Chapter 37
Nash
The last thing a distributor ever wants is for something to go wrong on rodeo night.
This weekend has been an absolute catastrophe.
In all the years I’ve assisted Pop, something like this has never happened.
Never have I felt so weighed down by circumstances I couldn’t have controlled, yet will reflect on me regardless.
Anything that could go wrong, did.
At the gym this morning, some asshole didn’t secure his weights, and the thing went flying into my arm. River put me in a sling.
We found one of the horses lethargic in the stables, and the vet is still examining him.
Two of our bulls, which were shoe-ins for the professional tournaments, underperformed. Given my current luck, I’ll likely receive a call saying they’re no longer wanted.
My fucking arm is throbbing. The handful of Tylenol I popped is doing nothing to ease the pain. And the tension coiling my shoulders tight is only making it worse.
I’m worn out and on the edge of losing my shit as I wander back to the barn. Fortunately, the night is over, and I can just go the fuck home and sleep it off. But damn, this was not how I wanted to close out the season when everything in my life seems to be aligning.
“Rough night out there,” a voice calls from across the barn. My head pops up in search of the source.
“That’s putting it nicely,” I grunt in Reed’s direction. The guy is one of the best damn bull-fighters I’ve ever met. He’s quick on his feet and can anticipate not only the bull’s moves but also the riders and his counterparts.
For a guy who comes from wealthy northern roots and never stepped foot on a ranch before he came here, he’s a natural. We’ve grabbed a beer a few times with Gray and some of the other ranch hands, so I know all about him. If he keeps himself fit and young, he’ll have a nice, long career here.
But tonight, I’m hoping he doesn’t ask me to join them at the Thirsty Pony. I need my bed and my woman. That’s it.
He comes to a stop in front of me. His blue eyes are a colder version of mine with their faded hue.
They remind me of ice and unforgiveness, yet he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met.
“If it’s any consolation,” he drops a palm to my good shoulder.
“I heard a few bigwigs out there want to meet you. They were impressed with your professionalism.”
Usually, I’ll hang back for a few minutes, shake hands, and mingle as necessary.
But not tonight. The performances and my pain had me too much on edge.
The vet diagnosed our horse with an infection, so he will probably miss the rest of the season.
There’s nothing left in me to give these people tonight.
“Nash! You in here? Nash!” Betty’s voice settles my soul as she comes waltzing around the corner.
“I’ll see you later,” Reed waves behind him.
“Bye,” Betty calls after him. “Hey, how’s the pain?” She runs her palm over my free arm, her eyes soft as they search mine. Why does her touch have this dual effect on me? She riles me up and calms me down. With her around, none of the bad shit matters. It’s just her and me.
“Hurts like hell, but I’m better now that you’re here.” She only rolls her eyes, swatting my chest as I curl away from her, chuckling. “Really, though.” I kiss her knuckles the way I often do. “I’m always better with you around.”
Her grin spreads so wide her eyes become slits in the overhead barn lights. “Me too. But I’m here on strict orders from your father.”
“My father?” I cock a brow.
“Mmhmm. I’m taking you home. He’ll be here in a few to wrap everything up.”
She’d done this. My woman knew I was hurt and that the night had been horrible, and she just wanted to take care of me.
I’d called Pop various times tonight, keeping him apprised of how things were going, but I hadn’t mentioned my injury.
It didn’t seem important. There was a job to do, and I was going to get it done. It’s what I’ve always done.
Work came first, and I came last.
Tonight, Betty is putting me first. So, I let her take my hand and lead me out of the barn. “Um, the house is that way,” I groan against the movement jostling my arm.
“I’m aware. We’re going to the cabin.”
“What happened to ‘We have guests, I can’t leave?’” I let my voice pitch high, playfully imitating hers.
She only snorts, leading me to my truck and digging my keys out of my front pocket.
“Baby, stop feeling me up out here. I’ll be so embarrassed if I drop you trying to lift you with one good arm. ”
She leans into my chest, her fingertips steepled against my pecs as my keys jingle. “Nash, you’ll know when I’m taking advantage of you.”
Fuck, my cock twitches just imagining Betty having her way with me.
I’d expected her to be timid in the bedroom, but she’s the opposite.
She submits to me as much as she tells me exactly how she wants it.
The give and take serves as a perfect balance for us.
It’s evened out my rough tendencies and allowed me to worship her as I should.
I never wanted to be a passionate lover with Katherine or anyone else. I wanted to fuck while still leaving my partner sated. But that’s where it ended. It wasn’t about their needs; it was about mine. It was only important for me to leave them satisfied, because that meant I had done my job.
It’s always about getting the job done.
Our drive back to the cabin is the reset I need, genuine happiness swelling in my chest. Tonight had been shit, but Betty made me see the silver lining in it all.
Three of our animals may not have performed tonight, but at least it’s the end of the season.
They’ve had convincing performances otherwise, and that will count for more. One off night won’t ruin it all.
I’ve already received several emails in my inbox with other promotions and rodeos from all over the country, all of whom want to discuss business with us. I’m the new blood distribution needs.
I’d always thought my perspective on life, and how I was living it, was solid. There were no changes to make because it was working. Betty opened my eyes. There’s more than obligation and work. Approaching life so robotically you’re not living isn’t what I want anymore.
We pull up the drive, the two lights bordering the front door of the cabin casting a soft glow over the three steps leading to the entrance. “Baby, you have to carry me inside,” I pout, as she reaches for her door.
“Nash Donovan, you’re a big baby. Get out of this damn truck. You stink and need a shower.”
A barking laugh bursts out of me as I exit the truck and rush up the stairs ahead of her. Digging in the pocket she’d thankfully ignored, I pull out a key decorated in purples and blues, dotted with stars. It’s attached to a globe that lights up when you hit the button.
Handing it to her, she stares down at it. “What is this?” Her voice is small as she turns the globe over in her fingers, her thumb tracing the tiny lines of the countries.
“It’s your key to this cabin. The globe is because you’ve always wanted to see if the stars look different in other places. If you let me, I’ll take you anywhere so you can find out.”
Tears well in her eyes as she looks up at me, her bottom lip wobbling. “Nash…”
“You don’t need to say anything. Beatrice,” I stroke my thumb over her cheek, catching her tears. “You gave me life, and all I want is to give you your dreams. So, please let me.”
She turns away from me, sliding the key into the lock before stepping inside. I follow on her heels, locking the door behind us. “So does this mean you’re expecting me to cancel my lease?” I’m surprised as she spins back to face me, her arms looping around my neck as she pushes up onto her toes.
“Only if you love me.”
Our lips brush in the softest kiss that speaks of forever. “Do you know what I want?” she grins.
“Tell me.”
Her grin draws wider, those brown eyes sparkling. “To wake up next to you every day, under every sky.”
“And do you know what I want?” I ask, running my palm along her side. She shakes her head animatedly, never breaking her stare. “I just want you.”