Chapter 1
Trey
Fort Worth, Texas
January
I’m running down the sidewalk of a suburban neighborhood barefoot, in nothing but my boxers and cowboy hat.
Knox is going to kill me.
I sent him my location as soon as I woke up this morning. Turns out what woke me up was a boyfriend—one I didn’t know existed—coming home to Lacey.
Or was it Macey?
My phone rings. “Where. The fuck. Are. You?” I wheeze between panting breaths. Unless I’m being chased by a bull, running isn’t really my thing.
“I’m looking at your location, but you’re moving. Are you running?” he asks.
“Yes, I’m running! Turns out she has a boyfriend, and he is not a small man.”
Knox bursts into laughter. “Oh, this is too good. Maybe I’ll drive a little slower, see if he catches your home-wrecking ass.”
Ass.I’m in a life-or-death situation here and he’s cracking jokes.
“Don’t you dare! I didn’t know! Where the hell are you?”
He’s laughing so hard I can barely understand him. “Turn around, dumbass.”
I look behind me and sure enough, there he is, creeping down the street at a snail’s pace.
Wait—is he taking a video?!
Oh, I’ll make him regret this.
I hang up. Moments later, I throw the truck door open, and toss my boots, jeans, and shirt into the cab before climbing in. “You’ll pay for that.” I shoot him a glare.
He stops laughing long enough to fire back, “Tough talk coming from a man in nothing but his underwear. Plus, you’re thirty minutes late, so you’ll be paying for the next two tanks of fuel.”
“Whatever. I’ve been kicking your ass, anyway, old man. Just drive before he sees us.”
Knox is my traveling partner. We’ve both ridden bulls professionally since we were eighteen and have traveled together for years. I glance around, looking for the mammoth of a man. Our black truck and Capri truck camper stand out in the quiet neighborhood.
We’re west of Fort Worth where I won their Extreme Bulls last night. I just wanted to celebrate.
Sue me.
I don’t make a habit of sleeping with other men’s women; on the contrary, I try to avoid it at all costs. I had no idea she had a boyfriend. She never mentioned it and there weren’t any photos in the house during the brief moment I looked around the place.
“Better get your britches on,” Knox teases. “Only one hour to Dallas.”
I scowled at him, but guided my left foot into my pants leg all the same.
Knox is anxious about being late because we’re picking up his girlfriend, Kacey, and her best friend at the airport. Her best friend Jessie—the same Jessie I have shamefully flirted with since I met last year, even though she won’t give me the time of day. I see the way she looks at me though; she, like most women, isn’t immune to my charm and boyish good looks. But no matter what I try, she won’t give in. Which is unlike most women.
Maybe this will be the weekend she finally caves.
I knew I’d like Jessie before I ever met her. I saw a photo of her with Knox and Kacey on Knox’s phone and I justknew. That woman is different, a challenge. And I’ve never met a challenge I didn’t like. When my parents told me I shouldn’t ride bulls, I only got on more. When everyone said I’d never make a living rodeoing, I only rode more bulls and made more money.
