Chapter 15
Fifteen
DARCIE
I tossed my bag into the back of the truck, turning to find the guys watching. I smiled, pure happiness radiating out of me. Brooks was taking me with him to the rodeo. I was excited to see him in action and for some alone time without the others.
Since Bubba gave in to me and his feelings, he’d been a different man. He was affectionate and possessive, channeling all the anger and avoidance he had into more productive forms of communication. Such as, whenever I was in his sight, he would pull me into him or cup his hand to my leg, neck, or hip, making it known I was his.
It was a heady and exhilarating feeling.
Between the three of them, I rarely sat in my own seat anymore since they would pull me into their laps whenever I was near. The more they touched and cherished me, the easier I fell head over heels in love with the three men.
“You won’t let her out of your sight,” Bubba demanded, not making it a question.
“I’m not going to. She’s going to sit with a trusted friend while I’m riding. Otherwise, she’ll be right by my side. I promise.”
Bubba grunted, rubbing his beard as he thought. “I want regular check-ins.”
Rolling my eyes, I walked forward, pulling on his shirt for him to lean down. “We’ll be fine. We’ve gone over my self-defense training from the Mavericks, and added some of your Bubba moves. If anyone tries anything, I’ll take them down.”
I snickered, making his face soften. Every night, we’d been training and reinforcing the things I’d learned all those years ago, along with some dirty fighting moves Bubba wanted me to know. It had gone a long way in helping me feel stronger and regaining control over my fear.
Kissing Bubba, I let go of his shirt as he growled, pulling me back to him. He wasn’t going to let me go until he was satisfied. Giggling, I stepped back when he was done, my cheeks already flushed. Bubba lifted his eyebrow, a satisfied look on his face.
Grayson pulled me into his arms before Brooks could claim me again. Giving me a passionate kiss, he spun me back out into Brooks' arms.
“Send dirty pics,” Grayson teased, winking as he pulled Bubba to go into the house.
Chuckling, I followed Brooks to the truck and climbed in. It was quiet as we got onto the highway, large trucks passing by as we merged.
“You excited?” I asked, unable to let the silence go on for too long.
“Yeah. It’s been a while since I had a spectator.” He glanced over at me, his face full of warmth.
“I’ve never been to a rodeo before,” I admitted. “What’s the best part?” I turned a little in my seat, resting my arms on the console so I could watch him easier as he talked.
Brooks’ face changed as he talked about the horses, the riders, and the different events. It was a whole new side of him that I was excited about witnessing.
“I hope I’m asking this the right way,” I hedged. “How come you’re not shy about rodeo? Seems like something you wouldn’t want to do? Be in the spotlight?”
“I don’t mind being in the spotlight. It’s just girls I’m shy around,” he said, his cheeks red at the admittance.
“Do you still feel shy around me?” I asked, curious.
He nodded, turning his head for a second to glance at me. “Oh yeah. Though, there’s also this confidence I have with you that I’ve never felt before. I think that the time we spent together beforehand helped me develop a foundation. I’m nervous, but it’s not the same intensity.”
“I’m glad. I don’t want to make you nervous.”
“It’s only in the best way, Darcie. I’m nervous because of how much I care for you. I don’t want to mess up.”
“Then trust that I’ll tell you if you do and help you figure out the rest.”
He grinned, nodding. “Okay.”
We listened to music for the rest of the trip, singing along to the ones we knew. He told me stories about him and the guys, making me laugh at some of the crazy things Grayson had done.
“Oh, I can’t wait to rib him about that.” I laughed, my sides hurting from the movement.
“You didn’t hear it from me,” Brooks said, turning off the road onto a dirt and gravel one. “We’re here.”
I sat up and looked out the window, taking in all the horse trailers. The area was filled with vehicles with a large coliseum in the distance.
After we parked, Brooks took my hand and led me to one of the trailers. His ears were still red, but he had a massive smile on his face. Knocking, he stepped back, squeezing my hand.
A man rivaling Bubba’s size opened the door, grinning wide as he stepped down and embraced Brooks.
“Langston! You made it.”
“Hey, Chief. Can you put me down? I didn’t drive all the way here for my girlfriend to see me fall flat on my ass.”
