Chapter 30
"So,how are you getting between events?" I asked Tanner, the thought hitting me out of the blue.
"We have an RV," he explained. "Red Bull sponsored it so we don't own it, but the three of us and Aubree commute that way. Cheaper to crash in it than the hotels, although we try to get rooms for event nights. Softer beds after getting smacked around, you know."
I nodded, feeling a little disappointed. "Well, there went that idea," I mumbled.
"Huh?"
I leaned back on my hands, looking up to see the colors of the sunset between the trees. "Well, I don't have a truck, and probably can't afford a bus between each event, so the only way I can do this is if I can figure out how to get to whatever comes after St. Louis."
"Cheyenne," he told me. "Pretty sure J.D. has room."
"Yeah, but is that really a good idea?" I jerked my chin over at the man in question, who was currently chasing around little Eric, making the boy squeal with laughter. "I mean, he seems sweet and all, but everyone's heard about J.D."
Tanner nodded. "Yeah, but I can't honestly say I've ever seen J.D. leave anyone behind, either. He's..."
"Hot," I offered.
Tanner gave me a dirty look. "Blunt," he said instead. "But quite a few of the guys drive alone from show to show. Ty sometimes drags his brother with him, but I have a feeling that he'd much rather have you sitting on his right. J.D. will make sure that you're never without a ride. And while I can't promise anything, I'll ask the others if they'd have a problem with it. Never know, Aubree might like to have another woman around." Then he pointed behind me.
J.D. was hurrying over, stepping awkwardly as his bare feet found every twig and rock out there. "You," he told me, coming up to press a hand on either side of my hips and lean in so he was dripping on me, "aren't really enjoying this hay party."
"I was thanking Tanner for last weekend," I told him. "And you're having way too much fun."
He grinned. "So how much shit am I in if I throw you into the creek?"
"I will kill you," I warned. "Don't even think about it, J.D."
Yeah, he thought about it. The idiot picked me up like I was some kind of toy and started walking toward the water. I squealed, kicking my feet to convince him to put me down, but he just laughed. Even worse, Tanner had pushed himself off the edge of the truck to follow, grinning like this should be good. Then J.D. made a swinging motion.
"One," he called out. Then he did it again. "Two."
"Don't!" I begged.
"Three..." he teased, mocking a heave - but he didn't let go. Instead, he laughed and set me down. "Babe, I wouldn't do that to ya. Little faith."
"Yes, you would," I retorted.
And then my rescue arrived. "Cody?" That was my dad.
"Over here, Daddy!" I yelled before looking at my friends. "You guys wanna meet my father?"
Tanner and J.D. shared a look. J.D. shook his head. Tanner did that eyebrow thing he was so good at, then said, "I'm not scared."
"Asshole," J.D. grumbled. "Fine, but if he tries to shoot me, Cody, I'm blaming you."
My father and I met somewhere between the creek, the trucks, and the food table. A couple dozen others wandered around us, and a group of local guys was trying to light the bonfire. My dad looked over both of them, then offered his hand out to J.D. first.
"Dean Jennings," he said.