“Hadley.” I turn back to find her leaning over the seat toward me. “Leave your stuff here, we can set up later. Save someone running off with it.”
“Solid plan.” I push my hat onto my head and nod. The sliding door opens easily underhand and I pluck my gear bag out.
Maggie is close behind me, her camera equipment slung over her shoulder. I squint into the sun as it dips lower with the late afternoon. The humid air buzzes with life, the breeze playfully tugging the long spring grasses surrounding the arena grounds. The aroma of outdoor cooking reaches me.
“Hey, Jones.” I turn back to find her a few steps behind me.
She closes the distance, and I hold a hand up to block the sun to my right.
Pulling something from her back pocket, she slides them over my face, one elegant finger pushing the bridge of the aviators up my nose. “Break a leg, hey.”
We are barely inches apart, with her all but on her tiptoes. A breath later, she sinks back to the ground with a warm smile. “Thanks for riding with me, cowboy. I enjoyed the day so much better with you in it.”
With that, she slips past me. Hips swaying, she wanders for the office, leaving me standing rooted to the spot.
For weeks, we have been avoiding each other after our less-than-desirable first encounter. As she disappears into the office, I adjust the sunglasses on my face and swallow past the stone that formed with her so close. Willing my erratic heart to calm down.
It was only kindness and, in her words, better than bored and lonely.
Footsteps over the grassy ground snag my attention, and I turn to find Brady and Spencer.
“Yo! Jonesy. How the hell did you get here so early, bud?” Brady smiles, clapping a hand on my back.
Spencer looks around, bemused. “Didn’t see your rust bucket roll in.”
“Hitched a ride. You two came in together?” I ask.
“Yeah, catch my baby on the way back.” Spencer’s baby is a brand-new, state-of-the-art Ram. Not even a team bull rider could bankroll that one. Daddy must have bought it for him.
I feign shock. “You mean you left her behind? How could you?”
“She’s in good hands; left her with my sister who lives there.”
“If you’re done showing off, Lockwood, we should head to the office.” Brady nods to the small building Maggie disappeared into.
We make our way over and find Levi inside. The second I meet his gaze, he strides for me.
“One of the teams is out two riders, permanently. Scouts are looking for another draft. Time to give it all you’ve got, Jones.” He slaps me on the back.
Hell yes.
Today started out a shitstorm in a handbag and has improved more and more as it’s rolled on. I don’t know what there is to say, so I simply nod.
“I’ll make sure Maggie gets some great shots tonight. That’ll help.” Levi tilts his head as if imagining how the night will unfold.
“Yeah, having her hanging around your chute will absolutely help.” Brady gives me a shit-eating grin.
You’ll keep, bud.
