Chapter 12 #2
Devil's Backbone dips low to the left, and I release my grip from the rope and kick my legs free. I push off, avoiding his horns and hooves, and land hard on the ground, rolling in the dirt.
The rodeo clowns slide between me and the beast, trying to distract him.
I rise and run to safety, stepping through the gate.
Jax slaps my back, growling, "Hell yeah, kid! That's how you take the purse!"
The purse.
Goose bumps pop out on my skin.
I was the last rider.
The purse is mine.
I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.
Jax chuckles.
The next half hour is a daze. The committee awards me a championship buckle and $30,000.
It's the most money I've ever had in my life. I stare at my check in disbelief.
"Wyatt!" The Cartwrights shout in excitement, circling me.
The next few moments are full of back slaps, hugs from the women, and me trying not to hold Willow too long or kiss her.
But I'm torn away from her before I know what's happening. Jacob, her brothers, and Jax drag me toward the exit and into the bar, along with Bucky, Matrix, and my teammates.
I'm not twenty-one, and neither is Jagger, but Jacob and Jax hand both of us a shot of whiskey and then a beer. The bar soon fills up with riders, their coaches, agents, and sponsors.
One person after another approaches me. Several agents, a few sponsors, and people I've never met all seek me out.
It's overwhelming but exciting. Jax stays with me the entire time, collecting their business cards and helping me handle the conversations.
The drinks keep flowing, and when Jacob finally says it's time to head home, it's dark out.
I grab my belongings from the changing area and slip into my other clothes. I reach for my phone and swipe the screen.
Shit.
Willow's sent me several text messages.
Willow: I'm so proud of you. You were amazing!
An hour after that.
Willow: I can't wait to kiss you all night.
An hour after that.
Willow: I'm putting on your favorite thong. I'm leaving for our spot now.
A few hours later.
Willow: I don't know why you aren't texting me. I'm leaving so I don't miss curfew and get grounded again.
A new text pops up.
Willow: I'm going to bed. Night.
My gut churns. I click her name and hit the call button. It rings and goes to voicemail.
"This is Willow. Leave a message. Bye." The beep hits my ear.
I slur, "Hey, sugar. I'm coming home soon. Keep those panties on and go to our spot." I hang up and glance at the check one more time before putting it in my pocket.
Thirty. Thousand. Dollars.
Another rush of endorphins hits me as I exit the building and get into Jacob's truck. "Where are the others?" I ask.
Jagger answers, "Sebastian's truck."
"Oh yeah," I say.
"What are you doing with all that cash, hotshot?" Jagger asks.
Jacob interjects, "You should be smart with it and put eighty percent of it in your savings."
Jagger groans. "Don't listen to him. That's not the last purse you'll win. You should get that truck you want."
Jacob shakes his head, advising, "Be smart, Wyatt. Rainy days come often."
Jagger turns around. "What are you going to buy?"
I shrug. "Don't know yet."
"Think before you spend. One day, you'll meet a woman you'll want to marry, and the last thing you want is to bring her into a bad financial situation," Jacob adds.
Jagger rolls his eyes, then turns up the music.
He's right. Willow's going to need a nice ring.
I'm going to make so much, it'll make her trust fund look small.
The ride goes by quickly, with Jagger and I singing most of the way. When we pull up to the house, I get out and tell Jagger, "I'm going for a walk."
"Why?" he asks.
"Need to think for a bit," I state.
"Don't let Dad rain on our parade," he says.
"He's not. I need some time by myself," I insist, then walk toward the corral, taking my belt buckle with me.
Willow will want to see it, I'm sure.
I walk past the corral and onto the trail, then veer off toward the first guesthouse, whistling and ready to see my girl.
The closer I get, the more my happiness fades. The guesthouse is dark.
Maybe she's sleeping?
I step inside, call out, "Sugar, where are you?" and then turn on the lights.
It's pointless. She isn't here. The house is empty.
I text her.
Me: Where are you?
She doesn't answer.
Damn it!
I race back to the house, step inside, and make small talk with the others, trying to find an opportunity where it'll be safe to look for Willow.
Another hour passes, and it's torture. I finally make my escape and sneak into her room. The full moon shines through her window. I slide into her bed and put my hand over her mouth.
She jerks and then glares at me.
I chuckle quietly. "Don't be mad."
The daggers in her eyes sharpen.
I remove my hand and kiss her.
She pushes me away. "Go to your room, Wyatt."
I tug her closer. "Is this any way to treat your champion man?"
"You mean my champion man who didn't have the courtesy to text me, and let me wait for him all night?" she spouts.
I stroke her hair. "I'm sorry, sugar. I didn't have my phone. There were so many people around trying to get my attention, and I didn't get your messages until we were leaving."
"Sure."
"It's true."
She glares harder, then blinks hard.
"Hey," I softly coo, sliding my hands on her cheeks. "I really am sorry. I didn't want to be anywhere but with you. It just happened, and I didn't know how to turn the situation around."
She bites her lip.
I drag my knuckles over her cheek and tease, "You did see me win, though, right?"
She cracks a smile. "Yeah. You killed it."
I waggle my eyebrows. "I did, didn't I?"
She softly laughs. "Yeah. You were amazing."
"That's because my girl got me all riled up and ready to kill before I got on that bull," I state.
She laughs again.
I grin, but then it falls. "I really am sorry." I slip my hand under the blanket and between her legs. "I'll make it up to you if you want to give me another shot."
She can't hide her smile but tries, declaring, "I shouldn't."
I graze the side of her panties, murmuring in her ear, "I've got thirty big ones to use to really make it up to you when we can get away for the night." I kiss her neck and put my face in front of hers.
Excitement erupts on her expression.
"Don't say yes all at one time," I tease.
She giggles. "Okay. You get another shot."
I wipe my brow. "Phew. I was about to go back to the arena and let Devil's Backbone stomp all over me to put me out of my misery."
"So dramatic."
I grin. "But I can't live without you, sugar. If you ever let me go, I'll have to do it."
She smirks.
I grip the sides of her panties and tug them down. "I think I have some unfinished business to attend to."
She puts her hand on mine. "Wait."
I still.
"Were there any agents or sponsors who want to work with you?" she asks.
I can't help but smile. I nod. "Yes. It was crazy."
She strokes my cheek. Pride shines in her eyes. "I knew you would do it. Which ones?"
I kiss her, rolling my tongue against hers and pulling her tighter into me. I murmur against her lips, "I'll tell you all about it later. There's more important things to do right now."
She giggles, and I move down her body, ready to have the only thing I crave in life besides riding bulls.
Her.