“Little Jojo Asbury?” I shake my head, disbelief settling in.
“You know her?”
“Yeah,” I say, a grin tugging at my mouth despite the pain. “She was my little brother, Cabe’s, first love. Hell, I think he’s still hat over boots for her.”
He raises a brow. “Is that right?”
“Oh, yeah.” I chuckle. “Kid followed her around like a lovesick puppy until she left for school. He’ll be fucking stoked to have her on the ranch for the summer.”
It’s been years since I saw her. She and Cabe must have been twelve or thirteen when I graduated high school and started chasing my rodeo dreams. But I remember her—bright smile, blonde curls, stubborn streak, always stuck to Cabe’s side.
Funny how things circle back.
Dr. Chastain tosses the used gauze into a bin. “Well, I’m looking forward to hearing how Miss Asbury does.”
“Yeah,” I say, still shaking my head a little. “I’ll keep you posted.”
“Appreciate it.”
He gives me one last look-over. “You’re good for another ride—technically. But try not to land face-first again.”
“No promises.” I grin.
He snorts. “Of course not.”
I push to my feet, grabbing a clean towel and wiping away the last of the blood. My nose throbs, but it’s manageable.
“Thanks, Dr. Chaz.”
“Don’t make me regret it,” he calls after me as his next patient settles onto the folding chair.
I just lift a hand in response and head back toward the arena, just in time as Royce’s name is announced.
I make my way to the rail, leaning against it, eyes locked on the chute as he climbs up. He moves with the same quiet confidence as his big brother—controlled, focused, unshakable.
We’ve been doing this together our whole lives. Different styles. Different approaches. But the same fire.
He settles onto his bull and nods, and the gate bursts open.
I watch every second. Every movement and adjustment.
He rides clean.
Eight seconds comes and goes, and he dismounts smooth, landing on his feet like it’s nothing.
Show-off.
The crowd eats it up.
I grin, pride hitting deep.
“That’s it, brother,” I mutter under my breath.
Looks like we both might be headed for the finals.
He glances my way as he exits, catching sight of me by the rail. His eyes flick to the tape across my nose, then back up to my face, and he smirks as he shakes his head.
Axle
