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In that intimate moment, surrounded by the soft glow of twinkle lights and the warmth of Duke’s embrace, all the drama and gossip seemed distant and insignificant. It was just me and Duke, for however long I could keep him.
TWENTY-FOUR
DUKE
Amid the frostybite of a December morning, the twang of country music mingled with the excited chatter of the crowd as the indoor arena came to life. I stood at the edge, watching Sylvie’s wide eyes take in the scene. It was like watching a child see Christmas lights for the first time, her cheeks flushed with a mix of awe and curiosity.
Damn, I’d missed this place.
The rodeo had always been my sanctuary, a place where I felt alive and free, before responsibilities clamped down on me.
“You all right there?” I drawled, nudging her with my elbow.
She blinked, her gaze turning to me, and a shy smile curved her lips. “Yes, just... it’s so much bigger than I imagined.”
I smirked, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to my side. “Yeah, well, everything about this place is big—the dreams, the winnings, the bulls, the hearts.”
Her eyes sparkled, and I hoped she understood, not just about the rodeo but maybe about us too. I slipped my hand into my pocket, fingers curling around the cool metal of the belt buckle I’d won years ago. I’d held on to it, like a piece of my old self, never imagining I would one day give it to a King.
“Close your eyes,” I murmured, holding the buckle in my fist in front of her.
She raised an eyebrow, a playful challenge dancing in her eyes. “Why? Planning to blindfold me and steal me away?”
I chuckled, shaking my head. “As tempting as that sounds, just humor me.”
Her lashes fluttered closed, and I carefully placed the buckle in her upturned palm.
When she opened her eyes, her fingers brushed over the intricate design of the prize. “Duke, this is—I can’t take it.”
I shrugged, the corners of my lips tugging up. “Consider it a loan. Something to remember this day by. Can’t be a cowgirl without a proper buckle.” I tapped the tip of her nose with my knuckle as she beamed at me.
A vise tightened around my chest.
As the rodeo events began, I scanned the chute, my eyes landing on a few of the folks I still knew on the circuit. I leaned in. “Come on. There are a few people I’d like you to meet.”
At the edge of the arena, there was Tom, the bull rider who’d broken his leg at least three times and still wouldn’t quit, and Jess, the barrel racer with a hearty laugh that could light up the darkest sky. Security tried to keep us from getting too close when Tom spotted me. I raised a hand in greeting, and a grin split his face.
“Well fuck me sideways!” he shouted over the crowd and sauntered toward us.
I gritted my teeth as Sylvie covered her laugh. I held out my hand. “Tom.”
He shook my hand eagerly and nodded to the guard. “Come on back.”
I gently placed my hand on Sylvie’s back, guiding her toward the area where the real action was. We stopped at the edge overlooking the preparations for the show.
“Didn’t think I’d see you for a minute,” Tom boomed, slapping me on the back with enough force to make my teeth rattle. He looked at Sylvie. “Or with company.”
I smirked, wrapping an arm around Sylvie’s waist and pulling her in close. “Tom, meet Sylvie King. Sylvie, this is Tom. He’s the guy who’s determined to make every bone in his body a different shade of broken.”
Tom grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Easier than it looks these days.” He extended a dusty hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Sylvie blushed, offering a shy smile, and took his hand. “Thanks. It’s nice to meet you too.”
As we chatted and laughed, Tom caught me up on all the drama that came with life on the rodeo. Soon Jess joined our little circle, her horse-scented leather jacket announcing her arrival before she even spoke. “Duke, you old dog! You never told us you were coming, let alone bringing a plus-one today.”
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head at her exaggerated wink. “Jess, this is Sylvie. Sylvie, meet Jess. She’s the fastest thing on four legs, other than her horse, of course.”
Jess chuckled, giving Sylvie a friendly nod. “Pleasure to meet you, Sylvie. Duke here might be a grump, but he’s family.”
