Chapter 19 #2
“I did, on a dare. I broke my wrist and Doug damn near beat the dare-r to death.”
“Y’think? I would—” He just caught the nod and the gate flew open. “Oh, shit, he’s on.”
The bull whipped around, hooves slamming against the gate, the sound snapping out as the bull stumbled on the front end, sending Bodie flying.
“Shit.” He was on his feet again and holding his breath, chest so tight it hurt.
Bodie rolled across the arena floor, legs moving to get him out of the way before he was even off the dirt.
The bullfighters were on it, one hauled Bodie to his feet while the others worked to steer the bull out of the arena. Bodie ran for the gates, and two cowboys hauled him up and over by his vest.
“Damn.” He looked at Laurie. “Two bad bulls in a row?” He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen that before. But really, the question was to distract himself from the fact that he couldn’t see Bodie anymore. He just had to hope his man was okay.
The announcer was going on about how Bodie had a second re-ride, and the crowd went wild as his cowboy headed up to go yet again.
Dammit.
Really? Wasn’t this a sign?
“Jesus. The third time’s the charm, right? I mean it better be.” Once was bad enough. He wasn’t sure he could watch this a third time. But he would, because Bodie needed him to. He took a deep breath and shouted, “Show him who’s boss, Bodie!”
This time Bodie didn’t look over—he was pissed off, and it was obvious in the dull red flush in his cheeks and the way his lips had disappeared.
Angry wasn’t a great way to go into a ride unless Bodie could manage to use that to help him focus. “Mind in the middle, cowboy,” he said softly.
Bodie closed his eyes, taking a couple of deep breaths as he knelt down into a couple of squats.
Jesus, that was hot.
Even when he was worried, that was hot. That trainer was worth every damn penny.
“Okay. He’s got this. I know he’s got this.” It might not beat Jose’s ride after all the false starts, but it didn’t have to. A solid score and getting his ass out of the arena in one piece would be fine with him. Then he could focus on kicking ass tomorrow.
The people that weren’t staying for signatures and hand shaking were starting to slowly file out, wanting to get to their cars before the crowds.
That wasn’t going to help.
He would stay put, stay in the moment, and show Bodie he had more faith. He could tell that Bodie was trying not to be distracted, trying to focus; he just had to hope it worked.
Bodie took a deep breath, then crawled into the chute.
For the third time he loaded up, for the second time he nodded, and for the first time the bull spun out of the gate clean.
Bodie started out strong. “Go, go, go, go…” Just hold on, cowboy.
Bodie wasn’t having a great ride, but he was holding on, his chin ducked, lips tight. He didn’t need a great ride; he just needed to finish. He needed a score.
“Tough as nails! Hang on, cowboy!” he shouted, letting Bodie know he was watching and he was confident.
Bodie was hanging off the side of the bull, but his hand was in the bull rope, and it didn’t pop out until after the eight.
It was a shitty ride, but it was a scored ride, and they were going to have to take it.
“Well, he doesn’t look hurt. That’s something, I guess.” Should he go right back there and let Bodie vent at him, or should he give Bodie some space to cool off first? He honestly didn’t know.
Bodie had been riding so good, and this was a shit night.
He got a text before he could make up his mind.
Bodie
Still having mtg? I need to shower here or @ hotel?
Cole
Mtg is still on if you’re up for it. I can reschedule. Ready to head back?
He got up. Either way, he was going to head out of the stands. “See you tomorrow, Laurie.” He gave her a wave and she gave him a nod.
“Tell him he’s a stud.”
“You know it.” He made his way out through the crowd.
Bodie had his gear, his hat pulled down to cover his face. “Hey. I’m ready to head back. I’ll shower there and be ready for our meeting.”
“Okay.” There wasn’t much to say, not yet anyway.
Not until he could say something in private.
“I can drive.” They had Bodie’s orange truck.
As much as he wanted to see Bodie in something slicker, the truck was a trademark at this point, plus Bodie loved it and it wasn’t worth making a big deal over.
At some point, they’d replace it with something studly. Hell, at some point, they’d replace it with the new truck sitting unused in Bodie’s father’s driveway.
