Page 42 of Roping My Rival

“I’m not sure.”

Jesse turns towards me, mug in hand, and a single eyebrow raised.

“What?”

He stares at me a moment longer before sitting on the sofa again. Our office environment is nothing but relaxed and I’m grateful for it. My brother’s gaze, though, makes me squirm, and I focus back on the stack of mail.

“Are we using the same plow service this winter? They’re offering a 10% discount if we commit early,” I say as I set the letter on top of the previous donation letter.

“Sure.” Jesse remains silent for a beat, and so do I. “Whenever you want to unload, I’ll listen.” He stands again, chugging his coffee so fast I fear for the inside of his mouth. “I have steers showing up, and Dad said he’d be my hazer today. Two other wrestlers booked time as well, so my morning is full.”

Jesse has a rotation of hazers. Sometimes he doesn’t even have one when he arrives at a rodeo. He just shows up and finds a cowboy who can ride for him from another event. It works for Jesse, though, and Dad loves it when he gets to ride with him.

I could never work with Dad team roping, and steer wrestling wasn’t my thing. Too much anxiety with him so close and as my partner. I’m happy Jesse doesn’t have the same issues I have, though. I’m also happy he’s not pressing for more information about Dane because I still haven’t processed it all myself.

“Okay, I’ll get some admin done here, then I’m probably gonna hit the gym. Have a good session.”

Once Jesse leaves, I pull out my phone and stare at the message Dane sent last night.

I’m home.

That’s it, which is all I asked for, but I also sort of hoped maybe he would talk more, even though I hate texting. There’s something there he wants to say. I can feel it because I’ve been there. There’s no way I’ll press him on it unless it interferes with rodeo, though.

Which I hope it doesn’t. If I’d have done better in tie-down, it would have been just as big a payday as Dane had. Which really has me scratching my head at how he can’t afford tires when he just won $2500. Sure, it doesn’t go as far as it used to, but surely he has emergency money?

To be fair, it’s easier for me to load our horses at the ranch and have him leave his truck there, so I shouldn’t really pry. As shitty as it is, it’s benefited me.

After inputting a few invoices into the accounting system and paying our hydro bill, I leave a note on the pile for Jesse and gather my things to head to the gym. I pause at the rodeo ring to watch my brother and dad. A smile forms as I watch them together. Dad gestures to Jesse, and I can tell he’s talking about planting his foot before twisting the steer. It’s a business meeting between son and father, and when Dad looks up to find me watching, he waves big and smiles. I wave back before turning away, wondering what exactly his idea of retirement is, since he’s been here almost as much as when he ran the place.

The afternoon sun is warm as I walk to my truck and head to the gym. It’s been too long since I’ve properly conditioned my body, and maybe that’s why I wasn’t that sharp in tie-down last weekend.

The parking lot is mostly empty, and I grab my duffel bag from the back seat before locking my truck and heading inside. I nod to the woman at the front desk before scanning my card and heading for the change room. It always smells like the worst kind of cleaning solution in here, but at least I know it’s clean.

Unlike some gyms with their mildew shower curtains and stained floors. No, this gym is clean, and I’m so caught up in my thoughts about cleaning products that I don’t notice when a person opens the locker right next to mine.

“What are you working on today?”

Dane’s smooth voice, the one that usually irritates me, does something unexpected this time. A low burn in my gut has me shifting to face him, and I wish I hadn’t. Dane’s chest is on full display as he strips off his T-shirt. My eyes drop to the faded scar near his ribs before trailing back up.

His gaze meets mine, and his tongue pokes between his lips. I cannot look away, and the moment is more awkward the longer it lasts. Then I remember he asked me a question.

“Just, ah, doing some weights and agility stuff. Burpees probably. Might bike.” God, I sound like a loser, and Dane’s eyes sparkle with glee.

“Sounds fascinating, Burke. Do you always have such a well-thought-out workout plan?”

“Shut up, Walker.” I finish changing, pushing him out of my thoughts and half turning my back to him. He’s so hot and cold, it’s frustrating.

A sudden intake of breath causes me to still.

“Are you trying to get under my skin with that, Burke?” Dane curses under his breath and, with a swallow, I continue to change into my workout shorts.

“With what, exactly, Walker? You’ve never seen a guy in a jockstrap before? Do you always check out people changing so closely?”

He drags his teeth over his bottom lip and steps close enough for our chests to touch. “Only the ones who bend over right in front of me to show off the goods. Don’t tell me you had no other goal but to get my attention.”

“My goal was to stop looking at you and get changed. I’m here to work out. If you want to join me, I’ll be in the weight room.”

Gently, I push on him until he steps back, and I can close my locker. My heart might rip through my chest if I don’t get away from Dane. His gaze on me might as well be like his hand on my dick, and that won’t help if I’m trying to bench press.