Thirty-nine
The siren sounded, the crowd cheered, and the rodeo arena was soon cleared except for the rodeo clowns, where Ryder found himself in the chutes, sliding his legs over the large back of a big bull named Chainsaw.
‘Slide your hand along here and heat the rope until that rosin clings,’ Craig instructed, with Dex beside him.
‘Got it.’ The flat braided rope was smooth, solid, and his only lifeline.
‘Now, son, listen up.’ Charlie pushed his hat back, speaking close to Ryder’s ear. ‘You’ve gotta be quick from here on out. The longer you sit here, the longer the bull will read your feelings. And if it smells your fear, it’ll have you.’
Ryder sat firm on the bull, feeling the beast’s power beneath him. No fear, just focus. This wasn’t combat, but it was a different kind of battle—one he was ready for. It wasn’t about the ride, it was about Bree. He tightened his grip, the world narrowing down to eight seconds and one chance to win her over. ‘Let’s get on with it, then.’
‘When you give the nod, they’ll open that gate and the bull’s gonna rear up.’
‘Just be careful, mate,’ said Craig. ‘That first jump out of the chutes will be this bull’s biggest. It’s where Chainsaw has flicked off all his other riders with that first jump.
‘Right.’ Ryder heated the rope with the rosin until the grip became glue. He punched his gloved hand, doubling up the grip. And he was in.
‘Use your legs, lean forward, using your arm in the air for balance,’ called out Charlie. ‘And for heaven’s sake, son, keep that back straight. You get all hunched over, and Chainsaw will whip your spine around and crack it like a Christmas candy cane.’
‘Is it too late to stop this?’ asked Ash, with wide eyes.
‘Like hell.’ He was here now.
Charlie leaned down and tapped on Ryder’s leg covered in thick leather chaps. ‘Find his rhythm, son. Every bull has one. It’s buck, kick, and rear, some twist at the same time. You find that rhythm and you’ll finish the ride. Good luck, son.’
‘Good luck, brother.’ Dex also patted his shoulder.
‘I wish I had my drone to tape this.’ Ash giving him a thumbs up, while aiming his phone’s camera at Ryder.
‘You’ve got this, Ryder, give ‘em hell.’ Craig balanced on the rail nearby. ‘Just give the fellas a nod when you’re ready.’
Ryder checked his grip one more time. Then glanced up at the crowd and spotted Bree. She looked worried.
‘Stuff it.’ He nodded at the man.
And the gate swung open.