I sit with my back to the bull. On my left, Levi bounces his knee, chewing on his lip. On the other side of the table, Santiago shakes his head with wide eyes. On my right, Walker sits with crossed arms and a tight, grim mouth.
The night has settled over Falling Sky like a heavy quilt. The sea of stars stretches endlessly overhead. Silver light from the moon spills across the round pen.
My breath drifts in white clouds every time I laugh. The cold nips at my skin, but I’ve readjusted to the Wyoming winter. It’s familiar now rather than miserable.
“I haven’t done this since my twenties,” Levi admits.
“Me too,” Santiago adds with a humorless laugh.
“I can’t believe you talked them into this.” Walker huffs.
“You’re sitting here too,” I point out, then hold up the bottle of gin I swiped from Santiago’s liquor cabinet. “Liquid courage, anyone?”
Levi lets out a nervous breath. “What the hell. Yeah, pass it over.”
“We seem to be accumulating an audience.” Walker nods to the fence.
We all turn and find that Jack and Brandon have joined the other two.
Levi passes the bottle to Santiago. “The guys want to see their fearless leader in action.”
“I’m not feeling very fearless right now.” Santiago takes a large gulp, handing the bottle to Walker.
“Need me to hold your hand?” I tease.
Walker glares, passing the bottle to me without taking a sip. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“I told you.” I hold the bottle up like I’m giving a toast. “I’m a pro.” The gin goes down my throat with a burn.
“Fuck, this is crazy,mi Cielo.”
“We’re here for a fun time, not a long time, boys,” I shout, adrenaline rushing through my veins.
The wranglers hoop and holler at my cheer.
“I’d prefer my fun time to last longer than forty-five years,” Levi mutters.
Walker cracks a small smile. “You’re a wild one, Blake Jennings.”
“Damn straight.” I nod.
Santiago leans across the table. “Don’t judge me if I run.”
“Never,” I assure him with a wink.
“If we run, you have to run too,” Walker demands.
“No promises.” I shoot him a mischievous smirk.
Walker narrows his eyes. “This is for your safety.”
I taunt him with a quick raise of my brows.
“Cowboys ready?” Javier shouts.
“Excuse me!” I wave my hand in the air.
“And cowgirl,” Javier amends.
