She frowns.“Nate… I told you I have a rodeo event that was booked a long time ago.I can’t just disappear on them at the last minute.”
“You don’t have to disappear,” I say too fast.“I need you there.It’s important.To me.Tous.”
Her brow pinches.
Someone snorts.“Hey, at least this year can’t go worse than last New Year’s.”
Laughter ripples through the room, and I feel Tessa go still beside me.
My jaw locks, pulse spikes, and I shoot the guy a look that shuts him up instantly.
“Tess,” I say quieter, leaning in, trying to soften it.“I want you with me.Please.”
She hesitates.Her eyes studying me.Like she’s weighing her job against me...Like she’s weighing her peace against me.Fuck it feels like I might not be what she chooses.
That fear, old, sharp, familiar, sinks its teeth in deep.But then she proves me wrong.
“Okay,” she finally whispers.It's soft, tired, a little defeated.But I will take it.
“I still have to work.I’ll come after, I don't know what time exactly, though.”
Relief rushes through me so hard.“Good,” I breathe.“I’ll plan everything.You just come here after work.I’ll have your dress, hair, makeup booked, everything handled.”
Her expression flickers, something unreadable, but she nods.
I kiss her temple, pulling her closer.But even as she leans into me… I feel the distance...the crack deepening.
But I am me, and I think;
I can fix it.
I can fix us.
I can fix this if she just stays close.
If she just shows up.
If she just keeps choosing me.
Even if I don’t deserve it.
Even if I’m the one betraying us...the one causing the cracks in the first place.
Chapter 32 - Tessa
By the time the last horse is walked out of the ring, I can feel every muscle in my body.
Charity rodeos always sound cute when people pitch them.A “fun community event in the city,”a little bit of dust and noise to raise money for a good cause.
In reality, it’s eight hours of noise and dust and people and horses and barking dogs, and kids who want to pet every animal that doesn’t want to be petted.It’s hauling med kits across concrete, checking pulses and respiratory rates and heat stress, and trying to keep a smile on your face so the kids don’t freak out when a barrel horse goes down, or a steer hits the fence wrong.
My boots feel like they’re part of my legs.My back throbs.There’s a low nagging ache behind my eyes, and twice today I had to lean on a fence post and breathe through a dizzy spell, so I didn’t end up on my ass.When I finally slip out the back gate, the city is already lit up.The arena where Nate plays is only a few blocks away, and the skyline is sharp and bright against the winter sky.It should feel exciting.Special.Instead, it just makes me feel… small.And tired.
I slide into my truck and check my phone.Three messages from Nate from earlier in the day:
How’s my girl doing?
Can’t wait to show you off tonight.
