Page 31 of Storm Warning
A smirk tugs on my lips. Well, it might not be a yes, but knowing that it wasn’t strictly because she didn’t want to be here is just as good as one. I’ll take that as a win in my book. No matter how small.
ME: NEXT TIME
KAYLEE: COME GET COFFEE IF YOU WIN.
I smile as I read her response. Now, that’s what I’m talking about. I knew she’d give into my charm. She isn’t chasing just yet, but if that isn’t her at least turning her head, then I don’t know what is.
KAYLEE: MY TREAT.
I laugh. If she’s going to give me an inch, I already know I’m about to take a mile.
ME: CYA AFTER I WIN ;)
I want, hell, I need the bag but I think bragging rights will taste just as much if not more sweet.
The trailer ramp crashes to the ground only a few inches below where I drop it. Unfazed by the noise, Angelica turns her head toward me, greeting my arrival with a happy whinny.
“Now if that ain’t the prettiest horse I’ve ever seen, I’m not sure who is.” I climb inside the trailer and plant a kiss on her forehead. “I brought your favorite treat for some extra luck today.” I fish a handful of jelly beans out of my pocket and she scarfs down the treat faster than normal, clearly anticipating the candy long before it came. “Ya ready to knock ‘em dead, Jelly bean?”
I don’t expect an answer but I know she’s as serious about winning as I am. We are a match made in heaven. She reads my moves and I read hers. We win because we’re good, not because we are lucky. I believe that with my full chest, and if I were to bet money on it, I think she does too.
Patting her back, I unhook her, leading her out of the trailer and to the side.
“That you, Rhett?”
Startled by the voice that comes from behind me, the hair on my arms stands up. God, I hope it’s not a reporter. Beside the encounter I had with Ms. Woods, I’ve been able to avoidthem, but here at a roping competition, hiding is impossible and the likelihood that someone is looking for the next big headline is constant. I sigh in frustration as I brace myself for what I knew to be the inevitable.
“Best believe it.” I spin toward the voice, trying to mask my nervousness with a forced smile.
Turns out it’s someone I know, not that I particularly care to. Well, Damn. Of all the people I hoped to avoid, I’m now face-to-face with the person I dislike the most, Jordan Daily, my biggest rival. He’s got his girlfriend on his arm and a cigarette hanging off his lips. He sports a scruffy beard, but he’s clearly lightened his hair. The vanity is an odd combination for a rider, but when you’re obsessed with yourself it’s fitting.
“Should I alert the news crew that you’re fine, you just suck?” Of course, the first words out of his mouth piss me off, but thanks to his newlookI already have a comeback.
“Ya recently try out for a boy band, Daily?” I keep my voice light, nice even, the words like sugar-sweet venom on my lips. My tone is kind but my intention is to insult him.
His gaze narrows. “No, why?”
A genuine smile spreads across my face as his expression sours. “Because you’ve got more highlights than Britney Spears.”
The insult hits its mark, like an arrow hitting a bullseye. Even his girlfriend can’t help but let out a little snicker. He snatches his arm away, leveling her with a vicious glare, forcing the laughter on her lips to fade. “Wouldn’t be too worried about how I look since the last time we saw you, you were face deep in the rodeo cake.” He chuckles at his own joke, but neither I nor his girlfriend follow. “Planning on making yourself look like a dumb fuck again?”
I know he wants nothing more than to get in my headabout my fall, but today there are no bulls and I know I won’t be falling off my horse.
“Nope,” I respond coolly. “Plus, I ain’t a dumb fuck, I’m agreatfuck. Just ask your mom.” I wink and he balls his fist. His girlfriend tries to convince him to walk away, but he slaps her hand, and that pisses me off more. “Ah, see I struck a nerve, better go cry it out before ya ride. You’re gonna need them tears dried so ya have nothin’ blurrin’ your vision when I win.”
“Eat a dick, Rogers. Better yet, eat dirt. You probably can’t stay on your horse’s back for more than eight seconds either.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, Daily, but dirt ain’t really my flavor. That seems more your area of expertise. I’ve seen your last few rides. That dirt must taste real damn good, since ya always seem to be in it.” I could let it go there, but the urge to really put this asshole in his place forces me to continue. I look at his girlfriend. And though I’m only joking, though I have no intention of stealing anyone’s girl, I say with a smirk, “Ya need to find someone better, darlin’. Someone who can handle someone as pretty as you, instead of a one and done eight second ride.” Her eyes widen at what I just said. I send her an obvious wink, just to piss him off that much more.
“You’re pathetic,” He blows out, leaving his girlfriend behind.
I smile at her and her cheeks are flushed, but the grimace she wears makes me regret what I said. Jordan turns back around. “Danielle, get your fuckin’ ass over here, or you can walk home.”
Sadness replaces a portion of her anger with me. “I thought you… nevermind.” She shakes her head, tears now filling her eyes as she walks away.
A small win against him wasn’t worth how it affected her, and now I feel like a total piece of shit.
I blow out a breath as I grab some fresh water for my horse. Imight have taken that a bit far—no, I definitely did. I didn’t intend to allow that idiot the space to get in my head, and even if it won’t affect my riding, it sure as hell made me look like just as big of a dick as him. Pulling my hat down a little lower on my head, I do my best not to be noticed again. I’m here for the money, not the reminders and I want to get in and out unscathed.
