Page 43 of Cowboys Next Door

Rose gapes at me, whipping her head back to look at the others dubiously. “You were a cowboy—like one of those rider types who lassoed bulls or whatever?”

“Don’t you remember when he told you that story the day you arrived?” Eli chuckles. “About the five-hundred-foot-tall bull, breathing fire?”

I rolled my eyes at his exaggeration. “I never said that,” I grouch.

“Connor took home first prize more than once,” Katherine pipes in, nodding admiringly at me. “Once, he won upward of ten grand, didn’t you?”

I wave my hand modestly, but Rose is impressed. “Wow. That’s… scary… and incredible. I could never… I mean, how does one even do that?”

“In our blood, sweetheart,” I laugh. “Most of us were riding before we were walking.”

“It’s still so dangerous. I mean, I know how to drive, but I wouldn’t want to be a stunt driver.”

I shrug nonchalantly and smile at her. “It’s all fun and games until someone breaks their back, I suppose,” I laugh lightly. “You’ll see what I mean.”

I read the concern on her face when she says, “I’m glad you gave that up. Your poor parents…”

I nod toward the arena as we find our spot, the five of us settling to wait as the competitors warm up.

“Ha! There really are clowns!” Rose chortles, shaking her blonde waves. “I can’t believe it!”

Eli and I share an amused glance at her enthusiasm. It’s been a long time since any of us have had the joy of explaining our world to someone new.

“They’re not only entertainment, but they serve as a distraction for when the riders are bucked off the horses,” I explain, almost by rote, all of my inherent training springing back to my mind. How many hours had I spent in the arena myself, after my mother left, throwing myself into training?

I shove the memory out of my mind. It has no place here, today on what’s supposed to be a happy occasion. She has no place anywhere in my life, not anymore.

I clear my throat and turn away, certain that my dampened mood is written all over my face, but suddenly, I feel Rose’s hand in mine, washing away the unbidden thoughts of my past.

“The clowns will run out to keep the bulls from trampling the rider while they collect themselves,” Eli concludes where I trail off.

“Were you a rodeo star, too?” Rose teases.

Eli shrugs nonchalantly. “We all know how to ride.”

“I don’t,” Rose grimaces, the realization worrying her. “I guess I’ll need to know how to ride!” The look on her face tells me that she’s never even entertained the thought until this minute.

“We’ll teach you,” Eli and I pipe in together. We exchange a knowing look.

“You can’t ask for better instructors,” Katherine reassures her, appearing pleased with our suggestion. “Or anyone I trust more with my most precious asset.”

A voice rumbles over the speaker, and Rose leans forward to listen, the excitement on her face palpable. I find myself watching her more than the riders as the competition unfolds.

“Holy crap!” Rose cries, her head whipping toward me, then Eli. Her fingers extend, no sign of the once-perfect manicure that once graced her slender fingers. “Is that Hudson?”

“It sure is,” I settle back.

“Did you all know about this?” she squeaks.

Katherine also sits forward, squinting slightly. “I didn’t know he was still competing!”

Rose licks her lips, gaze still darting about as she tries to figure out where to look. Hudson hasn’t noticed us up in the stands yet, but he’ll see us soon enough.

“Is he… what is he going to do?” she breathes worriedly, and I glance at Eli, realizing that she’s concerned for him.

“He’ll be fine, Rose,” I reassure her, taking her hand again, and she clings to me tightly. “He’s done this before.”

Through my peripheral vision, I notice that Eli is also sneaking peeks at her, but trying not to look conspicuous under Katherine’s hawk-eyed stare.

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