Chapter 20
twenty
Rhett
“The meds worked well. No sign of infection. Flex your hand a few times for me.”
I do some movements for the doc, and while it’s still slightly swollen, the hot, burning pain is gone. Thank god for that.
“You were lucky, Rhett. This could have gone far worse. How did the meds hit you?”
“Like I flew off the back of a bronc and hit a brick wall. Felt like I might die on the second day.”
He winces with sympathy.
“Sorry, but it was worth it. If that hadn’t worked, you’d be looking at surgery and being out of commission for longer. You’re free to go about life as usual. Just ease into things. The body needs rest in order to heal.”
“I’ll do my best. Thank you.”
After leaving the doctor’s office, I stop at The Thirsty Cow before heading to the training facility. Diamond is behind the counter serving a customer, and his gaze meets mine when I enter. I nod, and he quickly turns his attention back to the man in front of him while I wait behind him in line.
I don’t mean to eavesdrop, but it’s kind of hard not to.
“Do you flirt with all the men who come here, or just the new ones?” the customer asks Diamond, and I don’t like the sound of his voice. Or the intention behind his words.
“Oh, I’m a believer in sharing the love, Sug. I’ve never left a handsome man without a compliment.” Diamond smiles in the way that’s flirty and friendly, but not suggestive. I think of it as his work smile and not his Rhett smile.
“Maybe we could grab dinner together one night? If you’re free, I mean. Since you find me handsome and all that.”
Do I sound as idiotic as this guy? He’s wearing a suit. His hair is styled so immaculately that I wonder how much product he has in it. Even his hands are perfectly manicured. He’s not Diamond’s type. At all.
“That’s a lovely offer. I’m flattered, but—”
“Do you like Italian?” the man blurts, and I nearly burst out laughing.
Diamond’s gaze flicks to me before turning back to his customer. I know he’s just being polite, and he hates making people feel bad, but I have to say something.
“He loves Italian,” I rumble. “But he’s not going to dinner with you.”
Diamond’s brows shoot up, and the other man turns slightly to eye me up. Clearly, he doesn’t like what he sees and turns back to Diamond.
“I think the man has a tongue, and he can turn me down if he wants to himself. Isn’t that right, Diamond?”
My eyes stay glued to Diamond as he answers and slides the man his coffee.
“He’s right. I love a good Italian. Where would you take me?” Diamond says.
The man smirks at me, like he just won whatever this is, and by the grace of god I keep my mouth shut and let him keep talking.
“I’ll have to ask around. Can I get your number?”
Diamond waits a beat before reaching for a business card and a pen. He gets the first three numbers down before I step behind the counter and close my hand over his. I toss the pen aside with a low growl before turning to the man who doesn’t know what to make of this.
“He’s not going out with you.”
Diamond’s lips twitch. “No?”
“No. You’re having dinner with a real Italian, and I’m making it for you.”
“I said I like Italian. I didn’t say it was food.”
I bite back a laugh as my gaze takes in Diamond in his usual daisy dukes, cowboy boots, and today, a tight-fitting T-shirt I want to rip off his body.
“Well…lucky you can have both. The man and the food. Come for dinner tonight?”
“I work until 8 P.M.”
“Then we’ll have a late dinner.”
Diamond steps into my space and places his hand on my chest. “I didn’t think you’d be the jealous type. It’s a huge turn on.”
“Yeah? I kind of went a little caveman there. Sorry.”
“No, no. Don’t apologize. Hell, you could have thrown me over your shoulder and walked me out of here, and I wouldn’t mind one bit.”
“I’ll make a note.”
We stand there behind the counter in each other’s space for several beats. The man flirting with him is long gone, and I kind of want to beat my chest about that. Instead, I bend closer and kiss him senseless.
When we break apart, Diamond’s fingers go to his lips. “Wow,” he breathes.
“I’ll see you tonight, beautiful.”
If I could throw him over my shoulder now, like he said, I would. But real life needs attention. I didn’t even order what I came in for, but Diamond calls out as my hand hits the door.
“I’m sure you came here for this.” He struts my way with a takeout cup in his hand. Every eye in the place is on us. He stops in front of me, and I take the offered cup with a slow smile.
“I did, but I’m leaving with something better.”
His sapphire-blue eyes sparkle with a playfulness I crave. Something I didn’t know I was actually missing until I met him. “Damn right. Have a good day, cowboy.” He spins on his heel and returns to work while I bring the coffee to my lips.
Banana.
He catches my smile behind the cup and winks.
Today will be a good day.
