33. Thirty-Three
Thirty-Three
Kyla
Pissed didn’t even begin to describe how I felt. I knew David was going to be an issue, but I honestly hoped he would have given up by now. The fact that he was still at the ranch, still trying to weasel his way in, pissed me off. And from what Rhett said, he was succeeding at it.
Rhett tried to calm me down when it should be the opposite. He began to rub my shoulders, the coldness from his wedding band finding my skin. He assured me that David wouldn’t get away with it, that even though his dad saw the benefit, nothing would come of it. He promised me that David would be gone, and it would be me and him, from this moment on.
He kissed me, apologized for keeping it from me for so long, and then urged me to join him in the shower.
I sighed. As amazing as that sounded, I needed a moment.
I fell back on the bed once I heard the shower start. I was tempted to grab a pillow and scream into it. No matter what I did he would always be there, wouldn’t he? There was no way around him. I left, he followed. I got married, he told me it’s a game. I found a way to move on, he called my mother. I found a place to call home, he tried to take it from me. I wanted to be wrapped in Rhett’s arms, I wanted to feel his warmth and hear his voice in my ear. I wanted that more than anything right now and he was still finding a way to take that from me.
I was done with that.
He was done taking things from me.
I decided that days ago.
So why in the world was I letting it get to me?
Slapping my hands down on the bed, the thud of the comforter echoed through the room. I let out a long groan.
“Get over yourself, Kyla,” I scolded myself as I shot up, the sheets falling from my skin. “And go join your husband in the shower.”
I climbed out of the bed, feeling the cold air hit my skin, but the pure thought that soon the warm water, and Rhett’s hands would be all over me, warmed up my blood. The bathroom door was slightly open, as if he was hoping I’d join. Slowly opening the door, I silently stepped in, the steam already feeling hot against me. Moving the curtain aside, I did something I never did with David. I peaked.
And all the anger that nestled its way into my chest lifted as I took in sight of my husband .
He faced the shower head, his brown hair wet as he ran his hands, covered in shampoo, over his head. His back was perfectly defined, taking my breath away just looking at it. And his ass, my knees wobbled just looking at it. He didn’t move, didn’t even know I was there, just kept his face under the stream of water. He was so in the moment—letting the water wash away the worry that came from this phone call this morning. He inhaled, his muscles flexing.
I reveled in the fact that this man was mine .
I stepped in the shower, reaching out for him, my fingers grazing his hips softly.
“I was hoping you’d come in,” Rhett said softly, spinning to face me. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you.”
I was upset, even still, but not at him. Never at him.
“I don’t think I could ever be upset at you.” I wrapped my arms fully around his waist, our bodies becoming flush against each other.
“Oh, I bet down the road you’ll find something. We have plenty of years ahead of us for that.”
“I love the sound of that.” I leaned my chin on his chest, gently kissing his neck.
He hummed, taking a step back into the stream so it crashed into me. The heat only stung for a moment before I melted into the hot water. Kissing my forehead, his hands trailed along my spine, and I felt his lips curve against my skin.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” he whispered. “I should have before, when Lachlan first called me, but I didn’t want you to have it on your shoulders, along with everything else. ”
“But it was on your shoulders. Is that why you were getting so many bad runs?” I lifted my head, to take him in. Eyes heavy on me, he took the moment to kiss me.
I felt his chest rise as he took a deep breath, breaking the kiss. “Part of it. It was all I could think of there for a minute. But you, Kyla, you pulled me back to what I need to focus on.”
“That calf.”
“You. Us.”
He moved, his hands cupping my face as he brought me up to him for a kiss. That electric pull buzzed, bringing butterflies to not just my stomach but every single part of me.
“And the calf. . .” he smiled against my lips.
I laughed, using a fist to gently punch him in the shoulder. I was so gone for this man.
“Gold. Medal. Wednesday.” Wyatt’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers. “Everyone here is in for a treat, the gold medal winners tonight are one step closer to the NFR in Vegas—every Cowboy’s ultimate goal—and you’re here to witness them do their best to get the highest scores and the best times. But first let’s introduce our cowboys!”
A truck drove around the arena with the Saddle Bronc and Bareback riders, as well as the Bull Riders and Steer Wrestlers. The tie-down ropers rode out with the barrel racers and my eyes instantly caught on Rhett. He wore a red shirt tonight, rather than his signature blue shirt, and he looked like fire. He waved to the crowd once Wyatt said his name, standing to remove his hat to wave again. His hat was black tonight, which threw me off, but also made me weak. I had only seen him in brown and tan hats, but that black hat. I twisted my lips, hoping he would let me wear it.
