Page 129 of Chasing the Wild
The way my capable cowboy had taken care of things, long before anything developed between us. Because that is just the type of man he is.
Allowing the tears to roll freely, I tuck my knees against my chest, once again softly crying myself to sleep.
Chapter 36
“You did awesome out there, Cassie.”
I grin at the young barrel rider who is pink-cheeked and a little breathless as she hops down off her horse, having just completed her event with a personal best. She’s a little bashful, but peeks out from beneath her lashes, a hopeful look in her expression.
“Do you reckon?”
“I don’t reckon,I know.” Giving her gorgeous horse a pat, I smile wider. “The crowd ate up every second, did you hear all that noise? Loudest cheers of the day so far.”
She twists her lips, fighting the smile that wants to break free. “You’re too good to me, Layla. Best hype woman I could ask for.”
“Well, who else am I going to butter up to run and get me coffee and a donut when I’m rushed off my feet all day?”
“I got you, girl. Anytime. Flick me a text later on, and I’ll hook you up with all the sugary goods.” Cassie gives me a little wave and heads off toward her trailer.
I lean against the railing, watching over the next riders who are preparing to compete.
The energy has been high, bubbling with excitement all day. These regional rodeo qualifier events are always a lot of fun to work at because they’re filled with so much hope. The participants and competitors are often supported by a big crowd of friends and family, and the days have a festival vibe to them.
Homemade signs clutched by proud grandmas. Hats waved in the air by doting dads watching their pride and joy out in the arena. Whistles from best friends who are hollering loudly for their buddies as they do their thing.
Of course, there is always a pang of longing that hits me square in the chest when I think about my ownlackof family. It’s inevitable in an environment like this, but in all honesty, I’m always so busy that I rarely think long on it at all.
Besides, I’ve got Sage arriving in less than a week. Graduation. There is a lot to look forward to…
“Layla fucking Birch?”
My head whips up at the sound of my name being called from somewhere amongst the crowd. No one here knows me, other than the competitors I’ve met a handful of times across some of the events, and the couple of other vet placement apprentices rostered on here today.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Oh my god. Kayce Wilder strides towards me with a broad grin plastered on his tanned face. As my wide eyes take him in, I see he’s dressed in chaps and the kind of shirt that tells me he’s competing.
I’m opening and closing my mouth. Eyes instantly darting just over his shoulder because if Kayce is here, is there any fragment of a chance that his father might be here also?
But I hardly get a chance to scan the milling crowd, because Kayce jogs up to me fast and intently, scooping me up in one of his big bear hugs while he spins me around.
“Ka—Kayce…” I stutter out his name as he sets me back down on my feet. “Are you here riding? I didn’t know you would be at an event all the way out here.”
It’s at least a fifteen-hour drive from Crimson Ridge. On a good day. Not that I’ve stared at the map on my phone each night, calculating exactly how long it would take for me to get back there.
He leans an elbow up against the arena railing, lifting the cream-colored hat off his head and dragging a hand through his hair, before settling it back in place.
“Yeah, I’ve had to make up a whole lot of events. Running ragged all over half the country it feels like.” Kayce beams at me. Something in his energy seems so much more settled than the last time I saw this man.
“How’s it been going for you?” I chew my lip. Everything in me is fighting with the urge to peer over his shoulder, because I’m so desperately hoping Colt might be here with him. Realistically, I know that’s impossible, mind you.
Colt wouldn’t leave the ranch to come with Kayce to a rodeo event.
Besides, I can’t exactly blurt out the hundred questions I want to ask about his dad without being a dead giveaway that he’s occupying ninety-nine percent of my brain space.
“…fucking good to be back in the saddle, man.”
Oh, god. Kayce has been talking the whole time. Hands gesturing. Broad smile flashing pearly whites.
