Page 104 of Music City Diaries

“Ouch,” Kendra grimaced as she watched him limp off.

The following few riders lasted a little longer, but no one managed to stay on for eight seconds. When another rider entered the gate, Kendra sat up, tapping my leg.

“Here we go. Now the real competition starts. This guy right here is your boy’s biggest threat to winning tonight.”

I turned, taking in the man and sizing him up. When the horn sounded, I could instantly spot the difference from the other riders. He was confident and sure, keeping his arm high as he rode the bucking horse. He wasn’t fighting it but moving with the creature instead. The crowd roared when the buzzer went off as he hopped down and sprinted away.

Kendra waited for a score to flash up before nodding, mumbling to herself. “Brooks still has a chance. He’s a lot cleaner.”

I nodded in agreement, clueless about what she was talking about. After a few more, it was Brooks' turn. The crowd quieted,all eyes on the box as they watched for it to lift. I held my hands together, my heart racing as I waited for the horn to sound.

When it did, the world felt like it was in slow motion as the gate rose and the horse flew out. Brooks was smooth as he rode, his body mimicking the horse's movement as he held on. As soon as the eight seconds were up, the crowd roared when he dismounted, waving as he skipped out of the way. When he spotted me, he ran, hopping up on the fence and tossing me his hat. I caught it as the crowd cheered, my face flaming from the action.

He winked before heading back through a gate and out of sight.

“The boy’s clearly smitten. He basically proposed in cowboy speak,” Kendra said, her eyebrows lifted as she smiled at me.

Blushing even harder, I placed his hat on my head so I wouldn’t lose it. There were only a few more riders to go before the announcer came out and gave out the buckles. I held my breath again as I waited to see if Brooks would win.

“First place goes to Brooks Langston by a tenth of a point!”

The crowd cheered; Kendra turned to me with a huge grin, grabbing my hands as we both jumped up and down. It was a rush, and I could understand why Brooks enjoyed it so much. Even if it did scare the shit out of me to watch him do it.

“Go get your man, honey!” she hollered, pushing me off toward the end of the stands.

I didn’t hesitate, rushing toward him, eager to kiss and feel his body close to mine. Hopping off the stands, I walked behind them as I searched for an opening. I wasn’t paying attention, so consumed with finding a way to Brooks that I ran smack dab into someone.

“Ouch!” a manly voice shouted as our bodies collided. Hands grabbed me as we fell, stopping me from smacking into the concrete.

“Sorry there, Darlin. I didn’t see ya,” the smooth voice said. Glancing up, I froze as I stared at Stefan, the wannabe rock star who’d been a horrible bed partner. He smiled down at me, oozing charm as he checked me out. I hadn’t thought of him since that awful night when he fucked me and then had his brother, Damon, drive me home.

I didn’t want to think of Damon after our last encounter, where he called me names and blew me off when I said I wouldn’t commit to just him. A sour pit formed in my belly as I tried to find an escape.

Thankfully, it didn’t appear Stefan remembered me as he continued to steady me as he checked me out. I’d be offended if it didn’t mean it was easier now to get away from him.

“Apologies, but my boyfriend is waiting,” I said, keeping my voice low. I tugged my arm free, his fingers feeling slimy on me.

His face changed, something sinister appearing in his eyes. “Boyfriend, huh? Well, how do you feel about upgrading to a rock star?” he started, smirking at me. It was so unattractive I wondered what I ever saw in him in the first place.

He was for healing,I reminded myself, not wanting to play the slut shame game now.

“Nah, she’s got a rodeo star,” Brooks said, coming up and wrapping his arm possessively around me.

I sighed in relief at his touch, my smile forced as I stepped away. Stefan continued to watch us, his gaze appraising as we disappeared. I hoped he hadn’t been able to pinpoint who I was. Because I didn’t need Damon, or anyone from my life back in Nashville, to know my whereabouts. I’d need to be more careful in the future. Stupidly, I’d let the happiness of meeting the guys diminish my fear.

But the truth was, the bad guys were still out there and looking for me.

“Who was that?” Brooks asked once we’d cleared the area.

“A bad decision,” I grumbled. “He served a purpose, but that’s about it.”

He frowned, my gut tensing. Shit, was he going to break up with me because of this?

“Do you think he followed you somehow?” he asked, turning toward me, his eyes full of concern.

I stopped, my mouth opening. Wrapping my arms around him, I held him to me, remembering my need to feel him earlier. My heart calmed the longer I stood there, his hands brushing up against my back.

“Thank you for being you,” I whispered.

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