Page 79 of Rough Ride with the Grumpy Cowboy
“There’s my champion,” she greets cheerfully.
“Aww, how did you know?” Beck interjects before I get the chance to respond.
“I ran into a couple of your fans outside,” she answers, humoring him.
His eyes widen in excitement. “Wait, really?”
“Yes, I think one of them wants you to sign something that’s not a piece of paper.”
He shoves the rope into my chest and runs off. “Best of luck, big bro. See you later.”
Ava bursts out laughing, her whole face lighting up joyfully. It’s surprising to see her in such a good mood, especially with everything going on, so I will take the win.
“I’m not even lying—just how famous is Beck?” she inquires.
“He’s beloved in the rodeo, not to mention he has the Morgan charm and good looks.”
“Must have skipped you then,” she teases.
“They did, huh?” I growl as I pull her closer. “How did I win you over then?”
“With brute strength and lots of bullying.”
“As long as it worked,” I relent as my lips lower onto hers, kissing her deeply.
This woman has no idea, but she has me wrapped around her fingers. I am so in love with her it’s crazy I’m not walking aroundwith a giant heart hanging over my head. She clings onto my shirt, her soft moans making parts of me that shouldn’t be in the game right now awaken. Before it gets too heated, I gently pull back.
“I’m about to face a four-legged beast. Wish me luck?”
“Good luck, my love. You are going to be amazing out there.”
My love... I like the sound of that.
“Thank you.”
We share one more kiss before I reluctantly let her go.
Having conquered Titan last time, the universe decides to reward me with an even tougher bull—Brutus, one with fifty consecutive buck-offs. Even his name is meant to instill fear. But I intend to win today, so I don’t care how many riders he’s conquered—today I’m walking out of that arena, having triumphed over him.
And I do—all eight seconds and earn enough points with my skills to earn me first place.
This is exactly what I wanted, and while the cameras are still on me, I check my pocket to ensure I still have the ring as I take off across the arena with one destination in mind.
Just like last time, I see Ava open her arms wide for me, with the biggest smile on her face. It’s about to get even wider.
Then in a fraction of a second, it all changes to one of fear and panic. She shouts something, but it’s too loud for me to hear her.
She points behind me, and I turn around in confusion to find Brutus charging toward me with the bullfighters racing after him. He was already back in the bucking chute, so I have no idea how he got out. All I know is that I need to get away from him.
I sprint faster, still headed for Ava, and just when I think I am a good distance away, the worst happens. The only thing I can describe it as is sheer strength. It knocks into me from the back, and I find myself flying through the air and landing against the metal bars surrounding the arena. Pain fills my entire body from the impact as my vision turns blurry. I taste blood in my mouth as the world starts to fade around me.
A scream hurtles through the air, the same one I heard five years ago—Ava, my Ava. She is the last thought in my mind before it all turns to nothing.
When I come to, I’m in the hospital, surrounded by my whole family and a team of doctors. They all look worried—Ella is crying in Beck’s arms, and Ava is nowhere to be seen. Where is she?
I check my body for injuries, and besides a cast on my leg, nothing else seems to be broken. I’m in pain, but it’s mild, probably due to the drugs they’re pumping into me through the IV in my arm.
“How long have I been out?” I ask as I try to sit up.
