Page 47 of Roping My Rival

One dumb choice started the domino effect that got me here.

I lost everything, and I can’t drag Warren into it.

Wiping at my eyes, I huff out a breath and slide back behind the wheel.

It’s time to dig myself out of this mess one last time.

It shouldn’t be so difficult to talk to my brother.

After staring at his contact on my phone for several minutes, I hit dial. As predicted, he doesn’t answer, and I’m forced to leave a voicemail.

“Hey, Clarence, it’s Warren. Listen, I need to talk to you about some personal legal stuff. Call me when you can.”

That wasn’t so hard. I’ve barely ended the call when my phone rings.

“Are you okay?”

“It’s good to know you’re worried, Clary. I’m fine.”

“You’re the one who left a vague message. What do you need?”

Clarence and I might butt heads more than brothers should, but I know he loves me just like I love him. Our issue is that neither of us agrees with the other’s decisions and has no problem telling each other. So we fight a lot, but we also love.

“I don’t have time to talk right now, and I’d rather do it in person. Can I come by later?”

“My place or the office?”

“Your place? I can bring supper?”

“If you make it pulled pork sandwiches from Hog Town, then yes.”

That draws a laugh from me. “Will do. Is 6 P.M. okay?”

“I’ll make it work.”

“Thanks, Clary.”

He doesn’t even say goodbye. Just ends the call, and I shake my head. At least he agreed to meet with food at his place. I can safely get shit off my mind while getting legal advice.

While waiting for Dane, I listed all the rodeos I could enter our team into on the calendar board. Most rodeos have both tie-down and team roping events, so it wasn’t very difficult, but there are a few rodeo events that specialize. Most people know about the bull riding ones since that’s the number one rodeo sport, but there’s one for ropers that started a few years ago.

The Rope’em Up Round Up has been a bucket list event of mine since it started. I’ve avoided it for several reasons. The entry fee is steep, and when my confidence took a dive, I stayed far away from the event. Partnering with Dane has boosted my confidence. With only one event under our belts and a win, that rush of feeling invincible has returned. The lingering doubts over whether this is the sport for me, or even the career for me, have quieted, and I’m ready to embrace this opportunity.

Mostly.

Which is part of the reason I want to talk to Clarence. I haven’t even discussed it with Dane yet, but I like to be prepared for everything.

Including the blue-eyed man who was once my biggest rival and is now my partner. A partner who I think about naked more than I should, and that needs to stop.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” Dane stands at the office doorway, and I motion for him to come in.

“It’s fine.” I try not to stare too closely at him as he flops on the sofa and looks anywhere but at me. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He motions to my board propped on the wall. “Is this your plan?”

“Do you have allergies or something?”

Dane finally meets my gaze. His eyes look pink at the edges, and so does his nose. If he doesn’t have allergies, he’s been upset.