Page 161 of Boots, Bucket Lists & Bad Ideas
“Exactly.” I nod into my beer.
See? Justice exists.
But then Josie slips away from our table. I watch her make a beeline for Big Mike.
They talk.
She smiles sweetly, and he flirts right back.
And when she comes back, she looks way too proud of herself.
“It’s a go.” She gives thumbs up and, just like that, switches over to team Bronx.
My stomach flips.
Natalie’s eyes catch mine in what appears to be a desperate look for me to do something. What does she want me to do? Drag Jade outside and confess my ever-dying love?
Her sister scowls and nods her head in their direction.
Shit. Fuck. Seriously? I’m too wasted for this.
Without thinking, I shoot to my feet. “My turn.”
Did the whole room just spin?
Nope, I’m pretty sure it’s just me.
Wonderful.
“You think you’re up for that?” Levi spins on his stool, his leg jutting out just enough to block my path.
“Yeah.” I guzzle back the rest of my beer and wipe my mouth with my sleeve.
Levi’s eyes follow mine as I slam the glass on the table. “Look, Hart, I know you’re feeling bold, but after all your drinks and the ants, maybe the bull isn’t the best idea right now.”
He still doesn’t move that leg of his.
“Nah, man. I’m feeling good. A couple of beers never stopped anyone from riding, right? Ask Sterling.”
“Except it’s more than a couple and right now, your ‘good’ decisions are a little fuzzy.”
I shove his legs out of the way. “I’ll show y’all how it’s done.”
“That’s what I like to hear! Show ‘em, man!” Bronx in my corner is unsettling.
I ignore the fist he leaves out for me to bump and walk straight to the bull.
I have the balance of a sleepy goat. I can see this going sideways fast, but it’s not registering as a problem.
I mount the bull. No issues. Besides the ground slanting under me. I grip the saddle, fingers a little stiff, but I’m holding on.
“You alright there, bud?” Wyatt’s standing at the railing.
“All good.” Until my eyes lock on Jade’s.
The world narrows. The noise around me fades to a distant hum. For a split second, I forget the bull beneath me, the crowd around me, even the alcohol swimming in my veins.
It’s just her.
