Page 10 of Buck This
Quickdraw cursed and stormed out of the box.
Dead of Winter sighed. “That was a disaster from start to finish.”
“We keep telling him,” Two Shots muttered. “He’s too damn stubborn.”
Torrey stood and told Raven, “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” she asked.
“To check on him.”
“Oh, that’s sweet of you, but it’s best to leave Quickdraw alone for a while. He’ll be headed back to his table to finish signing for fans.”
“Oh, I don’t mean Quickdraw.”
Two Shots Down and Dead of Winter wore matching confused expressions.
Torrey explained, “I mean I’m going to check on Buck This Storme. It was really nice to meet you.” Never in her life had she seen two more shocked faces than those two bull shifters as she shook their hands and left. She waved to Raven, and she wore this pretty, surprised smile on her face.
Torrey really liked her. There was a merchandise table near the entrance, and she remembered seeing Hagan’s Lace T-shirts. She was definitely getting one before she left tonight. Raven had a new fan.
“Come back when you’re done,” Raven called. “Your seat will still be here.”
“Okay. I will.”
Cheeks heated with pleasure, she made her way past Gary Wade, the beer T-shirt wearing ticket checker and offered to grab him another beer while she was out, to which he answered, “Absolutely.”
She made her way close to the railing, searching all the pens for Buck This Storme. There were so many cowboys back here, and it was overwhelming to her senses. Now, there were cowgirls in beautiful sparkling outfits trying to control prancing horses. They seemed ready to start whatever the next event was. Barrel racing?
She stopped and scanned the clearing, trying to think of where else she could look for Buck This when Two Shots Down and Dead of Winter passed her on their way back to sign more autographs. They must’ve just come to the box to watch Buck This Storme. Was that his real name? Or maybe he’d chosen one, like Cobalt had.
The memory of Cobalt-the-Cockiest-Bull-Rider-Ever flying through the air dragged a small smile from her lips. Now that she knew he was okay, it was a little funny what had happened.
That man had been humbled tonight. Probably. She didn’t really know. The ego was pretty big with that one.
“Did you see him?” Reece called.
Torrey had to search for a few seconds to find her friend. She was near the entrance to the bleachers.
“Hey!” she said, waving.
Three cowgirls trailed behind Reece as she jogged to meet Torrey. “He nearly rode the meanest bull in the entire circuit! He got to seven point five seconds. Cobalt said no one has ridden him this season, but he almost did. Gosh dangit! He was so close!”
“Oh!” He didn’t really ride him for seven point five seconds if Buck This Storme sat in the chute for the first three seconds, but whatever. “Hi, I’m Torrey,” she introduced herself to the three girls behind Reece. “I’m Reece’s friend.”
“So am I,” the blond with fabulous false eyelashes deadpanned.
Right. “I was just headed to…” How did she explain she was headed to check on the bull that had bucked Cobalt off? “Somewhere.” God, she was the worst liar.
“Good, we’re just headed to the bar.” Reece was already slurring. “Cobalt is getting another ride tonight because the stupid bull got penalized for sucking. The judges said he gets a re-ride, and I just know he’s going to take this one. I feel it inmy bones. He’s going to go number one bull rider in the country after this event. He’s so close in points! Torrey! I’m going to be married to the number one bull rider! My Instagram following is about to go insane.”
That all sounded awful and uninteresting, but Reece seemed excited, so Torrey said, “Awesome. I watched him.”
“From where? I looked for you but I didn’t see you.”
“Oh, I got a spot over there.” She pointed in the general direction of the chutes.
“Okay, weird,” Reece said sarcastically. “Next time respond to my text faster.”
