I checked to make sure Jake was clear, then dropped down onto the bull. My knees locked into his armpits, I nodded, and yanked my arm hard just as the gate clanked. The animal had just enough time to feel my weight before the gate swung outward, giving him the escape he wanted.
Up. One ton of bovine was a lot of muscle when it decided to fly, and this one made my head snap back with the force of his rear. At the top, he kicked out, which allowed me to jerk my chin back into place, and then it was on.
And in the background, I heard music. I didn't have time to focus on it, but it felt like it should be familiar. Then the chorus kicked in.
—THEY SAID I'M TOO LOUD FOR THIS TOWN, SO I LIT A MATCH AND BURNED IT DOWN. WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? I'M NOT AMERICA'S SWEETHEART!
The pulse was pounding, and the bull was bucking almost in time to it. When his ass came up, I shoved my legs as far down as they would go, then spurred as wild as I could on the way back up. My thighs came off the animal, my chaps flapped in the air, and that pretty pink logo was right up in my face with the force of it.
Then this bad boy decided to spin into my hand. Oh, I could deal with that. I used my knees to keep him going, and rolled my heels along his ribs. I had this. I knew I did, and even with thecatchy but sassy music playing at top volume, I could still hear the crowd going wild.
Like a metronome, Like A Prayer kept going - until he doubled back. I heaved my ass over, staying with him, and kept my arm up in the air. My shirt made my declaration. My riding? Yeah, they'd have to be blind to miss that Ihadthis.
Then lights began to spin across the dirt and the music cut off. I lifted my head enough to see Isaac waving his arms before the bull, letting us know we'd made time. A smile took over, and I quickly flipped the tail of my rope over, then over again.
The moment the rope began to loosen, this bull's bucks slowed to little more than a bob of his ass, so when I came off the side, it was nice and easy - and right into Tanner's arm.
"Stay," he said, shifting me over so he could run after the bull.
But that hunk of muscle knew he was done. He trotted for a bit, then stopped and actually looked around, seeking out the exit on his own.
"Ha!" Jorge yelled. "There it is, big boy."
And Like A Prayer trotted out slowly and calmly, as if he'd just punched out for the day. It was enough to make me chuckle.
Isaac bent to snag my rope from where it had landed, then tossed that to Tanner. While I popped off my helmet and turned to check the scores, my boyfriend hurried over. He offered me the rope with one hand, and wrapped his other behind my back.
"You do realize," I told him, refusing to pull my eyes away from the scoreboard, "that you've just confused everyone watching the stream, right?"
"Don't really care-" And he stopped hard as the numbers posted.
85.75.
My mouth fell open in shock, then I turned to Tanner and jumped at him, wrapping him up in an excited hug. "Eighties!" I squealed. "They scored me!"
And over the sound system, a chunk of that same song played again. The part that said "I'm not America's sweetheart."
"Yes!" I said, letting go of Tanner so I could look up to the booth and wave, hoping he knew that was appreciation I was showing.
"I think you have a new friend," Tanner joked, draping an arm over my shoulder to lead me toward the side gate.
"Nope, just Jake's brother," I said, making sure that was soft enough and mumbled enough no one could eavesdrop.
"Oh, so a crush," Tanner teased. "No, that song's perfect for you, Cody. And about time they gave you a half-decent score too. I'd say you deserve more, but everyone's been getting low numbers tonight."
"I'll still take it," I said, then ducked under his hat to kiss his cheek. "Thank you!"
He caught my hand before I could leave. "You good, though?"
"Yep," I said.
"And J.D.?"
"He's ok. Not good, but ok," I assured him. "Now go work."
"Yes, ma'am," Tanner teased, skipping backwards a step.
I rolled my eyes at how adorable he was, then slipped out the side gate, opening it only wide enough for my body so I wouldn't jostle anyone else.
