Chapter 29
Cole took a long sip of cold water and looked at his phone.
They’d made it through the meet-and-greet first thing this morning, shaking hands with the money people, the would-be sponsors and some of Bodie’s current ones as well.
Then Bodie had done a short interview with the local TV affiliate, and now his cowboy was signing at the Duggan Boots booth.
Finals were already exhausting, and Bodie hadn’t even seen a bull yet.
His bull rider was going to announce his retirement this week, and they were both more than a little nervous about it. It was a huge step, for both of them.
They knew there would be all kinds of reactions. Some people would be happy for Bodie. Some would say he was quitting. Some would wonder why now. The beautiful thing about Bodie was he didn’t care what anyone thought of it but him. And he was happy.
He had a ring on his finger. He was happy in a way he never thought he could be.
His Bodie had been happier over the last few weeks than he’d seen before, his lover more free, more open, and more joyous than he could remember.
It was damn close to perfect. So much so that part of him was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Bodie had caught him looking pensive yesterday and rightfully told him, nicely, to calm the hell down.
Still, he worried—he stressed about whether Bodie was going to get trampled, whether he was going to get trouble from being outed.
Even whether the man from the shooting before would come back to haunt them.
He worried. Maybe that’s just who he was—a worrier. He loved this sport. He loved to watch it, he liked the riders, the cowboys. He even liked the sponsors and crazy days like today when he had to usher his biggest stars around and make sure they stayed calm and hydrated.
He loved to watch a ninety-point ride. But he didn’t love to see anyone get hurt, and it happened a lot. It was the nature of the beast.
He took a breath and puffed it out. Enough of that. So far everything had gone just fine. He needed to rescue Bodie and get him through the crowds and somewhere quiet for a minute.
The whole place was wild—utterly insane with fans and media and vendors—and Bodie was still all smiles, shaking hands and taking selfies.
“Mr. Jimenez, it’s about time to wrap up,” he said, muscling his way over to Bodie.
“Well, get someone to stop the line, and I’ll finish all the folks that are waiting.”
That was his Bodie. He wasn’t going to let anyone go away disappointed. That’s why he was going to have a career after he retired. The man was a hell of a spokesperson.
“Yep. I’m on it.” He decided the someone should be him for the moment, so he made his way to the end of the line, let two young ladies who were running his direction get in last second and then stopped it there. But even then, Bodie had a good fifteen or twenty minutes of signing left.
By the time that all was said and done, lots had been said and quite a few things had been done—grannies had been kissed, hands had been shaken, babies had been posed with, and he’d given away a half-dozen more hats with signatures on them.
It was adorable.
He took the pen from Bodie’s fingers and replaced it with a water bottle. “Drink up.”
“Thank you very much, Bodie. I know you have a big weekend ahead of you and I appreciate the time you spent here. Not just bringing the sales. You really represent us well.” Brent Ayers offered Bodie a hand to shake. “You give those bulls hell. I’ll be watching.”
“Yes, sir, I intend to win the season. Go out with a bang.” There was no doubt in Bodie’s voice. Not even an iota.
He’d been talking Bodie up the last couple of days. He’d made damn sure his bull rider felt full of himself last night too. The more testosterone the better.
“I look forward to that. And to signing you next season too.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Brent,” he teased. “That contract may look a little different.”
Ayers whistled. “No doubt. And worth every penny. Good ride, cowboy. I’ll see you soon.” Ayers clapped Bodie on the shoulder and wandered back into his booth.
“Whew. It’s been tough telling everyone to hold on to their plans for next season, but no one has batted an eye at it. They want you back.” They didn’t know what that meant yet, but they’d find out soon enough.
“Do they think they’ll want me if I retire? Am I still worth anything?”
“Pfft.” He snorted. “Don’t play washed-up cowboy with me, babe. You know better than that. Of course they will want you, you’ll either be the reigning champ, or you’ll be the voice of reason in an unreasonable sport. I’m going to sell the hell out of you either way.”
“Yeah?” He got a quick glance. “You’re not going to be too busy with your rodeo royalty?”
