Page 30 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
You’ll need to torture me to admit I came home early to get a glimpse of Hunter on a horse. I didn’tneedto leave early to ask him to go dancing with me. That could have been accomplished after working my full day, but part of me was curious about how this rodeo clinic operated, too.
With his first advance from the trust, he dove into the planning with Jackson to continue what they started. He wanted a rodeo school. He called it teaching clinics, but that’s what it was. A school, and it was perfect for him.
There was a change in his morning attitude now that he had fresh purpose. His surliness before coffee and chores was replaced with a boyish excitement to get to the clinic. Smiles came sooner and more often.
Maybe I’m just optimistic, but it feels like his life has turned a corner and I want to be a part of his growth.
Six cowboys I don’t know and don’t capture my attention are there with Jackson when I arrive. None of them are on horses, and there’s no sign of Hunter.
I give Jackson a nod, and the group returns to the barn as I approach the ranch house. Thinking I’d missed my chance to see Hunter in action, I turn my thoughts to this evening instead.
A roar of hooting and cheering rings out from the barn as I reach the front door. Too curious to stay away, I abruptly turn andhead to the barn, hoping the commotion is for my missing cowboy husband.
I stand in the shadows of the barn entrance and watch as Hunter and another cowboy talk from atop their horses before heading to the chutes. Then I watched a fantasy unfold before my eyes.
Hunter, atop his gorgeous horse, a fierce line set to his jaw as he swung a fucking rope over his head like the sexiest western hero to have ever lived. He and his partner worked together to rope a steer, and it was my new favourite thing to watch. Actually, no. My favourite thing was the absolute joy on his face.
Hunter was already a breathtaking man, but this was…it was next level. He handled a horse and a rope at the same time with so much confidence it made my dick hard just watching it. This was what he was meant for, and I don’t know what it means right now, but I hope he returns to competing.
I’d done a little snooping online about Hunter, and I know Jackson wasn’t always his rodeo partner. He used to be a roper, and by the looks of things, he was damn good at it, too.
“He looks good, doesn’t he?” Jackson stands next to me at the barn entrance, and I glance his way.
“Are you referring to something about the way he can throw that rope, or is that a general statement about the man himself?”
Jackson laughs softly. “Sounds like you might have a crush on my best friend, Gabe.”
Looking on, Hunter laughs with the other man, and an animated conversation occurs. It’s the most real I’ve seen him since I’ve known him and that hat…fuck. He needs to wear that more often.
“A crush on my husband.” Jackson might be a little too observant. “What if I say, maybe?”
Jackson nods and shoves his hands in his jeans while he rocks back on his heels. “I’d say there are worse men you could be infatuated with. But I’d also tell you to tread carefully.” Jackson faces me and steps closer. “I love him like the brother I never had. I know you two might have a hard time playing along with this for so long, but I don’t want either of you getting hurt.”
“I can handle myself, Jackson. If the infatuation wears off, I’ll pick up the pieces just fine.”
Jackson cocks his head and studies me. He’s just as much of a romantic as Riley, and I imagine he doesn’t like to think about the possibility of things ending between me and his best friend.
“You might, but he won’t.”
Jackson’s expression remains blank, and the simple statement makes me pause.
“Wait. You think…do you think he likes me back?” Shit, I sound like I’m twelve, and Jackson holds in a laugh.
“Just be careful, Gabe. Don’t break his heart.”
He pats my arm and returns to the barn. With a last glance at Hunter on his horse, I head back to the ranch house with Jackson’s words. If anyone’s heart gets broken with this arrangement, it’s mine.
Hunter has been more than clear about this being a casual arrangement. There isn’t an agenda to make it more for him. Maybe not with me either, but I’ve never tried to hide my attraction to him. We have the physical sparks perfected, and so what if I have a tiny crush on the man?
I know what I’m getting into and despite Jackson’s warning…I’m asking my husband out on a date.
Hunter comes in after I’m dressed and showered, and I meet him at the door with a cold beer. He raises an eyebrow but accepts the drink with a murmured thank you.
“You’re home early,” he says before he drinks from the bottle. After swallowing, he gives me a once-over. “You going somewhere?”
“Hopefully somewhere with you. I’d like to ask you to come to the Happy Badger with me tonight. Dinner and dancing.”
Hunter walks into the kitchen and leans against the counter. He’s dusty and sweaty from the work today. He pulls his T-shirt up to wipe at his face with the end, and I don’t hide my appreciation of the view.
