“Yeah, don’t know what the hell it is, but he’s not riding.”
I glanced at her. “You didn’t do this. Did you? If you did, you will be in so much trouble.”
She smacked me playfully in the stomach. “No, I did not. That’s terrible. What can we do?”
“The crowd is expecting another rider.” When the guy grinned, I realized she’d already heard the man was sick and had suggested me. “You don’t want to disappoint them.”
“I’ll fucking kill myself,” I told them both.
“Don’t try it, Axe man,” she said. “A little bird told me you got in some practice.”
Groaning, I looked away. “It was just one ride.”
The rodeo assistant held up his hand. With four fingers. “You came close to breaking your record,” he said. “Besides, if you can make it to ten seconds, you’ll win.”
“Ten? I haven’t done that in years. I barely made seven the other day and Marty Calhoun just pulled a nine point two.”
“Then do ten,” she suggested.
“You planned this,” I accused.
She backed away. “I’m not saying a word other than imagine the surprise you’ll give the rodeo associations, who are sitting right over there in our premium box.”
I followed her finger, gritting my teeth. “I didn’t know they were here.”
“I invited them. Don’t you remember? And no man says no to me. Including you.” She pulled my arm, pushing me toward the rodeo assistant.
“If I break my leg, what then?”
“It’ll heal.”
“I’m not supposed to be doing dangerous things as a smokejumper.”
She grinned. “I already ran it by the captain. Incidentally, he and his wife are in the audience.”
“You little…”
“Watch your language. Go.” When I didn’t budge, she pulled me closer with both hands. “Go free yourself of the demon inside of you. Only then will you be able to move into the future. With me.”
“With you, huh?” Hissing, I glanced at the crowd.
“I’ve heard that we have a real treat for you. The Bronco Bully himself, the three-time champion and local smokejumping hero, Stephen, the Axe, Beckett will be our final rider.”
Hearing the announcer, I cocked my head, staring into her lovely eyes as she blinked several times.
“You will get it for this.”
She backed away, shimmying her hips and blowing me a kiss.
Huffing, I stormed away, trying to figure out how I could be such an idiot as to do this. Even if deep down I was fucking excited. Ten seconds. I’d be dead in ten seconds.
As I headed to the gate, I was given all the appropriate gear, including the chaps and gloves. All the while, I grumbled under my breath. This was suicidal.
Once dressed, I took a few seconds, staring at the bull. He eyed me like I was his next meal.
Finally, I took a deep breath and was placed on the bull, the reins slapped into my hand.
As the announcer did his thing, the entire crowd cheered. I glanced over at Kenzie who was standing on the second rung of the fence, her smile lighting up the entire corral.
