Page 145 of Reckless
Fast Fire rockets into the ring, bucking hard enough that the clumps of dirt flying from his hooves hit my helmet. He spins left viciously. With my core engaged, arm held in the perfect L, I don’t let him shift me.
I keep my chin down, but don’t look at the ground. That’s not where I want to end up.
My feet slide back. My spurs hit again.
He drops a shoulder. He turns.
I expect it and smile when I keep centered through the change in direction.
“Got you, fucker,” I grit out, having the time of my life.
It is both the fastest and slowest eight seconds of my life. The buzzer sounds and I get the hell out of there. A cowboy rides up beside me and I reach for him, taking the lift down and away from the bull. My days of tempting fate by doing a showy dismount are done.
The rodeo clown distracts Fast Fire, and I beeline it for the side closest to Winter. I climb the fence, rip my helmet off, and look for her immediately.
Vivi is getting jostled in her arms, because she’s jumping and screaming. Hooting like a mad woman.
“Get ’em, baby!” she shouts as she waves at me.
And when they announce a 96.25 score, she starts all over again. I care a lot less about the score than I do about laughing. My chest cracks wide open for the blonde who is “really fucking mad” at me but is here cheering her ass off like I’m her favorite person in the world while holding our daughter.
It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable. It’s unlikely.
The woman everyone told me was cold, mean, and unavailable is so thoroughlymine.
And that’s special. That’s everything.
“Winter!” I call up at least ten rows. “Get your fine ass down here!”
Her cheeks turn pink, blue eyes glittering like sapphires. With a wide grin, she shoves past people in her row to hit the stairs.
When she gets to me, she climbs up a couple of rungs and breathlessly blurts, “I’m not mad at you anymore. I’m just really, really horny after that ride.”
She says it loud enough that the trill of chuckles filters in from around us.
I kiss Vivi’s crown and give Winter my most knowing smirk before whispering in her ear, “Am I fucking you like a princess or a slut later?”
And just before she kisses me, she chuckles and responds with, “I don’t care as long as you fuck me like I’m yours.”
I kiss her back and then leap from the panels with a cocky wink in her direction before turning and striding toward the podium they’ve moved into place. Emmett is waiting on the lower side.
“Don’t get used to it, Silva. You’re not as talented as your dad.”
“Charming, Bush.” I slap him on the shoulder. Even this douche can’t ruin my good mood tonight.
I step up above him, using his shoulder like a banister to get into place. “I might not be talented like him, but I am nice like him. So, congrats on your season so far.”
He gives me a stunned expression.
I grin before adding, “It’s a shame I’m about to ruin it.”
The suits come out and talk about the night—the sport, the thrill—but my gaze keeps shifting back to Winter. Rhett has moved over to join her on the fence and they’re both watching.
I’m snapped out of gawking at her when the announcer asks me to talk about my first weekend back after an injury.
“Break down your win for us tonight.”
I take the microphone from his hand but look back over at Winter, all shiny and glowing. All smiles and excitement.
