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Sage and I are tangled together, remnants of our shared passion evident in the glow on our faces and the newfound depth in our connection. Lying here, the trials of our history appear small, overshadowed by the sprawling horizon of our united path ahead.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
I awoke with the first light of dawn, the stillness of the morning broken only by the chirping of birds. I was encased in the gentle warmth of Sage's embrace, but the weight on my chest wasn't just from his arm. It was the weight of expectations, the weight of proving myself.
I slid from under the covers, careful not to wake him. The air was cold, my thoughts a swirling mix of the intimacy we shared last night and the race that awaited me later today. I approached the window, taking in the vast expanse of the farm, the stables on the edge of the driveway.
I begin my day by tending to my horse, Wings of a pegasus, but I just call her Peggy. A chestnut mare with a blaze marking, who mirrors my fierce spirit and resilience. The mare nickered softly as I approached, sensing my mix of anticipation and apprehension. With every brush stroke, my nerves soothed, the bond between us more evident.
By the time I was saddling Peggy up, the sun was high, casting shadows and reflecting the world in a bright, hopeful light. With each strap secured and each breath steadied, I was getting ready to conquer the next race.
* * *
The murmurs of the crowd became an indistinct hum as I made my way to the right side of the arena. Spotting Sage on the sidelines, his eyes brimming with a mix of pride and concern, I gave him a sassy smirk, my signature blend of confidence and sass.
I recalled our conversation last night. "You've got this, Sweetheart," Sage had whispered, his words like a lifeline. "Every time you race, it's like you're setting the world on fire."
The announcer's voice brought me back to the present, and as he introduced me, the crowd roared in anticipation. I leaned down, whispering words of encouragement to Peggy. This was our moment.
The soft glow of the evening sun bathes the rodeo arena. I’m perched on my mare, watching competitors perform their routines with a mix of awe and envy. The buzzing of the crowd, their cheers, and the thud of hooves against earth surround me. It’s intoxicating.
Peggy’s muscles twitch beneath me, eager, restless. She can sense my anticipation, I reckon. I tighten my grip on the reins, trying to calm my racing heart. A nudge in my side distracts me. Glancing down, I spot Sage, his grin crooked and charming as ever.
"Ready to show 'em what you've got, sweetheart?"
I smirk, sass bubbling up. "Worried I’ll outshine you?"
His laughter's warm, infectious. "Every damn time."
The air thickens with tension as our turn draws near. Peggy and I make our way to the starting gate, the murmurs of the audience fading into a distant hum.
The horn sounds, and the gate opens with a tug from the man inside the arena. Peggy launches forward, and we're off, soaring across the red dirt, weaving around the first barrell. The wind whips through my hair, carrying the sweet scent of hay and excitement. Time blurs, each moment more exhilarating than the last.
The crowd's gasps, cheers, and claps seemed distant. It’s just Peggy, me and these last two barrels now. Each turn sharper and more graceful than the last. Circling the barrel and bursting into the full out stride of speed to the next.
As I cross the finish line, the world comes rushing back. The crowd is on its feet, their applause thunderous. Sage was the first to reach me, his smile so wide it threatened to split his face. But it was the look in his eyes, that mix of awe and love, which made the victory sweeter.
"You did it," he yelled above the crowd’s noise, his voice filled with raw emotion. I beamed, my heart swelling with pride and love. I had not only raced towards my dreams but also proved to myself– and evidently Sage– that together, we are unstoppable.
"I told ya," Sage drawls, looping an arm around me once we're clear of the track.
"What?" I tease, feigning ignorance.
He rolls his eyes, mischief dancing there. "You're unstoppable."
Despite the playful banter, memories resurface — times when things didn't go as planned, when heartbreak and failure felt all too real. But tonight? Tonight's for the victories, no matter how small.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Moonlight bathes the rodeo grounds. It's still bustling, and my heart pumps a mix of adrenaline and pure elation. Dismounting my mare, my thoughts race. Did I really do it? My fingers trace her sweat-glistened mane; the euphoria is undeniable.
Sage leans back on one of the fences. Our gazes lock, a magnetic pull drawing us closer. Without a word, he engulfs me in a hug, the warmth of his body contrasting the cool evening breeze. Damn, the man has a way of turning a simple embrace into an electric current.
“You’re something else,” his voice rumbles against my ear, a teasing lilt evident.
Rolling my eyes, I smirk, "And you're only noticing now?"
He chuckles, a soft rumble deep in his chest. "Always knew it. But tonight? You outdid yourself."
