It still feels strange just walking right in and heading for the office. Every person I pass just nods like I’ve always been here and always been in charge. Gary is already in there waiting, sitting in the chair opposite the desk, his long gray hair hanging over as he leans back with his hands clasped to support his head.
“You all set?” he asks without turning around.
Smiling, I nod as if he can see me. “Yeah. Ready as I’m going to be.”
When I enter the office and round the desk, he grins at me. It’s hard to say if he’s happy for me, or just excited that this night puts him closer to moving to where he and Rhonda’s hearts are. He’s been talking about retiring out in the Southwest for as long as I can remember, and as stressful as this change has been, I’m genuinely happy for them.
“It’ll be fine. This place might not run itself, but everyone’s been here long enough to know what to do when it comes to the rodeo and the bull riding events. This will end up the easy part, you’ll see.”
All I can do is hope he’s right while we go over a few things before I make my rounds. I’m grateful for his help and support until I can find some permanent help. Grayson hasn’t said no. He hasn’t said yes, but there’s hope at least. I’m not delusional enough to think working together will be easy, but at least I can trust him to do right by the ranch and the livestock.Ifhe says yes. The more Gary goes over things, the more I relax realizing I already know all of this. I could recite the order of events in my sleep.
It's about time to get the night started and my palms begin to sweat as I head toward the arena. Right on time, the announcer begins to speak and the screens light up as he welcomes everyone to the Cole County Rodeo. It’ll be the first time since I can remember that neither myself nor my brother are announced as competitors.
I walk out last, after each competitor is announced and am surprised to be greeted with cheers and applause. I take off my hat and wave while everyone files out of the arena so the events can begin. And as loud as the crowd is, that’s what begins to calm my nerves. That, and when I look up, I see Joy standing at her usual spot, smiling at me like I’m the only person here.
Chapter 33
Tate
Treesrushbyina blur of green as I drive back to my ranch after what feels like the longest day ever. And it isn’t even over. I’m fucking exhausted. The rodeo went off without a hitch. Well. Almost. After the events wrapped up, we had a bull get injured. The event was over, so most of the staff, including the vet, had gone. Meaning chaos ensued. Those animals are my responsibility, so it was late by the time I finally made it home which means I’m behind. On everything.
As soon as I finished morning chores, I went back over to Boulder Ranch to take a look at every gate to make sure nothing else was missed. The injury shouldn’t have happened, and it can’t happen again. It won’t happen again. I should have been home by now, but while I was still at Boulder Ranch, I heard from Grayson. Finally.
Making my way down the long private drive leading to my ranch, I’m surprised to see Joy’s car parked near the barn. And surprised again to find her sitting on my porch with a book in hand. Like she belongs here. Hell, she does belong here as far as I’m concerned.
“What are you doing here?” I ask while climbing the handful of steps leading to my porch.
My front porch isn’t as nice as Grayson’s, but it’s bigger. It runs the entire length of the house and has two rocking chairs, and a small outdoor table set. But Joy really completes it.
“It’s good to see you too,” she teases as she stands to greet me.
She’s casual in a pair of leggings and a loose-fitting top. I drag my gaze over her before leaning in for a quick kiss. The short contact is enough to boost my mood.
“I’m happy to see you. Just surprised. Reading anything good?”
She smiles and holds up a weathered-looking book. The cover is worn, and the pages are slightly bent. “Just my favorite comfort read. I saw you weren’t here, and I had it in my bag so…”
“Can you stay?”
She glances down at a large tote. “I can. If you want me to. You look exhausted, is everything okay?”
Recalling the conversation I just finished with Grayson, I nod my head. “Yeah. Actually, I think it might be.”
I laugh at the confused look on her face, pick up her tote bag, and gesture toward the door. She has no idea how loaded of a question she asked. Following me into my bedroom, she sets her book on the end of the bed, which I stare longingly at. Without a word, she steps closer to me and places both hands on my chest.
“You look about ready to fall over. Why don’t we climb into bed, and you can tell me all about it before you get some sleep.”
I step back to look at her. “It’s three in the afternoon. I can’t go to bed. There’s dinner, and evening chores and—”
Pressing her lips to mine, she interrupts me in the best possible way. I don’t even remember my arguments as she deepens the kiss, her fingers working quickly to undo the buttons on my shirt. Her hands scorch my flesh as she drags them up my naked chest and over my shoulders as she eases my shirt off.
“Let me worry about dinner. And I’ll feed the horses if that’ll help.”
I open my mouth to argue, but her glare shuts me right up. Instead of arguing, I undo my belt, flip the button on my jeans and slide my zipper down, holding her gaze the entire time.
“Don’t look at me like that. I said sleep.”
I let out a low chuckle as I slide my jeans off and give her a pointed look. She pulls her top over her head before slipping out of her leggings. She is perfection, standing before me in a simple white bra and panty set. The contrast accentuates her rich brown skin, and I immediately regret agreeing to sleep. I may be dead tired, but I’m not dead.
