33
Lucy
The late afternoon sun beats down on the rodeo arena as I clip my walkie-talkie back onto my belt, satisfaction humming through my veins. Every detail is falling into place. The vendor booths stand in perfect rows, the sound system crackles clear across the grounds, and the portable restrooms are strategically positioned exactly where they need to be.
Mrs. Henderson was right when she said I had a gift for organization. After coordinating everything from parking to concessions, watching it all come together feels like conducting a symphony.
"Lucy!" Emma appears at my elbow, her baby balanced on her hip and a clipboard clutched in her free hand. "The barbecue team needs to know where to set up their smokers. Something about wind direction and fire safety."
I point toward the designated area near the north fence. "Over there, at least fifty feet from the main seating. Already cleared it with the fire marshal this morning."
Emma shakes her head with admiration. "I don't know how you keep track of everything. You've been running around since sunrise, and you still look like you stepped out of a country music video."
I glance down at my outfit, chosen specifically for today. Dark jeans that hug my curves, boots with just enough heel to make my legs look miles long, and a white button-down shirt tied at my waist that shows a tempting hint of skin. My hair is loose around my shoulders, and I've spent more time on my makeup than usual.
All day, I've been hyperaware of my appearance. Not because of the townspeople or the committee members, but because of three men who are somewhere in this organized chaos. Three men who've been occupying every spare thought in my head for hours.
The anticipation has been building all day like a wildfire in my veins. Every time I catch a glimpse of Gabriel's uniform across the arena or hear Colt's laugh from the animal holding area, my pulse jumps.
When Beau's voice carries across the announcer system as he discusses his prize bulls with the rodeo coordinator, heat pools low in my belly.
"Speaking of country music videos," Emma continues with a wicked grin, "I think half the single men in town have been finding excuses to check on your booth assignments. Very thorough quality control, if you ask me."
"Emma," I protest, but I'm smiling.
"What? I'm just saying, if those three complicated men of yours don't appreciate what they've got, there are plenty of other options." She shifts the baby to her other hip. "Though from the way Sheriff Maddox has been watching you from across the arena, I don't think you need to worry about anyone not appreciating you."
My heart skips like a startled calf. "He's been watching me?"
"Honey, he's been watching you like a hawk watches prey. Very intense, very focused. Very..." She fans herself with her clipboard. "Let's just say if looks could strip clothes, you'd be naked as a jaybird by now."
Heat floods my cheeks, but before I can respond, the arena announcer's voice booms across the grounds. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Briarhaven Roundup Days Rodeo!"
The crowd erupts in cheers, and Emma squeezes my arm. "Showtime. You should be proud, Lucy. This is all because of your hard work."
As she walks away, I take a moment to survey the scene. The bleachers are packed with families, couples, and groups of teenagers. Vendors are busy serving food and drinks. The arena is perfect, the animals are ready, and everything I've planned for weeks is finally happening.
But all I can think about is Gabriel's eyes on me from across the crowd, burning into me like a brand.
The first event is bull riding, which means I need to check with the safety crew and make sure the medical station is properly staffed. It also means I need to find Colt, who's serving as the rodeo veterinarian for the evening.
I spot him near the holding pens, talking to one of the bull riders. Even from fifty yards away, I can see the confident way he moves, the easy smile that makes women do stupid things.
Today he's wearing his best jeans, the ones that showcase his long legs and perfect ass, and a black button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal strong sexy forearms.
When he sees me approaching, something shifts in his expression. The professional smile becomes something hungrier, more personal, more predatory.
"Well, well," he says as I get close enough to hear him over the crowd noise. "Look what the cat dragged in."
The bull rider he'd been talking to takes the hint and wanders off, leaving us alone beside the fence.
"I need to check that the medical protocols are in place," I say, trying to sound professional despite the way my pulse is racing like a runaway horse.
"Do you now?" Colt steps closer, crowding into my personal space in a way that makes my breath catch. "And here I thought you just missed me."
"Maybe a little," I admit, tilting my face up to meet his eyes.
"Just a little?" His hand comes up to rest against the fence post beside my head, caging me in. "That's disappointing, shortie. I've been thinking about you all damn day."
