Page 14 of Titus

“Not funny. Good. Really good,” I tell him. “There’s one problem though.”

“And what’s that?”

“My legs. I can’t move. You gotta carry me to the ATV.”

“That’s light work. I told you. I’ll hold you every chance I get.”

“We’re going to miss him,” I snap at Rini.

“No, we’re not. The same intro from this morning has to happen before they begin. We’re good. Plus, once you taste this funnel cake, you’re going to be glad we waited,” she counters.

We are at the rodeo. Since Titus and I didn’t get back to the lodge until almost two, I slept in a little. When we finally left the gazebo, he came back to my suite with me, we showered, had sex again, then fell asleep. He eased out of my bed early to practice and I rolled over and got an additional hour of much needed sleep. Rini slept in too so we got here at eleven, just in time to watch Destry compete and win.

After watching the barrel racing qualifiers, Rini and I walked the fairgrounds and looked at some of the livestock showing. The afternoon qualifiers and Titus are up next but first, we had to get something to eat. I have my delicious, foot-long corndog with mustard to dip but we are waiting on her funnel cake with strawberries. She’s been talking about Fancy Funnels all day and we finally found them. This line is hella long too.

“Five minutes and I’m leaving your ass,” I say.

“Well, go get our slushes. By the time you come back, I’ll have my funnel cake.”

I look behind me and Black Ops Specialty has one of its mini booths there. We’ve seen so many people walking around with their large black plastic cups and extra-large straws. There are only three people in line so I walk over and order two peach bourbon slushes. Rini actually walks over to me with her funnel cake right on time. We grab our cups and hurry to the arena. My VIP vendor access affords me six seats on the dirt deck, as closeto the action as possible. There’s an open bar and snacks on the deck but no funnel cakes, corndogs, or slushies.

As we make our way down to the dirt deck, the competition opens. The fireworks start as all the competitors for the night walk onto the field. The full arena erupts in claps and cheers. We sit right as they walk off and I catch a quick glance of Titus before he disappears into the box. He looks so sexy in his jeans, dark blue competition shirt, and hat. He’s actually up second so we made it with time to spare.

The large dirt covered floor has been split in half and two sports, barrel racing and tie-down roping will be showcased first. Eight competitors for each sport are vying for one of the four spots for Wednesday and Thursday. I’m so excited to see Titus in his element.

As I finish my corndog, I look over the competition schedule again. Lana Mitchell is in the third round for barrel racing. I really have my eye on her and can’t wait to see her too. Hopefully, we can have a successful conversation after she competes. Mandi, my assistant, made arrangements with Lana’s manager.

Rini taps my shoulder then points out to the field. Lab is waving me toward him. So I place my cup in the holder on my chair, stand, and walk closer to the barrier. As soon as I reach the gate, Lab speaks.

“He wants to see you before he rides,” he says hurriedly.

“Can I go back there?”

“Yeah, if you follow me.”

I scan the floor. The only opening in the gate is too far. I’ll never make it to Titus in time and the urgency in Lab’s tone lets me know I need to be quick. Thankfully, I’m wearing jeans today so I climb up the two rails on the gate, cross my legs over then climb onto the field. The moment my boots hit the dirt, Lab rushes me to Titus.

He’s standing behind the box with Phoenix. She’s tied to poles with the other horses and he’s right by her. When he sees me, he smiles.

CHAPTER

SEVEN

Titus

Before any ride, I like to clear my head, check on Phoenix, and chill. I don’t even watch the other competitors because my only competition is myself. My best time is ten point four seconds and I have to get less than that this evening. Beating my record is the only win that matters.

I don’t fuck with anyone around the box or chute beside Lab and I rarely even talk to his ass. I stay focused and in my zone but this evening is different. I need to see her. The hardest thing I had to do this morning was leaving her beautiful, naked body in that bed. I’ve dealt with that regret all day but I can’t take it with me into the dirt. I need to lay my eyes on her and my hands on her body.

Luckily, when I look up from Phoenix, I see her coming around the corner with Lab. He came through in the clutch. When she sees me, that pretty ass smile of hers spreads acrossher face and her pace quickens. She rushes to me and wraps her arms around me. Her sweet fragrance is refreshing back here amongst the smell of animals, dirt, tobacco, and sweat. As I hold her, I drink her all in then satisfy my craving by kissing her lips.

“You ready for this?” she asks.

“I stay ready.”

“Cole, mount up!” one of the rodeo helpers yells.

“I better hurry up and get to my seat.”

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