Chapter 26
CHLOE
It’s noisier than I expected. We’re in the rider’s area of the arena, and it’s just like Kade described.
He pulls me into his side, talking into my hair, loud enough to be heard through the material of his bandana. “We’ll go check in with Dax and then get you seated out with the spectators.”
I nod, letting him guide me through the crowd as I take everything in.
There are animals being led around and people with all the trappings of a cowboy adorning their bodies.
I’ve never seen so many tassels in one place.
It’s loud and there’s a thrum of excited energy swirling in the air, without a hint of the very real danger everyone here is putting themselves in.
We arrive at a table with numbers laid out across it and a cowboy that looks like he’s stepped out of a magazine shoot is seated behind it. He stands when he catches sight of Kade. “Hey, King, glad you could make it.”
I might not be able to see Kade’s face, but I can feel the way his body has eased the longer we’ve been here and hear the smile on his face when he replies, “I wouldn’t be anywhere else, Dax.” Kade pulls me forward, wrapping an arm around my waist as he adds, “This is Chloe.”
Dax shifts his focus to me, a lopsided smile on his face that I’m sure works on plenty of other women as he looks me over from head to toe.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chloe.” He tips his hat at me.
Shifting his attention to the table, he picks up a number and hands it to Kade.
“Here you go, King. Good luck out there.”
“What’s that for?” I ask as Kade leads us to a makeshift building on the far side of the arena.
“This”—he holds up the slip—“is my number for the show. At these kinds of things, we ride for a prize, even when it’s not a full competition.”
“What’s the prize tonight?”
“I don’t know. I never really pay attention. I’m just out here riding for the thrill of it.” I can tell by the way his eyes narrow slightly that he’s grinning at me, and I shake my head.
“So, you’re just out here risking your life because you like it?”
“Damn, Chlo, when you put it like that, it sounds morbid.”
Our laughter mingles together before getting lost in the noise of the place.
“I know you’ve said you do it for the thrill, but I figured a prize would play into it somehow.
” That the danger would have some sort of payoff that others could see.
Something tangible to at least try and appease this fear that’s niggling in my mind.
Kade pulls us to a halt outside the building, a serious look in his eyes.
“You don’t have to worry about me, Chlo.
There are so many people who will be there if anything was to go wrong.
Besides, if this was only about the money I’d have quit long ago.
This is something I get to do for me. It gives me a purpose. ”
I hold on to his hips, my gaze searching his.
“I just wanted to understand why you do this, I guess.” I can feel the excitement Kade has for this rolling off him.
He lights up brighter than the arena lights any time he’s talked about the rodeo.
It’s obvious that if this was just about the money he would never do it because too much is on the line for him.
“Because I love it.” He shrugs before continuing, “I’m going to get changed. Afterwards, we can grab you some food and then find you a seat.”
“Okay. Although I’m not sure I could eat a thing right now, I’m too nervous to see you ride,” I mutter, looking at the people moving around us before bringing my attention back to him.
Jerking his chin, Kade gives me one last look before heading for the door that I assume is a makeshift locker room for the riders.
I wait outside, snapping some pictures as the riders get ready and stock handlers move animals from one place to the next.
Anything that doesn’t have Kade in it will go in my portfolio for my meeting with Maddie tomorrow.
I’ve already sorted out my social media pages so they reflect a business rather than someone taking pictures for fun.
These past couple of days, the thought of being my own boss and taking pictures around the country has filled me with more joy and excitement than working for Glow ever did.
It feels like seconds before Kade is back beside me, wearing a thin flannel shirt, jeans and chaps, his bandana firmly in place and covering his face.
I’ve never really considered rodeo riders sexy, but there’s something mysterious and manly about him right now, and I’d give up my favorite camera just to be able to drag him to his truck and have my wicked way with him.
Instead, we walk toward the main part of the arena where the show will take place.
Kade points out certain people—like last year’s champion—and the signage depicting his family’s ranch name.
It’s obvious that he is proud of what his family has achieved, but there’s not the same excitement for it as there is when he talks about the rodeo.
In the spectator area, it’s filling up; people chatter excitedly as they pass us, glancing back at Kade before huddling together and rushing to their seats. Bright lights flood the space, and if I didn’t know what the time was, I’d have thought it was the middle of the day.
“You sure you don’t want something to eat?” Kade asks, his hand on the small of my back as we navigate the crowd.
“I’ll grab something later if I feel hungry, but I’m okay for now.” I’m too excited and nervous to eat.
We come to a stop at the stands, and Kade turns toward me. “I’ll come and get you as soon as I’ve ridden. I’m one of the first, so you won’t be out here by yourself for that long.”
I hold up my camera, a soft smile on my face. “Take all the time you need. I’m going to be snapping pictures all night for my portfolio.”
The announcer calls out over the speakers, introducing the first of tonight’s events: bareback bronc riding.
“That’s me.” Kade wiggles his brows, and I picture his mouth pulled into a full grin.
I press a kiss to where I’m sure his mouth is under the bandana, cursing it for being between us.
“Good luck,” I call as he rushes off to the gate we came through.
For a beat, I consider sitting, but when I see some spectators crowding the fenceline, I make my way toward it. This will be the best place for taking pictures anyway.
I pull my phone out, snapping a picture and sending it to Maya. She replies almost instantly.
Maya
Girl, why are you teasing me like this? I’m so jealous.
Chloe
I met a cowboy, and I think I’m falling for him…
Maya
EXCUSE ME!?
Chloe
I’m home on Tuesday, let’s catch up then, he’s about to ride, and I need to get some pics.
I slide my phone into my back pocket and snap a few shots of the crowd. When a group of teenage girls notice me, they primp and preen, posing for the camera. Laughter falls from my lips as I take a few shots before turning back to the arena.
In the pen, a rider sits on the back of a horse, his body leaning back as he prepares for the gate to open. I feel the anticipation swirling in the air as everybody holds their breath, and a hush falls over the crowd.
I position my camera, pressing the shutter a couple of times and capturing the look of intense concentration on the rider’s face.
When the gate opens, I’m ready to take more pictures, my camera moving as the horse bucks around the arena, kicking up dust. Before I know it, a buzzer sounds, and the rider jumps down as people rush the horse, calming it down.
My heart hammers against my ribs, not from fear, but from pure adrenaline. I get why Kade loves it, and why he’s keeping it a secret from his family now.