Page 66 of Untamed
A flank strap is a strap that goes around the flank of a bull. Its purpose is to enhance the natural bucking motion of a bull and to encourage the animal to extend its hind legs when trying to get his rider on the ground. The flank strap never covers or goes around a bull’s genitals, and no sharp or foreign objects are ever placed inside the flank strap to agitate the animal. Pulling the flank strap too tight would restrict a bull’s motion, making it uncomfortable for the bull to perform. The flank strap is designed for quick release and is removed immediately after the bull exits the arena.
It takes every ounce of self-control I have to walk out of that barn and leave her. I want to spend days with her in a bed, worshipping her beauty the way it needs to be. Her smile plays in my mind, her laughter. This girl affects me just as strongly as she did the night I met her. I can’t get enough of her. It’s not just physically, though that’s definitely something I want more of, it’s every moment I spend with her.
“Nah, how about you come see me in Biloxi and tell me then?”
What the fuck was I thinking when I said that? Clearly I wasn’t. What if it’s the last time I see her? Can I handle that? That smile didn’t give me much to go on. She didn’t say she’d come.
Running a hand through my hair, I let go of a heavy breath. Fuck, what if she doesn’t? And goddamn it, why do I care so much?
Because I got hung up on the ride, that’s why.
Morgan’s hiding in the damn bushes when I get in my truck and before I can leave, she runs up to the truck, her nightgown blowing in the wind and barefoot. “You leaving?”
I nod. “Yep. You’re gonna have to get someone else to do your dirty work for ya.”
She shrugs. “I got people for that.”
I bet she does. “Take care of yourself and stay away from Lemon Lost.”
I’m offered a scowl and hands on her hips. “Lemon. Lou.”
“Bye, Morgan.”
Her eyes narrow. “Bye,Gray.”
Little shit. Winking at her, I pull out of the driveway only to have her look a little sad I’m leaving. Fuck, these Calhoun girls are something else.
I drop Dad’s truck off to Dani and hand her the keys. “All yours, kid.”
Dani rips the keys from my hand. “Where were you all night? I thought we were gonna hang out before you left.”
Shrugging, I turn to leave. “Out.”
“Uh-huh.” She snorts, laughing. “Love you!”
Walking backward, I wave to her. “Love you, too.”
Kade takes me to the private airstrip in Yakima and before I leave, part of me wants to tell him to look out for Maesyn because the idea of leaving her in this town with these fools pisses me off. It’s enough that I damn near consider taking a later flight, driving back to Ellensburg and kidnapping her. I don’t suppose that’ll go over well with her dad, or anyone else for that matter, so I get my depressed ass back to Texas before I really fuck things up.
When I make it back home to Decatur, Britany says she’ll meet me at my place with Wyatt. It’s been well over a week since I’ve seen him and my stomach’s in knots waiting for him to get there.
I live with Ty at the moment, because that kid can’t manage to pay his bills on time nor actually take care of shit. He’s there, lying around on the couch, probably the same thing he did the entire time I was gone. At least he’s motivated on a bull because other than bull riding, you can’t keep him dedicated to anything.
Maesyn’s still on my mind for sure, but my thoughts have turned to, what happens if she meets me in Biloxi? Can I stay focused with her there? I couldn’t ignore her in Ellensburg so what makes me think I’m going to be able to remain dedicated to my responsibilities when she’s at an event with me?
Pro bull riders these days, they don’t just show up to a rodeo, ride, collect their prize money and leave. We’re treated like professional athletes. We have commitments, sponsorship obligations, endorsement appearances, autograph sessions . . . there’s not a lot of downtime.
Then I think about Wyatt and what this means for him. Is it irresponsible of me to bring a girl I just met into his life? I think of Britany, too. I know what her reaction will be. She’ll roll her eyes, tell me I’m crazy, and befriend the girl. And I can guess what Reid’s will be. Nothing but a shake of his head. He thinks I’m reckless, and I guess given I just asked an eighteen-year-old girl I met a week ago to follow me across the United States, it’s looking like Reid’s assessment might be pretty damn accurate.
Given I didn’t sleep last night, and had about an hour nap on the plane, I’m half asleep when Britany shows up with Wyatt. I should have told her I’d take him tomorrow night, but I was so excited to see him I agreed to just about anything.
He’s all smiles when he walks through the door carrying his blanket and the bull I got him before I left. Looking around with big blue eyes, he sweeps his honey-blond hair from his eyes, like he’s waiting for me to jump out at him. Rolling off the couch and onto the floor, I crawl on my hands and knees to the entryway. When he spots me, his grin widens, the dimples in his cheeks deepening.
“Daddy!” he yells, dropping his toy and blanket to the ground and running full speed at me. A hug from a two-year-old, there’s nothing else like it in the world. The way they squeeze your neck like they love you more than anything, that’s unconditional love.
I pick him up, holding him to my chest, my hand cupping the back of his head. “Daddy missed you,” I tell him.
His grin widens, his pearly white teeth showing. “Daddy.” We’re still working on words. So far it’s only a handful he has down, but you gotta admit, as long as he has daddy down, I’m good.
