Page 5 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

“I still have to finish this semester and next year.”

Lord knows I still have lots of time yet to fuck up school, but this is the first deal to keep dad off my back. Passing allowed me to stay in the program, but a 70% meant I could stay on the rodeo team.

That was my dad’s rule, and while I understand where he’s coming from since he’s paying for my degree and doesn’t want me to put all my hopes into bull riding, I also wish he’d just let me do what I want.

“You can’t give up on me, in class or on a bull. You need to be there.”

Griff smiles a soft smile. It’s one I’ve only seen aimed my way, and I’m so grateful I took the chance to make a new friend that day. He’s been there for me at every corner, and that just doesn’thappen much anymore.

He swings an arm around my shoulders and leads me away from campus. “We should go celebrate. It’s wing night at the pub. You love wings.”

“I do!”

Griff and I walk to the pub on campus, and his arm shifts from my shoulders to circle my waist as he speaks about me and how far I’ve come. He says how proud he is of me, and I don’t doubt a single word. He’s the best, most sincere, and supportive friend I’ve ever had.

“You’ve done a lot, too. Don’t think I didn’t see that email about the dean’s list.” My arm around him squeezes as I flash a smile down to Griff. “You’re the smartest guy I know, and you helped me while doing your own work. Plus, holding a spot as a bullfighter. Never sell yourself short, Griff. You’ll do amazing things someday.”

Griff dips his head as we walk, and it’s nice that he doesn’t boast like some of my teammates, but then again, I brag about him whenever someone will listen, so maybe it evens out.

“Thanks, Jamie. That means a lot.”

“You’re welcome. I mean it.”

Griff’s eyes lock with mine, and for a moment, I consider pecking a quick kiss on his lips. Which is new. And weird. I playfully push him into the bushes as we walk by instead. He doesn’t fall, but the scowl he aims my way is vintage Griff.

“What the hell, Jamieson?” He brushes a few stray twigs from his hair and throws them at me.

“I thought I saw a wasp on you. I saved you!” Slapping my hand to my chest, I pretend to be offended, and a small smile forms on Griff’s lips.

“You’re such a loser. Just for that, you’re buying the beer.”

I was going to anyway, but at least the weird moment is over.

Griff is just a friend.

“Okay, here’s what I think.”

Griff grabs my shoulders, and I puff out a breath. It’s the final major rodeo on the college tour, and I wouldn’t be here without his weird sixth sense about bulls. I’m convinced he’s a mind-reading Dr. Doolittle. It’s the only thing that makes sense.

“You drew Master Slaughter. He’s tough, but I think he’s tired today. Something tells me he’s going to buck with half a heart and all you need to do is keep your form to score higher.”

I stare at Griff and shake my head. “No, that’s impossible. He’s a major bull, Griff. He won’t just have an off day like that.”

“I’m telling you…he is. Trust me. He’s not been quite right the whole time I’ve watched him in the chutes. That bull is going to straight buck, no spins. Hang on and make it look easy, like you always do.” Griff smiles and claps my shoulder. “You good?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m good. Thanks Griff. I’ll see you in the ring.”

“You will. I’ve got your back, Jamie. Don’t forget that.”

Griff jogs down the small aisle behind the loading chutes and I step away from all the bulls and rodeo action. Before I enter the line up behind the scenes with the other riders, I always take a moment by myself. Maybe I’m a little superstitious that way, but once I made it part of my pre-ride routine, I couldn’t stop.

Today’s an indoor event, so I find a quiet hallway in the facility and lean against a cool brick wall. Griff’s words still sound in myears, and he’s never been wrong yet. Not only has he tutored me through some challenging classes, he’s been a huge part of my success in the ring, too.

He’s not just a bullfighter. He’s an intuitive guy. Smart, funny and the best person I’ve ever met. Closing my eyes, I envision myself on the back of Master Slaughter, riding flawlessly as the bull behaves exactly like Griff says it will. My attention then turns to Griff in the ring, keeping not just me, but all the riders safe.

For something he said he fell into by accident, he’s a natural. I don’t know how I’ll be able to compete without him after we graduate. His gift is my advantage and not only do I not want to give that up, but I don’t want to be separated from him after graduation, either. It’s been hard to focus, knowing we have different paths ahead of us soon.

But there’s no time for those thoughts now. This is the time to ride as well as I can, score mega points, and give us a reason to celebrate tonight.

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