Damn, news traveled fast.
“Well. Damn it. Who told you?” He turned so Bodie could look straight at him. “Listen, I was going to tell you about Pistol’s contract, but I was waiting for after finals. I didn’t want it to get under your skin. Don’t let it. He’s a paycheck. You’re my cowboy.”
“I am, and don’t you forget it.” Bodie gave him a mock-glare. “He’s too young for you anyway.”
“That’s right.” He played right along. “I like my man seasoned and experienced. He doesn’t have nearly enough scars.”
“And his daddy would have you beaten to death with a shovel.” Bodie started chuckling, barely holding it together.
“Shit, there’s no way I’d mess with him. Did you know he’s in a wheelchair now? Ash told me. He’s got to be proud of Pistol.”
“I’m sure he is. He’s a good kid, a solid rider. Next year, he’ll take rookie of the year, you watch.”
“I’m counting on it. But that’s next year. I’m focused on this year right now, and you. Your ride. Your championship.”
“Yep, just keep track of the points. It’s going to happen. I’m going to stick on the back of that bull, we’re going to win another million dollars, and then I’m going to retire.” There was absolutely no doubt in Bodie’s voice.
“You know you are. I’ve got my calculator handy.” He grinned at Bodie and inclined his head in the direction of the chutes. “Come on, let’s get you out of this crowd. You have work to do.”
“I do. I have five bulls to cover in four days. I have to cover four in the eighties, or three in the nineties.” Bodie was in work mode.
“Or four in the nineties. I have no doubt.” They wandered slowly toward where Bodie’s real work was today, and he refused to let any sense of doubt or worry take hold of his thoughts. They were going to manifest a fantastic weekend by thinking positively and staying relaxed.
And then his rider was getting a big check.
Dammit.
A big check and a blowjob.
Or three.
He was looking forward to it.
“When did you eat last?” Always a good question for a bull rider who was both busy and trying to stay at fighting weight.
Bodie blinked at him, confusion written on his face. “When did I eat with you?”
“Early. Okay. So you need a snack before you ride. Concessions? Or should we hit the RV for a few? I could take the dogs out.”
“Hmm, I’ve got, what? An hour, maybe more?”
“You know what, you’re good. We’ve got almost two hours.” He really wanted Bodie to be able to go home and rest.
“If we have time, let’s go let the dogs out and chill.”
“We do. If we’re back in ninety minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to warm up.” Bodie turned toward the parking lot, and he followed. “That was a long morning, I know. I tried not to do that to you, but it couldn’t be helped. Tomorrow is better. A little.”
“I’m not worried. That’s what they pay me for, right? It’s a job.” Bodie winked at him. “I met all sorts of folks though. That was nice. How was your morning when you weren’t handling my happy ass?”
“It was good. I was also shaking hands, seeing if I could make some connections for after you retire. And, yes, I talked to a couple of people about Pistol too.” He shrugged. They both had jobs to do, that was his.
“Good. If I was going to be all het up about every single bull rider you ever represent, then we were going to have a really rough relationship.” Bodie knocked their shoulders together.
“Seriously, though, he’s a baby bull rider, what could he possibly give you that I don’t have? Nothing, that’s what.”
That was cute, but he knew the fact that he hadn’t told Bodie about Pistol yet got to his cowboy a bit. He knew better next time. “Babe, nobody can. Not that fresh-faced kid, not anyone.” He gave Bodie a sidelong look. “That kid couldn’t afford this gorgeous ring either.”
“No, next time though—tell me first. I hate looking like an idiot. Fair?”
“Totally fair. My bad. I just wanted you to be able to focus.”
Bodie nodded once, like that was that. “Hey, I had you all to myself for a whole year. That’s more than most people got.”
“Even Rocky had to share. You made me more money than he did, you know.” He shook his head. Rocky was so vain, he would have hated that. “He’s up there being annoyed by that, no doubt.”
“Are you kidding? Rocky’s up there organizing a giant bull riding or possibly riding on the back of a winged horse showing off.
