Page 104 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

“I get it. But you wait too long, you wind up with nothin’, trust me on that.”

“Thanks for the tip.”

“Anytime. I’ll text you the details of the transfer.”

“Got it. Thanks, brother.”

“You’ve done a good thing. It may not feel like it now, but in time he’ll adjust and in his own way, I know he’ll thank you.”

I run a hand over my face. “I guess I’ll brace for impact.”

“You got it.”

I kiss the back of Georgia’s head, remembering the conversation that I had earlier in the day. Having that mad bull on my property feels kinda soothing. I can’t explain it. It’s like the dust has finally settled and all of my ducks are lining up. Giving this guy a chance to live out his life without any fear. Without being provoked into doing things he wouldn’t normally do, it feels like a release for me, too.

When I step out of my own skin, I can see that I was wrong. I should never have taken up a sport so brutal. Of course, I’d never admit that to anyone, but now I see it for what it is. And I want Bucko to know I don’t hold a grudge. If anything, I owe him my life. What happened that day was fate. I survived. And I got my life back. Now I’m gonna repay him the favor.

Georgia turns in my arms, sighing in her sleep as she snuggles into me. She came over on the ATV and it’s parked in my garage. Obviously, we can’t have her car parked outsidemy place, and I can’t have my truck at hers. So we have to sneak around until we figure out what we’re gonna say. I’ve no doubt that Gray is gonna rearrange my face, but I also need him to know that my intentions with his sister are completely honorable. I’ve been waiting a long time for the woman of my dreams, and she was right there all along. I feel myself relax in a way that I’ve never let myself before, and it feels good. She’s so warm. So generous. So perfect. I’m done with running away and denying myself. I know we can have a wonderful life together. I know we can grow, and if I’m capable of change, then maybe we can make this crazy thing work.

I look down at her sleeping in my arms, and my heart constricts. I will never love anyone like I love her. I was stupid to ever think I could.

Maybe Takoda is right; not that I need relationship advice from him, but I’ve waited a long time. I don’t want life passing me by because I was too chicken shit to take a chance like I did that bull: by the horns. Only, now the horns are pointed right back at me and I’ve never felt more content.

??

One week later

“Easy,” I say. It’s no surprise Bucko isn’t happy. Trying to let him into his new pen hasn’t been an easy feat, but at least I have my brothers here to help, and Georgia.

Yep, we’re seeing each other in secret, and everyday I’m asked by someone what I did to myself because I ‘look different’. One of the old women from the social club even asked me if I’d had some Botox because I looked ‘less crinkly.’ I don’t knowwhat the fuck that’s supposed to mean, but I gave her a look and she scuttled away.

I guess being happy really does show on your face, and the rest of your body, because I feel like a man half my age. Having a beautiful woman like Georgia in my bed every night has everything to do with that, but it isn’t like I can shout that from the town square, not yet, anyway.

Bucko snorts, bucking as we try to get him down from the truck, into the pen. But he’s not going without a fight.

“I know it’s been a long journey and you hate my guts, but I kinda hate you too, if we’re bein’ honest.”

Brook shoots me a look. “Animals can pick up on emotions, dude. Maybe tell him you're his new best friend and pet his head or somethin’!”

I meet his gaze. “You pet his head!”

“Steady, he’s gonna fuckin’ shove one of those horns into your side if you get too close,” Gabe warns. “He’s got that look in his eye.”

I may have a tattoo of the guy on the back of my leg, but that doesn’t exactly make us best buddies. Truth is, I never expected to see Bucko again. It’s kinda surreal that he’s here on the farm.

“Because he’s scared,” Georgia says. “All of you getting angry at him won’t help his anxiety. He’s confused and if we all keep our tones friendly, he’ll do just fine.”

My little peacemaker. I give her a look over Brook’s shoulder and she flips her hair, stepping closer. “Don’t get in here,” I warn. We’ve got him tethered, but that’s gotta come off.”

“Relax, GP. He just needs a woman's touch.” She reaches in and strokes him, talking to him softly. “I got some tips off Koda.”

I glance at her, piquing a brow. “When did you talk to Koda?”

“He sent me some YouTube videos on dealing with wild bulls in a humane way.”

“I bet he did,” I mutter. I still don’t trust the fucker, no matter how good his intentions seemed.

“So, did you learn anything?” Beau asks.

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