At least I had some semblance of hope now. My name was on a committee. The Richest Rodeo in Americas committee. This whole thing could blow over soon…ish. I wasn’t expecting to get Reno; that was a long shot. Almost as delusional as getting the NFR this year—but my name was back on a committee list. And that was something.
Leaving it at that, we worked our way through the lobby and to the stables, where her boys were waiting patiently. Hook bobbed his head, whining as we got closer. I dug in my pocket for the peppermint I put there just for him and held out my palm. Quinn laughed as Hook and I shared a moment, her eyes all for Charming. She hooked up his bridle and lead, guiding him to her trailer.
“Looks like you get the night off, bud.” I rubbed Hook's nose. “See you in a few hours.”
He huffed, making sure to be the loudest horse in the stables as we left.
“Stop spoiling him.” Quinn smiled at me as soon as I made it back to the trailer, just in time to see her hook up Charming and shut him in before she jumped off the back.
“Never.”
The arena was already packed with cowboys and cowgirls by the time we arrived, and Quinn was buzzing with anticipation. As soon as she parked the truck, I jumped into action, grabbing my hat and practically jogging to the trailer to tend to Charming.
“I can do this.” Quinn’s voice was clipped as she came up to the trailer.
I had it unlocked already, the door open, and my body halfway in to get her horse when I stopped in my tracks and pointed at her. “I’m here to help you, remember? Get checked in. I’ll get him saddled, and then you can warm up.”
Quinn held my gaze for a moment too long, biting her lower lip before she finally gave in, dipping her chin so the brim of her hat covered her eyes. She lingered a second longer before her feet jerked into action.
“Okay, I’ll be right back.” She flashed me a smile, then, without another word, she dashed off.
I guided Charming out, hooking him to the side of the trailer before I opened up the tack shed. Clean shoes and hooves, check. Brushed coat, check. Saddle blanket and reins, check. I strapped Charming up to the nines, picking the breast collar and bridle that matched Quinn’s blouse, and once he was done, he got a peppermint.
“He looks good, ready to ride.” Quinn came up behind me, forcing me to look over my shoulder as she reached out for Charming’s nose. “Hey, handsome man,” she cooed as Charming searched her palm for a treat. “You gave him a candy, didn’t you?”
“Maybe.” I sang, giving Charming one final scratch before dropping the brushes back in the tack. “I have to earn their love somehow.”
“Oddly enough, I don’t think that’s a problem. Hook is practically your horse now.”
“Oh, right—it’s your love I have to earn.”
“Wyatt!”
The call of my name made me stop, not even getting to hear the comeback that I knew was right on Quinn’s lips. The smirk my stupid ass comment rewarded me faded as she glanced behind my shoulder. A cowgirl, her bright pink blouse covered insponsor patches, came dashing up to us, her face beaming as she got closer and closer.
“Wyatt!” She called again, practically jumping into my arms. “I haven’t seen you in so long. What has it been? Two years?”
“Hey…April,” I chuckled as she buried her head into the crook of my neck. “Yeah, about that I think.”
April pulled away from me, and before I could even react, her mouth was pressed against mine in an all-consuming kiss. Her hands slid down my chest until she gripped my waist, and a soft moan left her lungs as she broke the kiss.
“Two years too long,” she whispered, a moan lingering as she fluttered her eyes open.
Me? I was too stunned to say anything back.
Thankfully, Quinn wasn’t.
“April Grant, right?” She took a step forward as she cleared her throat, breaking whatever spell April was under.
Ha…I knew the spell. I had only been trying to cast it on the girl to my right since meeting her.
April released me and took a step back. “Oh yes, hi. I’m so sorry. I just…haven’t seen him in a long time and got”—her eyes shifted over to me—“carried away.”
Quinn shrugged. “I don’t mind. I’m Quinn, by the way.” She held out her hand. “Quinn Compton. We’ll be racing against each other this evening.”
“Right!” April stepped to my side, taking Quinn's hand and shaking. “You’re Lance and Helen’s daughter. Great to meet you.” Once she let go of Quinn, her attention turned right back to me. “I didn’t know you were announcing tonight.”
“I’m not.” I reached out for Charming’s reins. “I’m Quinn’s assistant for lack of a better word.”