“Girlfriend?” he asked, placing Brooks back on his feet. He turned, spotting me as his eyes lit up at my presence. He moved to give me the same type of hug when an arm slapped his chest, halting him.
“Don’t you dare, you big oaf,” a woman said, stepping out of the trailer.
“Brooks, how are you?” she said, stepping in and giving him a hug. “And girlfriend? Why, aren’t you a pretty little thing?” she said, giving me a welcoming smile.
“Hi,” I said, waving.
“I’m Kendra, and this is Dave, though most people call him Chief.” The big man wrapped an arm around Kendra, dwarfing her. He stared down as she spoke, love and adoration shining from his eyes.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m Darcie.”
“The pleasure is all ours, Darcie. We’re just so happy Brooks has found someone. Lord knows I tried for years. But he was waiting for that special someone.”
She smiled kindly at Brooks, his cheeks heating more. He looked at me, smiling, though, making me feel loved.
“Darcie is as special as they get,” he said, staring at me. This time, it was my cheeks that were blushing.
“Aren’t you two the cutest things?” Kendra cooed. “Come in and have some grub before your ride, Brooks.”
We spent the next hour in their trailer as Chief and Kendra shared stories of Brooks riding. It was nice getting to hear about him from others.
“Can Darcie sit with you, Kendra, during my heat?”
“Of course, darling. I’ll take good care of her.”
The guys left soon after, needing to change and get ready. Kendra gave me a tour of the grounds, pointing out the various events that went on.
“Wow, I never realized there were so many different things.”
“It’s a whole way of life, the rodeo. People here live and breathe it. It’s a family, in a way.”
I felt her eyes on me, and I had an inclination to what she was getting at.
“Brooks is one of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m glad he’s had people like you to look out for him.”
She hummed but dropped it, and I hoped it meant I had passed her inspection.
We grabbed some popcorn and drinks before taking our seats in the stands. A loud horn blared before a gate opened, a horse rushing out as the rider held their arm up, trying to stay on. He didn’t last long, falling to the ground in four seconds.
“Ouch,” Kendra grimaced as she watched him limp off.
The following few riders lasted a little longer, but no one managed to stay on for eight seconds. When another rider entered the gate, Kendra sat up, tapping my leg.
“Here we go. Now the real competition starts. This guy right here is your boy’s biggest threat to winning tonight.”
I turned, taking in the man and sizing him up. When the horn sounded, I could instantly spot the difference from the other riders. He was confident and sure, keeping his arm high as he rode the bucking horse. He wasn’t fighting it but moving with the creature instead. The crowd roared when the buzzer went off as he hopped down and sprinted away.
Kendra waited for a score to flash up before nodding, mumbling to herself. “Brooks still has a chance. He’s a lot cleaner.”
I nodded in agreement, clueless about what she was talking about. After a few more, it was Brooks' turn. The crowd quieted, all eyes on the box as they watched for it to lift. I held my hands together, my heart racing as I waited for the horn to sound.
When it did, the world felt like it was in slow motion as the gate rose and the horse flew out. Brooks was smooth as he rode, his body mimicking the horse's movement as he held on. As soon as the eight seconds were up, the crowd roared when he dismounted, waving as he skipped out of the way. When he spotted me, he ran, hopping up on the fence and tossing me his hat. I caught it as the crowd cheered, my face flaming from the action.
He winked before heading back through a gate and out of sight.
“The boy’s clearly smitten. He basically proposed in cowboy speak,” Kendra said, her eyebrows lifted as she smiled at me.
Blushing even harder, I placed his hat on my head so I wouldn’t lose it. There were only a few more riders to go before the announcer came out and gave out the buckles. I held my breath again as I waited to see if Brooks would win.
“First place goes to Brooks Langston by a tenth of a point!”
The crowd cheered; Kendra turned to me with a huge grin, grabbing my hands as we both jumped up and down. It was a rush, and I could understand why Brooks enjoyed it so much. Even if it did scare the shit out of me to watch him do it.
“Go get your man, honey!” she hollered, pushing me off toward the end of the stands.
I didn’t hesitate, rushing toward him, eager to kiss and feel his body close to mine. Hopping off the stands, I walked behind them as I searched for an opening. I wasn’t paying attention, so consumed with finding a way to Brooks that I ran smack dab into someone.
