I lifted a hand from my reins, waving it side to side. It was a bit of both, honestly. I definitely liked her. But I could tell the thoughtof settling down scared her. She didn’t seem like that type really. She was wild, free, and I wasn’t stupid enough to try and tame her. I think it would only make her run.
But as long as she was here, for however long she wanted to stay, I’d have her. Have her in any way she wanted.
“Both?” Bad guessed.
I nodded.
“And what about Ashleigh?”
I stilled at the name. I hadn’t thought of her since Saturday evening, to be honest. But the memories came flooding back…as well as the hurt. I couldn’t believe I’d let down my guard again. Let her into my heart, only for her to just crush it beneath her feet at the first opportunity.
I hardened my resolve. I was done with her. Done with the second, third, fourth chances only to be left disappointed.
I glanced at Bad, holding his gaze as I shook my head. The ghost of a smile drew on Bad’s mouth. “Good. I want you to be prepared though for her to come back around. If she catches wind about you and Cheyenne, she’ll be back here in a heartbeat tryin’ to tear you two apart.”
I nodded once more.
“You know I ain’t the type to tell you boys what to do when it comes to relationships, but I feel compelled to tell you right now that you’d be an idiot if you let her ruin things with this one.”
I nodded.
I understood. I understood his fear. I knew everyone hated Ashleigh, and I didn’t use hate lightly.
“I like this girl,” Goodie said, coming up on my left. “She’s got charm and balls. Anyone willin’ to take on that bitch of a horse has got my vote.”
Bad chuckled, pulling a rolled cigarette out of his shirt pocket along with his lighter. “I gotta agree. I like her spirit. I think your aunt’ll like her too.”
Goodie scoffed. “Name a handful of people that woman likes, Bad. One handful.”
“She likes Charlie and Cason.” Bad lit his cigarette and blew out a cloud of smoke. I nodded at him, a silent request if I could have one.
Bad’s only response was to fish another cigarette out of his pocket before handing it to me along with the lighter.
“I don’t think I know a soul that doesn’t melt being around those two,” Goodie replied. “Sweet as pie, I tell you…the both of ‘em.”
Uncle Goodie and I didn’t always agree, but we could on that. Charlie and Casonweresweet as pie.
The two of them shifted on to talk about something else for a few moments, leaving me in silence as I smoked. I appreciated it though. This was my happy place—atop a horse, nothing but land around me, and relative silence…I couldn’t ask for anything better.
I preferred this to rodeoing, to be honest. Always had. I didn’t eat, breathe, and love the sport like Ryder did. Didn’t love the attention and notoriety like Cash. I enjoyed it, and I was good at it, butranching was my passion. Not the rodeo. I’d only started because Cash asked me to be his header. And we all knew there was almost nothing I’d say no to him about.
“So—” Bad’s voice cut through my thoughts. “This girl, she rides, obviously. She rodeo too?”
I nodded.
“What event—” Bad seemed to come to the conclusion on his own. He rolled his eyes, puffing out another plume of smoke. “Ah, hell, she’s a fuckin’ barrel racer, ain’t she? Damn it. I take it back. I ain’t lettin’ no barrel racer ruin my damn horse... fuckin’ hell, boy.”
My shoulders shook with silent laughter, a grin coming to my lips. Goodie laughed beside me. “Well, you did say Mav’s got a way with the wild ones.”
“Let’s fuckin’ hope.” Bad huffed, even though a smile drew on his lips.
Ifidgeted at myspot at the kitchen counter as I washed all the dishes. Aunt Violet bustled about, a flurry of motion as she got things ready for dinner. She’d been oddly quiet since I’d gotten back—a true feat for her, as she gave Cash a run for his money.
It meant she was thinking of what to say.
“Mav, honey…” Her voice held a tentative edge to it.
I glanced over my shoulder at her, soapy water running down my hands.
