My cheeks heat as I smile up at him.
“Well, looks like I should let you go,” he says, gesturing to the now empty line in front of me. I hadn’t even realized we’ve been moving.
I sigh because I’m not ready to leave him yet, but I really need to go pee and I’m sure the girls would wonder where I am. There’s no service in the grounds for me to text them, and plus,West is working. I’m sure he’s too busy to keep standing around with me.
“Yeah, I guess so,” I say, stepping into the entrance of the girls’ washroom, hesitating.
“If you need a ride later, come find me,” he tells me, starting to back away.
“We have plans to walk back to my place, but thank you.”
“Like hell you’re walking,” he says, smile falling. “When you’re ready to go, you come find me,” he demands, and my core clenches at the authority in his voice.
Nodding, all I can do is say, “Okay.”
“Good. See you later, Jade.”
“Bye, Sheriff Cowboy!” I call as I turn the corner to the stalls.
Washroom used and water in hand, I find my spot back in the stands and let the girls know West offered to give us a ride later.
“Cool. I gotta admit, after those drinks, I’m not eager to walk.” Sarah laughs.
“Here,” I say, passing her my water.
“Oh, speaking of my brothers, I think broncs are about to start,” Wren says.
“Ugh,” Sarah groans.
“I just love watching the broncs.”
“I just love watching the cowboys on the broncs.” Sarah’s brows wiggle, and we all laugh.
Steer wrestling finishes, and we watch as the riders for the broncs get ready. The announcer calls the start, and once again the crowd is electric. We have two riders representing Lavender Falls, so everyone is waiting with bated breath hoping one of ours win. We watch with rapt fascination, cheering on each man and woman as they enter the grounds, but when the first rider from Lavender Falls takes the lead, we lose control in cheers and excitement.
One man gets bucked off pretty badly, and the crowd is a chorus of gasps and beating hearts. We collectively hold our breaths as he rolls over and slowly gets upright, brushing himself off, and takes off limping towards the gate. Everyone cheers and whistles for him as he walks off.
The next rider is announced, and the crowd is the loudest it’s been all night.
“From our own town of Lavender Falls, twenty-eight year old and world champion, HAYES DONOVAN!”
The gates fly open as Hayes becomes the centre of attention. He’s a natural out there. His horse kicks and bucks, but he hangs on with one hand like it’s nothing. The clock is ticking, and the crowd chants each number as the seconds run out.
“Hayes, your hand is getting low,” Wren whispers in nervous agitation, sitting on the edge of her seat, critiquing her brother.
The time runs out and the clock buzzes, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
“HAYES DONOVAN, everyone!” The announcer joins in excitedly.
The score board ticks, and we all wait with a bated breath.
Holy shit.
Ninety-two.
Wren and I jump up, clasping our hands and screaming with excitement. Still sitting, Wren grabs onto Sarah and pulls her up. “Come on Sarah! A ninety-two! Celebrate with us!”
Sarah scrunches her nose. “I’d rather not.”
