“You’ve done so much already, and I appreciate it, but I think I’d just like to go to bed. Don’t worry about the noise or anything. I sleep through everything.”
“I get it.” He pulls off his boots and sets them on the tray, and I do the same. “It’s an open invitation. When you feel up to it, join us sometime. Now come on, I’ll show you your room.”
Tater scampers down the hall to the voices, which turn into coos and awws over how cute she is, and then I’m standing in the room of men I only vaguely know from rodeo. I nod towards Gabe, the only one besides Hunter that I’m confident to name.
“Hey, everyone. I’m sorry I’m not joining, but I’ve been driving for two days, and I need some sleep. Maybe I’ll catch you at the next gathering.”
A tall, lanky man jumps up and wipes crumbs from his shirt before extending a hand in greeting. “I’m Jamieson. You must be Rhett. Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.” His grip is strong. Almost like he’s unaware of his strength. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”
“You will, but I’m retired from bull riding, so you’ll only see me in the school and as an occasional spectator at a rodeo.”
He does a quick intro around the group, pointing to everyone who waves and nods, and when he gets to the last man, the one with the platinum blond hair, I instantly know he’s the owner of the designer boots.
“This is Diamond.”
Blue eyes, a striking shade of sapphire, meet mine with an equally striking smile.
“Nice to meet you, Rhett.”
His gaze is like hot coals over my skin before he turns back to the board game in front of the group.
With a wave and a goodnight, I call Tater and follow Hunter up the stairs after they all promise to catch up later and keep the noise down.
“The bathroom is here.” He points to the only open door in the upstairs hallway at the end. “You can take the room next to it. Then we don’t need to share a wall.”
Laughing, he opens a bedroom door, and Tater follows me inside. It’s simple, with a bed, a dresser, and an overstuffed chair next to a small table. The bedding looks cozy as hell, and I yawn just looking at it.
“Clean towels are in the cabinet in the bathroom. Gabe and I are usually having breakfast by 7 A.M. If you’re awake, join us.”
His hospitality and genuine willingness to help momentarily have me at a loss for words. Rodeo family is always there for each other, but with Hunter, it feels a little extra, and I appreciate it.
Hunter lingers, likely wondering if I’ll say thank you, before squeezing my shoulder. “The door is always open, Rhett. If you need any help, just holler. Someone is always happy to help around here. With anything. Just ask.”
“Thank you. I…thanks.”
Hunter just nods and leaves me in my room. Tater sits at my feet with her head cocked, and I laugh softly. “Be a good girl. Lie down while I shower, and no barking.” She huffs like she’s insulted I’d even think such a thing and collapses in a fuzzy heap on her dog bed.
Muted voices from downstairs still sound in the hallway as I head into the bathroom for a shower. The water is hot; the towels are soft, and it feels good to finally be out of a vehicle.
Climbing into the comfortable bed after drying off, Tater snuffles and arranges herself on the floor as I close my eyes.
Sleep comes quickly, but so do thoughts of the man named Diamond and who he is to this group.
But that’s a task for another day.
three
Diamond
“Serendickity is not a fucking word,” Hunter growls, but I don’t miss the look he shoots Gabe to confirm.
“Sure it is.” Leaning back with my glass of fruit juice, I wait to see who will crack first. Predictably, it’s Hunter as he pulls out his phone to search for a word I made up.
“Serendipity, Diamond. I know that one,” Jamieson says, and I nod.
“Well, this one is even better.” Hunter’s sigh and his eye roll can be felt around the world as he waits for my explanation. “Serendickity; a chance occurrence of events involving dick that are happy. Serendickity.”
