Page 14 of Rodeo Rivals
“You used to date her or something?” Wyatt speculated out loud.
Seth scoffed, shaking his head. “Nah. I just think there are some things that are meant for men. There’s no place for women in rough stock.”
“You need to get into the twenty-first century,” Wyatt said as the loudspeaker crackled.
Both of the men turned their attention to the arena to listen to McKayla’s score. From what Wyatt had seen, she hadimpeccable form. There would be little for the judges to criticize her for. The horse did a damn good showing as well.
Maybe Seth should be worried. Wouldn’t that be something?
McKayla
Out of breath, bending over, trying to fill her lungs with as much oxygen as possible, McKayla waited to hear how she’d done. She’d nearly lost her grip a time or two. Lady Jane put up a fair fight. It took every bit of skill she possessed not to fall off that horse. If she had, on her first night out there, she’d never forgive herself. The fact that she kept her ass in the saddle for the full eight seconds meant she had what it took to go the distance.
Her legs slipped a few times, which meant her spurring could use work. She may have even slid a bit too far forward and gone over the swells of the saddle a time or two. They’d definitely deduct points for all that. It wasn’t a perfect ride, but she’d done her best.
Standing upright, she turned her attention to the four men who would decide her fate. Did she have what it took to be in the same arena as men? She’d earned her spot. Could she keep it?
The speaker crackled. McKayla bit her lip and held her breath.
“McKayla Ghigau, out of Kentucky, only the second woman to compete in rough stock, earned eighty-one points.”
With her fist in the air, she leaped off the ground. The breath she’d trapped in her lungs came out in a loud shout that was drowned out by the roar of the crowd. She’d done it. She’d proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with. There were no doubts now. McKayla could ride just as well as the men.
When she landed, with her heart racing, her face hurt from the size of her smile. Nothing could ruin her day.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted movement and turned toward it. A steely gaze met hers. The lanky rider tipped his hat as he passed.
“Time for a man to show you how it’s done,” Seth said in a tone filled with piss and vinegar.
He strolled over to the chute with his head high—all pompous bravado—but she wouldn’t let him get to her. Her hard work got her there. She rode damn well. It would take a lot more than that to rattle her.
“That was damn impressive.” His familiar voice stroked her body and settled in her core.
Turning away from the man leading the saddle bronc riding standings, she faced Wyatt. She placed her hands on her hips as he strolled up to her and fought her urge to wrap her arms around his neck in celebration of her score. They didn’t know each other like that. It would be awkward and outside the conditions of their agreement.
That was the thing about the rodeo circuit. Being out there by herself got lonely sometimes. It was worth it, though. If she traveled with anyone, it’d just be a distraction. She needed all her focus if she planned on climbing the ranks and giving that asshole Seth Allen a run for his money.
“Thanks.” She dipped her chin in a brief nod.
“You’ve gotta work on your drag a bit,” he offered.
She arched her brow. Was he really giving her advice right now? Did henothear her score?
“It’ll help keep you behind the swells,” he said.
She licked her bottom lip and folded her arms over her chest as he mansplained some more.
“Try to lean forward—”
“I’m sorry,” she interrupted. “Did I ask for your advice?”
He blinked and stammered as he stepped back.
“I didn’t think so.” She shook her head. “I got here without your help, and I’m pretty sure I can keep riding without your notes.”
She didn’t wait for a response. Instead, she purposely bumped her shoulder into his side as she marched past him. She wasn’t about to let him get to her either. She did fucking well. He could take his advice and shove it up his ass.
What a disappointment. Wyatt was just as big of a jerk as Seth. She didn’t need to stand there and let him prove it. She had a quality score to revel in.