The Bareback and Saddle Bronc riders were first, followed by the Mutton Busting and Steer Wrestling. Each event had a medal ceremony after, and the gold medal winner did a small interview on the stage. It made the night different, more exciting as the winners got to step up on the podium. I loved it—every single second of it.
I pulled my phone from my pocket and snapped a photo of the arena, and sent it to Grace.
Me
Wish Rhett luck! Tie-down is up next!
Those little dots danced on the screen.
Grace
Good luck, Mr. Hartwell, let me know how he fares. Ground looks a bit worn. You should go comb it.
Kyla
Drag it, ha . . . they will before the barrel racers .
“Kyla!” Wyatt called from the announcer booth. I looked down at him as he waved me over.
“I just got a text. They are expecting Rhett to place tonight so they want you ready to get on the stage once he’s done being interviewed.”
“They think he’ll get gold?” I asked, leaning forward on the railing.
“If not gold, silver. I don’t doubt he’ll place, so get over there.”
I widened my eyes. The chutes were under the announcer box. I could leave my seat and go to the chutes to find him—not easily like the other arenas—but I could always find him after his ride. The winner’s podium was on the opposite side of the arena. I looked at the stand and then over to Wyatt.
“How?”
Giving a chuckle, Wyatt went over to his partner, said something in his ear and then motioned for me to follow with a wave of his arm. I didn’t even hesitate; I leapt from my chair and started to follow Wyatt. We walked behind the stands, a few of the cowboys passing us. I saw Jaxson and Darren, and both gave me a quick hug before Wyatt grabbed my wrist to pull me along.
“Go get on your horses,” he grumbled at them.
They both shook him off and tipped their hats to me.
“Be nice,” I said to Wyatt as I caught up to him.
“I am nice.” Wyatt smiled.
“Wyatt Hartwell, you are not where you’re supposed to be.” I heard a deep southern drawl come from behind us, and when I turned, I saw the man it belonged to. He wore a tan cowboy hat and denim button-down shirt. His dark-wash Wranglers made the gold belt buckle stand out, his black boots only adding to his look. His tawny skin was smooth, not a scuff in sight, and his eyes were dark. So dark they were almost black. He looked important. He looked official. He looked like he lived and breathed rodeo. “Tie-down is about to start right after that interview and you’ll need to announce.”
“Yeah, yeah, Cash. I’ll be there. Gotta get my sister in-law to the other side.” Wyatt sneered.
“I’ll take her.” The man smiled, his eyes flicking to me. “Kyla, right? I’ve heard Rhett talk about you. I’m Cash Callahan.” Cash held out his hand.
I took it and shook. “Kyla Hartwell, nice to meet you.”
He winked and his smile faded as he turned back to Wyatt. “I’m heading that way to meet up with Quinn. Get your ass back to the announcer booth would ya?”
Wyatt rolled his eyes. “See ya soon, Kyla. Don’t let this guy talk you into barrel racing.”
I watched Wyatt walk away and turned back to Cash. “Why would you talk me into barrel racing?”
“I’m a trainer, come on, Little Miss, let’s go find that husband of yours.”
Little Miss? There was another nickname Rhett never tried to use, and I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it coming from Cash Callahan.
“You’re a trainer?” I asked, brushing the nickname off my shoulders, and making small talk as we rounded the corner. I heard the cheers, telling me they just finished interviewing the Steer Wrestlers and that Wyatt would be announcing Tie-down any second now. As much as I was looking forward to seeing Rhett, I was suddenly annoyed I was missing his event.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Did you do any events before?”
“Saddle Bronc, but I’ve retired.”
“Did you ever get to the NFR?”
“Nope. Got bucked off and broke a leg. Took surgeries and a lot of recovery time to heal. I’ve never been on that dirt since.” He opened the gate, gesturing to let me step in first.
“You stopped riding?”
“Didn’t say that, did I?” Cash smiled at me again. “They’ll want you here,” he said as we stepped into a crowd. “Go ahead and have a seat, and when Rhett is on the stage, you’ll meet him after.”
I nodded and stood still around a few others.
“Nice to meet you.” Cash tipped his hat.
