“That makes two of us.” Buckling my seatbelt, I lean back into the seat, sighing heavily. I can only hope junior night at the ranch will be a breeze this evening. I need a drink and some sleep.
I’ve just let my eyes drift shut when Gray’s fingers weave through mine, his lips brushing my knuckles. “Tonight will be better, baby.”
Funny, I grew up near the rodeo. It was always a part of life. The place where we spent Friday and Saturday nights much of my childhood. It’s the reason I knew I wanted to be an ortho. It’s why I love horses and think baby calves are the cutest creatures.
When Cecil asked me to fill his role this summer, I felt dread. Just another obligation I didn’t have time for with a bunch of people who wouldn’t understand me. It’s been a surprise to even me that I’ve found a comfort there I’ve never felt in the office or the hospital.
Gray wasn’t wrong when he said tonight would be better. I had no idea there was a junior league for all rodeo events. A chance for those under eighteen to train and compete so they can move on to bigger competition in the future.
It’s where Gray and Tate started, too.
For hours, I’ve watched our youth rip and roar across the arena. Their confidence and skill level just as good as some professionals out there. It’s amazing to watch the dedication they’ve put into their passion.
Dedication I can relate to.
“Hey, River,” Joy slides up beside me.
“Hi,” my answer more like a laugh than a single word.
“Gray asked me to come check on you.”
My eyes go wide as I stare at her. “Why?”
“Said you were having a rough day.”
Emotion swells in my chest, catching sight of him on a white and black spotted horse, his rope ready to wrangle the bull should it not cooperate.
And suddenly, my day is perfect.
Chapter 13
Grayson
It’sbeentwoweekssince I met Dr. River Thompson, and fuck, I don’t know what to do with myself.
I’m the type that’s a hopeless romantic, but also won’t date someone unless there’s a potential future. It’s why Stacy was the only long-term relationship I’ve had as an adult.
Life is too short to waste their time or mine.
As thoughts of my former relationship flit through my mind, my temper rises. Tate had been dead set on driving a wedge between me and Stacy. To him, I’d spent too much time fawning over her and not enough practicing or being at his beck and call for the family farm. He said I wasn’t focused when Stacy came to watch me at the ranch. The fact that I built my house with the thought of children in mind was a setup for a letdown.
In the end, Stacy left me. She was too scared every time I rode. I was too stubborn and not a good enough listener when it came to her needs. I couldn’t put her first between work, my animals, riding, and building the house. A house that she wanted to be white, not black.
Maybe Tate had been right, but to me, he’d been the one there planting that shit in Stacy’s mind. And from what I hear, he’s been bitching about me and River, too. I can’t let him ruin this one for me.
River is the first person to see me for who I am, separate from my brother, and appreciate me. She makes me feel good and like I want to be better. That woman makes me even consider mending whatever this bullshit is with Tate occasionally.
I’ve barely seen her for more than five minutes since Monday, when I went in for my repeat X-ray. Supposedly, I’m healing up okay, but it’s not as fast as I want—a product of wearing the splint sporadically but not religiously.
Tonight is one of the few Fridays of the season without events—no showcases, classes, or competitions. The place will be dark and quiet for a few short hours.
For me, that means a much-needed night off. There’s nothing in this world I would trade for everything I do at Boulder. Not the lessons, or helping the ranch hands, or the pickup riding, or attempting to conquer every bull they put me on. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t exhausted. My days still begin and end with my own rescues, and I still work as a tech three to four times a week, traveling to different farms, ranches, and houses when needed.
Tonight should be a night of freedom for me and the woman who has me in this chokehold. The hold so tight I can only breathe in her presence when her skin finally meets mine.
Pulling up her drive, her house sits dark.
I’d expected her to be here. She confessed she doesn’t hang out with many people anymore, and after a long work week, she’s often too exhausted to do much.
