Chapter 37 Thirty-Six
Thirty-Six
Wyatt
When I saw Archie, I gave him my winning smile and shook his hand, thanking him over and over again for the opportunity to step in for Sam.
He smiled back, telling me right off the bat, without even a hello, that if I did anything uncalled for, I’d be out.
I chuckled, promising him my best behavior as he sat down next to Hawkins and me.
We began to go over the sheets, and this close, I noticed his nose was now slightly skewed to the left—something that my punch most likely created.
This was the moment I needed to get my career back together…
get my life back on the right track. I had to watch my every move, not just let loose like I loved to do behind the mic.
I had to say things he wanted to hear. I had to keep it civil… and get back on this man’s good side.
Watch what you say. Only things he wants to hear.
And then it started, and the three of us pulled it off without a hitch.
I was back.
The best part of the entire night was watching Quinn from this view.
The camera angles were perfect. They captured her just as she took off, getting the best shot of her rounding each barrel.
The hardest part was not jumping up after her run to wrap her in my arms and kiss her.
She beat the top time for the night, and I couldn’t see anyone else knocking her down.
The camera followed her to the back dirt, the satin of her new shirt shining from the lights.
“You’re dying right now, aren’t you?” Hawkins asked in a whisper, leaning over so only I could hear.
“You have no idea,” I replied.
Archie drew us back to the racers, and the three of us built the hype for the bulls.
When the event ended, we thanked our sponsors, the crowd, and the great state of Montana.
As soon as the lights dimmed, all three of us let out an exasperated sigh.
I lifted my hat to run my hand through my hair, the adrenaline of being back behind a microphone pumping through me.
The Fourth of July rodeo was great—but it was nothing compared to being back here.
And I couldn’t wait to get to Quinn, scoop her up, and tell her everything.
“Damn, man,” Hawkins cheered. “That was a show. Now if you don’t mind…I’m meeting a girl.” He looked between Archie and me, giving us a stupid grin before leaving us both in the booth. I chuckled at my friend and turned back to Archie.
“Thanks, Archie, this uh…this meant a lot.”
“Gotta say, Hartwell,” Archie drawled. “When Hawk said you were here, I wasn’t too thrilled.” He tapped the side of his nose.
“I was shocked you agreed. This is my first time back since—”
“Yeah, I haven’t made that easy for you, huh?
Guess I should apologize for that.” He leaned back in his seat.
Archie was about my age, maybe a little older.
Tall and lean, with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes.
He was known for his looks and his voice.
Not only was he the head of the Wyoming committee—but he was sought out for his abilities.
If I hadn’t punched him a year ago, he probably would have been a decent guy to get to know.
Made my shot of getting to the NFR all that easier.
“It’s actually been a really great year. Sure, I’ve missed this, but I’ll get back at it in no time.” I tapped on the desk, the pile of papers sliding when I lifted my finger.
“We’ve all been watching you, you know.” He gave me a coy grin. “Hawkins has been telling us about how you’re cleaning up your act—no more bar fights in your future.”
I chuckled. “No, Arch. That was a…” I looked over him and tapped the side of my nose with my thumb, mimicking his gesture from earlier. “One-time thing. Just—don’t insult my girl anymore.”
He barked out a laugh. “Your girl? Compton? Yeah, Hawkins told me you were helping her out. I almost didn’t believe it. But then I saw you at a few rodeos, hell, even at Reno after they turned down your name. You’ve been sticking by her like a magnet.”
I smirked, the thought of Quinn waiting for me making my heart swell. “Yeah, she’s great.”
“Closing up the booth, guys.” A head popped in the box. “Make sure you have everything and lock up.”
Archie and I gave him a nod, and we both stood, grabbing what was left of the papers to make sure everything was in order before we shut down the booth. Archie shut the door behind us, locking it and giving the keys a jingle.
“It’s gotta be your game. I know you, man.” He slapped my shoulder.
“Game?” I repeated. “There’s no game. I just want to get back in the box.
This is where I belong, seeing everything from right in that seat—it’s what I was meant to do.
Traveling with Quinn, helping her out when she needed someone, helped me get here.
If I weren’t with her, who would you have called to cover for Sam on short notice? ”
“Yeah, that’s right. We got lucky. Just…whatever you’re doing, keep doing it, and I’ll make sure your name gets back on committees. Keep her around for a bit longer, okay? She’s good for your image, and it’s helping her out too.”
“We’re helping each other.”
He raised his brow and winked. “Sure you are. Keep it up. Great show tonight.”
“You too. See you around.” I replied, still keeping my facade.
