Page 39 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
The crowd cheers, and I look at Riley, who is just as excited as the rest of the crowd.
“Jackson said he was thinking about it! I didn’t realize he said yes!”
“He did. He’s been practicing, and he’s nervous, but I think he’ll do great.”
Levi and Hunter wave to the crowd, and Levi’s smile is so big it barely fits on his face. Hunter is stoic as usual, but his gaze darts to mine quickly, and I smile softly with a nod.
A few teams go out before they do with mixed results, and then it’s Hunter and a new partner lining up in the chutes. Hunter’s game face gives nothing away, and I hold my breath while the barriers are secured and a plucky steer loads the chute. Levi calls out his signal, and the two of them race out after the steer.
Hunter’s arm swings the lasso and quickly releases it, catching the steer clean on the neck and turning his horse to give Levi a clear throw for the feet. He catches one foot, and the steer falls, while they remain on their horses until the flag drops.
Hunter’s smile is the only thing I notice. Levi releases the steer and remounts his horse while Hunter winds up his rope, and I don’t even need to be close to him to know he’s excited.
“Young Mr. D’amour and his roping mentor just ran their first rodeo event together, folks. It’s a five-second penalty for only one foot, but what a great start for this young buck! Why don’t you stand up and tell him how much you want to see them again?”
I jump to my feet with the rest of the fans and holler, “Hell, yes!”
My husband, fake or not, deserves this and just did an amazing thing. If he wants to do more amazing things, I’m all for it. Especially when he smiles and laughs like that, and I can almost picture the weight of his stress flying off with every passing moment.
After returning to my seat, Riley cocks his head and I know that look.
“Don’t make me say it out loud, Rye.”
He snort-laughs and shakes his head. “Giddy up, Gabe. I think there’s a cowboy waiting for a ride.” He snickers.
“If you aren’t turned on by competent men working a rope, can you even call yourself a fan?”
“It’s gonna be a long night waiting to get home,” Riley sighs with a pout.
Good thing I’m used to waiting.
“Gabe!”
Jackson claps my shoulder before he slides next to Riley at our table. “Hunter should be here shortly. He was right behind me.” He lays a kiss on Riley with the dopiest grin, and I can’t help but smile.
“He said he’d meet me here.” I shrug. He didn’t say when. I know he has a lot of responsibilities after a rodeo. Especially one where he re-entered roping with a huge welcome and a new partner.
“I think he caught the roping bug again. He worked well with Levi, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he returns to the circuit full time.” Jackson sips from his glass while watching me.
“What about your rodeo clinics? Isn’t that supposed to be your plan?” I ask.
Jackson shrugs a shoulder. “Yeah, but I have enough going on that if he doesn’t want to do it full time next year, it’s fine. Besides…I think he needs this. He loved roping, and it was taken from him too soon.” Jackson screws up his nose and, if he’s thinking about Hunter’s grandfather, I agree with the scrunched nose.
A commotion near the entrance draws our attention and my breath catches as Hunter moves into the bar with Levi.Cowboys, young and old, clap them on the back with affection, and a swell of pride fills my chest for this rough-edged but tender man.
I’m not the only one with eyes for the man of the hour, though. It’s easy to spot the buckle fans as they approach the ring of suitors or simply wait for a break in the circle to get close.
The last time I watched Hunter in a bar, he went to a corner on his own and turned everyone down—including me. He might have followed me to the parking lot that night, but he still never gave me what I wanted.
A cute man at least ten years younger, possibly more, if I’m judging by the baby face and lack of facial hair, steps in front of Hunter and boldly grabs at his hat. I suck in an audible breath, angry that another man touched his hat and on edge, wondering if Hunter will tell the man the same thing he told me.
His eyes flash with anger, and his hand darts out quickly to snatch his hat back and place it on his head. When it looks like the man won’t leave his personal space, my feet move on their own and somewhere behind me I hear Riley’s mutter of,oh shit,as I walk towards Hunter and his admirer without a clue of what I might do when I get there.
“Come on, Hunter. Let me buy you a drink instead. We can get to know each other.”
“Excuse me.” The man turns to me, clearly angry I’m interrupting, but I don’t give a shit. “My husband doesn’t just let anyone take his hat, and honestly, that was rude. If you want to take a buckle home tonight, maybe you should work on your game.”
Hunter cough-laughs while the man decides if I’m telling the truth or not.
