Page 70 of Ride or Die

“But it’s so open, so… barren,” I whisper. “Anyone could be out there.” Immediately my mind goes to Cain.

“Anyone who walks onto this ranch that shouldn’t be here,” Cole begins, flashing me a look as he continues, “they ain’t leavin’.”

I stare at him for a long moment, trying to process the meaning between his words and again, I’m pretty sure he’s serious.

He flashes me a grin then, as if to try and lighten the sudden darkness of the mood. “Only thing you gotta worry about ’round here are mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and rattlesnakes.”

“Oh, so no big deal, then?” I deadpan.

“Why do you think I keep a gun in my truck?” Cole chuckles, nudging me playfully with his shoulder when I practically gawk at him. “Don’t worry, darlin’. I’ll protect you.”

My cheeks heat but instead of responding with something that would probably just embarrass me, I sip my homemade Mexican lemonade, looking down and kicking my feet as they dangle over the tailgate, smiling at my boots.

Mama Joy brought me and the kids a whole box of hand-me-downs when she came over to the house earlier. Boots and hats for Tommy and Billie. Boots for me. I tried to decline theoffer because it’s all real-deal stuff—expensive looking genuine leather—but she insisted. I really like her. She’s the mom I never had. But I get the feeling she’s the mom everyone never had.

“You think you can get off work, the weekend of the sixteenth?” Cole asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

I arch a brow looking at him. “May?”

He nods.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “I’m not sure what Bruce is like with time off. I can ask.”

Cole grins. “I got invited to this massive rodeo. It’s kind of a huge deal. The head coach of the Texas team is gonna be there, and if I ride good then, my agent thinks I’ll get a spot on the team.”

My eyes widen. “Oh wow, Cole. That’s amazing.”

He chuckles. “You have no idea what any of that means, huh?”

I twist my lips to the side, looking out over the darkness in contemplation. “Honestly, no. But I can tell it’s a big deal.”

“You’re so fuckin’ adorable,” Cole mutters with another laugh, shaking his head. He reaches over and hesitates a moment before taking my hand in his, fingers interlocking with mine as he rests our clasped hands on his jean-clad thigh, and my heart dances over a few beats at the feel of his calloused thumb stroking my skin.

“The pro-circuit is my goal,” he continues after a moment. “The NBRA started a team tour, for riders from the pro-circuit to compete during the off season. And if I can get on a team and show ’em what I got, then I’m almost guaranteed direct entry into the pro-circuit come the new year.”

I search his eyes, watching as the light of the moon flickers in his gaze. The way he talks about riding, with such passion and determination. It’s easy to see that bull riding isn’t just some pipe dream for Cole. It’s not something he wants just to want it.It’s his mission in life. And no matter what, I can tell he’s the kind of guy who won’t stop until he makes it his reality. And, if I’m being honest, that’s all kinds of sexy. I’ve never met a man more dedicated.

“The event’s in Fort Worth,” Cole continues, looking down at our hands, an uncharacteristic shy smile ghosting his lips when his gaze slides back up to meet mine. “I’d love for you to be there… with me.”

I feel my cheeks heat and I dip my chin, forced to avert my eyes because it feels almost intimate. Almost too much, but also not nearly enough. “I’d love to. If Bruce lets me, that is.” I shrug, my eyes finding his again.

Cole leans in closer, playfully knocking his shoulder with mine again and flashing me a wink. “You leave Bruce to me, darlin’.”

Again, the look in his eyes and the way he calls medarlin’, it hits me deep in my center, my cheeks flushing on their own accord and I’m forced to look away.

“Wanna dance?”

I snap my head up at his question, my brows pulling together. “Dance?”

He nods and then, letting go of my hand, he crawls up the bed of the truck and I watch the entire length of his upper body disappear in through the open back window, his firm, Wrangler covered ass right there in my line of sight. I have to bite back a bubble of laughter when I hear him mutter a curse from inside, but then I notice the volume increase on the stereo, a pretty tune snuffing out the silence.

Cole returns, looking a little flushed. He jumps down off the tailgate, landing easily on his feet and moves to stand right in front of me, holding out his hand. “Care to dance, pretty lady?”

I smile, moving to slide down off the truck, but before I can, Cole grabs me by my waist and effortlessly lifts me, helping me down to the ground, so careful and gentle.

When I find my feet, I’m caught off guard by just how close we suddenly are and when I look up at him, catching his eyes, he makes no effort to remove his hands from my waist, his gaze momentarily dipping to my lips and again, all I want is for him to kiss me. More than air, more than water, more than life, Ineedhim to kiss me. But, yet again, instead of kissing me, he releases his hold of my waist and tugs me closer until I’m flush against him, one arm wrapping around me, the other holding my hand. I place my other hand against his broad shoulder, staring into his eyes as we sway to the music playing from the truck but then a thought crosses me, interrupting the magic and causing me to look down at the ground.

“There’re no snakes around here right now”—I look up, meeting his eyes—“are there?”