A COWBOYS REDEMPTION

𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊 𝐎𝐔𝐓

I could hear Sienna yelling my name, but my mind was elsewhere. I had been snickering at my phone, lost in a conversation with Wyatt. He had just sent me a hilarious video, and I couldn't help but laugh at it. But before I could type out my response, I felt my phone being snatched from my hand.

"Hey!" I protested, looking up to see Sienna standing there, dressed in workout clothes, a water bottle clutched in her hand.

"Where are you going?" I asked, frowning as I reached out for my phone.

"Uh, to the gym, girl. Are you coming?" she asked.

"Uh, no? Why would I go to the gym?" I said, my frown deepening. I wasn't in the mood for a workout, especially not when I was in the middle of a perfectly good conversation with Wyatt.

Sienna stared at me dumbfounded. "Milia, you just got out of a relationship! You need to get out and start doing things for yourself, and going to the gym is a perfect start."

I rolled my eyes at her, slumping back against the couch. "Sienna, come on. I don't want to go to the gym."

"Well," she said, crossing her arms, "you aren't going to sit in this house all day giggling at your cowboy. You've done that enough the past two weeks."

I knew she was right, as much as I hated to admit it.

My life had been a constant loop of texting Wyatt and sitting around the house since Malakai and I broke up.

It felt a bit weird to even be talking to someone new after giving six years of my life to Malakai.

It was scary, too, thinking about putting myself out there again.

The person I was a year ago felt like a stranger now, and I wasn't sure I wanted to show anyone that version of me.

"Come on, Milia, please! It's both of our days off, and we haven't been able to spend much time together because of work. Sawyer said he'd meet us there, and to force you to come if you said no."

I shook my head, a smile tugging at my lips. "I can never get a break with you two."

I knew there was no escaping them, not today. They wouldn't let me stay home, no matter how much I tried. With a heavy sigh, I finally gave in, rolling my eyes dramatically. "Fine! I'll get dressed."

Sienna grinned, tossing my phone back to me. "You'll thank me later."

I doubted that, but I dragged myself off the couch anyway, heading to my room to change. Maybe this gym trip wouldn't be so bad after all.

??°

Sienna and I stepped into the gym, and I immediately wrinkled my nose at the smell of sweat and rubber. The place was packed with shirtless men lifting weights and women running on treadmills. I glanced around, feeling a bit out of place.

"Hey, my sistas," a familiar voice called out.

We turned to see Sawyer making his way over, dressed in a compression shirt and black sweatpants.

He pulled both Sienna and me into a quick hug before stepping back.

"So, I see you convinced this homebody to come work out with us," Sawyer teased, pushing my shoulder playfully.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah."

"Come on, let's go stretch." Sienna said, pulling my arm. She led the way, and I trailed behind, my eyes scanning the gym. I couldn't help but feel a bit jealous staring at some of the girls with their toned bodies.

Lost in thought, I didn't notice someone in front of me until I bumped into them. Their water bottle fell to the floor, hitting my feet. I gasped. "Oh, I am so sorry!" I quickly bent down to pick it up.

"Don't mention it," the person replied, their country accent catching me off guard. I slowly stood up, my eyes meeting a pair of familiar dreamy green ones.

Wyatt.

My heart skipped a beat, and I found myself unable to look away from him, his eyes always held me captive. Next to him was the same friend I had seen him with at the bar.

Wyatt's smile widened. "Milia, hey."

"Hi, Wyatt," I managed to say, feeling the same butterflies I always felt when I saw Wyatt.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.

I scratched my forehead, "Uh, my friends kind of forced me to come here," I admitted, glancing at Sienna.

"Hey! Don't say it like that," Sienna gasped, laughing as she slung her arm around my shoulders. "Hey cowboy."

Wyatt chuckled. "Howdy," he greeted Sienna.

"Damn, you're going to act like you don't notice me?" Wyatt's friend spoke up, offended by Sienna ignoring his existence.

Sienna turned to him, her eyes narrowing. "You left without saying goodbye after fucking my brains out the entire night. I have nothing to say to you, Akhilles."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Akhilles? Like the Greek hero?"

Akhilles smirked. "Nah, Akhilles with a K. And I left because I had to get to court."

"Court?" Sienna raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I'm a Criminal Defense Lawyer," Akhilles explained.

"Cool," I said, nodding.

"Oh," Sienna murmured, her expression softening.

I noticed the way they were looking at each other and smirked.

Sienna hadn't had a new guy in her life in a while, and maybe this would be good for her.

It might even get her to stop hovering over me so much.

I nudged her closer to Akhilles, feeling the urge to play matchmaker.

