"Noted," I state, then swing my leg over the bull's back. I grip the braided rope and brace myself.
Bucky spits chewing tobacco on the ground, taunting, "Good luck, Wyatt. It's been nice knowing you."
I ignore him.
"Three, two, one," Jax roars. Then he releases the lever, and the gate disappears.
The bull explodes into the ring, jerks hard to the left, and I'm airborne. I slam into the dirt near the fence, tailbone first, and the pain lights up my spine like a damn firework. I'm pretty sure I just cracked my ass in half.
Dust suffocates me as Snarlhide kicks, trying to fight off Bucky's and Matrix's lassoes. Cornered between the bull and the fence, I cover my head, dazed, aching, and flat-out stunned by the sting.
"Get up, Wyatt!" Jax booms, pulling me out of my trance.
Even though it's painful, I somehow make it to my feet and to the other side of the fence. I get into the safety zone and lean against the rail, my ass throbbing like nothing I've ever felt before. The adrenaline pumping through me slows as I curse myself, staring at the bull who still isn't contained.
Jax steps next to me, chuckling. "Guess I should have put some money on that two-second bet."
I don't look at him. I can't.
Don't be a pussy, I tell myself.
As hurt as I am, I steel my resolve and lock my gaze on him. "I'm ready to go again."
He arches his eyebrow and moves his toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other. "Son, there's no way you're getting back on that bull today."
"I can do it," I tell him, so disappointed that I didn't even last two seconds.
"No. Go home and ice up. Luke is at the hospital since his wife is in labor, so he can’t look at you. Have Macklin take some X-rays and send the report to me."
"Give me another shot. I'll do it," I argue, not wanting to meet with the PT and lose my shot at trying again.
"Not today," he sternly says, then points to my Bronco.
I clench my jaw as I glance at the bull one more time.
How did I let that happen?
"Get that cockiness out of you, and I’ll see you back here on Friday."
I look at him in surprise. "Friday?"
"You're done for a couple of days. You're going to be pretty bruised and sore after that toss, so get into the ice tub. Now, go," he says sternly.
With disappointment searing through me, I obey. I spend the drive to the Cartwright ranch, grimacing over every pothole I can't avoid.
I pull up, and Ava rings the bell for dinner. I go inside with the others, sit down, and try to hide my pain.
"What's wrong, Wyatt?" Ruby asks.
Everyone's attention turns to me.
"Nothing," I lie, shaking my head.
She studies me. "You're wincing. Did you get hurt at practice today?"
Embarrassment washes over me. I avoid looking at Willow.
"Well, she asked you a question," Jacob interjects.
