Page 16 of Blue Moon Cowboy
Later, just before the bull riding began, Jason sent Celia a text, asking her to keep Lainey from running off before he could speak with her. He had no right to ask the woman to stick around, but he had a feeling if she left, he’d likely never see her again.
Celia sent back a thumbs-up emoji along with a kissy face that made him growl quietly as he and Shaun rode into the arena.
“You look like you have acute indigestion, Dad. Did that bottle of electrolytes you guzzled sit wrong with you?” Shaun asked as they stopped the horses behind the barrel where Cooper James danced to a fast beat and waved a barrel-sized foam hat in the air, trying to get the crowd involved in a sing-along.
Jason glowered at his son. “I’m fine.”
Shaun smirked. “Then I guess your foul mood must be because Lainey is likely going to hit the road as soon as this ends, and you won’t see her again. You know, Dad, it wouldn’t kill you to ask the woman for a date. You could take her out for dinner this evening and have an adult conversation away from the rodeo and distractions. Just sayin’, Dad.”
His gaze narrowed. “You do realize you are frustratingly observant, don’t you?”
A chuckle rolled out of Shaun as he reached over and thumped Jason on the shoulder. “I inherited that from you. If you don’t believe me, ask Lisa or Brylee.”
Jason was saved from making any comment when the first bull rider came out of the chute on a rank bull that had yet to be ridden for more than four seconds. The good thing about Blown Target was that the bovine was always eager to leave the arena and easy to guide out the gate. Some of the bulls liked to throw their weight around, toss dirt and snot, and charge anything that moved.
The rider sailed off Blown Target and rolled into his landing on the arena dirt floor. The bullfighters jumped in front of him, and the bull turned away, trotting toward the open gate.
Shaun headed over to make sure the bull went where he was supposed to, but Jason’s assistance wasn’t needed.
He glanced into the stands and saw Celia and Lainey talking. Celia pointed to the chutes, likely explaining something or answering one of Lainey’s questions.
Although he’d refused to admit it, even to himself, Jason had been hoping he’d run into the nomadic photographer again. Lainey had lingered in his thoughts since he’d met her a few weeks ago. He hadn’t expected to see her today, but was grateful he’d had the opportunity to spend a little time with her. From what he’d seen, she was smart, witty, and intelligent. She also appeared to be kind and caring, even if he got the idea she could be a little guarded.
Then again, a lovely woman traveling alone needed to keep her guard up.
“Earth to lover boy,” Shaun said, lightly popping Jason on the leg with the end of his reins.
Jason turned his attention to his son, frowning at him. “What?” he barked.
Shaun laughed and shook his head. “You’ve got it bad, Dad. I’m telling you, if you don’t ask her out, you are going to live to regret it.”
“What would you know about—” Jason clamped his mouth shut. Actually, Shaun knew quite a lot about living with regrets. Years ago, after he and Brylee had rashly wed in Las Vegas, Shaun had snuck out the next morning, not realizing what he was leaving behind until it was too late. It had taken a long time for Brylee to forgive him, but at least they’d found their way back to each other.
Jason couldn’t help but think there was a heaping portion of divine intervention involved in the circumstances that reunited the two stubborn young people. He was thankful every day they had worked out their differences, renewed their vows, and given him two beautiful grandchildren.
Shaun and Brylee both deserved all the happiness they could find. Anyone could see how happy they were with each other.
Another bull charged into the arena and tossed the rider before they hit the three-second mark. It took both Jason and Shaun to get the animal out of the arena.
After another rider flew off and they had to work to get the bull to accept his exit, they switched horses before returning to the arena. Only two riders managed to stay on for the full eight seconds, and then the rodeo ended.
Jason didn’t have time to look into the stands or find Lainey. He had work to do that couldn’t wait.
He’d just finished when he looked up from stowing his tack to see Celia heading toward him with Addie Kate bouncing in her arms and Lainey accompanying her. At least the woman hadn’t rushed off without giving him a chance to speak to her again.
Quickly removing his chaps and shin guards, he set them with the rest of the tack and shut the trailer door, then yanked off his gloves as he strode over to the two women.
“Hey, there,” he said, greeting them with a smile, then he reached out and jiggled Addie Kate’s little foot. “Did she sleep through the whole thing?”
Celia shook her head. “Not even close. It was a good thing Lainey didn’t mind holding her because it was a team effort to keep her entertained before and after her nap. I’m going to pass her off to her daddy and see about making dinner. You two have a great evening.” Celia smiled at Lainey. “Please reach out to me if you move forward with your idea, or if you want to chat about rodeos, photography, or life.”
Lainey offered Celia a look that appeared full of gratitude. “Thank you, Celia. You’ve got my number. Call me any time.”
“You can count on it,” Celia hurried off toward the Kressleys’ personal trailer.
Lainey watched her go before she turned to face Jason. “Celia said you were hoping to speak with me. Is there something I can do for you?”
“There is, actually.” Jason felt like he was fourteen and asking a girl to the spring dance for the first time. Before his voice cracked and he reverted to hemming and hawing like he had then, he took a deep breath and quickly voiced his thoughts. “I had a great time with you earlier, Lainey. If you don’t have other plans, I was wondering if you’d consider having dinner with me this evening.”
