Oakley’s with me from the start. She remembers every movement, every cue. As we enter the arena, we’re fully in synch, sharing one mind, moving our bodies as one. The sunbaked dirt and popcorn scent welcome me home as the dust circles around the air, coating my tongue. A brief moment of panic comes as we approach the first barrel, but we fly around it, easy as breathing.
Triumph courses through my veins as we circle the second barrel and I throw my head back in a laugh.
How could I have waited so long to feel this again? The rush is indescribable. The joy, uncontainable. I hear Mama and Faith screaming my name as I thunder past the front row of the stands at the completion of the course, the wind catching my vest emblazoned with Sweet Serenity’s logo.
I think I did us proud.
Oakley and I make our way to the alleyway, and I lean over to whisper, “I love you, girl.” The perk of her ears says she loves me, too.
I ride past the other riders, feeling my chest expand with each bit of praise they throw my way. Soon, I won’t need the compliments. I won’t seek out accolades. One day, I’ll be confident in my ability again. But right now, I’m soaking up every drop of their praise like a crusty old sponge in the ocean.
Signs direct me to the area I’m supposed to drop off Oakley, and when I hop off her back, I find Lexi waiting for me, leaned against a column.
“I’m impressed,” she says, fiddling with a blade of hay. “Glad to see you still have it in you. I’d hate to kick your ass on the circuit if it wasn’t a real battle.”
I laugh, one, because I’m pretty sure she’s messing with me, and two, because even her old taunts can’t steal my joy.
“Huh. Well, if memory serves, I’m pretty sure I beat you out for all-around cowgirl the year before I got sick,” I remind her sweetly. “I have no doubt I’ll do it again.”
Lexi digs her tongue into her cheek, trying to hide her smile. It fails as badly as her taunt. She missed this rivalry every bit as much as I did. She raises her eyebrow in challenge and says, “Bring it, Williams.”
“You can count on it, Greene.”
I hand Oakley’s reins over to the assistant on staff, and smile my thanks before turning back to my nemesis. When I do, I leave her with one parting thought.
“Enjoy the easy season, Lex, because next year, I’m coming for you.”
JUSTIN
ROUND ROCK EXHIBITION COWBOY PROM 8:00 P.M.
Damn, I feel like an idiot.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the glass door outside the building and shake a disgusted head. Cowboy hat, leather boots, and a black blazer my Gramps would’ve worn. I look like I went shopping in horse boy’s closet, but when it comes to Peyton, there’s not much I won’t do.
Including, evidently, dressing like John Wayne.
I tug open the door and a wave of country music, Axe body spray, and the scent of leather engulfs me. So this is Cowboy Prom. Everywhere I look, couples are dancing, girls in fancy dresses and cowboy boots, with guys in Wranglers and dress shirts. It’s like a whole other world.
I smile politely at the couple nearest me and maneuver around them as best I can, searching for her. Getting through the game was hard as hell once I made my decision, but I did it. Our team scored another win for Coach Williams, and I had just enough time to grab a shower and track down Cade before driving up here.
Deciding whether or not I can trust him is tricky, but it looks like the guy shot me straight.
While I don’t see Peyton, I do spot Cade near the long table of food. He’s chatting up a tall blonde who looks vaguely familiar. I hate to be a cock block, but this blazer is scratchy, the hat is annoying, and I need to find my girl.
“Hey, man,” I say, effectively interrupting his conversation with the blonde. Cade shoots me a look and I shrug. “Have you seen Peyton?”
The girl looks me over before dismissing me. I bite back a laugh, vaguely impressed. As idiotic as I feel, I’m pretty confident I’m rocking this cowboy crap. She must have it bad for horse boy.
Sure enough, she places her hand on Cade’s arm, leaving it there as she steps closer and says, “See you on the circuit.”
Cade’s totally obvious as he checks out her ass, watching her go.
“Was that necessary?” he asks when she’s out of sight. “I can’t catch a break with you around. First Peyton, now Lexi. You love keeping girls away from me, don’t you?”
I shrug again, not denying it, and he sighs as he looks me over. “Nice duds, by the way. You almost look legit.”
I flip him off. “So where is she?”
“Last I saw Peyton, her mom had her talking with potential students for their school.”
I nod, glad to hear that things seem to be turning around, and say, “Hey, thanks again for sending the video of her ride. I appreciate it.”
It’s Cade turn to shrug as he says, “You deserved to see it. You helped make all this happen, and I’m man enough to admit that. Besides, Faith shot the video and she’s the one who sent me your number.”