Page 60 of Buckin' Around

I shove the phone into my back pocket and climb up the rail of chute three to help Knox strap down. I’d rather be anywhere else but helping Kade Knox, but if we all went with that kind of thinking, the circuit would be a shambles.

“Ready for this, Knox?” I ask, as he shifts his weight over Man Hater.

His dark eyes flick up to me. “Whoop this ass in my sleep, Kenny. Watch and learn.”

I roll my eyes at him. Always with the arrogance, Knox.Yours will find you soon enough, bud.

Man Hater is a solid draw. Nothing like Terminator, but just as formidable. Each bull seems to have their specialty when it comes to their methods of getting us off their backs and fucking us over.

Hadley lived through the worst of them a year or so back.

After an epic last ride that saw him on top at the end of the PBR season, he’s retired from the sport to run his ranch. But he’s here most weekends, Maggie by his side, and always lends a hand.

To be honest, I think he would miss us too much.

I’m lost in my reverie when the chute pulls. Standing on the rails, I watch as Kade lays into Man Hater like the feeling is mutual.

I’ll give him this, he’s one hell of a bull rider.

Heading down and off the chute, the buzzer goes off as I turn to find Levi standing with the Bravos head coach.

“Lockwood. Impressive ride tonight.” The coach extends his hand.

I shake it with a wide smile. “Thanks, man.”

“A spot on the team is yours this year, if you don’t have any other offers.” The older man, his hair greying under a cream Stetson, waits enthusiastically.

“Yeah, that sounds great. Happy to be part of the Bravos, sir.”

“Wonderful! I’ll email you the paperwork for this season.” He slaps me on the shoulder and shakes his head. “It’s going to be a hell of a season this year.”

“Yes, sir.” I’m beaming at him.

One of my most important boxes just got ticked.

Fuck yeah.

Levi slaps my shoulder as they walk off, discussing something else.

When I turn back, Brades is waiting by the rail where our gear bags sit in the dirt.

“Bravos?” he asks.

“Yep, you?” I unbuckle my chaps and slide them from my hips.

“Same, brother. Another year to whoop your ass.”

I chuckle. “You’ll keep, Brades. Keep telling yourself you stand a chance, bud. Wouldn’t want to see that soft heart of yours take a hit.”

He shakes his head with a chuckle and tosses his gear into his bag. With the event winding up the bull riding portion of the night, I have no plans of sticking around for the after-party.

Not this time.

“You turnin’ in early, or up for a drink?” Brady asks.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

I slide it out.