“No, I’m not having dark thoughts or anything like that. I love riding broncs and living life far too much to think about never doing it again. It’s just been a hell of a…damn, fifteen years, give or take? It feels like my entire life has just been a parade of people who used me for one thing or another. I’m tired, and I want…fuck, I don’t know what I want.”
Hunter sags. “Just checking. I’m sorry it’s been such a mess for you, but Rhett, how does Diamond actually fit into this?”
I let his words sit, and every time I try to think of something to describe how I felt today, it isn’t good enough. Why was today the day I spewed all my thoughts on Hunter and not one night in the comfort of his home with a beer?
My only answer is that it wasn’t the right time until now. As for Diamond, maybe the same is true for him.
“I’m not sure how he fits, Hunter. But even if he doesn’t fit, I think he holds the key to something I could use help with.”
“I hope you both find the answers then, Rhett. Life is too short to end it with unanswered questions.”
seven
Diamond
“Are you excited for the rodeo season? It’s soon, right?”
I don’t have to ask Levi if he’s excited; Iknowhe is. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that rodeo cowboys are a different breed. They love their sport and sacrifice a lot to keep doing it. They’re the most passionate group of people I’ve ever had the privilege to be a part of.
“Fucking stoked,” Levi answers with a grin.
With the western tour about to begin, I’m always filled with varying emotions. My friends leave, sometimes for entire weeks to compete, and while I’m excited and happy to watch when I can, I miss them when they’re gone. Levi is my best friend and, along with Hunter, they compete and travel the most out of the group.
“I hope you get what you want this year, and you and Hunter go all the way. Is the new training space helping?”
We’re on our way to the big kickoff party for the rodeo season Jackson hosts for his friends and family at his house. After today’s gathering, my core group of friends and activities will be on hold until rodeo season is over. It’s both exciting and sad. I’llmiss them, but I love catching up when they come home for a break. Especially Levi. He’s improved so much with Hunter as his new roping partner.
This is their year. I can feel it.
“It is. Me and Hunter are clicking and roping so well. If we don’t do it this year, I think our time is up.” Levi sighs and glances my way. “I think he’s ready to wind down. He’s been talking about a family and leaving a legacy. I wouldn’t be surprised if he retires for good after this year.”
“That makes sense. With the new facility, he likely wants to have someone to leave it to. I think Gabe feels the same way. He’s been talking about ponies and dogs and all kinds of shit I never thought he’d talk about.” I laugh when I think of Gabe and his first time in our small town and his introduction to country living. He went from driving a Lexus to a beat-up pickup truck. The man never looked happier. Although I’m sure his husband is the source of the smiles.
Levi pulls into Jackson’s yard and finds a spot to park on the lawn in the row of vehicles already here. Levi helps me carry the boxes of dessert from his car, and we head towards the house. A deep laugh sounds as we turn the corner, and I almost stumble when I catch a glimpse of Rhett.
Standing with Jackson near the BBQ with his head thrown back in laughter, he takes my breath away. Rhett’s dressed in faded jeans and a black T-shirt hugging his chest so close I’m jealous of a store-bought cotton blend. Fuck me…has no right to look that good at a BBQ. It’s not until Levi nudges me that I realize I’ve stopped walking.
“Stop drooling and get these inside first,” he whispers with a smile, and it’s rare for me to feel as flustered as I do now.
“I’m not drooling. I was just…taking a mental photograph.”
Levi barks a laugh loud enough to draw Rhett’s attention, and my heart speeds up when his gaze lands on me. I smile and raisethe box, not sure why, but I do. He nods his head, and I feel like we’ve just spoken in secret code. I’m so caught up staring at him, I almost don’t see Riley when he exits the house.
“Oh, good timing! I just cleared space in the fridge. Come on in.”
Riley chatters away while I place the cheesecake Jackson loves in the fridge along with most of the other men’s favourites. If I know a cowboy’s favourite sweet, I made it special for today.
I guessed for Rhett, though. He’s not been in my coffee shop enough for me to know his preferences yet, and I’d like that to change.
Riley offers me an iced tea, and we wander back outside to the party. Rhett isn’t near the BBQ anymore, but I spot him at the far end of the yard alone. My feet would carry me in his direction even if I didn’t want them to, I think. That’s the pull he has on me, like some kind of sexy cowboy divining rod.
He turns when I’m almost there, and this time, there’s no forced smile. No, he’s smiling for real as he bends to take a slobbery tennis ball from Tramp’s mouth and pitches it into the field.
“Hey.” He nods and sips from his beer.
Not the most eloquent way to start a conversation, but I noticed how his eyes skimmed my outfit and lingered for a beat too long before turning away.
“Hey, yourself. You know…” I step a little closer. My fingers itch to touch his shirt and scratch down his skin underneath. “You should’ve warned me you’d be here looking like all my fantasies come true.”
