Sierra rested her head on my chest as the song ended, neither of us making any moves to pull away or step off the dance floor.
I was convinced Sierra had stolen a piece of my heart that night, and I didn’t even want it back.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
sierra
PRESENT DAY
We were back in Billings for our final rodeo before the season ended. The final world standings, and the list of athletes who would make it to the NFR, would be announced in mid-October. I could practically feel the energy crackling in the arena, and my own body buzzed with emotions. Whether it was nervous energy or excitement, I wasn’t sure. The last time I checked, I was sitting fourteenth in the world standings. This weekend could make or break my chances at making the NFR, so I didn’t think anyone would blame me for being nervous.
However, under the surface, I also knew my nerves stemmed from something else. After finding the nail in my tire, I told Hayden it was just an accident, that I must have driven over something, but I could tell he didn’t believe me.
Despite my denial, I told myself that I wouldn’t let my guard down anymore. I wouldn’t let fear stop me from performing my best, but I’d also be watching my back.
A hand pressed down on my shoulder, and I flinched, my heart jumping out of my chest.
“Whoa there, Skippy. You good?”
I released a sharp breath as Keenan squeezed my shoulder. “Yeah, sorry. Just a little on edge today.”
“Nervous?”
I shrugged. “I guess. There’s a lot at stake here.”
He nodded. “Makes sense. I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about, though. You’re one of the best barrel racers I know.”
“Thanks.” After gazing around the area behind the chutes, I asked, “Where’s Hayden?”
Keenan tapped his lips as his head swiveled around. “Not sure. I thought he was behind me, but he must have gotten hung up talking to someone. I know his buddies, Colter and Reid, were close by.”
“Ah.”
“So, how are you two doing?”
My brows knitted together. “What do you mean?”
“I dunno. You two are living together, working together, and traveling together. Seems like ideal conditions for a lot of feelings to come up.”
“We’re just friends,” I said flatly.
“Keep telling yourself that, Skippy.” He patted me on the head like a puppy, and my lips drooped into a frown as I smacked his hand away. “You two were never meant to bejust friends. That was evident from the start.”
“What are you guys doing?” Hayden crossed his arms over his chest as he approached us, an amused expression plastered on his face.
“He’s being annoying.” I rolled my eyes as Keenan threw his arm around my shoulder. “Don’t touch my hair again. My head is not for patting.”
His hand hovered over the top of my head, but he lowered it at my warning.
“Come on, Skippy, you’re no fun.” Keenan leaned in, whispering, “Don’t forget what I said. You guys? End game,” before he stretched out his arms and yawned. “Let’s get this show on the road, shall we? When’s this rodeo gonna start?”
Hayden and I both rolled our eyes and shook our heads, but we still followed Keenan just as the rodeo announcer started speaking.
The jumbotron displayed a zoomed-in image of Hayden and Keenan as they set themselves up in the roping boxes. The steer was already in the chute, and eighties rock music played in the background.
“Let these cowboys hear you, folks. They hail from our great state of Montana, from two little towns called Goldfinch and Silver Creek if you’ve heard of them.” The announcer rattled off some stats and then cried out, “And there they go, folks!”
Hayden and Peanut shot out of the roping box like a bolt of lightning. He swung his rope over his head, his gaze trained on the steer in front of him. In perfect timing, he threw the rope, the loop landing over the steer’s horns.
