When my boots hit the ground, I remove my hat, holding it up as I raise my arms to the crowd, celebrating another successful ride. The points haven’t been tallied yet, but I made it eight seconds without being thrown off. After a few short moments, I return my hat to my head and struggle not to limp from the arena. This time when I glance at the gate, Joy and her friend are both leaning against it, watching intently. With a shy smile, she returns my nod as I make my way out of the arena.
Hayden pats me on the back as I walk past him. My score is a few points higher than his, but he isn’t upset. It may be every man for himself, but it’s a friendly competition. I’m not going out to be a world champion or anything like that. It’s more like competing against the horses and other livestock. There’s enough time between this ride and my next one that I don’t even hesitate to make my way out the side door to find Joy.
She seems slightly surprised when I saunter up to her, but there’s no mistaking the smile that spreads across her full lips. There’s also no missing the nudge and encouraging nod Rayna gives her.
“You did pretty good out there, cowboy,” she says in greeting.
“I’m glad you weren’t busy.”
She laughs, knowing I’m teasing her. I have no idea what to say, so I stand beside her and watch the next rider. Luke manages to stay on until the buzzer, and the crowd goes wild. Even though I’m standing there watching, I’m paying more attention to Joy and her excitement. Gene, the rodeo clown, goes into his routine after the last rider finishes up, so I turn to face Joy.
“You going out tonight?” I ask her.
“I don’t think so,” she answers with a laugh. “I’m still tired from last night. Are you?”
My lips pull into a smile. “I wasn’t planning on it, and was crossing my fingers you’d say no so I didn’t end up going.”
Her smile is shy before she casts her gaze down. I’m getting the feeling the party-girl version of her wasn’t quite accurate. Even better, as far as I’m concerned. I go out to the Thirsty Pony on opening night and sometimes after I ride, but I’m not much of a partier. My usual spot at the bar is either on the far end or off in the corner where it isn’t packed. A drink or two with the guys and then I’m ready to get home.
“So did you leave a family ranch before you moved here to Cole County?”
She seems surprised by my question, cocking her head to the side before she responds. “How do you know I’m not from here?”
I have to laugh at that. Anyone who’s spent more than five seconds in a small town should already know the answer. Everyone knows everything about everyone else. Or at least they think they do. And if there’s one thing that gets people talking, it’s a new face.
“You don’t actually need me to answer that, do you? But I watched you with the horses, and you seem right at home with them.”
She laughs along with me. “No. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you know I’m new around here. I didn’t grow up on a ranch, but my aunt has horses. She owns a facility that boards and trains horses. I spent pretty much every summer helping. When I was little it was to give my parents a break. But I kept going even as I got older and had a choice. It’s hard work, caring for them, but it’s peaceful.”
I can’t take my eyes off her. She has that wistful expression on her face that every horse owner gets, and I find myself leaning closer. I need to know everything there is to know about Joy Anderson. She fixes her ponytail and then returns her attention to me.
“Go to many rodeos back where you’re from?”
She laughs again, and I know I’m grinning back like an idiot. “No. Actually, I’ve never been to a rodeo. We had a few girls who were barrel racers, but that’s as close as I’ve been to any of this.”
“Well? What do you think of it so far?” I glance toward the chutes where the first bull is getting ready.
“I love it. It’s so exciting. And I love that I get to be behind the scenes. Do you still get excited? Is it just because it’s new to me?” Her eyes sparkle as she looks up at me.
“The day I don’t feel any excitement is the day I give up bronc riding.”
She looks as though she wants to say something, but we’re interrupted by the first bull rider. As soon as his introduction begins, the crowd is already going crazy. Joy has never seen professional bull riding before, so I know she’s probably already forgotten I’m standing there.
“Hey,” she says after I’ve turned to head back. The first rider barely makes it out of the gate before getting thrown off. “How’s your hand? You didn’t look like you were struggling out there.”
Looking down, I flex and relax my hand, testing it out. “It seems okay. It did what I needed it to do so far. And it was fine when I went out to feed this morning. I’ve suffered worse.”
“Do you have a ranch?”
I scoff at her, slightly offended that she would think otherwise. Of course I have a ranch. Does she think I look like a man who only spends his weekends on a horse? I look down at myself, trying to see what she sees.
“Yeah. I have over a hundred acres. Lived there my whole life. When my dad passed, it was left to me. I could show you one day. If you want.”
“Yeah. I think I would like that.”
“Well,” I begin, sparing a glance at the chute where the next bull rider is getting ready, “I better get back there. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”
I feel her eyes on me as I make my way back to the other side of the arena. Grayson has to be coming up, and I still need to see him before he rides. That’s the one thing I don’t waver on. Doesn’t matter if we’re fighting, just finished beating the shit out of each other, or are on good terms, I’ll never let him get on the back of a bull without saying a few words to him. He may know how to piss me the fuck off, but he’s still my brother.
