy lets out a whistle. I’m not sure why he always thinks that. With Momma and Mrs. McCray, I can see it. But with this one, well, I’m not too sure.
“Who, us? Why would you say something like that, Kyle?” Momma asks Daddy.
“Because we all know when you’re around, there’s something going on. Do I need to remind you of the last time you and Mary McCray got together?” He raises his eyebrows at her.
“Oh, whatever. Fun sucker, you are. We were just trying to plan a vacation without you and Derek knowing, but you blew that out of the water.” She harrumphs.
“Well, as fun as this has been, Trigger and I have a ribbon to try and win. We can’t do that if we’re not there,” I try to shut the conversation down, or this will go on forever between the two of them.
“I hear you, girlie. Not gonna be able to make it there at all. Derek needs help in the north pasture. With you and Knox at the rodeo today, he needs my help.” My parents are younger than the McCrays. While they’re in their fifties, Momma and Daddy are just now skirting their early forties. Not that they look or act like it. I know Knox and Trace are starting to look into doing their own thing because there’s no sign of their parents retiring. Heck, if my own retire, I’m not sure what I’ll do. Being the only child, I may just have to pull my own weight.
“That’s okay, Daddy. If I get home in time tomorrow, I’ll come out and help.” The rodeo may be local, but it’s a two-day event, and having to trailer, Trigger and I have an hour and a half each way. It makes more sense to stay overnight.
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll get it done. You just have fun and bring home some money.” I watch as he walks Trigger into the trailer, waiting until he’s done to give me a hug, and then it’s just me and my horse. Well, a mind that won’t shut up is there too. I probably should have re-thought this going alone thing this time around. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now, except for telling myself to shut up and ignore everything but what I can control, at least that’s what I try to do.
Nine
Knox
“Christ,” I grunt under my breath. Trace has been sure to tell me all about the woman who I’ve pushed away this week. Literally, every fucking night he’s on my porch telling me this and that. How she’s handling Trigger, going to school at the junior college, and even telling me her schedule for the rodeo this weekend. And that’s why my ass got here earlier than she did. I’m registered, got on a few bulls to practice. Now, I’m sitting here twiddling my thumbs. Of course, that’s when I see her, my body calling to her like a siren’s song.
Blake in her tight jeans, a tank top, and boots. She’s not ready for her event yet, though when she is and most of her skin isn’t displayed, I know what will happen then too. The same damn thing that’s happening now. And no amount of adjusting my cock will make it any easier. As if Blake can feel my eyes on her, she glances up, spotting me in the stands. I get to see everything she is—strong, beautiful, and so damn smart—before she remembers she’s pissed as hell at me, turning her whole body around so I don’t get to see her face. That doesn’t stop me from taking her in, lean and muscular shoulders, hips that I’ve felt beneath my hands once, and I’ve already memorized how they feel. Her ass that I swear to God will bring me to my knees, legs that shouldn’t seem too long for her body and are firm from hours on end of Blakely being on a horse every day her whole life.