“Sounds good, honey. I’m a little growly, but I’ll breathe through it. I came out uninjured and with a score.”
He nodded. “You’re a pro, and you looked like one. Everyone was impressed. And you don’t have to breathe through it with me. I know just how frustrating that had to be.”
“You know it. I hate that shit, but it’s part of the game, right?” Bodie rolled his eyes, but grinned. “I did go through them, didn’t I?”
“Three is kind of a rare thing, for sure. You looked good and pissed off for a minute.” He took the keys from Bodie and unlocked the truck.
“Possibly two whole minutes.” Bodie teased. “I was about to turn them down and say fuck it.”
They climbed in, and he took Bodie’s hand as soon as the doors closed. “You’re in one piece, and you can ride tomorrow. That’s what matters.”
“You know it. Also, I got a score. Points count. Every ride counts.”
His lover was the most professional rider he’d ever known. He didn’t ride for the love or the passion. He rode for the money.
“It does.” Riding for the money meant that all of Bodie’s decisions were calculated, not emotional. He didn’t take needless risks. There was a small comfort in that. “Are you sure you’re up for this meeting? I can postpone it.”
“No, let’s do it. Let’s make some money and impress some suits.” Bodie chuckled softly. “Then we will have a light beer and some protein.”
“Oh, light beer. We’re really splurging tonight, huh?” He grinned at Bodie as he pulled out of the parking lot. “You’ll impress them. That’s easy enough. You’re perfect for them.”
“Thanks, honey.”
They parked and Bodie breathed for a second. “There are fans in the lobby. I am at work, and I love my fans.”
Then he blew out a long exhale.
“We can park around back, sneak in the back way.” Even as Cole said it, he knew Bodie would refuse. He didn’t like to let fans down.
“Nope. These folks pay big money to see us ride, and it makes a difference when they feel seen, you know?”
“I do know. And I knew you’d say that.” He parked and took Bodie’s hand again. “We have an hour.”
“Well then, I’ll get all prettified before then. I’ll even throw on some smell-good.” Bodie squeezed his hand. “Love being on the road with you, honey.”
“Love you, cowboy. Let’s go.” He put the keys in Bodie’s hand and climbed out of the truck, hanging back as Bodie headed for the hotel lobby.
Bodie shook hands and nodded, stopping for a few selfies, before gently extricating himself and heading for the elevator.
“Nicely done.” He hit the up button, trying not to stand as close as he wanted to.
“Thank you, sir. I figure that was the easiest way to get upstairs and clean.”
“Always the pro.” They stepped onto the elevator and the doors closed behind them. As soon as he knew they were alone, he took Bodie’s handsome face in both hands and kissed him. “You’re okay? You’re sure?”
“Mmm… aggravated and jostled, but fine as frog hair, honey.” Bodie’s hand was hot on his belly.
He leaned into that touch. “Too many close calls today. But I’m glad you got a score.”
“Mmm… it’ll do. Tomorrow will be better.”
“We’ll make tonight better too.” He gave Bodie a grin and stepped back as the elevator doors opened again. “But first. We have to finish work.”
“Yep. Gotta sell my fine ass so we can pad the bank account.” Bodie wiggled and winked.
He laughed. That was the remarkable thing about his man; even after a shit event, Bodie still had a sense of humor. “Your ass is fine, but it is definitely not for sale.” He held up his keycard and led the way into their suite.
“No? You don’t intend to rent me out?” Bodie started stripping down immediately.
“Haven’t we had this discussion? I don’t share well.” He chuckled. “I’m selfish that way.”
“Good deal.” Bodie peeled off his shirt and sighed. “Man, I stink. So tell me about this meeting.”
“You do stink, but you’re pretty.” He chuckled. “It’s a ticket reseller. They want a rodeo cowboy to be in a commercial. Wear a hat.” He winked. “It’s really all about the hat.”
“Oh, I can work the hat.” Naked, Bodie was built like a Roman god, all buff and tan.
“We have… forty-five minutes.” He tugged his shirt off. He had time to worship that God, head to toe in the shower.
“We could get… really clean in forty-five minutes, honey…”
“Mhm.” Hell, yes.
Someone was picking up what he was putting down.