Page 17 of Rodeo Rivals
The only way she could keep her focus and not screw up this opportunity was to forget Wyatt even existed. Put him in the asshole category. She didn’t have time to be chasing dudes. There were more important things at stake—like her legacy.
Kaila Mussell didn’t let affairs of the heart get in the way of her dream. McKayla couldn’t either. She had devoted her life to riding. Her peak had yet to be reached. There were plenty more horses to ride.
She was still climbing. Maybe if she fell off, she could think about men. For now, guys were just something she did to take the edge off. Her focus had to be on conditioning, competing, and improving. There was no time or room for anything else.
Wyatt
Eighth place. Jesus Christ.Eighth. While not his worst showing in history, he’d definitely ridden better, obviously. The mere five hundred and change check he’d gotten barely covered his travel expenses and entry fee. If he kept performing this way, he might as well hang up his spurs.
As he packed up his saddle and tossed his bag into his truck, the scuffle of boots against the asphalt nearby drew his attention. He turned toward the sound and inhaled deeply, bracing himself for Seth’s bragging. The more time Wyatt spent with him, the less he liked Seth.
The man who had taken first place and the biggest check of the night hooked his thumbs in his belt loops as he approached. “You headed to Dalhart?”
That was the next logical stop on the circuit. Of course, Wyatt was going in that direction. “Yeah.”
Seth leaned against Wyatt’s truck. “This band from Amarillo is gonna play there. You hanging out for that?”
Having secured his belongings, Wyatt slammed the door to his truck shut—probably a little too hard. He wasn’t in the mood. He didn’t want to talk. It hadn’t been going well lately. It suitedhim just fine to climb into the cab of his truck and get out of Mesquite, Texas.
But he couldn’t be rude.
So he ran his tongue along his teeth and tried to squash down the anger and disappointment he had in himself to answer Seth. It wasn’t his fault Wyatt bombed. Wyatt shouldn’t take it out on Seth. Even if Seth was being a raging asshole.
“Maybe. I should focus on my conditioning.”
Seth scoffed and shook his head. “Nah. You were fine.” He waved a hand dismissively. “You were just stiff. A few more times in the saddle and you’ll get the kinks out. I say after another two or three events, you’re going to be givingmea run for my money.”
When he winked, it took all of Wyatt’s composure not to punch him square in the face. Seth had gotten far too big for his britches. The guy needed to be knocked down a few pegs, but not by Wyatt. Not today anyway.
Seth may lead in the standings. First place went to him tonight, but no one could stay on top forever. If anyone needed to be humbled, it was Seth.
Swallowing his annoyance, Wyatt cracked his neck. “I don’t know. I just want to get on the road.”
Seth pushed off the pickup and nodded. “Well, think about it. It’ll be a good time.”
“Yeah,” Wyatt said as he reached for the handle of the driver’s door and opened it.
“Lighten up. It wasoneevent.” Seth chuckled. “See you in a few days.”
Wyatt climbed into the truck and offered a wave before he closed the door. Maybe after he got a few miles away from Mesquite, Texas, he would be in a better mood. Right now, he didn’t want to think about being around anyone related to the rodeo. He needed the isolation to recenter himself.
14
McKayla
Of all the stops on the rodeo circuit, Dalhart, Texas, was McKayla’s favorite. From the music, the barbecue, to the parade, there were a variety of activities to enjoy. It was the only stop where she hung out for a few days and enjoyed all the rodeo offered. It was almost like an unwinding—a mini-vacation.
This was exactly what she needed after cashing at her first carded event. She could put the unpleasantness of Wyatt behind her and move on with her life. Especially because even if he was at this stop, there was so much going on, she probably wouldn’t see him.
Besides, if she had an itch to scratch, there was no shortage of cowboys willing to see to her needs. Hopefully, the next oneshe picked wouldn’t be a competitor. She needed to study the rankings a little better to avoid any more fraternizing in the future. The best way to get over one guy was to ride another.
Yep. Dalhart, Texas, was the place to be, and with a drink in her hand, McKayla was out there shaking her caboose without a care in the world. Arms in the air, she twirled and let out a hoot as she swayed to the music from the live band.
She’d never heard of them, but they could carry a tune, and that was all she needed right now.
“Well, fancy meeting you here,” he drawled.
Dammit. Couldn’t he give her one night of peace? It was all she asked.
