Page 40 of Fool for You
She may have mentioned it.
But you won tonight.
Me
I’ll win tomorrow too. Charming was a bit wide around the barrel, but I’ll tighten up in training and ride Hook tomorrow. Team roping was great tonight.
Dad
When is team roping not?
Me
Well, it’s been missing its best heeler for years.
Dad
Good thing there’s still a Compton on the dirt. Proud of you.
The loud knock at my door sent a shock through me, my phone falling out of my hands. My dad would text a few times a week, and we would always end the conversation the same way. My mom may not be proud of the rodeo path I’d taken, but my dad always made sure I knew he was, even if he didn’t show it in person. His last few words would always cling to me—proud of you.
I heaved a shaky sigh as I picked my phone up, sending a quick goodnight text before making my way to the door. By how late it was, it could only be one person. I opened the door, slowly at first to peek through, opening it wider once Wyatt came into full view.
“It’s late, Hartwell,” I sighed, leaning my forehead against the door.
He shrugged a shoulder. “Couldn’t sleep, thought I’d check on you.”
“I’m good.” I lifted my head to look at him, those blue eyes sending a shock through me I’d force myself to forget. “If you can’t sleep, why not head out? I’m sure everyo—”
“Nah.” Wyatt slid through the door, making his way into my room. “I’m tired; I just can’t sleep.”
Watching him take in the room, I shut the door and locked it behind me. “And…what do you expect me to do about you not being able to sleep?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “There are lots of things you can do, Compton.”
“Get out.” I pointed towards the door, not having the brain capacity for this, but also feeling a hint of relief when he just crossed his arms over his chest and smirked.
“Whoa, jumping the gun there?” His smirk grew to the right. “My mind was actually on that TV show you mentioned.”
“TV show?” I mimicked his stance, popping my hip out to the side. I was in my pajamas already—shorts and a sleep tank—and my wet hair was braided and lying on my shoulder. I noticed him eyeing me up and down, taking a deep breath in before he took a step. He dropped his arms and reached for my laptop.
“I didn’t bring my computer, so I thought maybe—”
“You want to watch a TV show?” It was my turn to raise an eyebrow at him.
“Yeah, why not?” He held out my laptop. I eyed it, and then him, seeing the truth across his face.
The man looked tired. His eyes were heavy with dark circles I had never noticed before, sunken into his skin. Even his cocky smile was weaker than normal. Maybe a comfort show was what we both needed.
I took my laptop from him. “Fine, but I’m picking the episode.”
“Fine by me. I think I just need the noise.”
“Your room has a TV, you know.” I settled on the bed, pulling the comforter over my lap and pulling open the streaming app.
“You don’t think I scrolled through it?” Wyatt asked, lying next to me on the bed, over the covers. He looked comfortable once he settled his body, wearing those same gray sweatpants he was wearing when we planned the entire thing, and a plain blacktee. He lay on his back, propping the pillows behind his head, laying his hands on his chest. “Other than news and a few porno films, there was nothing.”
“Excuse me?” I blinked, looking over at him.
