Page 30 of My Rancher Valentine

Istayed in bed as long as I could. I even thought about calling and saying I was too sick to cover today, but that would never get me to where I wanted to go. If I was going to be a serious reporter, then I couldn’t let something like emotions get in the way. Not when there was a job to do. So I got out of bed and got ready for the day.

“Sorry I left you all alone.” I rubbed at the back of my cat’s head. “That mean man forced me to stay, but I bet you had fun with grandma, didn’t you?” Austin purred.

She was a shelter kitten with the cutest little white feet that, for some reason, made me smile. I had gone in thinking I would get a dog for protection when I moved back to town, but one look into this little devil’s eyes and I couldn’t resist.

“I’m going to drop you off over there today too, so she can spoil you just a little more.” I lifted her into my arms so I could put her in the carrier. Austin let out a tired meow. “Don’t worry. I’ll be back early to get you. This is just a precaution.”

Honestly, there was no reason to believe I wouldn’t be back before dark tonight. The rodeo ended around three, and the only way I would end up coming home later would be if I stayed for the exhibition, which I had no intention of doing. I didn’t want to run into Devon or Beau. Plus, I needed to write my article andhave it in by tomorrow. Staying to see the same riders would just push me back.

The drive to my mother’s house took no time. She wasn’t up when I got there, so I let myself in, got Austin situated, and left a note giving her an idea of when I would be back.

The drive into Brexley took longer, mostly because I drove like five miles under the speed limit. I wasn’t in a hurry to get there and I figured the longer it took, the less of a chance I had of running into anyone. If I worked it right, I could get there right before the first bull rider and stay glued to my seat until they announced the winners. All that would be left after that would be to rush out and be on my way. That was the goal.

I knew I was going to have to talk to Beau eventually, if for no other reason than to figure out what we were going to do about the fake engagement. I just couldn’t do it today. Not when my emotions were still all over the place. I was torn between what I wanted and what I should want. Between trusting my instincts and taking the chance of having my heart broken into a million pieces.

At this point, I would be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that there was a huge part of me that was attracted to Beau. I’d always known he was handsome, but all the flirting and the Kitty Kat and the attitude got in the way. I never thought there was more to him than that. It never occurred to me he might actually be a real person under all that cowboy player bravado. Now that I knew that he was, I didn’t know what to do. Hopefully, after today, I would have some time to myself before our “engagement” party to figure it out.

THE PLAN WORKED. Ifound a seat and planted myself behind a large family who blocked me from the view of almost anyone who might be looking. I was also really close to the door so Icould leave at a moment’s notice. All I had to do was keep my head down, and I would make it through the day without any drama.

Not fifteen minutes after I sat down, the announcer called everyone to attention as the bull riders walked out for their introduction. Next came Beau’s group and after them, Madison. I could see Beau looking around, but I hunched back to stay hidden.

Across the arena, Hailey and Daphne were seated together, along with Victor and his girlfriend. All of them clapping or laughing together. I watched for a little bit, wondering if I should at least go say hi. Victor and his family were probably leaving today on their way back home to Louisiana. Who knew when I would get to see Maddie again, if I went over there, then I’d end up seeing Beau, and I wasn’t ready.

I spent the first half of the day taking notes and twisting this way and every time it felt as if someone was looking around the stands. I was being paranoid, but I couldn’t help it. I needed time.

Of course, the adult thing to do would be to tell Beau that, but this was easier. Not on my nerves, but avoidance always felt easier at first than the alternative, and I was already committed. They were almost done. After the next group was Beau, the Thornes, and then the announcement of the winners.

I was getting hungry. I kicked myself for not thinking about bringing a snack or an energy bar with me. I was going to have to get up and go get something soon, but I didn’t want to do it when I might run into Beau’s sisters or anyone else.

It might not have been the best idea, but I waited until they called Beau’s name to stand up. He was in the lead, followed by Dallas, so I didn’t really need to see his ride. The winner was going to be one of them, and if I went out now, while everyone was distracted, then there was no way they would catch me.

I felt the heat of a gaze on my neck, but I didn’t turn around. The music was starting, which meant Beau should be concentrating on his horse and nothing else.

The back area was still crowded, and the lines for the concessions were long, but it was now or never. I stood there listening to the announcer's commentary on Beau’s ride.

“Wynters is doing what he does best. Oh man, that move right there is going to add to his score for sure. Have you ever seen a rider more in tune with his...” The man’s voice quickly cut out. The music stopped, and a collective gasp filled the space.

“He’s down, ladies and gentlemen. Wynters in down.”

Food forgotten. I ran back toward the entrance to the stands. My heart in my throat. There was no way that Beau fell. He never fell.

Everyone was on their feet. All eyes focused on the center of the arena. I could see people gathered around someone, but I couldn’t see him. I didn’t know if he was hurt or okay.

I looked across to where Hailey and Daphne were sitting, but they were gone. So were Victor and Halle. It must be serious if they were on their way backstage. I reversed my steps and took off. My press pass was already raised, so they wouldn’t have a reason to stop me.

The guard let me through without any issues, and I found all of them gathered around the edge, waiting.

“There you are,” Daphne breathed out when she saw me. “We were worried you didn’t make it.”

“What happened?” I hadn’t taken my eyes off the figure lying so still on the ground. “He was doing so good.” At least it sounded like he was.

“He cut the barrel too close.” Victor looked on. He had been a rider once too, before he retired. I had never seen him, but I heard he had been one of the best.

“He’s going to be alright though. Right?” I looked up at Victor. Dallas was out on the field holding Beau’s horse Valentine’s reins. Madison stood right between Vic and me. “Maddie, tell me he is going to be alright.” I could feel tears clouding my vision. Beau had to be alright.

“I don’t know, Sweetie.” She came over and put her arm around my shoulders.

There was no way that Beau could be hurt. Not seriously. Not when I was still trying to figure out how I felt. He had to be alright. He just had to. I couldn’t lose him. Who would call me Kitten if something happened to him? Who would drive me crazy with all their ridiculous flirting? Who was I going to marry if Beau didn’t make it?

---