Cowboy for Sale (Wrecked Universe #5)

Chapter 1

“So, you’ll send me everything I need?”

Cole Bates closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead, trying to quiet a headache he hadn’t been able to shake since Rocky’s accident. “Yes, I’ll send the death certificate first thing Monday morning, and my assistant will email you the estate information and where to send his final check.”

“Thanks, Cole. This is an awful thing. Just awful. If there is anything we can do…”

That was kind, but what could a sponsor do for him? “Just be kind to his mother if you talk to her and—”

“Of course. We’ll send flowers and all. Make a donation in his name. I wish I could say I’d never had to do this before.”

“Mm. Yeah. Thanks, Davis. We’ll talk soon I’m sure.” Rocky Matheson hadn’t been his only client, just his biggest.

“Take care, man. Sorry for your loss.”

“Mhm. Thank you.” He hung up with a sigh. That was the last of them; he’d spoken to all of Rocky’s sponsors and closed all the contracts. All that was left was to follow up with Rocky’s big brother Joe in a couple of weeks to make sure all the final checks had been received.

Cole was done having to be professional in the face of this horrific thing, and now he could mourn his best friend like he deserved. Not that he had any idea how to do that. He’d never lost a client or a close friend before.

He saved and closed the spreadsheet he’d been working from, and his gaze slid over to the bottle of Jack on his credenza. It had been tempting him all week, and he’d refrained, telling himself it was a bad idea every single time.

It was probably a worse idea today.

His phone rang again, and he winced, glancing at the screen. Skyler Paulson.

Dammit.

He could hardly ignore Paulson, could he?

Cole sighed, cleared his throat, and dug deep for his professional voice again before answering the phone. “Hello, Mr. Paulson. This is a nice surprise.”

“No, it’s an awful reason to have to call. I was wondering if you knew if there was anyone… special Rocky had who needed a friendly voice or food or something.”

Me. He needed a friend and he’d just lost one. But this wasn’t about him.

“Oh. Uh—” He swallowed hard and tried to keep the emotion out of his voice.

He’d managed all Rocky’s business but couldn’t seem to handle a heartfelt offer.

“Rocky’s mother is—uh, and his older brother Joe…

they’re in New Mexico and I’m sure—” He cleared the emotion from his throat. “I know they’d appreciate it.”

“And how about you? What can we do for you?” Sky’s voice was warm; the man somehow had become the ambassador for the league.

“God.” He shook his head, and his heart broke all over again. “I wish I knew.”

“Oh, honey. I’m so sorry.” He heard a door close, and the sounds of children disappeared. “This fucking sucks so hard.”

“I can’t get my head around it. He was young and moving up with every ride. He was so proud and excited.” It was a dangerous sport. Everyone knew that. But knowing and understanding weren’t the same.

“Yes. And he did everything right. He wasn’t foolish; he wasn’t reckless—it was a shit accident, and I hate it.”

“I hate it too. And I’ll miss him. He was a very good friend. Smart and funny, determined, kind. I just want him to be remembered.”

“Yes, sir. We’re going to donate the profits to this year’s invitational to the Rocky Matheson Scholarship Fund.”

“What?” Well, that was something. Something amazing. “Are you really? Does Mrs. Matheson know yet?”

“No. Should I email or send a letter? I didn’t want to overwhelm her at all. This is hard enough.”

“I don’t know, you’ve done a lot for me telling me on the phone. I’d call Joe and ask, and maybe he’ll put her on the phone. She might like to hear it right from you.” A scholarship fund. This was amazing. “Rocky would be so proud.”

“It’ll keep his spirit alive and in bull riders’ voices.”

Skyler understood heartache. He’d been in a terrible wreck himself, and although he’d had a better outcome, it had ended everything for him at the height of his career. He’d twice been a champion bull rider, and now he was a champion for the community.

“It won’t bring him back, but it makes me feel hopeful. More than I was for sure. Thank you, Mr. Paulson. This is meaningful to me, and I know his family will be so grateful.”

“Sky. Please. If you need anything, even just to talk, feel free to call, okay?”

Cole sighed. He had no idea how to ask for help when he needed it, but he accepted it all the same. “Thank you, Sky. It’s been a heavy day, but you made it a little lighter.”

“I know y’all were friends. He always told everyone about you and gushed. You’re a bit of a legend now.”

He snorted. “Well, I don’t know about that. Rocky’s talent made my job easy. But you’re right; we were good friends.”

“Well, you’re part of the bull riding family now, man. For what it’s worth. We’re a wild and wooly bunch.” A sharp scream sounded. “Gotta go. The kids are riled up.”

“Understood. Thank you for the call. Goodbye.” He hung up and stared at his phone. “Rocky, man. I hope you’re paying attention because this is some pretty cool shit.”

He couldn’t explain what he was feeling exactly, but whatever it was brought tears to his eyes. There was no stopping them so he didn’t try. He let it all wash over him and through him until he was done, and then he was just tired. He needed a break and a shower.

And then about three days of sleep.