Chapter 32
Knox
Estes Park, Colorado
Trey and I have done well since Livingston. I’ve bucked off once, and Trey twice, but the bulls we rode paid well. We’re both sore, but we’re used to it. I hardly notice anymore, it’s just part of the game.
“Man, my calf hurts where that bull stepped on me,” Trey whines in the passenger seat.
He really is tough. Sometimes I think he just likes to complain to break the silence in the truck.
“Eat a spoonful of concrete and harden the fuck up.” I glance at him with a grin.
“Okay, Mr. Hardass. Do you have a spoon? I know where I’m going to shove it.” He narrows his eyes at me in challenge.
“We’re almost there, then I’ll get you one right after I kick that calf.”
His eyes go wide. “Oh, you wanna go there? I know your ribs are still sore, old man.”
He isn’t wrong. That hit in Livingston did more than knock the air out of me, like I told Kacey. It bruised them pretty bad. My whole side is purple.
“Yeah, but I’m a real man, so I don’t complain about it.”
Trey mumbles something under his breath as we pull into the back gate in Estes Park. It’s about three hours until the rodeo starts. I flash our credentials and drive in to find a place to park.
“What time are they coming?” Trey asks as I back into a parking spot. “I want to grab a shower before your future wife and her smoking hot friend get here.”
“I think ‘future wife’ is a bit of a stretch,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. “And for the love of god, please leave Jessie alone. She’s Kacey’s best friend—I don’t need you making things awkward.”
He’s dead serious when he looks at me with a straight face and says, “Tell her to get ugly friends then,” and hops out of the truck.
I lean my head against the seat and sigh. This could be an interesting night. Part of me wishes Kacey had come alone, but I also wouldn’t want her driving all the way here by herself. I’ll just have to hope Trey doesn’t end up with his balls in a vice by the end of the night.
I climb out of the truck and text Kacey to let her know we’re here.
Knox
Hey, just got parked. What time are you two thinking of coming to the grounds?
Kacey
We’re downtown shopping right now, but we’ll head up soon. I can’t wait to see you.
Knox
Same, sweetheart. I’ll meet you at the gate. I have my companion pass for you and I’ll get Trey’s for Jessie.
Kacey
Perfect, I’ll text you when we get there.
Two hours later, we’re both showered and I’m pacing behind the camper while Trey sits on the boxes.
“Dude, you need to chill. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” He doesn’t even look up from scrolling on his phone.
I stop pacing and turn to face him, crossing my arms. “I know. Now can I please have your companion pass? I need it for Jessie.”
He glances up with a smirk on his face and says, “I know. But I think I’ll hand-deliver it to her myself,” before going back to scrolling.
“You’re such a pain in the ass,” I say as my phone vibrates. It’s a text from Kace—they’re here.
I smack Trey’s foot off the knee he has it propped up on. “They’re here. Get up and button your shirt. And please try not to come off as a cocky bull rider.”
He stands and starts tucking in his pearl snap shirt. “Noted, cocky calf roper it is,” he says as he finishes tucking in his shirt. “You never get this worked up before you ride. I think someone is in love.” He draws out the word “love.”
I reach in the camper door and grab both our cowboy hats while Trey does something weird to fix his hair. He’s a pretty boy through and through.
“I’m not worked up. Now let’s go.” I set his hat on his head and walk off, not waiting to see if he’s following.
I hear gravel crunching as he hurries to catch up to me. “I noticed you didn’t disagree on the love part, but I’m going to let it go.” I give him my sternest dad look. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” He holds both hands up in surrender.
I see Kacey before she sees me—she’s smiling and laughing at something Jessie said.
She looks happy, carefree. Her long blonde hair flows down her back in loose waves.
She’s wearing a blue sundress with cowboy boots.
My ribs feel tight, like I can’t take a full breath.
She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
We show our credentials to get through the gate, then weave through the crowd to them. Thankfully, they’re standing off to the side of the gate and the crushing crowd of people.
As we approach, I take a quiet breath to calm myself.
When she sees me, her face lights up, greeting me with a smile, making that tight feeling in my chest return.
I greet her with my own smile before wrapping her in my arms.
She holds me tight as she buries her face between my shoulder and neck.
My ribs are sore, but I hold back my wince. Having my arms around her feels right. Sure, I’ve had girlfriends come watch me ride before, but Kacey isn’t like any other girl.
When she finally pulls back, I run my hand behind her neck and pull her back in, giving her a kiss on the forehead.
“Hey, sweetheart.”
“Hi,” she squeaks excitedly.
I let her go and hold out the pass I had in my other hand. “What do you say, be my companion for the night?” I give her a wink.
“Aw, that is so sweet. Does it come with a diamond ring?” Jessie interjects.
“No, he left that in the truck. Hi, I’m Trey.” He smiles, taking off his hat and sticking out his hand to shake Jessie’s. She shakes his hand while looking him up and down, assessing him. Then she narrows her eyes and smirks.
Shit.
I sigh deeply and pinch the bridge of my nose. “We knew this would happen. You just have to let them fight for dominance. It’ll be fine.”
Kacey snickers beside me.
“I’d be happy to let you use my companion pass on one condition,” Trey informs her.
Jessie crosses her arms, causing her corset-style top to push up her cleavage. “What’s that?”
To Trey’s credit, he doesn’t glance down. Their eyes are locked on each other in some form of battle. “You just have to answer one question. I promise it’s nothing too personal.”
“Fine, shoot,” she says, rising to his challenge.
Trey gets that look in his eye and gives her his signature player grin. “Are you a fan of Big and Rich?” he asks and I immediately know where this is going.
I take a step toward him as Jessie tilts her head in confusion, replying, “Yes, why?”
“So, you’d be open to saving a horse and riding—”
I hit Trey in the stomach, hard.
He lets out a grunt and doubles over. “That fuck’n hurt,” he wheezes.
I rip the pass out of his hand and hold it out to Jessie. “Sorry, he’s like a puppy, still in training.” I look at Kacey and she’s covering her mouth to suppress a laugh.
Jessie takes the pass, gives Trey one last glance, and says, “Have you tried a shock collar? I hear they’re great training tools.” Then she turns and links her arm with Kacey’s. “Let’s go. The birthday girl needs a drink. I could also use a drink.”
My jaw drops. “Wait, it’s your birthday?
Why didn’t you say anything?” I feel horrible.
This is something I should know. I want to get her a present and—shit.
I don’t even get one night with her. This is the type of thing Megan would use against me and get resentful, saying I wasn’t there for her birthday or other events.
I don’t want Kacey to feel like I don’t pay attention to her or that I don’t care.
She groans, throwing her head back. “It’s not my birthday.”
“She’s right. It’s in two days, but we’re celebrating all week,” Jessie informs me.
“Well, happy early birthday. First round is on me—after the rodeo,” Trey chimes in, still holding his stomach.
I pull myself out of my spiral. “I wish you would’ve told me.” I hate how I sound slightly hurt. Trey might buy a round, but we can’t stay long. We have to head to another rodeo.
She lets go of Jessie’s arm and steps closer to me. “It’s really not a big deal, and I’m sure you need to go get ready. We’ll meet up after for a drink. We can celebrate then.” She gives me a reassuring smile.
“Alright. I’ll try to get a birthday win for you.” I tip my hat back, wrap my hand around her waist, and lean in toward her.
She meets me halfway for a kiss. “Good luck, you got this.” She pulls away, winks, and heads for the grandstands with Jessie.
Trey slaps me on the shoulder. “Come on, Romeo. Let’s go spur a couple bulls.”