Page 4 of Wrangled and Tangled (Raven Peak Ranch #1)

I t’s been a few days since Heath invited me to join him at The Raven, and I’ve kicked myself a few times for not going. Now I’m back at the rodeo, attempting to catch another glimpse of him. Wearing one of my Goldspur Gears t-shirt’s, jeans, and boots. Comfort and free advertising at its best.

Everything’s the same, yet the air is different. There’s an undercurrent of anxiety that I can’t connect. The regular girls Lucy normally sits with are front and center, waving and smiling.

Tipping my hat, I walk up the stands a few rows and take a seat. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I scroll through my texts with Lucy just to make sure I didn’t miss anything about Briar.

Lucy’s gotta work at the diner tonight, and I know Briar’s supposed to start a few shifts there, so I’m hoping since she had to stay with her that she’s learning something. When the announcers start, I tuck my phone away and wait for the event I’m here to see.

Spotting Heath waiting in the wings, I lick my lips and wonder what the hell I’m doing here. This man probably wants nothing to do with me after not showing up. Hell, I still don’t know if I want anything to happen.

Heath loads into the chute, and with a nod, it swings open.

He’s being shaken like a rag doll, the horse jumps and kicks.

Still, he holds on as if his ass is glued to the saddle.

After the buzzer sounds, he’s hopping off the horse and throwing up his hands.

People stand and crowd the metal fence, screaming and hollering his name.

His smile is so wide as if he lives for this, and he probably does. I can imagine the fame of it all must be nice. His eyes look through the crowd, and he scans over me. I’m not sure what I thought would happen, but I didn’t expect to feel… disappointed.

“Hey!” I hear someone shout. It’s loud but not out of the ordinary, so I pay it no mind. Bending down to pick up my trash, I stand to leave and see people looking at me almost as if they’re trying to get my attention.

I look around, seeing people pointing down to the arena and my spine straightens.

Heath’s looking at me, waving his arm in the air.

He winks and nods toward the tunnel, and I take in a deep breath.

Does he want me to meet him there? Nerves bloom in my stomach, and I debate on whether or not to meet him.

I don’t know what to do with these feelings, I’m not usually indecisive, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been with anyone.

What could a conversation hurt?

I take my time getting to the tunnel. With acts still happening, I figure he’s probably got other things going on. To my surprise he’s leaning against the same wall he was the last time I saw him.

His smile grows as he sees me–just like in the arena–and my own lifts in return.

“You’re here,” he says, almost breathless, and I remind myself he just did a major event, so he’s probably winded. “I’m taking that as a good thing?”

I chuckle. His almost nervous waver is adorable.

“I haven’t decided yet,” I say honestly.

“I guess that’s fair,” he laughs. “Would you wanna come to The Raven tonight, then?”

Shoving my hands into the pockets of my jeans, I clear my throat and shake my head. “I don’t know.”

Heath looks around and then says, “Wanna come hang out outside?”

I nod, “Sure.”

He turns, checks turning pink, and walks out of the tunnel into the balmy night air. I follow as my spine tingles, and my mind erupts with visions of his cheeks turning pink for other reasons.

He takes a seat on one of the benches outside of the arena, crossing his ankle over his knee.

As I sit down beside him, I struggle to get comfortable.

He’s a stunning man, and not that I’m judging myself, I just don’t see the two of us getting along for long.

Sure, the attraction is there. I can feel it bubbling to the surface, but chemistry doesn’t keep anyone around–though I’m not looking for that anyway.

“You didn’t come the other night,” he says, eyeing me from the side.

“Yeah,” I nod, looking out into the parking lot as people mill about. Smoke from people smoking cigarettes puffs into the night air.

“Why not?” He asks, turning his body my way. “I thought… Well, I guess I thought we had somethin’, like a spark.”

His voice lifts at the end as if he’s asking me if I felt the same way, and I did.

I do.

But I’ve been out of the dating game for so long, I’m not sure I know how to conduct myself for a hookup.

“I’m sure you could have the pick of the litter if you wanted, Cowboy,” I laugh with a scoff mixed in.

“And I picked you,” he smiles, teeth so bright against the dark sky. He scoots closer, his hand brushes mine, and he leans in. I’m frozen in time, disbelief at his words and his actions. My heart leaps in my chest as he presses closer, and I turn to face him.

His lips skim mine, and in a flash, I’m lacing my fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck, pulling him closer so I can kiss him the way I want.

He matches my pace, and goosebumps erupt on my skin.

I’ve not felt a tug like this in a long time.

It’s as if we’re connected, but I have no idea how.

A cough nearby jolts me back into my senses.

Standing from the bench, I make excuses about having to leave. I can’t even hear myself or think straight, so God only knows what I said. I couldn’t look at him as I made my escape. Back in my truck, I lean my head against the steering wheel and blow out a few breaths.

“What the hell am I doin’.”