“Ouch!” a manly voice shouted as our bodies collided. Hands grabbed me as we fell, stopping me from smacking into the concrete.
“Sorry there, Darlin. I didn’t see ya,” the smooth voice said. Glancing up, I froze as I stared at Stefan, the wannabe rock star who’d been a horrible bed partner. He smiled down at me, oozing charm as he checked me out. I hadn’t thought of him since that awful night when he fucked me and then had his brother, Damon, drive me home.
I didn’t want to think of Damon after our last encounter, where he called me names and blew me off when I said I wouldn’t commit to just him. A sour pit formed in my belly as I tried to find an escape.
Thankfully, it didn’t appear Stefan remembered me as he continued to steady me as he checked me out. I’d be offended if it didn’t mean it was easier now to get away from him.
“Apologies, but my boyfriend is waiting,” I said, keeping my voice low. I tugged my arm free, his fingers feeling slimy on me.
His face changed, something sinister appearing in his eyes. “Boyfriend, huh? Well, how do you feel about upgrading to a rock star?” he started, smirking at me. It was so unattractive I wondered what I ever saw in him in the first place.
He was for healing, I reminded myself, not wanting to play the slut shame game now.
“Nah, she’s got a rodeo star,” Brooks said, coming up and wrapping his arm possessively around me.
I sighed in relief at his touch, my smile forced as I stepped away. Stefan continued to watch us, his gaze appraising as we disappeared. I hoped he hadn’t been able to pinpoint who I was. Because I didn’t need Damon, or anyone from my life back in Nashville, to know my whereabouts. I’d need to be more careful in the future. Stupidly, I’d let the happiness of meeting the guys diminish my fear.
But the truth was, the bad guys were still out there and looking for me.
“Who was that?” Brooks asked once we’d cleared the area.
“A bad decision,” I grumbled. “He served a purpose, but that’s about it.”
He frowned, my gut tensing. Shit, was he going to break up with me because of this?
“Do you think he followed you somehow?” he asked, turning toward me, his eyes full of concern.
I stopped, my mouth opening. Wrapping my arms around him, I held him to me, remembering my need to feel him earlier. My heart calmed the longer I stood there, his hands brushing up against my back.
“Thank you for being you,” I whispered.
“Always.” He kissed my forehead, his arms rubbing up and down mine. I took a deep breath as we continued walking. I spotted a sign and pointed.
“I’m guessing that’s why he’s here. Looks like he’s gone solo.” I cringed at the image, visions of his pump and dump replaying in my head. My body shuddered at the recall.
“I know we planned to go to the party and stay the night, but what if we just headed home?” Brooks asked.
“Are you sure? You don’t have to do that for me.”
“I’m sure. I’d rather spend the night with you,” he said, his voice growing husky.
Parts of my body woke up, eager to move forward with Brooks.
“Oh?” I asked, trailing my fingers up his shirt. “Is my shy cowboy ready to be tamed?”
His pupils dilated at my words, his throat bobbing as he swallowed. “Yes,” he whispered, the sound seductive.
Taking his hand, we both ran as we headed to his truck, laughing the whole way.
The tension was thick as we pulled into the driveway. The last hour had been quiet, both of us stuck in our heads. I felt nervous as butterflies erupted in my belly. What if I wasn’t what he imagined? What if the cam-version of me was better than the real one?
I turned and looked at him; my nerves turned to goo as I stared at his beautiful face. He smiled, ridding me of all my fear.
“You ready?” he asked, holding his hand out.
Placing mine in his, he pulled me across the seat, placing his arm under my butt to lift me. Giggling, I wrapped my arms around his neck, so enamored with this sweet man.
The house was quiet as we entered. It was around midnight, and neither guy expected us back until morning. Brooks made his way through the house, his eyes focusing on me the whole way.
A switch flipped in him the second we stepped into his room. Brooks’ face became determined as he sat me down on the bed.
“I’ve imagined this so many times; I can’t believe it’s really happening,” he whispered. His hands brushed over my shoulders, pushing my straps down. I’d learned that Brooks had a thing for undressing me. So, I sat back and let him, loving the gentle touches he gave me in the process.
