Page 83 of Cowboys Can't Kiss

I know this because, during my online searches for information on Jackson, I fell into a rabbit hole of steer wrestling stars. Maybe that makes me an official groupie, but I’m not at all ashamed about it.

“These guys are super good, Linda.”

The times posting early are all below four seconds and only one team missed out with a penalty and eliminated themselves.

“They sure are, but Jackson always does great here. He’s in the zone. He’ll have a great time.” She squeezes my bouncing knee. “You’ll see.”

Four more teams go out and post four more incredible times. Two sit tied for first place and my anxiety blooms bigger for every extra minute I have to wait for Jackson. Finally, his and Hunter’s names are called, and I see them both moving their horses in the chutes.

The noise settles around us as most of the spectators ready themselves for the hometown duo. Clear as a bell, Jackson’s voice stands out over the murmur of the crowd.

“Yep!”

My heart lurches into my throat along with the steer that bursts from the chute with Hunter and Jackson alongside it. Jackson slides off his horse, smooth as butter melting on a pancake and thesteer is on its side with feet in the air before I have time to take a breath.

Dean and Linda jump to their feet with cheers, and I do the same, because how could I not? I don’t even know the time, but it has to be in contention to win. With my cheeks aching from smiling and my throat raw from cheering, Jackson does something that makes my knees weak.

He smiles that boyish grin and points at me before tapping his chest and forming a heart with his hands.

“Jesus, Rye. I’m not even romantic and that made my heart pitter patter,” Gabe whispers in my ear, and I can’t even argue with him. Because the announcer booms out the time as it flashes on the board.

“Ladies and gentleman, give our hometown boy a standing O because he just broke the Kissing Ridge rodeo record with a time of 3.1 seconds and is your new leader!”

Jackson’s mouth parts in surprise as the crowd grows impossibly louder, and this time when he points my way, I know what he’s saying.

That’s for you, Rye.

When Jackson is finally out of the ring on his horse, I plunk back in my chair and savour what just happened.

My cowboy boyfriend just broke a record and in front of all these people, told me he loved me, and that he did it for me. Then he rode off on his horse in his perfectly worn denim jeans with a tip of his hat.

Holy fucking swoon. Top that, Disney.

“That’s the most technical I’ve seen those two in years. Such a perfect execution.” Dean is smiling and slapping me on theshoulder and shaking Gabe’s hand like he just found out he’s a grandfather.

“That was amazing.” Gabe’s voice sounds far away, and I shake my head to come back to reality. “I’ve never paid much attention to rodeo before. It wasn’t my thing, but I can see why it’s popular.”

Gabe and Dean talk about rodeo and Linda bumps my shoulder.

“You’re good for him. Thank you for being there for my son.”

“He’s good for me,” I murmur, and Linda pulls me into a hug.

This rodeo can’t end fast enough because it’s not his mother’s arms I want around me.

I want my cowboy.

twenty-four

Jackson

Hometown rodeos are great.

Until all you want is for it to be over so you can get the man of your dreams naked and celebrate a victory in private. But local celebrity status requires shmoozing with sponsors and greeting fans. Both of which I love, just not right now.

After I accepted the prize money for us, I did three separate interviews. My favourite was the local 4H club who asked if I could come talk to them sometime about caring for steers. The least favourite was the man from the championship rodeo panel who asked me far too many questions about who I was acknowledging in the stands and not enough about my actual sport.

Then there was an autograph and meet the cowboy session that I never turn down. It’s usually kids just wanting to be like you when they grow up and I can’t say no to that. I love answering their questions and encouraging them to get involved with the sport.

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