His eyes go wide. “Oh, you wanna go there? I know your ribs are still sore, old man.”
He isn’t wrong. That hit in Livingston did more than knock the air out of me, like I told Kacey. It bruised them pretty bad. My whole side is purple.
“Yeah, but I’m a real man, so I don’t complain about it.”
Trey mumbles something under his breath as we pull into the back gate in Estes Park. It’s about three hours until the rodeo starts. I flash our credentials and drive in to find a place to park.
“What time are they coming?” Trey asks as I back into a parking spot. “I want to grab a shower before your future wife and her smoking hot friend get here.”
“I think ‘future wife’ is a bit of a stretch,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him. “And for the love of god, please leave Jessie alone. She’s Kacey’s best friend—I don’t need you making things awkward.”
He’s dead serious when he looks at me with a straight face and says, “Tell her to get ugly friends then,” and hops out of the truck.
I lean my head against the seat and sigh. This could be an interesting night. Part of me wishes Kacey had come alone, but I also wouldn’t want her driving all the way here by herself. I’ll just have to hope Trey doesn’t end up with his balls in a vice by the end of the night.
I climb out of the truck and text Kacey to let her know we’re here.
Knox
Hey, just got parked. What time are you two thinking of coming to the grounds?
Kacey
We’re downtown shopping right now, but we’ll head up soon. I can’t wait to see you.
Knox
Same, sweetheart. I’ll meet you at the gate. I have my companion pass for you and I’ll get Trey’s for Jessie.
Kacey
Perfect, I’ll text you when we get there.
Two hours later, we’re both showered and I’m pacing behind the camper while Trey sits on the boxes.
“Dude, you need to chill. I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” He doesn’t even look up from scrolling on his phone.
I stop pacing and turn to face him, crossing my arms. “I know. Now can I please have your companion pass? I need it for Jessie.”
He glances up with a smirk on his face and says, “I know. But I think I’ll hand-deliver it to her myself,” before going back to scrolling.
“You’re such a pain in the ass,” I say as my phone vibrates. It’s a text from Kace—they’re here.
I smack Trey’s foot off the knee he has it propped up on. “They’re here. Get up and button your shirt. And please try not to come off as a cocky bull rider.”
He stands and starts tucking in his pearl snap shirt. “Noted, cocky calf roper it is,” he says as he finishes tucking in his shirt. “You never get this worked up before you ride. I think someone is inlove.” He draws out the word “love.”
I reach in the camper door and grab both our cowboy hats while Trey does something weird to fix his hair. He’s a pretty boy through and through.
“I’m not worked up. Now let’s go.” I set his hat on his head and walk off, not waiting to see if he’s following.
I hear gravel crunching as he hurries to catch up to me. “I noticed you didn’t disagree on the love part, but I’m going to let it go.” I give him my sternest dad look. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop.” He holds both hands up in surrender.
I see Kacey before she sees me—she’s smiling and laughing at something Jessie said. She looks happy, carefree. Her long blonde hair flows down her back in loose waves. She’s wearing a blue sundress with cowboy boots. My ribs feel tight, like I can’t take a full breath. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.
We show our credentials to get through the gate, then weave through the crowd to them. Thankfully, they’re standing off to the side of the gate and the crushing crowd of people.
As we approach, I take a quiet breath to calm myself.