His calloused hands ran down my arms, lifting them to remove my shirt. Slowly and with great care, he pulled it off, placing it on the chair. Next, he unbuttoned my jeans, sucking in a breath when he saw my underwear.
I’d worn the pair he’d sent me. Red crotchless lace with a heart cutout in the back. His hands smoothed over the material, trembling slightly when he moved down to pull off my jeans.
“You’re almost too much to bear, Darcie,” he said with a pained voice.
Kissing his cheek, I cupped his jaw, bringing his attention back to me.
“I’m all yours, Cowboy. You don’t have to be scared.”
His eyes closed, nodding as he stepped back to take me in. Unbuttoning his shirt, his eyes never left me as he worked on his buttons. I leaned back on my elbows, crossing my legs as I watched, giving him a proper pose.
Once his shirt was gone, he wasted no time removing his belt, his new buckle gleaming as he undid it and placed it on the table. His boxers were tight as he lowered his jeans, the black fabric stretching to keep his cock contained.
Reaching back, I unhooked my bra, letting it fall. Holding it out to him, I let him take it from my fingers, his eyes glued to my breasts.
Moving my hands to them, I smoothed my palms across my nipples, fondling each one as I pushed my breasts together, feeling their weight in my palms. Brooks was frozen to the spot as he watched, his eyes never leaving me.
“Your turn,” I said, scooting back on the bed. I crooked my finger, beckoning him toward me.
He stepped closer to the bed, bending his knee to crawl closer to me. I took in his magnificent body, my eyes trailing over his abs and the trail of dark hair.
I pushed him back on the bed when he was close, straddling his waist. Reaching down, I stroked my hand over his boxers, his eyes fluttering closed.
“You’re sure you’re ready?” I asked, needing to hear it again.
His eyes opened, nodding at me. “Yes, Darcie. I’m ready.” His hands cupped my face, pulling my lips to his. Brooks kissed like he had all the time in the world, savoring every little nip and touch. Breathless, I pulled back, my head a little fuzzy.
Grabbing a condom, I pulled his boxers down and tossed them on the floor. His cock sprang free, eager to greet me. Brooks hissed as I rolled on the condom, his hands going to the bed as he gripped the covers.
Placing my knees on either side, I lowered myself as I lined up with him. Very slowly, I sank down, feeling him stretch my walls.
Brooks cursed, a moan leaving him as I moved, and I hoped he’d be okay. I didn’t want to kill the man the first time I was with him.
“You okay?” I asked, placing my hands on his chest to balance.
He lifted his own to grasp mine, his eyes open. “So good,” he whispered, his voice husky and full of need.
Slowly, I rocked forward, moving my hips as I rode him. His hands moved to my hips, lightly tracing the silk as he held me.
“Fucking hell, Rose. I can’t believe this is real.”
“It’s very real, Cowboy.” I moved faster, picking up some speed as I adjusted to his size. His eyes rolled back, a moan leaving him.
“I never was able to dream this good,” he said, grabbing my hips and helping me grind down harder on his pelvic bone. It hit my clit just right, sending tiny tendrils through me as I rode him.
“Yes, yes,” I said, throwing my head back. My hair brushed against my back, tickling my sensitive skin.
Brooks rose up, turning us suddenly as he caged me against the bed. His hands cupped my face as he kissed me, his hips moving forward.
Drawing back, I stared into his eyes, seeing nothing but love shining back. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I moved with him as he pushed me into the bed.
Running my hands down his back, I pulled him to me, pressing his chest into my breasts. His hot breath fanned over my neck as he panted, placing soft kisses there.
Moving one hand between us, I rubbed my clit as he rocked harder, his cock hitting me deeply.
“Yes,” I murmured, my orgasm building. It was a soft rolling one that suddenly appeared, crashing through my body in small waves. It lingered, tiny sensations prickling over my skin as my muscles trembled.
Brooks stilled, a long moan leaving him as he stared into my eyes, his body shaking. Pulling him to me again, I held him as he came, his muscles tense.
When we recovered, he pulled back, staring into my eyes.
“I love you,” he whispered, kissing gently on my lips. Tears welled in my eyes at the softness of it.
“I love you, too.”
Clinging to one another, we made love a few more times between our desperate kisses before we finally passed out.