Page 66 of Untamed

MILA

The weekend and my birthday arrive faster than I expected, and my nerves are in overdrive.

I want everything to go perfectly for Colter. He’s worked tirelessly for this moment, his determination to get back in the arena admirable. He wants it so bad; to show everyone what he does best, and I want it for him. This is his chance to shine, to prove to the world that Colter Grady is back where he belongs. While I’d never wish Garrett’s injuries on him, it was his own stupid decisions that brought him to this moment. All I can do is hope and pray that Colter seizes the opportunity he’s been given and shows my father exactly what he’s been missing by not having him as part of the Oakridge performance horse team.

Dad, Maverick and Mamaw organized a birthday breakfast for me this morning, filled with pancakes, love and gifts. I haven’t seen Colter all day, but he did leave me nineteen sunflowers outside Clover’s stall. They might not have cost him anything, but the effort alone was enough to make it the best gift ever.

“What are you wearing?” Nova asks, carefully applying mascara in my full-length mirror.

I glance over at her from my closet, holding up two options. A knee length yellow floral summer dress and a pair of denim shorts with a tank top. “I’ve narrowed it down to these. Dress or shorts and a tank?”

Nova eyes me through the mirror, capping her mascara before turning to face me. She studies the clothes in my hands, tapping a finger on her lower lip in thought. “It’s your birthday, wear the dress,” she decides. “Pair it with your tan boots and wear your hair down.” Stepping closer, she twirls a lock of my blonde hair between her fingers. “Oohh, I have an idea. Let me braid two small pieces in the front.” She winks. “You’ll look so hot, that moody ass cowboy won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “I’m not your personal doll, Nova.”

“I know,” she says sweetly. “But it’ll look amazing, so I’m doing it.”

I roll my eyes, but I don’t argue. Instead, I bring up the bigger issue we have tonight. “You know everyone is gonna be there tonight. There’s no way Colter will be reckless enough to risk a glance at me that could give us away. It sucks, but I wouldn’t want him to either. You know what’s at stake.”

Nova watches me, concern shining in her gaze. She exhales slowly. “Mila, I’m not saying anything will happen, but you know how the buckle bunnies are. If Colter is as good as we’ve heard and he wins or even places tonight, they’re gonna be all over him. How are you going to feel knowing you can’t do anything about it? Knowing you can’t stake your claim?”

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip, unease churning in my gut. She’s not wrong. I’ve had the same thoughts myself, but it wasn’t enough to make me selfish, or keep Colter from this opportunity. Even though we haven’t put a label on our relationship, I trust him not to hurt me. The attention fromwomen is just part of the rodeo world and Colter has never given me a reason to doubt him. Sure, our relationship has consisted of our bubble we created in the loft, and we’ve never been in this position, but he wouldn’t throw away what we have for a quick fuck with a buckle bunny… would he? I shake my head. No. I know he wouldn’t. Call me naïve, but I see the way Colter looks at me. And he admitted the other day his feelings for me.

Shrugging, I finally respond to my best friend, a smile on my face. “It’ll be fine.”

Famous last words. But there’s nothing I can do to change things now—not that I would. Colter needs this and I’m proud to be the one helping him get there. Nova nods, though she doesn’t look convinced.

Grinning wider, I hold up the dress. “Now I’m gonna get ready. And you’re going to make me look so hot, he won’t look at another woman.”

The rodeo is buzzing with energy, the air thick with excitement. People drink, eat, dance and sing along with the band playing on the small stage. A smile pulls at my lips; it’s impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere.

I haven’t been to the Bigfork Rodeo since I was a little girl, and it’s even better than I remembered. Families weave through the crowds, kids clutching candy cotton and hot dogs, while spectators eagerly wait for the main event.

“Come on, let’s grab a drink and find everyone,” Nova says, slipping her hand in mine and pulling me from my thoughts.

I glance at her, catching the bright smile she flashes my way. “They’re probably down by the arena,” I say, looking in thatdirection. It’s packed, so many people pressed together, it makes it hard to see where the competition will take place.

“Yeah. We’ve got…” she checks the smart watch on her wrist. “Thirty-five minutes before it starts. I want a good seat, so we better hurry before everyone else gets the same idea.” She jerks her head toward the dense crowd gathered by the concession stands, makeshift bar, and the stage where the band is playing high energy country music.

Nova tugs me toward the concession stand with the shortest line. Within minutes, we have our drinks, a couple snacks, and are making our way toward the arena. It doesn’t take long to spot my father and the rest of the Oakridge Ranch crew, standing in a lively group with men and women I don’t recognize. Their boisterous chatter and laughing get louder the closer we get to them and anxiety slithers through me.

My gaze sweeps over the group, searching. My brows bunch together when I don’t immediately see Colter, only for relief to settle in when I spot him by the arena, one foot propped on the steel fencing, a toothpick between his lips as he talks to some man I don’t know.

But it isn’t him that has my stomach knotting and a scowl forming on my face.

It’s the stunning brunette woman sidling up beside him, a radiant smile on her face as she wraps her arms around his waist in a familiar embrace. My scowl deepens when Colter doesn’t push her away. Instead, he acknowledges her with a casual side hug.

They know each other, that much is clear.

A hand touches my arm, startling me. My head snaps up to find Nova watching me, eyes wide as she murmurs, “Don’t make a scene. Brandon already has eyes on you. And anyway, it’s not like he’s kissing her. If anything, that looks like a familial hug.”

I nod, then turn, meeting Brandon’s intense gaze. Ignoring him, I greet my dad and tell him that Nova and I are heading to the bleachers to find a good seat to watch the show. He smiles, saying he might join us later, before turning back to his conversation.

Nova takes my hand, leading the way and despite my best efforts, my eyes betray me. I can’t help but look in Colter’s direction. The brunette is still there. This time they look to be locked in a deep, intense conversation. Jealousy coils low in my gut, but I force myself to look away. Colter is here for one reason, and I won’t let my insecurities ruin his big night.

Settling into a prime viewing spot, I pull out my phone and shoot him a message.

Me: Good luck. I’m sure you’ll do great.

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