Page 14 of Buck ’Em Cowgirl

The crowd roared, but I barely heard it, my focus locked on the rider. His face was tight with concentration, every muscle in his body engaged.

Seven seconds.

His free hand stretched high in the air, the bull bucking harder than I’d seen all night. It was mesmerizing, almost unreal, the way man and beast moved together in that battle for control.

Eight seconds.

The buzzer rang. He’d done it.

The arena erupted in cheers, the sound deafening as the crowd leaped to their feet. It was obvious from their reaction that this ride had just taken first place.

The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers.

“Beau completed his one-thousandth ride, and ladies and gentlemen, we have our champion—Beaudreau Banks!”

The cheers and applause shook the walls as Beau raised his hand in triumph. It was chaos, unpredictable and dirty, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

“Wow,” I shouted in awe. “That was fucking amazing.”

Harleigh nodded. “Cool, right? This is what Dad and I did growing up.”

“Why the fuck would you ever want to move up here? If I grew up around this, I’d be hooked.”

I didn’t care if it was dirty or gross. I was fascinated with the energy of it all.

Harleigh shrugged casually. “Dunno. I wanted a change. And honestly? After I got my degree, working for a badass like you has been worth it.”

Her words caught me off guard, and I turned to her, warmth spreading through my chest. I pulled her into a quick hug. “Thank you for pushing me to come tonight,” I whispered, meaning every word.

As the crowd slowly filtered out to their cars, the buzz of the evening began to settle, but for us, the night wasn’t over yet. We were about to tour the backstage area—the locker rooms, the chutes, and the heart of the operation—with the Bucking Energy team and a handful of important guests and influencers.

Before catching Mike and Trishelle in the hallway, the thought of going backstage would have been unbearable. The grime, the dirt, the overwhelming smell of sweat and animals—it all would’ve been too much for me. I would’ve found an excuse, any excuse, to stay behind.

Something had shifted. When John and the guide announced it was our turn to head back, I didn’t hesitate. I was already halfway out of my chair, practically leading the group.

I waved at Harleigh, who was doubled over laughing. “Look at you,” she called after me.

“Gotta go, kiddo,” Roger said as I paused near the entrance. “Come visit us at the ranch sometime soon.”

I turned and hugged him. “Thanks for teaching me everything. Without you, I’d still be calling them cowboy riding people.”

He chuckled and patted me on the back. “Glad I could help, kid.” Then he turned to say goodbye to Harleigh, leaving us to rejoin the group.

I slipped off my jacket, tying it around my waist as if loosening my layers would make it easier to breathe.

“I hope someone sends me a good-looking rider tonight.” Harleigh teased as she fell into step beside me, her grin wide and mischievous.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “You mean you haven’t scouted the whole roster already?”

“Alright, folks, we’re going to cross the arena and head back to the chutes,” the guide announced. “After that, I’ll show you the locker rooms and some of the gear bags, then you’ll head out through the north entrance.”

I froze, my chest tightening as his words sank in. Crossing the arena?

I grabbed Harleigh’s hand, pulling her back before she could follow the group. She stopped, turning to look at me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, her brow furrowing.

“We have to . . . cross the arena?” I managed, my voice shaky.