Page 36 of The Hearts We've Broken
As he twisted and kicked, I flowed with the bull’s movements like we were partners in a choreographeddance, adjusting my body and adapting to his rhythm with each chaotic spin. Even though my muscles ached from the strain and each lunge jarred my bones, the thrill of riding—of proving to everyone I was tough enough—outweighed it all.
Sweat dripped down my brow as I pushed on, willing myself to just make it to eight seconds. In the background, music blared and yells of encouragement rose from the crowd. The bull kicked up dust as it went, cutting through the hazy clouds as hooves pounded against the dirt.
The buzzer went off, penetrating through all of the other sounds in the stadium, and I blew out a breath of relief. I released my grip from the rope then leaned back, dismounting toward the bull’s hips. My feet met the earth, and I scrambled out of the way to safety as the bullfighters guided the beast out of the arena. Taking off my helmet, I stared up at the big screen, awaiting my score.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let’s give our judges a moment to tally the score.” The announcer kept the spectators—and me—on their toes. “How ’bout an eighty-seven for the first round!”
I pumped my fist in the air, satisfied with the score and the ride. Could only go up from here.
Once the rodeo concluded, I hung back by the bucking chutes. Maverick had scored an eighty-nine on his ride, leaving me in second place, but I’d take it. Every night was a brand new rodeo and a fresh opportunity to get a better score.
“Good ride out there tonight, Tuck.” Maverick patted me on the shoulder.
“Thanks, man. You, too.” I dipped my chin in acknowledgment.
“That was amazing! You were incredible out there!” Juniper exclaimed when I found the group.
“Thanks, Peach.” I made a show of planting a kiss on her cheek.
“What’s the plan for tonight, boys?” Jake asked, throwing his arms around Reid and Colter.
They both shrugged, and Hayden and the girls didn’t say anything either, looking to me. They probably expected me to say we should go celebrate my ride, but the truth was I was exhausted.
“I actually think I’m going to go back to the trailer for an early night.”
Shock painted their faces at my announcement.
“Are you sick, Michael?” Ellison teased, bringing the back of her hand to my forehead before wrinkling her nose and wiping it on her jeans. “Sweaty, that’s for sure.”
“Go on, it’s okay. I’m sure you’ll all manage without me,” I joked.
“Do you want me to go back with you?” Juniper asked, raising a brow.
I waved her off. “Nah, go have fun. I probably won’t be too much fun anyway.” I planned to take a hot shower, crawl into bed, and pass the fuck out.
“Oh, okay.” She gave me a small smile. “Good job tonight. I’m proud of you.” She whispered the last part, and I tried to ignore the way my heart doubled in size.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
juniper
The energy in the arena seemed to crackle around us as we watched night two of Mikey’s Super Series. I hadn’t seen him since the morning because of his busy schedule, and nerves swirled through my body in anticipation of his ride.
I didn’t realize I was bouncing my leg until Isa looked at me and rested her hand on my knee to stop it.
“Sorry,” I mumbled an apology as the steer wrestling began. “I’m just nervous?”
“That’s understandable,” she reassured me. “I’m just here to let you know everything will be okay. Things can happen, but he’s a professional.”
“How do you get past it? The fear of something terrible happening?” I asked, biting my lip. Hypothetically, my question would just be part of the act, but I was genuinely concerned.
Ellison chimed in. “Honestly, you don’t get past it, you just get used to it. They know the risks when they sign up for this. You just have to trust them and the animals.”
On the trip down to Houston, I had made a commentabout being surprised that she was still involved with rodeo after her dad died but was promptly corrected and told that she avoided them until she met Colter.
“Doesn’t all of this hurt the animals?” The question slipped out, but none of them seemed to be phased by it.
“Some people do think that rodeo is animal abuse, but they’re truly so well taken care of,” Ellison explained without judgment. “This is what they’re born for, and animal care is at the forefront when it comes to rodeos. A lot of these events are actual practices used by ranchers. Once you consider the events in a working, practical context rather than for entertainment, you see it in a different light. Of course, there are some people who will never understand, but these athletes and the ranchers and cowboys who do this for a living take great pride and care in these animals. They’re just as much athletes as the humans.”
