"Make time," I told him, aware she was hinting at signing him.
"I will," he promised, taking his packet and moving aside. "I can give you my number..."
"My card," Rhaven told him, pulling one from her back pocket. "Call me when you're free afterwards. Tomorrow is fine too. I know how it is after a big night."
"No, I'll make time," Jackson promised.
He moved on, and the next guy stepped up. When Rhaven moved to help him, I leaned toward Braden. "That kid? He gets pink."
"Oh?"
I nodded. "Jackson Cloutier has decided he's Cody's rookie. He's also improved alotsince she's started mentoring him, and he's a good one."
"Good to know," Braden said.
"And," I told him, "if you want to let her do this, I can show you some of my gear. She said you were interested."
"Oh!" His eyes lit up. "Babe?"
"Yeah?" Rhaven asked.
"I'm going with Jake. Make sure you have at least one of these big strong boys with you, though?"
"We got her," I promised. "Rhaven just bailed our asses out of a jam, so I promise that at least thirty-one of these bull riders will throw down for her."
"Starting to like this country boy mentality," he said. "So, if I'm not bailing on my girlfriend, then lead on, country boy."
"Keep up, city boy," I told him, and gestured in the direction of the warm-up area. "Around here, we know how to have a little fun."
Chapter 79
J.D. and I were late.Not officially, but later than we wanted to be. Part of it had been making sure Tanner's guys were there and waiting for him before we parted ways. Austin had lost yesterday, so none of us wanted to take the chance of him trying again.
Jorge and Isaac were loitering right inside the doors when we arrived, thanks to a few texts. I managed to steal a kiss from Tanner before we split, making our way to draw our bulls. When we got there, the line was nearly gone, but Rhaven was parked beside the window, clearly paying fines just like she'd promised.
She saw us and lifted a hand in a little wave. I did the same, adding a smile with it. Then we shuffled forward. When the pair of us finally got to the window, Rhaven was clearly in the habit of passing over her card.
"Their fines too," she said.
"Rhaven, we don't have any," J.D. reminded her. "We actually rode."
And the woman on the other side laughed, sliding her card back. "Bulls for both of you?"
"Yes, please," I said.
"All right, let me get that started."
Rhaven just lifted a brow. "Wow, everyone else had to show their ID."
"Benefit of being the headliner a few years in a row," J.D. told her. "Well, and my rookie."
"More like the only woman in the series," the woman said.
Which made me nudge J.D. in the ribs. "See, I have my own fame now."
But just as she was passing our paperwork back across, Austin came trailing in - and he looked the worse for wear. His face had a few scuffs on it, and the black eye he was sporting was honestly impressive. I had a feeling the rest of him looked just as bad, but the shirt he had on hid it.
Rhaven turned to smile at him, but I caught her arm, pulling her aside. "That one isn't safe," I whispered.
