I ignored him.
“Then what are you doing?” Dusty threw his arms out, motioning toward Shelby. “Go get her.”
“She’s moving.” The more I said it, the more pathetic it sounded even to my ears.
“Yeah. She is. Because you’re an idiot.”
My being an idiot seemed to be an overall theme these days.
We were at the chutes now. The announcer was joking with the clown. The first two cowboys were getting ready for their ride. I found my bronc in the last chute. I would be riding last, and I wasn’t sure if that was better or worse for my growing nerves.
But my nerves were no longer about the horse.
They were about a guy named Easton sitting in my seat and making his move on Shelby Tucker.
A move I should have made a long time ago.
I hated when everyone else was right.
I’d been trying to show my hand without putting too much skin in the game. Even when I knew what I wanted, I was still scared to take it. Scared to fully take that risk. If we never put words to it, then we still had deniability. Without words, my heart wasn’t at risk.
But that was bull crap.
I was already in deep.
I could feel Dusty watching me.
“Maybe you should go get her before someone else does,” he prodded, a knowing look on his face.
“I’m really glad you live in Wyoming,” I said, though at this point, I was already smiling. Resigned.
“Obviously I need to come visit more often and save all my friends.”
“Go grab me a helmet, would ya? I’ve got to do something real quick.”
I adjusted the black hat on my head to give my hands something to do as I tried to give myself the courage to jump on this horse one more time.
I’d been coaching a game all summer long. I taught some great offensive moves. A little defense. All the while being safely tucked away on the bench. To my own demise. I never stood a chance against Shelby. I understood that now. But she had a whole new life ready to start. My timing couldn’t have been worse.
Which made what I was about to do absolutely terrifying.
But the play was already in motion. Though the outcome was uncertain, my direction was clear.
It was time for me to get in the game.
The Hot Housewives of Eugene and their husbands
Kelsey: What is Easton doing here?
Tessa: I don’t know. Somebody create a diversion.
Kelsey: Like what?
Cade: You could throw up on him. That always works.
Tessa: YES
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