Page 64 of Untamed

I laugh despite the anxiety creeping through me. “No. I just don’t see why you would lose money when there’s another option.”

He nods, scrubbing a palm over his jaw in thought. “I guess I can think about it. But Mila, I know Colter helped you out after your fall, and I’m grateful for that. But stay away from him. I know he’s a good man at heart, but he has his demons. There’s a reason I’m the only ranch owner in Montana that’d give him a chance,” he says cryptically, pushing his chair back and rising to his feet.

Without another word, he leaves the kitchen. I watch him go, staring at the empty space long after he disappears, my mind spinning with questions. But I quickly shake them away. Colter is good and he takes care of me. I know bad shit happened to him in the past, but that doesn’t define who he is. He’s trying to build a better life for himself and if there’s any way I can help, I will.

The soft shuffle of footsteps in the hallway jolts me from my thoughts. Mamaw enters the kitchen, pausing when she spots me. A wide smile stretches over her face as she moves toward me.

“Sweetheart, your father told me you had a fall. Are you okay?” She cups my cheeks, her gaze concerned as examines me.

I reach up, placing my hands gently over hers. “I’m fine, Mamaw. You know how Dad can be. He tends to overreact.”

She laughs, letting go of me. “Sounds like something my son would do. Now, why don’t you go get settled in the living room with a good movie. I was just about to make a batch of fresh muffins. I’ll bring them in when they’re done.”

Grinning, I rise to my feet. “Well, I was about to go rest in bed, but you don’t have to ask me twice. I’ll be in the lounge if you need me.”

Chapter Forty

COLTER

The next day, I’m listening to Leroy grumble on about Garrett’s fall when I hear my name being called. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Lincoln heading toward us, a serious expression on his face.

“Colter, in my office. Now. I need to talk to you.” His tone is blunt, leaving no room for argument. He jerks his thumb toward the small white brick building overlooking the arena, and strides toward it.

“You better not keep him waiting,” Leroy sighs.

“What’s got you looking so worried?” I ask him, a little confused by his sudden shift in demeanor.

Leroy’s gaze meets mine, his voice dropping low as he talks through clenched teeth. “I told you not to mess around with Mila.”

My body stiffens at his words, my eyes narrowing as I meet his gaze head on. “What makes you think I’m messing around with her?”

He shakes his head, his face serious. “It ain’t hard. I see the way you look at each other.”

Now it’s my turn to shake my head. “You’ve got it all wrong.” The lie tastes heavy on my tongue, but no matter how much Iwant everyone to know Mila belongs to me, it’s necessary to hide the truth.

“Whatever man. It was nice knowing you,” Leroy mutters with a kick of the gravel, before turning and walking away.

Ignoring Leroy, I straighten my spine and make my way to the office. No one can prove shit, and if Mila is the subject Lincoln wants to discuss, I’ll shift into serious defense mode. By the time I’m done, he’ll be convinced he got it all wrong. I step into the office, finding Lincoln at his desk, eyes scanning over a piece of paper.

I clear my throat, announcing my arrival. “You wanted to see me?”

Without looking up, he gestures to the leather chair in front of his oak desk. “Take a seat.”

I settle into one of the plush leather chairs, waiting for Lincoln to finish whatever he’s working on. After a long moment, he sets the sheet of paper down on his desk and finally looks at me. Clearing his throat he starts. “As you know, Garrett had a fall yesterday. The doctor confirmed a couple of cracked ribs. The dumb son of a bitch insists on just strapping them up and pushing through, but I won’t allow it. Not only does my insurance not cover it, it’s a disaster waiting to happen and frankly, if I let him continue working and his condition worsens, I could get in a lot of trouble.” I frown, wondering where he’s going with this. “That said. The Bigfork Rodeo is coming up this weekend. Garrett’s out but I’ve already paid a hefty sum of money in entry fees for him. I’ve read over the small print, and it allows for rider substitutions for legitimate reasons. With the doctor declaring Garrett medically ineligible, I can make the switch.” He exhales, his serious expression pinning me to the spot. “I know the rodeo is in your blood, Colter. Hell, you were world champion for years until...” he trails off and I know what he’s about to say. “Well, we don’t need to dwell on that. I didn’thire you as an Oakridge performance rider, but what do you think about taking Garrett’s place this weekend?”

My whole body tenses at his words. Shock ripples through me, leaving me momentarily speechless. I walked in here bracing for a confrontation after what Leroy said. I was ready to defend and explain myself about Mila. I never expected Lincoln to throw this at me and it’s hard to even process it.

I knew Garrett was a ticking time bomb and would fuck up in one way or another. The guy’s been on a slippery slope for a while now. But damn, I didn’t expect it to happen so fast. That being said, Garrett’s in trouble and it’s clear he has a problem. It’s not my place to say, but someone should step in and help him before he screws himself over completely.

Still, despite all the drama, I can’t help but feel a little…relieved that this happened. I shouldn’t feel that way, but there’s no denying the fact I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this. To get back on the circuit, to show everyone—including myself—that I haven’t lost it. I’ve wanted this or so long, wanted to prove to Lincoln and everyone else, I’m still the same guy I was before the accident.

This could be my shot. My shot at redemption.

“Well?” Lincoln prompts, raising an eyebrow as the silence lingers between us.

I take a moment to compose myself before responding. “Yeah. I’ll do it,” I say, my voice steady. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Lincoln huffs a laugh, shaking his head as he pins me with a hard stare. “You’ve got my daughter to thank for that, Colter. She’s the one who pushed for it. After what happened with Garrett, she was quick to suggest you as his replacement. Guess she wanted to show some gratitude for you bringing her back safely after her fall.”

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