Page 34 of Bad Cowboy, Tennessee

More air on my skin.

I wanted to feel like I wasflying, the way Veil and I used to.

But as we rounded the back of the property Ember’s hoof landed at the edge of a rock that was a little too big. She stopped short and reared a little, and for a split second, my veins went cold.

“Whoa, there, girl,” I said. “Whoa, there.”

She nearly bucked enough that I slid off the saddle. But I changed my position and leaned downward a little, and she settled just long enough for me to slide off and check her hoof.

“You’re okay. Just a bad rock, Ember.”

She was clearly upset. Riding wasn’t going to be a good idea for the rest of today. I stroked her mane a few times, trying to get her to regain trust in me after the bad experience.

I walked alongside her, slowly, as she trotted the rest of the way back around to the stables. I got her in, comfortable, fed and watered, and headed back in toward the little house.

I opened up the two paned back doors that led to my new bedroom, kicking off my boots before stepping inside. I left the doors open wide, allowing air to come in.

The cool mattress hit my back as I lay down. I didn’t have much right now, but I finally had a good bed. Like a slice of fucking heaven.

I took out my phone, navigating to my messages with Max.

Draven Lyons

Where are you?

Max Baby Blue

Home.

Yeah, I knew that already.

Where are you?

In a hell of my own making.

How very emo of you.

I laughed softly, pulling in a long breath.

I moved the phone upward to snap a photo of myself, lying back on my bed. My shirt was half unbuttoned, revealing one of the tattoos that snaked out over my chest, and I thought Max might like a little look at that.

I sent it over.

Max Baby Blue

What’s the tattoo?

Draven Lyons

Knew you’d like it.

Didn’t say I liked it. But… I do. It’s gorgeous art.

It’s the edge of a Luna moth’s wing. Symbolizes newness, transformation. Change.

I hate change. Getting a little tired of it lately.

I just got done riding. You know, that thing you didn’t believe I really knew how to do.

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