He gives me another smile, "We will be there.The guys will get a kick out of it."
My eyes are drawn to his lips and the scruff he's grown since coming back from the city.I think maybe he is going to kiss me, but then something shifts in his expression, and he tucks me under his chin.“Sleep,” he murmurs.
“You’re not in charge in my bed,” I mumble.
His chest rumbles with a laugh.“Guess we’ll find out.”
Then a light swat against my right ass cheek, teasing, maybe a warning and then the warmth of him pulling me even closer.Our legs tangle like this is natural, and I fall asleep to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
Chapter 19 - Tessa
I don't think I have ever been so nervous to work a rodeo before in my life.I love it!The energy, the knowledge that no matter what kind of night it is, it will be full of excitement.The pace can be insane, but then it's over quickly, and you get to hang out with so many different types of people.Rodeos bring about people from all walks of life, and it feels like a living, breathing thing.
But this will be the first time I have people, someone, waiting for me.
Waking up next to Nate was a whole other thing.The stupid jerk looked even better sleeping.His face didn't hold the strain and worry I know he carries.The early morning light softened his chiselled features, his sharp jaw and nose that had probably been broken a time or two.His hair was a mess that I wanted to sink my fingers into.
I chanced a look at the clock, not wanting to move yet, and gave myself five more minutes to stare at Nate and try to come to some decision when it comes to him.I still don't think I know exactly who he is, but maybe that was because he didn't either.The Nate I first met, the Nate that the media portrayed, he didn't do anything for me.I had had enough of people chasing the unattainable.That thing they had to reach for to make their life perfect, to make it worth it.But was that Nate?Or was he the farmer's son who was hard working, caring, funny, and misunderstood?
Last night in his arms, it all seemed so simple.Just give him a chance.See where this goes.But something feels different about Nate.Like I'm standing on the edge of something, I can either dive in or walk away.I don't think there will be halfway with him.
My head was telling me to guard my heart, and my heart was telling me to dive the fuck in.
I wanted to spend the whole day in bed with him, getting to know all parts of Nate, the person beneath the Captain persona.But that would not be today.Today I volunteered my morning at a small animal shelter, then had to get ready for work.
I tried to escape quietly when I heard a groan, "Where are you going?Come back."
Holy shit, Nate's morning voice is hot.
I continued to pull myself out of bed when strong arms wrapped carefully around my middle and pulled me back into bed.I chuckled and pleaded, "Nate, I have to go; you have to release me."Even though everything in me was on board with his plan.
I felt hot breath on the back of my neck."They make you start this early for the rodeo?"
"No, that's not till later.I volunteer at some shelters when I have time.This morning it's to do shots and deworming."
"What if I donate money instead?"
I scoff and then gingerly wiggle away, "Money can't solve everything, Nate."
I made the mistake of facing him once I was standing.His blue eyes were lighter in the soft light, and he had a youthfulness to him that I had yet to see."It can't solve everything...but can it get you back in this bed with me?"
I shook my head and made my way to my room to change."Feel free to stay, Nate.I have to get ready."
When I came back out fifteen minutes later, Nate was standing barefoot in my kitchen with a cup of coffee in his hand and a travel mug on the island in front of him.
A thought crossed my mind; I could get used to this.And I knew I was in trouble.
The day passed in a blur, leaving me standing here with Dr.King, pretending to check our supplies while I wondered when Nate would get here.I got my answer when the crowd’s roar hit like a living thing, pulsing through the metal gates and bleachers.Even after all these years, rodeo noise still gave me goosebumps.The crack of the chute, the smell of dust and hay, the clang of a gate, it was chaos wrapped in adrenaline.
But this time, the noise wasn’t for the bull rider or barrel racer.It was for them.
Forhim.
The Summit City Kodiaks had arrived like some celebrity parade in denim and baseball caps, smiling that easy, public smile they wore when cameras were out.McKenna led the way, signing programs, while Colby posed with a group of teenage girls who were already posting to social media.Marcus shook hands with one of the local dads near the rail.And then there was Nate, tall, quiet, head ducked, but still impossible to miss.He had that kind of presence that drew attention even when he wasn’t trying to.
He laughed at something Lukas said, and when he turned his head, his eyes found me.
Right through the tangle of horses, handlers, and dust.
