Page 4 of Roping My Rival

“I don’t know if I like being sweet. Dane wouldn’t want a sweet guy. He probably likes kinky shit that I don’t even know how to pronounce.”

Trevor laughs a full-body laugh. “You’re funny, Warren. Sexy and a cowboy. You’re a catch. His loss.”

I know he wants to get back to working the crowd. It’s where the money is, so I stand, and he offers me a hug.

“Thanks for listening again.”

“Anytime. I’m not just a pretty thing to look at, and you’re the only one in this place who knows that.” Trevor squeezes my arm again. “Don’t underestimate yourself, okay?”

We both exit the room, and with a quick kiss on my cheek, he darts off to another group of men while I leave, a little more frustrated than when I arrived.

On the highway home, I have more than enough time to keep thinking about Dane Walker and why he always wins. Why he gets under my skin, and why he just can’t seem to leave me alone. I’m my worst enemy when I can’t let things go.

Like when my brother accidentally let my rabbit out. How do you not know it’s going to run away like that? It happened years ago, and to be fair, he barely spoke when he joined our family. I probably scared the crap out of him with the outright tantrum I threw. I’ve mostly let it go, but when he gets on my nerves, I bring it up.

Because that’s what I do. Remind people when they fuck up so I don’t feel so bad about my own missteps.

Tonight it’s all Dane, and I wish I could get him out of my head.

My headlights catch the reflective strip of a warning cone, and I slow down. A truck has stopped on the shoulder with a horse trailer attached. The traffic cone is a sign for help, and as soon as I pull over, a familiar figure rounds from the front of the truck.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumble at the same time his expression registers who has stopped to help.

“Keep driving, Burke. I’ll wait for the next vehicle.”

“Don’t be a prick. I’m not leaving you out here alone with truck problems and a horse. What do you need?”

I might not like the guy in the rodeo ring, but I’m not turning a blind eye to his situation.

“Nothing. Get back to driving. I’m sure you have a nice, comfortable room and bed to get to.”

Dane moves to open the door of his truck, and I grab his wrist.

“I’m not gonna ignore that you need help. Stop being an asshole and tell me what the problem is.”

Dane lets his hand drop from the door handle and turns to me. He purses his lips, clearly pissed that I’m the one offering help.

“The problem I can’t do anything about is that it’s you who stopped.” When I don’t bite and tell him to fuck off, he throws his hands in the air. “Fine.” His shoulders sag, and his voice loses its usual edge. “I’ve been having issues with the gas gauge. It’s probably a faulty sender unit. I haven’t had the chance to look into it yet.”

“Okay. So….”

“You’re gonna make me say it, aren’t you?”

“Yes, because I’m not sure what all that means.”

“I ran out of gas, Burke.”

I honestly don’t know what to say. Of all the problems he could have had, I wasn’t expecting that.

“Don’t you have CAA or something? You should’ve stopped at the gas station on the turnoff if you knew you were having issues. You know—”

“Spare me the lecture.” Dane spits. “I don’t need you reminding me I’m stupid and I fucked up. Just…you know what?” His jaw sets, and the guy I know from rodeo returns. “Just go. I’ll wait.”

He practically pushes me into the road, and I don’t know why I do it, but I shove him back harder than needed.

“Would it make you feel better if I didn’t offer help out of kindness? Would you rather owe me something? You’re a champion. You have the cheque to prove it. Throw money at me if it makes you feel better. Just don’t stay out here with your horse to prove some macho point.”

Goddammit, why is he so damn infuriating?