Page 14 of Rodeo Rivals (Hope Runs Deep #11)
McKayla
O f all the stops on the rodeo circuit, Dalhart, Texas, was McKayla’s favorite.
From the music, the barbecue, to the parade, there were a variety of activities to enjoy.
It was the only stop where she hung out for a few days and enjoyed all the rodeo offered.
It was almost like an unwinding—a mini-vacation.
This was exactly what she needed after cashing at her first carded event. She could put the unpleasantness of Wyatt behind her and move on with her life. Especially because even if he was at this stop, there was so much going on, she probably wouldn’t see him.
Besides, if she had an itch to scratch, there was no shortage of cowboys willing to see to her needs.
Hopefully, the next one she picked wouldn’t be a competitor.
She needed to study the rankings a little better to avoid any more fraternizing in the future.
The best way to get over one guy was to ride another.
Yep. Dalhart, Texas, was the place to be, and with a drink in her hand, McKayla was out there shaking her caboose without a care in the world. Arms in the air, she twirled and let out a hoot as she swayed to the music from the live band.
She’d never heard of them, but they could carry a tune, and that was all she needed right now.
“Well, fancy meeting you here,” he drawled.
Dammit. Couldn’t he give her one night of peace? It was all she asked.
Turning toward him, she rolled her eyes at the sight of Seth Allen.
Wearing a plaid button-down tucked into his jeans, he looked generic. That was until her gaze found the far too big belt buckle—even for rodeo. What was he overcompensating for?
She glared in response.
He rocked his hips and bopped his head to the beat when he took a sip of his beer.
Why was he standing there ruining her good time? They didn’t get along. Clearly, he disliked her. So, why go out of his way to talk to her?
Lowering his plastic cup, he sighed. “You’re pretty impressive.”
She cocked her head to the side and braced herself for the “but” she knew was coming.
“Never thought I’d see the day where a woman could hold her own in the arena.”
“I’m not the first,” she retorted.
He shrugged.
What was he even doing?
“Why’d you do it?” he asked.
“Do what?” she balked.
He waved his free hand. “Rough stock. What was wrong with barrel racing, breakaway roping, or team roping?” He glanced around. “I mean, not to be insulting, but I understand why you aren’t going for Rodeo Queen.”
“Excuse me?”
He held up a hand, palm toward her, in a defensive pose. “I’m just saying. You’re not all girly with the fake lashes and makeup—”
“Are your parents related?” She popped out her hip and planted her hand squarely on it. This idiot did not just insinuate she was ugly.
Stunned, he stepped back. “What?”
“Well, I’m assuming what you were getting at was that I’m not girly enough to be Rodeo Queen.” Her gaze swept him up and down. “If I’m so masculine, why are you trying to take me home?”
He snorted. “You think way too highly of yourself. I was just talking.”
“Yeah, well, if only you’d spoken less, we could have avoided all of this.”
“What crawled up your ass? I’m being friendly.”
Now it was her turn to chortle. There was nothing friendly in what he said. “I’m having a hard time imagining people who want to be around you.”
“You’re a real bitch. You know that?” he sneered.
She grinned. “Calm down, pumpkin. Me declining your advances is no reason to have a mantrum.”
“If brains were leather, you wouldn’t be able to saddle a horsefly,” he muttered as he turned away from her.
“It was unpleasant talking to you, Seth,” she called out loud enough for the people around to hear as she lifted on her toes and waved exaggeratedly at his fleeing back.
Of course, he didn’t acknowledge her, but she knew he heard her. There’d been a break between songs. He’d have to have been deaf not to.
“Prick,” she muttered to herself as she got back on flat feet.
“I thought you were impressive in the arena, but now I have a whole new respect for you,” Wyatt said, appearing out of nowhere.
McKayla whirled on her heel to find him standing behind her, holding a bottle of beer.
She glared at him. This was supposed to be a fun night out—time to unwind before she got back in the all-mans’ club that was the rodeo.
In the sea of strangers, why did the biggest jackasses in the PRCA keep finding her?
Did she have a fucking beacon or something?
Why couldn’t they just let her enjoy herself?
They had to be everywhere, killing her vibe.
He lowered his head and kicked his feet at the dirt on the ground like a child who had gotten caught with his hand in the cookie jar. It was oddly adorable and sweet. It changed nothing. He was still a dick. Though she fought the urge to smile at him.
Ugh. Did he have to be cute? The drinks weren’t that strong, were they? She still had all her faculties. Didn’t she?
“I shouldn’t have said what I said.” He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “It wasn’t right. I shouldn’t have taken my poor performance out on you. I’m sorry.”
Eyes wide, mouth agape, she stared at him dumbfounded. A man in the rodeo apologized? Had hell frozen over?
Clearing her throat, she blinked a few times and collected herself.
“It wasn’t that bad of a performance,” she offered honestly.
He got a check. It probably wasn’t for much. Nevertheless, there were people who’d done a hell of a lot worse. Then again, from what she’d gathered, he isn’t accustomed to finishing as low as he had. Coming back from an injury was always dicey.
“We got off on the wrong foot,” he said.
She laughed. “Well, to be fair, I think we did alright the first time we met.” She sipped at her drink and enjoyed the fruity, watered-down cocktail that hid the flavor of alcohol.
Tilting his head back, he chuckled. “Fair.”
“I accept your apology.” She did a brief curtsy. “Heat of the moment and all that.”
His head bobbed up and down. “So, we’re good?”
It wasn’t like Wyatt went after her like Seth. They were different. She could give him the benefit of the doubt. He was pretty decent in bed, after all. That counted for something.
“Mm-hmm,” she affirmed with a dip of her chin.
“Then would you like to dance?”