“I would love to come ride with you. I have actually been thinking about it for a while. That is one thing I really miss about being home.”
“Not your mother?”
“You know it was hard growing up with dad. And Cash…”
“Okay, let me know when you can come down. Soon, Son.”
“Next weekend.”
“Done. I love you, Son. I’m proud of you. I know I haven't told you that enough. You are your own man, and I could not be more honored to be your mother.”
“Thank you, Mom. Love you too.” Hanging up my phone, I had to wonder what had gotten into her to say a nice compliment. She wasn't the mushy type, but I’ll say I didn’t mind it.
7
BREIGH
The Hilltop rodeo was one of the biggest events in our town. It was once a year, and probably the most exciting weekend we had the entire year. Everyone in Hilltop and surrounding towns attended.
Emma wasn't able to go but I still went by myself. She said she would try to come once she got off work, but I doubted she would make an appearance. She had been pouting over Cash, who never called her after he left town. Real shocker there. I saw that coming a mile away.
I took a seat, ready to watch some broncos and cowboys and noticed the place was packed.
Looking across the stadium seating there were very few spots that were vacant. The dirt was being kicked up in the arena, preparing for the events to start, and already thickening the air. My grammy and gramps used to bring me every year, but she couldn’t handle all the dirt kicked up along with the animals. She still wanted me to go and carry on the tradition of attending. My grandparents had never missed a rodeo since they lived here in Hilltop.
I saw several people standing in front of my stadium seat, surveying where they might be able to squeeze in. That was something I never looked forward to, sitting next to visitors or people who came from some of the local towns. Not going to deny there were some good-looking cowboys who came prancing into town, but I was old enough to know how they worked. One-track mind, and let’s just say it wasn't the track of mind I had. I was comfortable on my own.
Three men tried to sit next to me but they didn't fit, thankfully. I took a deep breath of frustration and let it out as only one fit. The one who sat beside me demanded for the others to go up higher to find another seat.
“Thank you,” he said politely, trying to adjust himself in the seat. He looked over briefly and smiled. His teeth were perfectly straight on top with a slight overlap on the bottom left. His lips bordered them perfectly.
“No problem,” I said. I looked toward the arena ready for the event to start. When I saw that his attention was on the arena, I slowly took his face into view, sneaking a peek.
Wyatt. He had his hat pulled down low, seemingly frustrated.
As I turned away our eyes met and I smiled. Okay, that was embarrassing. I wasn't quick enough. He was an eyeful though; so I really didn't feel the regret I should have felt. He was wearing a
ball cap that was permanently folded from it being worked in. Dressed in a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a ball cap, he looked as attractive as they come. Only an extremely gorgeous man could pull that off, little effort but maximum output.
“It seems we keep running into each other…” I said nervously. And it was pure coincidence. Unless he was a stalker. Anything was possible.
“I’m not stalking you…” He laughed.
“Yeah, he is.” His friend leaned over him and said before blurting out a burp.
“Now that’s a gentleman.” I laughed and winked.
“Sorry for my friend. He was born in a barn and never left. Get the hell back, Roger.” Wyatt put his arm toward him and pushed him away.
I leaned into him slightly, not enough that our knees were touching but enough to where he could hear me. “Thank you for sitting here instead of him.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled again and I couldn’t turn away.
Twenty minutes later, we were watching the rodeo together but pointing out things to each other. I commented how I could ride better than some of the guys, and he replied he would like to see it. We had an easy conversation back and forth and enjoyed the company. There wasn't any pressure, well other than the crowds speaking loud around us. Truthfully I wasn't the best horseman, but I liked to pretend I was.
“I grew up riding with my mother. I love it.”
“Have you ever wanted to enter rodeos?”
“I’ve never had an interest myself. I pleasure ride… But it’s entertaining to watch. I don’t get why anybody would get on a bronco or bull to risk their lives. For a couple hundred bucks? A buckle? The competition? It all seems so pointless.”
I nodded, listening and noticing the things that made him unique. And I barely knew him. I wondered if people thought the same about him risking his life as a deputy. Now that was admirable.
“I’m sure you get asked about you risking your life being a deputy? That could be just as crazy…”
He laughed. “I know I’m going to say something that is cliché, and probably said by most people in the public service field, but I want to help people. I want to be there for people who don’t have anyone. Most people who call the sheriff’s department aren't exactly experiencing a good situation, so if I can help with that…”
Our eyes locked on each other and I fought the
