Page 70 of Bull Riders Don't Swoon

The bull in question is almost docile in its pen, barely doing much, and Jamieson sighs. “He’s a dud today, isn’t he?”

“I feel like he won’t bring his A game tonight.”

Jamieson’s shoulders sag. “Dammit. I guess I just need to wow them with my technique then.”

“And hang on for eight seconds,” I add with a laugh. Jamieson does too and we look at each other sideways, right there next to the bull pens, and it finally just slots into place. This man is mine and while I’m still here protecting the riders in the ring, there’s something extra about it. Maybe it’s no longer carrying the secret, but whatever it is, it clears this weight that’s always been with me at rodeos.

“I don’t know what just happened, but I feel it too, Griff. Things just shifted, but not in a bad way. Is that where your mind went?”

“Yeah. There’s a lightness to this I’ve never felt since…” Pausing, I scan his face, and he waits just as patiently as he ever has. “Since before I fell in love with you. It’s sort of cheesy, but knowing you know how I feel and what I carried every rodeo, it’s kinda freeing to have you to talk to about it now.”

Jamieson remains quiet for a moment, and his hand brushes mine again.

“Can I take you out tonight? Not to the bar with the others or someplace loud. Like a date? Something away from the rodeo.”

My heart flutters against my ribcage and I’m certain I’m blushing, but I don’t fucking care.

“I would love that.”

With a tip of his hat, he grins. “It’s a date.”

Someone calls my name, and I step away from Jamie to get to work. As I’m walking away, I call back over my shoulder, “My favourite flowers are roses.”

His voice is far away, but I still hear him.

“I know! I’m a wonderful boyfriend that way.”

I snort a laugh as I turn the corner towards the entrance into the ring. He’s an amazing boyfriend in every way.

twenty-two

Jamieson

Three Weeks later

Today is a really fucking great day.

Before I pull away from the house I’ve bought for us, I text Griff to let him know I’m on my way. Today he gets his cast off and I can’t wait.

Not that I haven’t enjoyed helping him wrap his cast for showers or minded the odd bonk when he’d toss in his sleep. Now I get to feel both his hands on me, and that excites me more than anything.

This weekend, Griff and I are having dinner with my family, and Griff finally gets to visit his dad in rehab on Sunday. He’s only been able to speak to him on Sundays since he was admitted, and Griff desperately wants to hug his dad.

But first, I need to get him to the hospital for his cast removal. One step at a time, Jamieson.

Griff is already outside his place waiting, and after parking on the curb, I lock the door and press the button to lower the window.

“Hey sweet thing, do you need a ride?”

Griff always has this sweet flush on his neck and cheeks whenever I get playful. It’s the cutest fucking thing ever and I’ll never tire of it.

He tries the handle and raises an eyebrow. “Really, Jamie?”

“Well, I don’t want to give you a ride for free, sugar.”

“I swear to god if you pretend to solicit me any longer you won’t see my dick for a week.”

Pressing the unlock button, I pretend to pout as he slides in. “What if I just ask for it? Is that better?”

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