Archie gave me a nod, his gaze traveling behind me. A quick shake of his head and a wave of his hand, he turned and left. I had this in the bag. Archie said it himself, they were watching, they were noticing—maybe I didn’t screw up as bad as I thought.
Making a mental note to thank Sam for getting sick— and also to get well—I spun on my heel, ready to see Quinn and feel her in my arms. I hated not being there after her ride, but this was almost better.
We both had reasons to be buzzed and energized.
We were both flying high, and I couldn’t wait to see it in her eyes. Couldn’t wait to just be near her.
Was it too early to propose? Would she even say yes if I asked?
I chuckled, trying to imagine exactly what she would say.
I could see her eye roll, the way she would slap my shoulder, but she’d let me take her in my arms and kiss her over and over again until she told me, Come on, Hartwell, we have more than tonight—remember?
“Wyatt? I knew that was your voice.”
A hand touched my forearm, pulling me from my daydream and right into the gaze of Miss Rodeo Montana.
“Kelly.” I smiled. “Miss Rodeo Montana in the flesh.”
She grinned, “For a few more months, and then it’ll be Miss Rodeo America,” she said, her tone pompous.
“That’s right. NFR bound.”
I looked her up and down, noticing all the details about her.
Her blonde hair was stiff and sprayed to perfection, even after riding her horse around the arena.
Her crown sat a tiny bit askew on top of her hat, and her makeup was a tad overdone.
She was gorgeous, there was no doubt about that, and there was a week that felt so long ago that maybe she could have been more—there was a spark between us, but I knew who was waiting for me back at the trailer.
“You too, I hear. Helen tells me you’ve been traveling with her daughter.”
I raised my brow, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks. “Yeah, Quinn and I—”
“Helen says you’ve been helping her with her horses.”
I scoffed. “Yeah, something like that.”
“I gotta tell ya,”—she took a step closer—“it was good to hear your voice again over that speaker. Brought back memories. So many memories.”
“Yeah, well…” I reached up and fixed the crown on her hat, leveling it out. “I’m kinda hard to forget.” I brushed a piece of her hair that had managed to get out of place over her shoulder.
“You are. I’ve been hoping I’d see you at more events.
” She took another step, closing the inches between us.
“But I’m just glad you’re here tonight. I can’t tell you how much I missed you.
You’ve been on my mind since last year. And Wyatt…
” She said my name breathlessly, her gaze dropping to my lips.
She leaned in, her eyes fluttering closed.
What…the…fuck?
“Whoa.” I grabbed her shoulders, stopping her. “What are you doing?”
“Kissing you.” She sighed as her hands began to trail up my chest. “I remember the way you tas—”
“I’m with Quinn,” I cut her off. “As in she’s my girlfriend, and I’m very much her boyfriend. I’m flattered, but no.”
“Girlfriend?” She slumped her shoulders and stepped back. “Wyatt Hartwell has a girlfriend?”
I nodded, “Yes, one that I’m madly in love with. You should have known that; she’s your coach's daughter.”
“She said it wasn’t very serious.” Kelly pouted, folding her arms across her chest.
“I was legit thinking about asking her to marry me before you came up.”
Kelly laughed. “You? Getting married? That’s funny.” She exhaled. “Well, fine then—maybe you are a little forgettable. See ya around, maybe.” She huffed before she turned, giving her hips a shake.
She passed me, bumping into my shoulder, and for a moment I stood stone still, trying to replay it all in my head.
Did that really just happen? Did she really try to make a move on me?
Was she expecting me to rise to the challenge and pretend like there was no one waiting for me?
I could feel a knot form in my stomach, because yeah—once upon a time—I would have.
But now I couldn’t even fathom the idea.
I blinked and forced myself to laugh, taking it for what it was and how much I had actually changed. If only Abi could see me now.
Once I made it back to the trailer, I noticed Hook was already unsaddled and ready to go.
I gave him a quick pat and locked up. Quinn was in the driver’s seat, so I climbed in and leaned over to kiss her cheek, the entire last twenty minutes with Kelly disappearing once my lips touched her skin.
This woman right here could make anything disappear.
The knot faded, and the thrill began to creep back up again.
I had so much I wanted to tell her, and I wasn’t sure where to start.
“God,” I said, finally breaking the silence of the truck, reaching out to touch her jawline. “Tonight was one for the books, don’t you think?”
“I think…” Her voice was heavy as she took a deep breath. “You need to get out of the truck.” She turned and looked at me, all life drained from her face as her eyes began to glaze over with tears.
I flinched.
“What? Why?” I asked, pulling my arm back.
“Get. Out.”