Page 103 of Georgia-Blue & Hudson

We went our separate ways, and I got Takoda’s number from Easton. I decided to call and tell him I’d made a decision about Bucko. After talking to Georgia about it on the drive back, I realized that in order for me to really change, I need to step out of my comfort zone…

“You’ll take him?” Takoda sounds as unsure as I feel. I mean, this bull did almost paralyze me, and stopped my career in its tracks. I also don’t know how he knew about Bucko anyway, but I don’t question it.

“It’s not like I want him to end up in a slaughterhouse, just because he has nowhere else to go.”

“Trouble is his size, and unpredictability. Though, his current owners say they’ve never had a lick of trouble from him. I guess even Bucko can be different when he’s not being provoked into the ring.”

“And you think he’d appreciate me?” I snort.

“I saw the footage.” His words sting me. “He was just doin’ what any wild creature would do. It wasn’t personal.”

Georgia’s face appears in front of me as I hear everyone yelling. She’s an angel and she’s here. Which must mean I’m dead. Either that, or I’m hurt. If I’m only hurt, then maybe I’ll get to see her again. And my family.

I feel hot breath against my ear. Fuck. Bucko’s coming back in to rip his horn into me, ending my run for good. Except, he doesn’t. I hear him gallop around me, dust flying up as the boys try to wrangle him back. He’s a mean motherfucker. And he doesn’t like me. “The feelin’s mutual,” I mutter. But I’ve no idea if anyone can hear me. I’ve no idea if this is it.

“Get up,” Georgia whispers. “Get up off your ass and move, Cowboy!”

Georgia isn’t here, and I’ve no idea why I think of her in this moment. But she’s always been like home to me. Always there with a smile, or a jibe at me, because that’s what we do. I’ve never actually had the guts to ask her why she hasn’t had a boyfriend in so long. She’s Stoney Creek’s most eligible bachelorette. And I may never get to see her again…

I clear my throat, my reverie snapping back into the present. “Yeah, I know that. I’ve learned a lot since my days on the circuit.”

“Well then, if you're not gonna eat him then I’ll agree to release him to you. My family knows the owners and I said I’d help, this could be a good fit for everyone.”

I roll my lips. I love how Takoda is protective of Bucko, of any animal, as much as he annoys me — and that’s largely due to the fact that Georgia found him attractive — his heart is in the right place.

“I promise not to eat him,” I say

“Even if he gets under your skin?”

“Even I’m not that sick, give me some credit.”

“It’s not a small thing. He’s had a couple of peaceful years where he is now, he deserves to live out the rest of his life knowing he’s safe.”

I frown. “So the owners don’t care where he ends up?”

“They’ve tried their best, but even if they do take him to another farm, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be safe. Sanctuaries in Montana mainly focus on horses. Being how he is, he’s not the easiest customer to please.”

“I know how he feels.”

“So, we’re good?”

“We’re good.”

“You know, I think you two might even find some common ground.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “How do you figure?”

“You givin’ him a home, him givin’ you some company.”

“Who says I need company?”

He laughs. “I got a sixth sense. If you’re up for it, you might even think about takin’ some more animals, set up a sanctuary of your own. You got enough land out there. Plus, Georgia loves animals.”

My heart pounds in my chest. “What do you know about Georgia?”

“Relax, we’re just friends. I saw how she looked at you, and don’t worry, I won’t say shit to Easton or Brook.”

“Nothin’s goin’ on.” I only say that because I don’t really know him, and I don’t need him blabber-mouthing to anyone until GB and I have let it out of the bag ourselves. Good intentions or not. “She’s family.”

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