Page 51 of Unforgettable Cowboy
“I’ll take my chances.”
*
Early the nextmorning, Hayes texted Trev to bring him a fresh shirt and a clean pair of jeans for after his ride.He had his gear stowed in the back seat of his truck as always and could compete in what he wore the day before, but he didn’t want to attend the steak dinner in dusty rodeo clothes.
After the text he closed his eyes and willed himself to sleep, but instead started thinking about his ride.It was time.
He’d been more complacent than usual and told himself that was because he was semi-retired and only riding for the love of it.That said, broncs sensed a lack of mental preparation and tended to make use of it, so he was going to have to focus.No easy task with Bailey in his arms.
She’d slept soundly all night long, stirring only when he moved to find a more comfortable position, before nodding off again.She felt safe with him physically.But did she feel safe enough to overcome her knee-jerk fears about commitment?Not that he was ready to dive into anything super serious.
Really?
Really.He just wanted a chance to see how things played out.
Uh huh.
Shut up.
He finally fell asleep, waking when he heard a noise outside that may or may not be his brother dropping off the clothing.He eased his arm out from under Bailey and pushed himself upright, stunned to see that it was going on eight o’clock.
“Going somewhere?”Bailey murmured sleepily.
“For a minute,” he said, leaning over to kiss her temple.She smiled and snuggled deeper into the blankets.Then she suddenly sat upright and pushed her hair back.“What time is it?”
There were sounds of movement outside, people talking and doors opening and closing.Even after a night of dancing, cowboys and vendors got up early.
“Eight.”
“I need to get going.”She started pushing the covers back, but Hayes stopped her by leaning in for a kiss.
“Coffee?”
“Yes.”She climbed out of bed and headed to the tiny bathroom.
Hayes made his way to a trailer selling coffee and donuts, keeping an eye out for Chance.He had a distinctive outfit, and it was easy to spot the red truck with the expensive live-in trailer parked at the end of the lot closest to the road.Should he pay a visit?
He should not.Not without a plan anyway.A brother or two would be good, too.
After returning to the trailer, he found Bailey was not only up and about, she was also putting the finishing touches on a concho, dressed in only a tank top and underwear.She looked up as he entered, her expression a touch apprehensive, as if she’d thought it might be Chance.
“You probably need to work,” he said as he set down the coffee and pastry.
She smiled up at him, and it struck him that the wary edge was missing from her expression.“I do.”
“I won’t slow you down.”
There was just enough room on the floor for him to do his stretching exercises, which he did, every now and again sensing that Bailey was watching him.When he finally caught her, he said, “Focus on your work.”
“Don’t make it so hard to do that.”
He made a dismissive gesture and went back to it.
“I have enough water in my tank for you to take a shower,” she said when he was done.
“Join me?”
“It’d be faster if I don’t.”She laughed at the face he made.“Only so much water you know.”
