“Dammit.” Cody sighed, and shook his head, then waved the suits off. “How bad did you get hurt in the chute, bud?”
“Sprained ankle. Might be broke a little.”
“So let’s take it to Doc. He’ll immobilize it, and you’re a hero for jumping in after Park.”
“He doesn’t need to look like a hero, Cody.” Beck had been hanging back but stepped into the conversation suddenly. “Sky jumped in after Parker a week ago, everyone in the arena saw it. Every cowboy in the area saw it. That’s enough.”
“I want to announce and retire. Start me a little event up north for the fans. I have a husband to go home to, a life, a house with a new hot tub.” Goddamn, he was just getting used to this not hurting all the fucking time thing.
“Oh, well. If you have a hot tub—”
“Let him do it.” Beck interrupted. “He’s earned it. He’ll smile for pictures at the party. Keep everyone else away for now, okay?”
“I’d still like you on a bull.”
Sky knew that, and a part of him knew without a doubt that if Beck wasn’t back in his life, he’d do it. There wasn’t any reason not to. Now, though? Now he had a reason. “I’ve ridden my last bull.”
Beck stayed silent that time but was a sure and steady presence over his shoulder.
Cody shook his head. “Well, I guess you can’t say I didn’t try. I’ll let you know when we’re ready for you.”
“Thanks.” He’d only been ready for himself, apparently. He’d been asked to get on a bull, and he’d said no—not because Beck, not because money, but because his body couldn’t handle it. He was done.
Beck leaned a little closer to his back, making his skin tingle. “You okay, babe?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I’m fine.” A little wigged, a little fucked, but fine.
“So…I guess I better go find my seat then.” He knew what Beck wasn’t saying. Or doing. He wanted that kiss too.
“This is it, huh? The big hour.” The end of this part.
“Yep. The beginning of the rest of our lives together. I’m excited. You’re going to kick ass up there, Stud.”
“It was worth it? You’re happy?” He knew how he felt.
“I’m happy. I’m stupid happy. Do you ever feel like even the bullshit was worth it? I do now. I think we’re better.” Beck’s eyes couldn’t lie, and they were lit up by his husband’s smile.
“I know we are.” He knew they were staring at each other like mooning calves, and he didn’t care.
Parker and Mitch walked up, and Mitch grinned at him. “How’s the ankle?”
“Hurts. This part shouldn’t though, right?”
Mitch laughed hard, shook his head. “No, sir. This part is easy.”
“I’m going to sit with family, Park. You want to join me? Or do you have a VIP backstage pass to all things Champion?” Beck could be so mean.
“Shut up, dickweed. I’ll sit with you so you won’t be lonely. I have a date for the party, though, so you’ll have to suck your own dick.”
Beck bust out laughing. “Damn, cowboy! Getting laid has been good for you. You’re not pathetic anymore.”
Park bowed deeply, and Mitch popped him on the ass. “You two get on. I’m handing you the plaque, so I have to stick around.”
“Woo. Plaque.”
“You get a buckle too.”
“Just what he needs. More buckles.” Beck looked at him, eyes warm. “Good ride, cowboy. Come on, Parker.”