Page 36 of New in Town

17

MADDIE

The rodeo is quickly challenging her idea of Friday night lights. As they enter the arena hand in hand, she feels a rush of excitement. With the blaring country music, sea of full out western style, and wild horses currently working their way around the track, she is being swept away by the atmosphere.

Stealing a glance at Grey, she admires the way the black fitted Henley tee hugs his biceps and stretches across his broad chest. He tilts his Stetson adorned head at her, his eyes twinkling under the lights, and her stomach flutters in response. They make their way through the crowd to the steps of the grandstands, walking across until they get to the staircase behind what Grey refers to asthechute. What made it different from the other ones, she couldn’t tell. But she’s eager to find out tonight.

Charlotte had made sure Maddie stayed far away from rodeos growing up. So much so, that she was afraid to ever delve into what the events were. Looking at the schedule for tonight, it almost feels like she is reading a foreign language. What makes something a roughstock event versus timed? What even is roughstock? Scanning the list before her, she wonders what event Henry used to compete in.

“Did your dad come back to visit ever? Take you to the rodeo with him?” Grey asks from beside her. They’ve taken a seat in the back row of the metal stadium bleachers and he’s leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees, his legs taking up the row in front of him as well.

“Nope. This is, in fact, my first rodeo,” she says with a smirk. “I was actually just looking over the events and wondering which ones he would have competed in.”

Grey wrings his hands together and nods, watching her closely. Watching her as if waiting to whisk her away if this is too hard for her to be here. It’s enough to make her heart burst. Reaching over, she rests her hand on his thigh. She wants him to know that she’s okay being here, that she’s happy being with him.

“Which ones are you debating between? Anything standing out that sounds like him?”

“Nothing. I’m not even really sure what these are,” she says, waving the pamphlet in front of her. “And I don’t feel connected enough to have a sense about what would be his thing.”

“Good thing I can explain—”

“Grey!”

Maddie follows the voice to see Riley rushing toward them. He’s in a blue striped shirt with a competitor number pinned to it. And he’s taking the metal steps two at a time.

“Thank the Lord you’re here. Do you have any extra rope in your truck? I mean, you’ve got to, right? Mine is gone. I walked away for like one minute.”

“Sure do,” Grey replies. Turning to Maddie he asks, “Do you want to stay here or—”

“I’ll stay with her, get to know your girl. Thank you, seriously.”

Grey still hasn’t walked away, and she realizes that he’s waiting for her to respond. For some reason, his wanting her to make the choice for herself is deeply touching. “Go ahead, you’ll be faster without me,” she tells him with a reassuring nod. “Riley can tell me about the event he’s in tonight!”

He reaches over and squeezes her hand before making his way down the bleachers. Captivated, she watches him go until he disappears around the corner. Only then does she realize she’s staring, and that Riley is watching her do it.

Face burning red, she smiles sheepishly at Riley. His laugh in response has a kindness to it, easing her embarrassment. She feels comfortable with Grey’s friend, yet another cowboy she is finding herself enjoying being around.

“Don’t worry, I’d be disappointed if you didn’t want to watch after him. He’s a great guy. And objectively, I can admit he’s impressive as hell,” Riley says.

She lets out a surprised laugh, and the cowboy grins at her, pleased with himself. “Honestly, I’d love to get him out there with me. I’m competing in tie-down roping, but I’d jump into team roping with Grey in a heartbeat.”

“He competes?” Maddie asks, her pulse quickening. Why was it nerve-wracking to learn this? It doesn’t change who Grey is, it doesn’t change how she feels she can trust him.

“Nah, as far as I know he’s never stepped foot inside that gate. But seeing him rope at the ranch, he’s the best there is. He’s better than anyone competing here today, that’s for sure. Rodeo events are actual tasks down at a ranch, just turned into a sport here. I guess that’s the thing about Grey, he does it for a different reason. He doesn’t care about recognition. Me, I just compete because I love the rush.”

She nods, feeling herself relax again. She wants to know more, but she notices another competitor approaching them. Riley seems to bristle at this man’s presence, definitely not greeting him like a friend.

“Seems like you were keeping your eye out for the hottest girl here, huh? Trying to get to her first. Does this mean you’re forfeiting today?” the man asks snidely.

“I’m competing. Hate to disappoint, Dane. Hey, any chance you recently got yourself some extra rope?”

Ignoring Riley, he turns to Maddie. “What about you, sugar? Looking to spend some time with a cowboy tonight?” The way he’s looking at her is making her skin crawl.This is the kind of guy who’s got no honesty under his ten-gallon hat, she thinks, recalling her mom’s words. Riley moves to step between Dane and Maddie when she puts up her hand to stop him.

“It’s okay, Riley.” She turns to Dane then and smiles sweetly, batting her lashes up at him. Dane is leaning forward now, encouraged by the look she’s giving him.

“Dane, was it?” she starts, her voice honeyed. “That’s such a tempting offer. I’m curious about something though.”

“What’s that, sugar?”

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