Page 119 of Buckin' Around

The clock above the corner of the arena winds up as Spence rakes his gnarly-looking spurs over the bull’s shoulders.

Holy feck.

My lungs tighten, and I realize I’m holding my breath.

Someone is calling my name . . .

“. . . iles! I can’t see!”

Chlo is screaming into the phone.

Shite.

I hold it back up so she can see Spencer ride.

The clock ticks over.

6.10

7.42

The crowd launches to their feet as Spencer springs from the bull the second the buzzer blares over the arena.

Ives is wriggling, fussing in my hold.

My too-tight hold.

“Oh bubba, sorry, my girl. Daddy gave me a fright, is all.”

I release my ironclad hug on her as I realize I’m standing.

I bounce Ivy on my knee while I turn the phone back on to us. Chloe is smiling like an idiot.

“What?” I ask.

“Riles, he’s fantastic.” She continues to gush over Spence, and I can only smile, chuckle, and continue to bounce Ivy. “I am so coming to visit.”

“No, you are not. We can’t afford it, and besides, you have study to do.”

“Urgh, you sound like Declan. So bossy.”

“No babe, not bossy. Iamthe boss. Now get your pouty little butt into bed. I’ll text you when we get home tomorrow.”

Chlo yawns, flopping back onto the bed, the room on the screen spinning up. She melts into the covers and blows the camera a kiss. “Night, Ives.”

“Oh, I see how it is.” I give her a mock eye roll.

“Night, Riles. Love you.”

“Love you too, kiddo.”

I’m packing the phone back into the diaper bag when someone taps my shoulder. I turn back to find two women sitting behind me, beers in hand. Their outfits are something out of a cowgirl cosplay set. I’ve never seen so much glitter, so many tassels...

“Can I help you?” I ask.

A perplexed expression spreads over the woman’s face on the right. Her dark wavy hair sways as she cocks her head. “Oh my god, what is that accent? Are you, like, Scottish or something?”

“Or something.” I hold her stare as the woman to her right has her eyes glued to Ivy. I raise a brow at her, and she huffs a sound before turning on her heel and stalking down the grandstand, her boots making a hell of a noise.