The man was a butthead that way.” Bodie’s smile was warm, tickled.
“So I’m gonna ride this bull. I’m gonna ride the rest of my bulls and I’ll win this championship. You think I can do it?”
“Pfft. Hell yes. Of course you can. Is that a real question?” He believed it, he wasn’t just blowing smoke. He unlocked the RV and held the door.
“Nope. Just looking for you to stroke my ego.” Bodie waggled his eyebrows, so dramatic. “Hey, babies! What are y’all up to?”
Cole was getting used to this. Amelia hopped up, feet scrabbling as she hurried to Bodie, and Earhart launched into his arms. He’d already learned to put everything down before he opened the door.
He snagged leashes and handed one to Bodie. “I can do that. Stroke, I mean. Any time.”
“That’s my post-event reward. I’m riding for the hand job.” Bodie took Amelia and the big beast headed out for her walk with a joy that would last about… fifty feet.
Earhart on the other hand was a maniac on the leash; sniff this, chase that, get his nose into the other. He did his best to keep Amelia lumbering along too, taunting her and nipping at her furry chin. “No wonder this guy sleeps so well.” And he snored, too.
“He is like a tiny ball of energy. I think all of her energy is used up by breathing and periodically standing up.” Bodie grabbed her tail, shook it gently. “Are you my de-energizer bunny?”
Amelia turned and huffed in the direction of her tail but couldn’t be bothered to actually argue with Bodie. Earhart came to her rescue, barking and nipping playfully at Bodie’s ankles.
“Oh, you mean boy!” Bodie leaned down and ruffled his fur, playing along without the slightest hesitation.
“Are they fairies too? Your dogs? Are they?”
“Jesus fucking Christ.” Cole thought about ignoring Church, but he was so fucking over this guy.
He took a breath to control the rage he was suddenly feeling and took a step forward.
“Pete. You know what they say about people who can’t let things go?
They’re hiding something. Where’s your boyfriend, Pete? Is he big? He better be big.”
Pete glared at him and then pulled one arm back like he was going to throw a punch, and Cole had a moment of regret because this was going to hurt.
The punch flew, but it didn’t land because the fist ended up wrapped in Bodie’s hand. “I don’t think so, Pete. You don’t want me to clean your clock, son, because I will make you cry.”
Pete froze, gaze shifting between them.
“See? I told you he better be big.”
Pete shoved at Bodie with his fist but only succeeded in making himself have to back up. The guy looked like he was working up to saying something, but Cole interrupted.
“Bye, Pete. Good ride.”
“Good thing you have Bodie, or you’d be sorry.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Maybe so, but he wasn’t going to back down now. He crossed his arms.
“Fucking queers. Not worth it.” Pete spat on the ground and turned to walk away.
Earhart went after him, and Cole had to hold him back, pulling on the leash.
Bodie watched Pete go, gaze focused and unwavering. Shit, someone was pissed.
Cole sighed, then turned and kissed Bodie’s cheek, trying to snap him out of it. “Thank you, love.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll call some guys, make sure they have your back tonight.” Bodie grinned at Earhart. “You’re a stud, aren’t you?”
Earhart went from growly to goofy just like that, shaking off and looking up at Bodie with a doggie smile.
“I’ll be fine, don’t worry. I can duck with the best of them.” He took Bodie’s arm for just one daring second. “I can’t wait to watch him end up on his ass tonight.”
“Me either. I want him to have the ride he deserves.”
“And you are going to forget about this meaningless bullshit, get your mind in the middle, and win a championship for your family.” He dropped his voice low for effect more than privacy. “And then you’ll get the ride you deserve.”
“Listen to you!” Bodie chuckled, letting his stress go, it seemed. “Come on, babe. Dogs in, a quick protein shake, and it’ll be time to ride.”
“That’s right, listen to me. Always listen to me.” He let Earhart lead the way back to the RV and followed Bodie and Amelia inside.
Time to ride. One more week. One more wild week.
And then… well, his lover was going to be a former bull rider.
A retired, champion, celebrity bull rider.
And his husband.
He couldn’t wait.