"I mean, mine aren't my first, but number one was an asshole who basically did it on a dare, and number two?" I groaned. "Ty is just too possessive."
The elevator opened on that, showing the lobby. Rhaven reached out to hold the door open, gesturing with the other hand to show I could go first, then fell in beside me close enough to keep her voice down.
"Ty McBride? Like, the cowboy?"
"Bull rider," I confirmed. "Yeah, him. I mean, he's gorgeous, but he was more worried about keeping me safe than letting me do my thing."
Rhaven grumbled in understanding. "I swear boys can't get out of their own way sometimes. They also aren't all bad."
"No, they're not," I agreed. "At the professional level..." I paused to open the main door, letting her leave the building before me this time. "...it's like they accept me easier than the ones at the lower levels could."
"You proved yourself," she said with a little shrug. "And with country boys, I'm going to bet there's a bit of that whole Southern gentleman thing going on."
"Or northern," I agreed. "Yeah, I mean some of these riders are from Canada, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and so on. Not just Americans, you know? And yet, there's like this understanding between them. They talk shit, show off, and I've been surprised at how few are actually assholes."
"But Ty is?" she asked.
I made a noise and rocked my head from side to side. "Asshole of a boyfriend. Damned good bull rider, and he stillsupports me riding, so sorta? More like a good man, but a shitty boyfriend."
"Ok, good to know." She clicked a button on her keyfob, making a car in front of us beep in response.
I waited until I'd put my stuff inside and climbed in beside her. "Good why, Rhaven? Because it sounds like you might be up to something, and I'm willing to help."
"Deviant wants a bigger footprint in the bull riding world," she said as she started driving. "Our conversion has been good, and the exposure has been excellent for our less popular games. Even better, you've been bringing in an even split of women to men, so Chance thinks we should look at sponsoring a few more riders."
"Get J.D.," I told her.
"Shit, I would love to sign him," she admitted. "Sadly, I'm not sure if he has any room for our logo, and he doesn't sound interested."
"He is," I assured her. "He also wants to make sure he's set up in case Tanner can't come back."
She glanced over quickly. "Why wouldn't he?"
"Because Austin told the management he's gay." I shrugged. "I mean, we all know his sexuality is the real reason, but I think it's also because they're trying to run me out. The worst part? Tanner reallyisthe best bullfighter we have. I mean, Jorge and Isaac are damned good, but Tanner's just a bit better. Just a little crazier, you know?"
"A little more deviant?" she asked with a wink.
Which made me chuckle. "Yeah, I guess. Not that I think his dating guys should be considered deviant."
"I mostly meant the crazy in the arena," she clarified. "Balls to the wall, refusing to give up, and that sort of thing." But then she hummed thoughtfully. "And he works with Jorge and Isaac?"
"Yep. They aren't suspended, but refuse to work without him."
"Because teamwork is overpowered," she said softly. "Yeah, makes sense. And if you really want to help me, Cody, then keep an eye out for people like you and J.D. Those willing to push boundaries, do the right thing..." And a grin took over her face. "And who believe teamwork really is overpowered."
"I can definitely do that," I promised. "I also know a few rookies who really need a sponsor. Jackson Cloutier comes to mind. He's a perfect fit."
She nodded slowly. "Then I'll have to keep an eye on him."
Chapter 20
When Codyand her guys left the bar, I'd also headed home for the night. Well, my latest home. It was a shitty little room on the first floor of this fucking hotel - not a suite like Cody and her guys had - but I didn't care. I was on the back side, with an atrocious view and hardly any traffic in the hall outside.
I'd initially planned to make it an early night and finally catch up on a little sleep, but when I'd come out of the shower, I'd found a light blinking on my phone, letting me know I had an unread message. Swiping, I saw my "little" brother's name on the screen. Clay was only three months younger than me, but he was the approved child.
I was supposed to be the secret.
Oh, and if my father ever realized Clay had figured it out? Yeah, that would not go over well, but according to my brother, I looked a little too much like Donald Merrill. The same nose, mouth, cheekbones, and build from when the man had been younger. Clay had said he'd been sure a time traveler had walked into the convention center the first time he'd seen me - so he'd asked. I'd answered, and now the two of us were actually something like friends.
