5. Tucker
TUCKER
The crowd is going wild. When I was asked to ride in this charity event, I said yes without thinking twice about it.
It quickly grew, and since the stakes are higher, the competition is stiff and the attendees have grown.
What was once a charity event just to raise a few dollars now has become the event of the season.
“Up next, Tucker Yates. He’s the number one bull rider in the state, ladies and gentlemen, and he’s here to help raise money for the local children’s hospital…”
The announcer drones on, and even though I’m the next rider up and should be doing my routine, I’ve been scanning the crowd for Dolly.
“There she is,” Ace hollers, pointing toward the stands.
I follow where he’s pointing, and there’s no stopping the smile from forming on my face.
I knew I wanted her here, but I didn’t realize how much it meant to me until I saw her.
My whole body reacts to seeing her. I don’t even try to be cool about it.
I lift my arm and wave at her, and sure enough, she’s already spotted us and waves back with flushed cheeks.
I know she’s not used to attention and may not like it, but she’s going to have to get used to it.
When people find out she’s the object of my affection, they are going to want to know more about her.
I decided after our phone call last night that I was going to have a discussion with her about this. I know there’s a lot of what ifs, but I also know that I won’t forgive myself if I don’t try with her.
“There she is,” I say to Ace, repeating his words back to him.
I’m smiling like a dope, and Ace points at Dolly again. “Dad, can I go watch with Dolly? I might need to explain things to her or something.”
I laugh at his logic. “I’m sure she would like that.” I look at my friend Rick. “Can you walk Ace over to our, uh, friend?”
Ace gives me a weird look. “Dad, I’m nine years old. I can walk over?—”
“I can walk him,” Rick says.
Ace groans. “This is Big Wood. Nothing exciting happens in Big Wood.”
I resist rolling my eyes. My son is growing up too fast, and I’m not ready for it. “Rick can walk you.”
He groans. “Fine. Good luck, Dad.”
He fist-bumps me, and I look across the arena at Dolly. I motion for her that Ace is coming to her, and she stands up to look for him.
My son walks straight to Dolly, and even though I should be focused on what I'm about to do, I know I won’t be able to unless I know my son is secure. As soon as Rick and Ace reach Dolly, Rick takes his hat off to talk to her. Jealously flairs inside me, and I grip the banister harder.
My name is called, and I should be getting into the chute, but I stand here, watching Dolly and Rick talk.
What the fuck was I thinking sending him over there?
He’s younger and a charmer. I won’t be surprised if he walks back over here and tells me that he has a date with her later tonight.
Fuck, if he gets her phone number I’m going to throw him in the chute with the bull.
Focus, Tucker . I repeat the mantra to myself, trying to look away, but I’m only able to once Rick starts walking back toward me.
Dolly and Ace are talking, and it’s obvious my son is explaining everything to her.
She’s patient with him, listening intently, and even though I love the thrill of the ride, I would give anything to go over and sit with Dolly and Ace right now.
Maybe I’d hold her hand, tuck her into my side.
We could share a meal together and then leave, hand in hand.
It sounds simple enough, but even now, I can’t imagine it ever happening.
We have a history. She is, or was, the best friend of Ace’s mom.
I had hoped our talk last night would come to some declarations and plans for the future, but she was timid on the phone.
I get it. She’s nervous about all this, and she doesn’t want to mess up her relationship with Ace.
I respect it, I really do, but I also can imagine how good we could be together, and so I know I need to stay on course, even if I need to take it slower than I want.
I finally get into the chute and get situated. The bull rocks between my legs, and I clench my thighs together. I shouldn’t ask, but as soon as Rick comes to a stop next to me, I ask him, “What the fuck was that?”
His cheeks are ruddy. “Sorry, man. I didn’t realize I was flirting with your woman. Ace set me straight, though.” He chuckles. “He wasn’t having it. He said, ‘My dad wouldn’t want you flirting with his girlfriend.’”
I raise my eyes in question and then look over to where my son is sitting with Dolly. Ace stands up and gives me a thumbs-up, so I return one to him. I should have known that Ace knew how I felt about Dolly. I haven’t done anything to hide it from him. “Yeah, she’s taken,” I tell Rick.
He holds his hands up, palm out. “Right, I get it. Honestly, I’m more scared of Ace than I am of you.”
I wrap my hand around the bull rope and shake my head. “You probably should be. He don’t play when it comes to Dolly.” I give a nod to him, and he gives a nod to our team. “Let’s ride,” I call out.
I nod to the announcer, and the countdown begins.
As soon as the buzzer rings, the chute opens, and Warrior springs from the barricade.
Instantly the thrill of the ride takes over, and all I can focus on is the bull between my thighs and the dirt under his feet, and I hold on until the sound of the buzzer.
Normally, that’s all I think about when I’m on a bull, but today is different. Today, I’m thinking about a certain blue-eyed woman and how I’m going to convince her I’m worth the risk.