"Akhilles, did you know Sienna is the CEO of one of the most popular clothing companies in Texas? "

Akhilles looked genuinely impressed. "Wow. I didn't know that."

"Wyatt," I said, turning to him, "how about you show me some of your favorite workouts?"

Wyatt chuckled. "Uh, sure?"

We started walking to the other side of the gym, leaving Sienna and Akhilles to their conversation.

??°

"Wyatt, I can't do this anymore, I'm tired," Milia panted as she came to a stop, her chest rising and falling heavily as she tried to catch her breath.

I couldn't help but chuckle at her. "Alright, alright," I said, slowing down and stepping off the treadmill.

We moved away from the machines, and I watched as Milia walked over to her water bottle.

She pulled off her hoodie, revealing a tight-fitted cropped shirt underneath.

My eyes drifted, taking in the sight of her.

She was perfect—the way her thick thighs contrasted with her flat stomach was enough to make my heart race.

Then I noticed a butterfly tattoo peeking out from her waistline. It was small, but still enough to catch my attention. I bit down on my lip, feeling my dick harden at the sight of her. I quickly turned my head, trying to compose myself before I got too carried away.

"Excuse me?" a soft voice interrupted my thoughts. I looked up to see a brunette girl with bright blue eyes smiling at me.

"Howdy," I greeted, tipping my head slightly.

Her cheeks turned a rosy red as she giggled. "Hi, you're Wyatt Buckley, right? The bull rider?"

A grin spread across my face, impressed that she recognized me. "In the flesh," I replied.

"My father and I always watch your bull rides at the rodeo. I've never seen a guy ride the way you do," she gushed, clearly flirting.

I nodded politely, though my mind was elsewhere. I started to glance around the gym, searching for Milia. My eyes landed on her, standing by her water bottle with a blank expression, her gaze shifting between me and the brunette. Her fists were clenched at her sides, and she looked upset.

Is she jealous? There's no way she's upset that I'm talking to another girl, right?

I kept my eyes on Milia, watching as she picked up her hoodie from the ground. The brunette was still talking, but I barely heard her.

"I was wondering if I—"

"I'm sorry, miss, I have to go," I cut her off, already moving away.

??°

Seeing Wyatt talking to that brunette girl made me uncomfortably upset. I didn't understand it. Wyatt and I barely knew each other, yet watching him with someone else made me feel uneasy, almost... jealous. Why am I feeling this way? I questioned myself, trying to push the emotions down.

"Milia!"

I heard Wyatt calling my name, but I ignored him, quickening my pace. I just needed to get away, clear my head. But before I could take another step, I felt a firm grip on my arm, pulling me back. I turned around, and there he was, staring directly at me, confusion all over his face.

"Milia, where are you going?" Wyatt asked.

"You seemed occupied," I said, keeping my tone light. "I was going to go meet up with Sawyer."

Wyatt scoffed, shaking his head. "Come on, Milia, I don't even know who that girl was."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. "Wyatt, look... you don't owe me an explanation for talking to other girls."

"Well then, why are you so jealous?" he asked, a smirk slowly forming on his face.

I laughed, not wanting to admit the truth. "You're so full of yourself. I'm not jealous."

Wyatt chuckled, "Well, I apologize, miss, for assuming. But if you weren't jealous, why'd you run away?"

I had no words for that. He had caught me in my lie, and I hated it. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right thing to say. "Wyatt, we barely know each other. It's none of my business what you do."

"Well, Milia, get to know me then!" His voice rose slightly, making me glance around before looking back at him.

"What?" I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion.

Wyatt's expression softened as he smiled at me. "Milia, I want to get to know more about you, but you have to allow me to."

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "Wyatt, I just got out of a six-year relationship. I don't know how to do that."

He took a step closer, reaching for my hand. The warmth of his touch made butterflies flutter in my stomach. "Milia, I'm not your ex. I won't hurt you."

I stared into his eyes, torn between wanting to believe him and the fear of being hurt again. His sincerity made it hard to look away. "Just go out with me, okay? And if you don't like what you see, then I won't ever try again, okay?"

My heart raced as I processed his words. It had been so long since I looked at anyone the way I once looked at Malakai. But Wyatt seemed different, gentle, and sweet. Yet, that's how Malakai was at first, too. Was it worth the risk?

I closed my eyes, letting out a breath, before opening them and whispering, "Fine."

Wyatt's eyes widened in shock. "W-wait, really?"

"Yes," I said, my voice firmer this time.

His smile grew wider, and he stammered, "I-I guess I'll pick you up Saturday then."

I nodded, "Okay."

Slowly, I turned around, walking away, my eyes wide as I processed what had just happened. I had agreed to go on a date with another guy. Was this a mistake, or could it be the start of something new? Only time could tell.