Page 24 of Stirring Up Trouble
“Maybe because he was.”
“No. I could tell he wasn’t. He mentioned Wes and said it was his big brother. I’m just looking for some intel to help me out.”
She crossed her arms as she took me in from head to toe. Whatever she saw had her arms dropping and a stupid grin lighting up her face.
“Youreally, reallylike him! That’s why you’re all torn up about him. Oh, this is great. I knew you were curious, but this is much, much better. There are feelings and shit, huh?”
“How elegant of you. Are you going to tell me anything useful or is this now an interrogation?”
“I don’t know much, Blaze. He’s hinted at some stuff but didn’t go into detail.”
Throwing up my hands, I turned away from her. Leslie chuckled as she gripped my bicep. For anyone else, I might have snarled or smacked their hand away. Since it was the person Itrusted most next to Ms. Connie and Marian, I kept control as I waited for whatever she had to say.
“I’ll try to talk to him if I can. It is probably nothing. But if it’s worth your time, I’ll come blab right away. Deal?”
“Yes. Thanks.”
“Anything for you, sugar.” She patted my cheek, then winked and sashayed away. I laughed, then got on with my own plans for the day. Standing and looking lost wasn’t going to keep this rodeo running. I could fall apart later.
Nine
Robin
There has never been moreawkward interactions than the ones I had with Blaze a couple days ago. I should have known the second Ms. Connie quirked her brow at me when I suggested taking a plate to Blaze that my kindness would backfire. And then he heard me on my call with Wes too, which wasn’t all that great considering how I panicked after.
I couldn't help that I was so interested in the man. Everything about him screamed at me to get to know more. Seeing the way others respected him, and how well taken care of his animals were, was even more proof that I had to figure out who Blaze Anders was.
If that meant taking him a plate of food when he might otherwise not be able to have a home-cooked meal, then so be it.
When Leslie told us that he was staying at the grounds overnight I felt lost. I wanted him to be with us. I wanted to have him around even if he wouldn't talk to me. His presence alone was enough to get me by.
And then I stammered and made a fool of myself the second I got to see him again.
I avoided him as much as possible throughout the next couple of days. The rodeo was in full swing, and things were moving right along. There were more people around. The events were back-to-back, and the air was full of excitement.
As nervous as I had been to be a part of everything, I didn't feel all that much of an outcast once it got going. I knew animals like the back of my hand. Every little nuance about them was familiar. I didn’t get tongue-tied or feel left out with my four-legged friends.
Thankfully, there weren't any emergencies that arose. Just tiny things here and there. I adjusted some hooves and checked on a few of the animals who were pregnant.
It was really quite simple. I got to enjoy myself rather than overthink about how I was avoiding the man I was interested in.
My body couldn't seem to get enough of him. It was kind of insane considering how many gorgeous women there were around. I'm talking they could've stepped out of an ad for Wrangler's type of gorgeous women. Supermodel walking the runway level of gorgeous.
And all I could do was smile and wave at them. I didn't want to take them home. Didn't want to chat them up or get their number.
Instead, my focus was on a grumpy man who couldn't seem to stay away but could also disappear at the drop of a hat. It was like every time I turned around, there was Blaze hovering nearby or scowling from a perch somewhere.
By the time evening rolled around I was exhausted from overthinking. All I wanted to do was go home, shower, and curl up in bed. Sure, it wasn't my bed, but anything would do with the level of exhaustion I felt.
I yawned widely as I climbed into the truck. At first, I thought my tiredness made me dream up hearing Blaze right outside the truck. But then I realized I hadn’t imagined it as he ambled up into the driver’s seat.
Blaze’s deep timbre sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't stop the way my body reacted to him. I physically jerked, and my cock started to harden. What I wouldn't give to know what his touch felt like. I'd practically sell my soul at this point with how hard and aching he'd left me.
The man didn't even know the kind of power he had either. He was just frustrated to have his routine broken, and here I was, practically drooling over him at every turn.
I shook my head, then focused onto the road as we made our way back to the ranch. It was awfully convenient that the rodeo was close enough to go back every night. Others had to stay in the trailers on-site since it would be too far for them.
The second we reached his home, I rushed out of the truck and went inside. I passed by everyone with brief waves until I reached the shower. I stripped quickly, moving under the water before it was even warm.