“Thanks.” I smiled at him before folding my arms over my chest, turning back to the arena.
“Enjoy the show.” Cash gave me a final nod before leaving the gate, making his way over to a girl and her horse.
Enjoy the show? How could I when I was so far away from the chutes? I couldn’t see Rhett. My mind went to last night. How I kissed him once he climbed the gate to me, taking his hat even though the big screen was focused on us. Would he even know I was over here? He would look for me—he always did—but I wouldn’t be there to catch his gaze.
Wyatt’s voice boomed over the speaker, and I listened intently as I watched the screen above me.
Jaxon first . . . a 8.0 .
Darren next . . . 10.5.
Zeke . . . 12.2.
A few names I didn’t recognize all ranged between 7 to 12 seconds.
A few broken barriers and a few runaway calves.
My stomach started to churn.
Rhett . . .
He was flawless as always. Buckle knew exactly what to do and he landed with an 8.6 time.
I jumped and shouted, wishing I was there to see him up close. I saw his head search the crowd. He was too far away for me to notice facial expressions. He disappeared into the chutes again and after a few more runs, the top three were named: Jaxon, Rhett, and a man named Riley. Wyatt and his team were busy sharing facts about each roper as the three made their way across the arena. Once Rhett got close enough, I locked my gaze on him, willing him to notice me.
That pull worked its magic.
He tilted his head up, caught my gaze, and then broke out in a run, closing the space between us, pulling me in for a quick hug and kiss before he took his place next to Jaxson on the stage. The entire time Rhett was on the podium, giving waves to the crowd and a quick interview, his eyes were on me. Those winks, those grins, those looks of pure joy were all for me.
I could see it in his face that the cloud that had been following him since Lachlan’s first phone call was gone. He looked calm and proud to even be on the stage, confidence was radiating off of him.
I love that man, I thought to myself.
After another win in Cheyenne, our final night before returning to the chaos that would be Hartwell Hills Ranch, was spent under the stars. Rhett had somehow talked me into camping out, promising me he’d set up a tent but that he’d count it towards my bucket list. I gave in with the added promise he’d take me to breakfast before we would hit the road for home. Once the sun had set, and the stars shined brighter than I had ever seen them, I curled up to him on the grass, his thumb running up and down my shoulder, a calming motion that settled every nerve in my body.
Bravery seeped out of pores as I looked up at the moon. I would never have thought this before, never have yearned for a man that way I do now, and the little voice inside my head told me to jump, told me to go for it and show him exactly how much I wanted him.
“Hey.” I moved against him, noticing his eyes were closed once my gaze found him. “You awake?”
He hummed in response, his eyebrows rising.
“Have you ever . . .” I said softly, my hand running down his chest, “made love under the stars?”
His eyes opened slowly as his chin dipped to look at me. He kissed me, his hand raising from under his head to cup my cheek, pulling me closer to him.
“Make love to me, Rhett,” I whispered against his lips. I climbed on top of him, his lips finding mine with ease as he sat up, his arms linking around my waist .
“Are you sure? Kyla . . . I will.” His voice was heavy, sleepy almost, but the need fueled him just as much as it did me. “Let’s move to the tent . . . we can . . .”
“No.” I kissed him. “Right here. Under the stars,” I repeated, kissing him again.
He gave into me, his hands sliding up my shirt, causing my skin to chill. His lips found my skin as his hands began to explore my body. I felt his calloused fingers against me, slipping under my bra straps, the rough feel of him completely enveloping me. I wanted his hands everywhere; I wanted him everywhere, but if we were staying right where we were, we had to remain a little decent. Which was a shame really. Rhett would be a sight to see in the moonlight.
Our tongues danced with one another as I moved against him, my hands working his belt buckle with ease. I chuckled, arching my back slightly, remembering the first night I fidgeted with this same buckle, laughing once he had to take it over. Who knew a few nights of removing it would help me become an expert.
“What are you laughing at?” He smiled against my skin, his mouth moving to my neck.
“Just this damn belt buckle.” I gasped feeling him bite my skin. “There you go, biting me again.” I chuckled, my voice breathy.
He kissed the spot he bit. “What do you want me to do, Kyla?”
“Make love to me,” I repeated for the third time, still not believing I was telling him to.
“Under the stars,” he moaned, kissing me fiercely.
And our bodies began to move, blending together as all the pleasure radiated through us as we made love under the stars.