Somehow, I get to the rodeo facility, still on a high from kissing Diamond and probably looking like a kid who just got laid for the first time. Jamieson is coaching a group of young bull riders with Griff. I give them a wave before stopping in the office to find Warren and Hunter.
“You’re back! Just in time. How the fuck do I open that billing program for the students you set up?” Hunter slides a pair of glasses off his face, and Warren snickers from the sofa.
“I bought you Post-it notes to just write what you need me to know, remember?”
Hunter stands and motions for me to take the desk chair. “I was trying to be helpful. Didn’t want you coming back to work with a mountain of shit to do.”
“No offence, Hunter, but it’s less work if you just leave me a note.”
Warren outright laughs, and Hunter shoots him a glare. “Don’t laugh at your elders. One day, this could be you.”
“Oh, before I forget, Warren. I have cash for you. I really appreciate you helping move my things.” I flip open my wallet and hand him the crisp bills from the bank machine. “I’ll have a proper house party later.”
“Thank you, Rhett!” He takes the money, folding and stuffing it in his pocket.
“Don’t you have a wallet or something?” Hunter asks. “How do young people carry cash these days?”
“We use cards and our phones, Dad. Nobody carries cash. That’s so old school.”
Hunter freezes. “You called me Dad,” he whispers.
Warren bites at his lip, and I feel like I’m witnessing a moment I shouldn’t be.
“Is that okay?”
“Fuck yeah. I…” He swipes at a tear on his cheek, and Warren rolls his eyes like a proper teenager.
“You nag me enough. Might as well call you Dad,” Warren adds, but there’s a tenderness to his words that makes my heart so damn happy for Hunter. “Which means I should probably tell you I already ordered a new rabbit with some of the money.”
“Warren.” Hunter sighs. “We talked about this.”
“No, you talked. I didn’t get to say a word!”
Before they launch into a fight, I stand. “I’m going to check on the guys and give you a moment. I’ll finish the billing when I’m back.” Pointing a finger at Hunter, I add, “Don’t touch anything. Use a sticky note.”
I leave the office with the two arguing about rabbits and whatever else they need to hash out, but I already know Warren will win. The second he called Hunter dad, the man turned into mush. He might be hard on Warren, but his heart is gold, no matter what he wants others to believe.
Back at the ring, I join a few of the new riders in the chutes. Jamieson and Griff are loading bulls, and it’s the first time the group gets to ride strictly for critique from the professionals.
“Are you fellas learning lots? Is the school what you hoped for so far?”
I’m rewarded with enthusiastic cheers, and the man next to me, who must barely be out of his teenage years, can’t stop raving about how amazing Jamieson is.
“I grew up watching Jamieson. He was like my favourite bull rider ever. To have him teach me stuff is just…like mind blown, you know? I’m just so stoked to be here.”
The riders all help each other at the chutes. The veterans offer tips to the younger ones, and it’s an amazing atmosphere. Rodeo is family. Yes, they sometimes fight, but they’ll always be there for you. Win or lose.
Wandering back to the office, hoping Hunter didn’t enter info into the computer again, Warren passes me in the hall with a scowl.
He only nods as he passes, and when I enter the office, Hunter sits on the sofa with his head hanging.
“Everything okay?” I ask as I take my seat back behind the computer.
“It will be.” He sighs and stands, grabbing his hat from the desk. “I’m happy you’re feeling better. Can you read my handwriting on those notes?”
I quickly skim the notes, and they seem straightforward. “I’m good. I’ll call if I have questions.”
“Are you going to compete more this year?”
“Oh yeah. I got the green light, but I think Kissing Ridge will be the last one for the season. I want to settle into the house and get Wilbur’s barn in. Lots to do. Next year, I’ll focus more on making the tours again.”
Hunter nods.
“That makes sense. And Diamond? He’s been an angel for you, hasn’t he?”
An angel doesn’t come close to describing what he’s been.
“He has.”
Hunter stares at me, waiting for more, before he places his hat on his head with a huff. “Fine. Be that way. But I’ll say this, Rhett…you’re a very lucky man.”
His smile is warm, and I nod in agreement.
“Thank you for all the help over the past few days. I appreciate it.” Pausing, I decide to ease his mind since he’s been so helpful. “I am lucky, and I hope to tell you more soon.”
He holds my gaze, and a silent understanding passes. Hunter is the big brother, the protector of everyone in his group, whether they want it or not. He trusts me to do right by Diamond, and I plan to.
“Anytime. Have a good day.”
When I’m finally alone, I get back to work. Emails need returning, and students requesting sessions need scheduling. I enter the billing that Hunter thankfully didn’t attempt, and after several hours, it feels like I’ve made progress with my work.