Page 64 of Tame Me

“Hi, Billy.” It was painfully obvious that Sam was very interested in my cowboy.

Billy reached the stable and leaned over the gate to offer Gypsy a carrot. As the horse chomped at the treat, Billy held onto the end of it, fighting against the horse’s strength with each bite. Sam giggled as she watched the struggle between man and beast. While Billy glanced in my direction, Sam, on the other hand, didn’t take her eyes off him. He was completely oblivious to her attention.

Gypsy devoured the carrot in a few seconds, and Billy rubbed her nose again. “Okay, Gypsy. I’ve gotta take Jane up to her seat. I’ll be back for you soon.”

The horse whinnied as if protesting, and he pulled Gypsy’s nose up to his lips and kissed her. “You’re still my girl.”

The horse nodded, and I was certain she’d understood every word he’d said.

“See you soon, Sam.”

“It was nice to meet you,” I said, although it hadn’t been nice at all.

“You too.” Sam’s sneer proved she didn’t mean it either.

Billy led me away from the stables, and with each person we encountered along the way to the arena, he introduced me. It seemed like not only did he know everyone, but based on their weird ogling, I imagined that Billy had told every one of them about me.

Crowds of people poured into the stadium, seeking out their spots as Billy led me to mine. I had a front-row seat in the middle of the arena. At his indication, I sat with my rose on my lap, and he leaned in to kiss my cheek. “Are you okay here?”

“Of course.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”

A waiter arrived to take my meal order. My grumbling tummy was happy with the meal choices, and within twenty minutes, my steak and salad, squishy bread roll, and a glass of wine arrived and were positioned on the narrow table before me.

People filled the seats quickly, and just after I finished my meal, a layer of smoke billowed across the sand-covered arena floor. The lights dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd as if everybody held a collective breath. Loud music echoed about the enclosed space, and spectacular lighting announced the start of the show.

And then Billy arrived.

He was at full gallop on his beautiful white horse. His cowboy hat was white, too, matching Gypsy perfectly. He was a white knight. My white knight. I smiled so broadly my lips quivered.

The crowd cheered with me as Billy launched up from the saddle to stand on Gypsy’s back as she galloped around the outer edge of the arena. The two of them were a magnificent spectacle, and I was as star-struck as a lovesick teenager when Billy tipped his hat at me as he galloped past.

Two other horses came out to join Billy. Their riders were scantily clad women, and I sat forward in my seat, desperate to see if Sam was one of them. Their tricks were timed to choreographed perfection as the horses galloped around the stadium. It wasn’t until the horses had been around twice that, I confirmed that yes, Sam was indeed one of the riders.

Knots of jealousy prickled my stomach, and I fought to smack that silly emotion aside.

For the next hour, Billy did one clever horse trick after another. Each one was more daring than the last, and I cheered and clapped them all.

Dogs, too, were in the show, enthralling the crowd with their funny yet highly skilled antics. Billy’s tricks were a cut above all the other riders, and I had a crazy notion he did them all just for me. Considering he’d always presented himself as shy when he was in my company, he was anything but in this environment.

After the show, the lights came on, and people stood to make a hasty exit from the stadium. I remained seated, certain Billy would find me as soon as he could.

My sexy cowboy was at my side within five minutes of the closing act. He still wore his white hat and looked as stunning as ever with his broad smile dominating his face.

“What’d you think?” He sat at my side, and I kissed his cheek.

“It was magnificent. You’re so talented.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” He stood and reached for my hand and clutching my rose, he led me from the stadium, back out to the stables. We returned to Gypsy’s stall, and after I’d fed her a carrot, Billy showed me how to brush her down.

I caught Billy’s molten honey eyes glancing at me over Gypsy’s flank, and each time I met his gaze, his smile warmed my insides. The horse shared her attention between the two of us, nudging us when we stopped rubbing.

“She likes you.” Billy looked as proud as a father with a newborn.

“I think she likes the attention.”

“Not necessarily. She’s pretty feisty with some people.”

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