Page 105 of The Hearts We've Broken
She’d called to check in a few times during the rodeo, especially when she knew she would be working and wasn’t able to watch a broadcast. I’d also talked to her once before a performance, and it seemed to help calm my nerves a bit, just knowing she’d be watching from afar.
“Been good so far. If I compete well enough tonight in the semifinal, I’ll be moving on to the Championship.”
“I hope you do! I have to work today, so you’ve gotta make it so I can watch you win on Sunday. But I thought I would call, just to wish you a good ride.”
“I’m glad you did. You’re my good luck charm, you know.” I grinned.
I could practically hear her rolling her eyes. “Glad I could be of service. I’m sure you don’t need luck, though, you can do it all on your own.”
“Nah, I definitely think having you in my corner has helped. Listen, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll talk to you soon?”
“Talk to you soon. Good luck out there, Casanova. Don’t fall off,” she teased, the sarcastic nickname that had eventually transformed into a term of endearment rolling off her tongue.
“Don’t plan on it, Peach.”
The call ended, and a wide grin pulled at my cheeks.
“I guess the headlines should have read,Mikey Tucker: Bull Riding Bachelor No More,” Maverick teased as he walked up behind me. “Guess the rumors are true, then?”
“Rumors?” I raised a brow.
“You and that girl. The one you were, uh”—he coughed—“fake dating. You’re back together, then?”
I couldn’t help the warmth that grew in my chest. “We are.”
“I’m happy for you. Don’t mess it up this time.” He winked, and I rolled my eyes.
I didn’t plan on it. Losing Juniper once had hurt. Losing her twice would be devastating.
We chatted for a little while longer as we waited for the bull riding to draw nearer. We were both competing in the second section. The first bull riding section was in the beginning of the rodeo, but our section was the very last event of the night.
“Tonight, we have nine more cowboys riding for their chance to advance to the short go.”
My bull was already in the chute. I was fourth in the lineup, and Maverick was sixth.
The first rider scored an eighty-four, and the second one bucked off.
I’d visualized a successful ride in my mind, controlling my breathing until it was slow and steady and I was fully grounded.
“That was an eighty-two-point-five ride! Let’s get ready for our next rider. You’d have never guessed he was coming off an injury with the week he’s had so far. Coming all the way from Silver Creek, Montana, we’ve got Mikey Tucker on Easy Money!” The announcer rattled off an introduction as I lowered myself down onto the bull.
The scent of burning rosin filled my nostrils as I ran my hand up and down the tail end of my rope. I’d ridden this bull before, so I knew how he bucked straight out of the chute, and I adjusted my seat accordingly.
The guy helping out at the chute pulled my rope tight, and I wrapped the tail around my hand then across my palm.
The world around me started to fade, the cheers from the crowd, chatter from other bull riders, and encouragement for me all becoming static as I locked in.
After taking a deep breath, I slid up to my rope then nodded. Easy Money went exactly where I expected him to, and I adjusted my body accordingly. The arena around me blurred, but I wasn’t focused on anything but me and the bull. My partner for eight seconds.
Gritting my teeth, I stuck my chest out and raised my free arm. My legs flexed, and as the bull kicked, I spurred him.
He was mean, but we got the job done, and the eight second buzzer went off.
When I was back to safety, I looked up at the screen just as the announcer called out, “Eighty-nine-point-five for Mikey Tucker!”
It was enough to secure my spot in the Championship short go, and I pumped my fist in the air.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you’ve traveled from all over the world for one of rodeo’s biggest events. We’ve promised some fantastic competition, and so far these athletes have delivered. But we’re not done yet! It’s Championship Sunday!”
