I made sure to catch Neil’s eye before they left, letting him know he’s on my territory here. My stomach churns watching Zoe walk away with the tool in the office casual clothes trailing after her. I haven’t been in a fight in years, but I want to clock that arrogant asshole.

I’m about to follow her when Gentry steps in my path and lectures me about focus. The entire time he speaks about focus, my mind processes what the hell just happened. Takes me five minutes of nodding and giving him half-hearted “yes sirs” before I can escape.

I know Zoe broke up with the boyfriend after ski season, but she’s never given any indication she’s heartbroken and pining for the ex.

Unless I’ve missed all the signals.

Sure, we’re taking things slow, but that’s been mutual. Nothing in my life is rushed, and I certainly don’t believe in hurrying love.

Sometimes falling in love is slow like a late summer stream. Other times it roars a path of destruction as it crashes and speeds through life. I prefer the first kind. Still wild and free, this love creates a sense of peace and belonging. A sense of home for my soul.

I kissed her in front of him to prove I could.

A kiss doesn’t mean she’s mine. Not if her heart belongs to another man.

I fight the urge to run through the crowd and chase her down.

She’s not my girlfriend.

We haven’t gotten that far yet.

Doesn’t matter. I keep an eye on the corner of the rodeo grounds where I saw Zoe disappear into the bar tent. Even as Gentry continues to talk at me while I do my pre-competition check, my focus returns to the tent. Maybe her girlfriends are in there already. I have zero doubts Mae has Zoe’s back. Same for Mara.

I’m squatting down by Cisco—checking his hooves and tack—when loud, hysterical laughter echoes from the public areas.

On the surface, it’s laughter, but beneath there’s an edge of discomfort. Like the sound an animal makes when it’s under attack or in pain.

I stand up so quickly, I spook Cisco a little. Alert, his ears swivel back and forth while his eyes dart from me to the crowd. Patting his neck, I calm him. “I’m going to go check it out.”

I follow the laughter through the crowd until I spot Zoe. She’s wiping tears from her eyes. Neil’s grip is tight enough his fingers are making indents on her arm.

Unacceptable.

As I jog over to them, I hear him accuse her of slutting around after their break up. If he broke up with her, then it’s none of his damn business.

When he insults me, I almost laugh.

“We don’t even have cattle on the ranch.” I lower my voice while I peel his hand off her arm. “But I know bullshit when I see it. Now take your hand off the lady.”

Zoe laughs. Her normal, beautiful laugh.

Neil stares at my hand gripping his with disgust.

“Oops, guess I should’ve washed up.” I point over by the toilet trailers. “I’m sure you can find some hand sanitizer around here somewhere.”

I don’t even acknowledge his slut shaming comment. If I do, I’ll probably punch him. The trouble isn’t worth it.

“You okay?” I focus on Zoe. Her mascara is smudged and her cheeks are flushed. Could be from the alcohol or Neil. Maybe both.

Honestly, it’s none of my business.

I sure as hell want her to be mine, but this breaks my no complications rule.

She nods and steps to my side. “Neil showed up unexpectedly tonight.”

“I’d like some privacy so Zoe and I can continue our conversation. If you don’t mind.” Neil glowers at me.

“Sadly, I do. If it’s all right with her, I’d prefer to stay. Her call.”

Neil’s head jerks back, and then his chin points up like a defiant toddler. Or horse.

Unlike an angry horse, I don’t think he’s going to charge me. Doesn’t mean I’m not prepared to take a hit. My guess is this khaki wearing asshole fights dirty. I remember his type from business school. The Neils of the world are one of the biggest reasons I refuse to work for anyone but family.

“I’m okay.” Zoe squeezes my hand. “I swear.”

The speakers crackle and squawk as tonight’s announcers begin their introductions.

“Looks like it’s showtime.” I’m reluctant to leave her with Neil. “Mara and Mae showing up tonight? I’ll look for you in the stands.”

I say the words as a reminder she won’t be alone for long with her ex.

“They should be here soon.” She steps close and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Softly, for only me to hear, she whispers, “Thank you. I’m fine.”

Reluctantly, I head back to the trailer. On the way I pass Jim, the rodeo clown, and stop him. “See the brunette over there? The beautiful one in the gingham shirt and jeans? Can you keep an eye on her for me?”

“She’s hot. Claiming her early?” He slugs my shoulder.

“We’ve known each other for a while. The guy with her might start trouble and I want someone to make sure he keeps in line. Or leaves.”

“Want me to make him leave? A lot of people get freaked out by clowns. I could stare at him. That might work.” Jim grins at me and it’s creepy as fuck.

“I appreciate it.” With a friendly slap to his back, I continue over to Cisco. Hopefully Gentry hasn’t noticed my absence.

---

I ride like shit tonight.

On the bronco, I barely last my eight seconds. An overcooked spaghetti noodle would have better form than I did.

Before I know it, I’m off the bull and running for the fence.

The only thing that goes my way is roping. Even that I almost mess up because when we enter the arena, I’m scanning the crowd for Zoe instead of focused on the calf. After tying off the final knot, I hold up my arm, still unable to spot her.

“Giving the rest of the guys a shot at a buckle tonight? Feeling generous?” Gentry scowls at me from his spot by the fence.

“Not in the mood for this.” I shove past him and the cowboys loitering around.

Jim jogs over to me, his makeup smeared and more hideous. “Your woman left right after you asked me to keep an eye on her.”

“With the guy she was with earlier?” Unsettled anxiety fills my lungs with a bad feeling.

“Him, a couple other women and a guy with a beard.”

At least it sounds like her friends showed up. I hope they were escorting him to the airport to catch the last flight to Denver tonight.

Knowing I’ve blown my winning streak, I stomp over to my truck and dig my phone out of the center console.

No messages or missed calls.

My need to know Zoe’s okay overrules my need to stay out of any drama. I text her, asking if she’s okay.

Gentry knocks on my window. “You came in second. Time to be gracious.”

“Always am.”

Despite Jim telling me she left, I let my gaze wander while we line up for the final time of the night. Distracted, I manage to clap when Dusty claims his winning buckle. He rode well and earned it.

Once we’re off our horses, I congratulate him. “’Bout damn time you got that thing. I was losing faith you’d ever learn how to stay on a bull for longer than one-Mississippi.” I might be proud of the kid, but I’m still going to give him shit.

Dusty flashes his teeth in a huge grin. “Won’t be the last time.”

“We’ll see about that.” I hold out my hand and he shakes it enthusiastically.

“You gonna join me for a beer to celebrate?”

“Where you going?”

“Woody Creek, probably. Show up if you can stay awake. I know it’s almost your bedtime.”

I want to go and be the last man standing to prove him wrong.

Back in the truck, I check my phone and there’s a voicemail from Zoe.

Her shaky voice fills the cab.

“I’m so sorry. I’m embarrassed about earlier. I had no idea Neil was in town. He decided to fly in and surprise me based on some stupid advice my dad gave him. Oh, right, yeah, apparently, he’s gone out to lunch with my dad at the club. Or they played golf together. I’m not really sure about the details. I do know I’m not going home for Thanksgiving. Or Christmas. Not happening.

“I wanted to leave you a voicemail because this is a lot to type. And I thought if you heard my voice, there won’t be room for misinterpretation or confusion.”

I don’t like the sound of that. What could I have to be confused about?

“I escorted Neil to the airport. He’s gone. Hopefully for good this time.”

Good. I exhale with relief and unclench my fist.

“But—”

She says the words I definitely don’t want to hear.