Page 143 of Well Played

AIN’T MY FIRST RODEO

BY HARPER MICHAELS

Leah Charles is determined to compete in the Olympics. And she’s also determined to get there with her horse Stormy. Unfortunately, ever since Stormy threw her, they can’t get back into the rhythm they once had. Matt Blackstock is her last hope. The grumpy cowboy is the only trainer who can get her back on the path to the biggest competition in the world.

Matt Blackstock is a former rodeo star who doesn’t need someone like Leah Charles or her ornery horse in his life. The attractive blonde makes him feel things he has never felt before. He knows he can’t get attached to a city girl who will be gone in a few months.

But what about the attraction that burns bright between them? And can they put aside their differences and work together so that Leah can make it to the world stage?

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Sometimes I thinklife is just a shitshow and I’m the main star. -Leah

Leah

My breath comesin fast pants. My hands are shaky as I reach for Stormy’s reigns. She snorts in reply as if to say, “Calm down girl, you got this.” I take a deep breath in and try the breathing exercises my therapist always rattles on and on about.

“Alright there, baby girl?” my dad asks in his distinctive low drawl.

I look into his worried, gray eyes and try to focus on appeasing him. “I’m fine, Dad. All good here.” I give him the world’s fakest smile and hope he doesn’t notice.

He chuckles and shakes his head. He stuffs his hands down in his jean’s pockets and rocks back on his boot heels. I glance around, noticing everyone else in their posh clothing. The difference in their attire and my dad’s causes me to smile for real this time. He never cares what anyone thinks. It’s a quality I wish I had inherited.

He reaches out and strokes a hand along Stormy’s dark coat. “You and this sweet girl will do just fine. Just remember all this,” he waves his hand around, “is just dressing. You don’t need a medal to know you’re a winner.” He sends me a significant look. “I’ll love you no matter what, baby girl.”

I chew on my bottom lip and try not to let tears well up in my eyes again. I wish I could reassure him that it isn’t his love I crave. I know I have that. It isn’t anyone’s approval. It’s just the feeling of finally accomplishing the dream I set out for so long ago.And maybe proving to my mom that I’m not the loser she always said I was.I chew harder.Fuck that thought. Why, oh why, do I care what she would think after all this time?

This is the big time. The last day of Olympic trials. After two days, Stormy and I sit in second place. If I can just make it through this day without a fall, we’ll be going to Paris this summer to compete on the ultimate world stage.

Dad reaches for my hand, and I lean down to grip his. He looks deep into my eyes. “You are my pride and joy, Leah, and no matter what happens out there today, I’m proud as hell of you. I wish,” he blows out a long breath, “I wish I had always been there for you. I wish that I could erase all the bad memories and have us just start life at the day I came to get you. I want you to go out there and do your best and then let it go. Whatever happens, happens. Just know you’ve done amazing.” He sticks out his chest, puffing up with pride. “Never doubt yourself, kiddo. You’re the best.”

That may be the longest diatribe my father has ever indulged in. He’s a quiet man, a great one, who doesn’t speak unless he really has something to say.

One tear slides down my cheek.Yeah, I’m gonna cry today no matter what.

“Thank you, Daddy.”

I hear my name being announced over the loudspeaker and my back stiffens.

Dad gives Stormy one last pat. “They’re callin’ your name, sweetheart. Go out there and do your best.”

Twenty minutes later, I’m flying high. Stormy has cleared every jump like a pro and if we keep up our pace, we’ll move into the number one spot.

I take a deep breath. The last jump is the hardest. I’ve trained for this moment for years. Stormy has been with me for the last two years, and I know her emotions as well as my own. I can feel her excitement as if it’s my own. It’s such a change from when I rescued her at an underground auction. She had been abused and was terrified of every little thing. It took me forever to get her to trust me, but now my sweet horse is my best friend.

“One last one,” I mutter. “We got this, girl.”

Flashes from cameras go off in my periphery. I blink hard and feel a lump of anxiety form in my throat.Shit.

Stormy shakes her head as another flash goes off.

We’re approaching the jump at a rapid pace, and I lean in, ready to make our mark and earn my right to compete in the biggest competition there is.

One last flash goes off and blinds me. I hear Stormy whinny and then she bucks beneath me.No, sweet girl. Hold on just a little longer.

We go flying, but my hands can’t hold onto the reigns as Stormy rears back.

There’s one last thought before I hit the ground with a thud.Shit, this is really going to hurt.

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