“I’d appreciate it if you could do that. I think knowing I can give that kid a name will help.”
Checking the time, I’m sorry to see our little break is over, and I stand.
“It’s time for the evening session. Thank you for the coffee and for making sure I eat. That means more than you know.”
“I understand how it is to have a busy work schedule, and I really wanted to see you again. Am I allowed to stay and watch?”
My eyebrows shoot up. “Don’t you have something better to do this evening?”
The flirty lift of his lips returns as he steps forward. “Is there anything better than watching sexy men on the back of a horse?”
My brain takes me back to watching him on the back of his horse in the rain, running and moving with Cherry with all the confidence he should have in every part of his life, and I shake my head.
He steps closer and rests his hand on my chest.
“You’re not that complicated, Rhett. Everyone is scared of the unknown. Some of us just go in swinging anyway and hope we win the fight.”
If I kiss those lips now, I know I won’t make it back to the evening session. Instead, I take his hand from my chest and kiss his palm. “I’ll see you out there then.”
He nods, a sexy grin in place that will be hard to forget for the rest of the evening. If I didn’t know better, I’d think that’s what he wants.
“Oh, I brought you this.” He passes the bag he brought with him over to me, and I inhale.
“Banana cookie?”
“Banana shortbread. I tried something new.”
“I’m gonna tuck it in my pocket and eat it after. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll clean up the plates here and call Griff from the office if that’s okay?”
“Completely.”
He nods and turns away to clean up while I wonder if what I’m about to do will wreck me or make me whole.
“Because I ride bareback, I’m not as versed in saddle bronc, but there’s still a similarity between the two. Both types need to mark their horses on exit. Get those feet up on the first buck out of the chute. That’s also going to set your tempo for the ride and work for a higher score.”
The four men in tonight’s session are saddle bronc riders, and while I’ve done it in the past, I prefer the more rough and wild bareback style. Which is perhaps fitting for me in more ways than I care to admit.
The cowboys who aren’t on rides tonight help man the chutes and load the broncs. Wilbur has joined me, and after a short session with each man one-on-one, I’m now in the ring as a pickup man and a very critical judge.
The first rider bursts from the gates, and I take in his feet and overall form, as well as how the bronc behaves. The horn soundsafter eight seconds, and I run Wilbur alongside the bronc so the rider can dismount safely.
Before the next rider is out of the chute, I dismount to deliver my feedback to each rider while it’s fresh. It’s not until the third rider finishes that a voice rings out in the arena.
“How about that pickup man!” A wolf whistle sounds, and the men laugh as our heads swivel to the source.
Diamond.
I don’t know if he’s watched all the riders or just this one, but it’s the first time he’s made his presence known. He waves when I turn his way, and more laughter sounds as he stands and waves harder, blowing me a kiss.
Our gazes meet, and he raises an eyebrow. I shake my head, unsure of what he wants. He blows me another kiss, this time motioning for me to catch it. With all eyes on us, I’m flustered by the attention, but I don’t want to let him down. I grab the kiss in the air and press it over my heart.
“For all that’s good and holy, don’t be a mushy sap. I already live with one. I don’t need a second,” Hunter says as he leans over the railing towards me.
“No promises on that one. What are you doing here? I thought it was 4H night?”
“It was. There was an issue, and I need to talk to you about something before you come home.” His grin turns wicked. “Unless you’re not coming home tonight?”
