Chapter 44
Fable
“I think I’m in love with Beaudreau.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them—confessed to the wrong person, yet impossible to hold back any longer.
Harleigh spun around, eyes wide and mouth agape. “Sorry, what was that?”
I swatted her lightly on the leg, heat rushing to my cheeks. “You heard me. Don’t make me say it again.”
She hopped down from the chute door and handed me her camera. We’d upgraded our equipment recently, hoping to boost our content, and so far, the results had paid off. With the Dallas event so close, it made sense that Kline wanted us here—several of his bulls were competing.
“What makes you say that?” Harleigh asked as we made our way past the pens, weaving toward the small shark cage set up in the middle of the arena. Event media crews were already stationed nearby, but we’d promised to stay out of the way while capturing shots for Kline.
“Hey.” She paused mid-step, glancing at me. “You’re walking in the arena.”
I looked down at the dirt—the same dirt that used to terrify me.
It felt like home.
Beau had been strong for me when I needed him most, but this? This strength was for myself. Still, I couldn’t deny that wanting to be better—for both of us—kept me going.
“I am,” I said, smiling as we stepped into the cage, waiting for the event to start.
I glanced at Harleigh as we took a seat in the back.
“With Mike . . . it was different. I felt like I was always walking on eggshells. I never knew what would set him off. A slammed door, a sharp tone—it always made me jump. And when we argued . . .” I swallowed hard, my voice softening.
“Sometimes, he’d grab my arm too tightly.
Not enough to leave a mark, but enough to remind me of his strength. ”
Harleigh’s smile faded. I never told her about our arguments. She saw him for who he was on the outside, which was a cheating asshole who’d tell me the most ridiculous lies, but there were so many layers I didn’t think I’d even muddled through.
“Fabs . . .”
I shook my head, pressing forward. “It wasn’t all bad. There were good moments, and he did help me when my parents passed. I stayed because . . . I thought I had to.”
“Hey.” Harleigh grabbed my hand, squeezing it tightly. “You’re not there anymore. You got out. And look at you now.”
I exhaled slowly, a soft smile tugging at my lips.
“Yeah. With Beau, it’s . . . He doesn’t raise his voice or make me feel small.
He never makes me feel like I have to tiptoe around him.
His hands—they’re rough, sure, but they’re always gentle with me.
It’s like . . . he knows how fragile I used to feel and wants to make sure I never feel that way again. ”
Harleigh nudged me playfully. “And let’s not forget the way he looks at you. Like you hung the damn moon.”
I laughed. “Yeah. And the crazy part is . . . I don’t flinch around him. I lean in.”
“See?” Harleigh grinned. “Told you getting out of Bucking Bull Energy was the best thing to happen to you.”
“You did,” I admitted. “In Lindley, people see me as someone with a future. Back in Chicago . . . I was drowning.”
“And here,” Harleigh added with a smirk, “you’re thriving. New job. New life. Sexy-ass bull rider.”
“And . . . maybe I’m in love with him,” I whispered before I could stop myself.
Harleigh’s eyes widened. “You gotta tell him.”
I smiled softly, heart thudding against my ribs. “Yeah. After this weekend.”
It was decided. I was going to tell him after the weekend.