I bent down and picked up the phone.
I cleared my throat, trying to sound normal. “Hello?”
“Sienna! Finally.” Avery’s crisp voice cut through the line. “Tell me you haven’t left for the airport yet.”
“No,” I said, rubbing my forehead. “I’m still at the hotel. What’s going on?”
“Have you not seen it yet? The numbers on that alley video are astronomical.”
My hand dropped to my bruise. “I know it went viral. His brother showed us last night. But we actually got hurt, and I was hoping to?—”
“Terrifying, I’m sure. But the internet is losing its mind, and everyone’s trying to figure out who the girl he saved is. Outlaw’s CMO called me an hour ago. They’re thrilled.”
“They are?”
“The video is everywhere, and they want to capitalize on it. They want you to stay in Wyoming and make more content. If you keep this momentum going, you’ll be there until December if he makes the finals.”
I stopped breathing. When I glanced over my shoulder, Brock was propped up on his elbow, watching me, the sheet low on his hips.
“They want me to stay?”
“Yes, Sienna. Are you listening? You should be happy, so why do you sound like I just towed your car?”
My knees went weak. I wouldn’t have to get on that plane today. I wouldn’t have to say goodbye.
I swallowed hard. “No, that’s… incredible news. I just need a second to process how this changes things.”
“Okay, whatever that means.” She exhaled a sharp, impatient breath. “Just reply to my email by noon, and call me when you get your head on straight.”
She hung up.
I lowered the phone slowly and set it face-down on the desk. When I turned around, Brock was still watching me, blue eyes dark and unreadable. Morning light cut across his stomach, highlighting the hard lines of muscle.
I still couldn’t believe this wasn’t all a dream.
My heart hammered in my chest. Staying meant more rodeos. More time with him. The thought should have scared me, but it didn’t.
“I’m not leaving,” I said.
His eyes locked on mine, searching.
“They want to extend my contract. Avery just told me.”
I took a few steps toward the bed.
“It’s unprofessional. It’s a conflict of interest. And if I accept it…” I swallowed hard. “It won’t be because of the job. It’ll be because of you.”
For a second, he just stared at me. Then he let out a shaky breath, threw the sheet aside, and reached for me. His hand closed around my wrist and pulled.
I tumbled onto the mattress, barely able to gasp before he crushed me against his chest.
“Then stay. Fuck the contract, Sienna. Just stay.”
I closed my eyes and melted into him. His heart pounded against mine as his arms tightened, like he was afraid I’d change my mind.
fifteen
. . .