Page 37 of Roped in Chaos
“Hey.” I chuckle. “You asked.”
We go back to being quiet for the rest of the drive, which is only about forty-five minutes. When we get there, the arena lights are on, and there is a ton of action. The sun is just about done setting, and the fun is about to begin. I get parked and pull the horses out. I get all of the necessities for them set up so when we’re done, I can head out with her and not have to worry about taking care of stuff here. I get the horses saddled, and we head out to the warm-up pen. There are people throwing ropes, horses going in every direction, and I set off into my routine. She’s content just sitting on Rooster, watching and walking around here and there. I may be busy, but I keep her in my periphery no matter where I am. I don’t need some other guy thinking she’s available because she may not claim it, but she’s completely mine.
We hang around for a while, just riding around on the horses to keep them warmed up. We were one of the last ones to sign up, so we’re also one of the last ones to compete tonight. I like that better, though, less time to wait to see how we did against all the others.
We talk and laugh the entire time, it’s nice seeing her outside of the farm. We’ve only gotten this opportunity truly one other time, and it’s been a while. There’s no rhyme or reason to our conversations, just whatever pops in our heads becomes a topic. It’s easy with her, it doesn’t feel like there’s any stress or regulations about what we have to do.
Before I know it, it’s my turn to go and compete. My buddy and I make our way into the arena. The lights beat down onto the dirt below us, and the horses start doing their own dance. They get antsy and start bobbing, anticipating the rush of adrenaline that’s coming. I back my horse into the left box, and I look opposite to see my partner has done the same in the box on the other side. The steer shoot is right in between us, pointing straight. They set the rope, and I take a deep breath. One nod of my head, and we’re off. As soon as the timer starts, it’ll be go time.
I open my eyes and nod, the steer is released from his confines, and I swing the large loop above my head. I push Dom forward as I line him up for the perfect throw. I throw the loop, and as I see it circling the horns, I pull tighter and wrap it around the horn of my saddle. I keep watching behind me to make sure my partner can get the feet, and he does! We stop the horses, and the person waving the flag drops it, to show a catch. I look up at the time at 6.5 seconds! Holy fuck! The rope drops off the feet, and I follow along so the kid working the chutes can give me my rope back. I look over and see Esme beaming at me. Fuck, she’s gorgeous, and that look gives me another cocky boost. She looks proud of me.
After gathering everything, I make my way to her, and she leans over Rooster and plants a kiss on my lips. I’m so shocked I barely have time to register what is happening before she’s rambling on about how cool it was to watch and yada yada. I’m still processing the fact that she kissed me, in public, in front of whoever is watching this interaction, and she’s just rolling with it. Maybe she really does like me as much as I like her.
* * *
Another hour or so goes by before they finally decide to publish the results. We did well enough to bring home a check, and that’s a good day’s work. We make our way back to the trailer and untack the horses. We make sure they’re set before I decide to drop another bomb on her.
“I have a surprise,” I announce.
She turns around abruptly and gets that giddy smile plastered across her face.
“You do?!” she squeaks.
“Yep, but we gotta drive, so grab your blanket and shit and load up in the truck.”
She doesn’t wait for me to say anymore before she scrambles into the trailer to grab everything, and I can’t help but laugh at her excitement. She’s going to love this, I can just feel it.
Chapter30
The Kind of Love We Make
Asher
She loved it the last time I took her stargazing, so I’m hoping this is no different. Despite us doing nothing but getting closer, my palms are sweaty like it is a first date. I can’t help but be nervous, she’s so fucking gorgeous, and I’m fighting to keep her here. I hope I can spill every bit of my feelings to her. We will see how it goes.
She currently seems content staring at the sky through the window. When we get far enough outside of town, the light pollution is little to none. Tonight is the perfect night with no cloud coverage, so it’s even better than normal. The stars are shining bright, and the moon is low in the sky. Everything’s coming together perfectly.
We pull onto a dirt road off of another dirt road, and I watch in my rearview as the dust kicks up behind us. I pull a couple of miles down to ensure the perfect view for stargazing and put the truck in park.
“We’re here” I announce.
She looks at me, giddy.
“Are we stargazing again?!” she shrieks.
“Yep, I hope that’s okay. Nothin’ fancy, but I remembered how much you loved it last time.” Before I can finish my thought, she’s wrapping herself around me in a big hug. I smile into the crook of her neck and pull her tighter.
“Come on,” I say, “let’s go get comfy.”
We unload the pillows, blankets, snacks, and drinks out of the back seat. With everything thrown into the back of the truck, a makeshift bed is made.
We lay back and stare at the sky. The non-themed conversation continues, just talking about whatever pops into our minds. We’ve talked about aliens a lot tonight. I guess staring at the open sky leads to the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
I roll over onto my side and prop myself up with my elbow so I can get a good look at her. She talks with her hands, and even though she’s not looking at me, I can see how expressive her face is. She lights up when she talks, and the little smile and laughs she throws while talking makes the conversation that much better.
“It’s beautiful out here,” she says.
“Not as beautiful as you.”
