Page 69 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

It’s not possible that this man can offer so much to me and a man he doesn't even know.

“But youcan, Griff. You’ve already been driving to his place and taking care of him. Having him here will be safer for both of you. If he needs medical care, it’s here and you can take him.”

“He’s not your burden, Jamie. I can’t let you do that.”

“Babe, it’s not a burden. It’s a gift. I want to be with you and fight over the blankets every night. I want to sneak into the shower with you when you think I’m not awake yet, and I want so badly to see you smile more.” Jamieson brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “You deserve good things, Griff.”

“Why?” My voice cracks, and I squeeze my eyes closed. I don’t know how to handle this. “Why would you do all this?”

Jamieson shifts until he blankets his body over mine. His thumb wipes at the tear that escaped to roll down my cheek.

“Because I love you and I’d do just about anything to make your life easier. I will stand by you in the hard times, Griff, and right now…it’s a hard time. You’ve always been the one taking care of me, and now I can help you. Too many years have passed with me stuck in the clouds, not even knowing the real you. Please let me take care of you.”

My chest heaves as I inhale and release a shaky breath. Jamieson never wavers, and his gentle touch on my cheek finally makes me open my eyes.

“The bravest thing I’ve ever done wasn’t stepping into rodeo rings with ornery bulls. It was kissing you. But you’ve been the best chance I’ve ever taken, Jamie.”

“Is that a yes?”

Sometimes I think just having Jamie like I’ve always wanted is enough of a gift in life. The ray of sunshine in my darkness has already helped me do so much. I’d be a fool not to let him do more if he wants to. Who am I to turn away love? Not just for me, but for my dad.

“Yes.” The smile that fills Jamieson’s face is more beautiful than the sunset on our boat cruise.

He throws his head back with a howl before kissing me while laughing.

“I love you, babe. You’ve just made me so freaking happy. Is it okay if I call my dad to let him know? Oh, and will you come over for supper next week? Mom said it’s been too long since she’s fed you.”

“Yeah, to all of it.”

Jamieson peppers my face with kisses before bouncing off the bed and grabbing his phone.

I just lie there a little longer and feel the weight of my past finally break up and drift away.

“Griff!”

Jamie stalks my way, chaps flapping as he walks, arms swinging at his side.

“Yeah?”

“I need you to vibe with this bull. I can’t believe I drew Lemonball.” He points a finger at me. “Yeah, that’s the face I made, too. Please tell me this bull isn’t about to live up to his name today.”

Lemonball is one of those bulls who just make the cut to be on the circuit. When he performs, he’s amazing, but when he has an off day, he can break a bull rider’s heart. There’s no bull with a more appropriate name.

“Of course. Lead the way.”

Following Jamie down the path to the pens, I admire his ass in his jeans and this time I don’t worry about hiding it. If anyone notices, they say nothing, and that just makes me smile.

A real one because I’m at the rodeo with Jamie and it’s no longer a secret that I love him.

“He’s right over…” Jamieson tilts his head. “Why do you look like that? What’s wrong?”

“Look like what?”

He swirls a finger around my face. “This. You look crazed or something.”

Jamieson’s brow dips as he tries to decode whatever he sees, and I throw my head back with a laugh. “I was staring at your ass if you must know and happy that I didn’t have to hide it anymore.”

Jamie huffs and drops his head with a smile. “Seriously, Griff?” He shakes his head, but the smile never fades. “I didn’t peg you for a one-track mind while working. Get back to work.” He points at Lemonball, and brushes his hand over mine when I step closer.

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