Page 8 of Ride Me Reckless

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"Thanks." My arms crossed without thinking.

The silence crackled. He glanced past me into the trailer. "Your manager still with you?"

"She's not going anywhere."

He nodded. "Good. You always needed someone on your side."

"I've always had myself."

"Didn't say you didn't." He looked down, then back up. "Just figured backup didn't hurt."

I didn't reply. My throat was tight.

"You didn't have to come," I said.

"I know."

"But you did."

He gave a short nod. "Wanted to see you win again like you did when you were still rodeoing.”

That landed harder than it should've. Quiet. Sincere.

"Dangerous," I murmured.

"What is?"

"Letting yourself want things you can't have."

His eyes sharpened. "Who says I can't?"

The air between us flared. I stepped back. "This isn't a good time."

"Figured. Just wanted to say you looked good out there."

"Thanks."

"And I'm still taking care of her."

My heart stuttered. "Biscuit?"

"Every morning. Every night."

I gripped the doorframe.

"I've been meaning to come see her," I said. "Just didn't know if it'd be… complicated."

"It doesn't have to be."

I swallowed hard. "I'll let you know."

He nodded. "She'll be waiting."

Colt stepped back, then paused. "Tessa?"

"Yeah?"

He looked at me like he still knew the parts of me I tried to forget. "You still got fire in your eyes. Don't let anyone put it out."

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