Pulling out of the hospital drive, I call Knox. It rings once before he picks up. “Finally. I’ve been waiting all day. What’d he say? You book a flight yet?”
I lean back in the seat, dreading telling him. He’s traveled by himself and Kacey has taken time off work to go with him because I’m hurt.I’mhis traveling partner. I’m supposed to be there. “No, man. Doc said I can’t ride yet.”
Silence on the other end of the line for several seconds. “Ha. Really funny. Now stop fucking around and send me your flight info.”
“I’m not fuckin’ with you. I wish I was.” I sigh.
“Oh.” Now he sighs. “Damn it. I’m sorry, man. What did he say?”
I relay everything the scan showed and what the doctor said to Knox as I drive home. He agrees I shouldn’t push it and come back early. I have my entire career to think about, not just this one season.
“Don’t worry, you can still make the finals. Everyone else will be beat up and tired, but you’ll be fresh and hungry. You won a lot of money this winter—you can still do this. Stay positive, and I’ll see you in two weeks.”
Chapter 28
Trey
Ipull into Jessie’s driveway and take a minute to myself. I got a call on the way home requesting a TV interview about my return, which only added to my frustration. Having to report I won’t be back for at least another two weeks made it really hit me. I’ll miss the entire Fourth of July run.
Emotionally, I’m torn, and I hate myself for it. I want to ride and my traveling partner needs me, but there’s a small part of me that’s thankful I get to stay two more weeks. I haven’t brought up continuing our relationship—because let’s be real, that’s what this is—with Jessie yet. I know she’ll fight me on it, but she’s worth the fight.Weare worth it.
I’ve never been with a woman who I have had any regret leaving for the next rodeo, but this woman has a hold on me. And I don’t think she even wants me to stay. Hell, she’ll probably help me pack.
I finally get out of the truck and walk in the back door.
Jessie sits at the table, eating a bowl of fruit, just like the day I moved in almost three months ago. How has it been that long? It feels like forever and a day, all at the same time. I thought I’d be restless every day I wasn’t chasing the next rodeo, but with her, even the quiet feels alive—I’ve found a home here. One I desperately want to come back to.
“How was the doctor’s appointment? Need help packing so you can fly out?”
I fucking knew it. It feels like she just shoved a knife in my chest. I set my ball cap on the counter, shaking out my hair. “Sorry, you’re stuck with me for a few more weeks. No packing, no flying, no rodeos for me.”
Her fork clatters when she drops it. “Oh, shit. I’m sorry, Trey.”
“It’s fine. I just have to wait it out.”
Jessie stands and walks closer. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No. I’ll keep doing my PT workouts and go back to the doctor in two weeks.” I explain everything the doctor said about the two scans and his concerns.
She nods, trailing her hands up my chest and over my shoulders. My mind instantly goes to a very dirty place.
“I’ve got a workout for you,” she whispers, and just like that, all thoughts of my back and rodeo fly out the window. I grab her, pulling her up so her legs wrap around my waist.
“Are you trying to distract me with sex, Hawkins?”
“I like to think of it as cheering you up. I know how much you want to rodeo again . . .” Her eyes soften, and for a second I wonder if she doesn’t want me to go, but she knows how much I love it.
“I think it’s working, keep going,” I say as I nuzzle into her neck.
Her fingers thread through my hair.
Fuckthat feels nice. This all feels nice, having someone to come home to and share my troubles with.
“Lucky for you, I know what will cheer you up. And it came in the mail today.”
Uh, what now?
I pull back. “You have my full and undivided attention. Please go on.”
