I heard the buzzer and reached down to loosen the bull rope. Moonshine spun and gave one hard, pissed-off kick. He knew I’d won, and he was not happy.
Somehow, I landed on my feet, pulled my helmet off, and tossed it up into the air.
“Yes!” I shouted as the bullfighters came up to me, each one slapping me on the back and fist-bumping me.
I turned to look for Blayze. He was clapping, and I pointed to him and then pointed up. My mama had taught me to always thank God for a safe ride, and I did. When I looked back, I saw Lincoln. She was smiling and clapping.
As I started out of the arena, they announced my score.
Ninety-one.
“Fuck yes,” I muttered to myself as I walked up to the CBS reporter.
After I gave a quick interview, the only thing I could think about was getting to Blayze and Lincoln.
Chapter Nineteen
LINCOLN
I watched as Brock stood there, waiting to get on the bull. Ty Senior and Junior were both there.
Turning to Stella, I asked, “Does he have to have a qualified ride to stay number one?”
“Well, if he doesn’t, or if he has a low score, he just opens the door for someone to move up. Like Dirk, for instance. He just rode the best I’ve seen him ride in weeks. He’ll move up in ranking, especially if he does good in round two tomorrow.”
Nodding, I took a deep breath as I observed Brock climbing onto the bull. Everyone around him was leaning in and doing something. Ty pulled on the bull rope as Brock rubbed his hand up and down it.
“Okay, the rosin is sticky and helps him hang on to the rope, right?” I asked Stella.
“Yep! You’re a quick learner, Lincoln.”
“I have a good teacher.”
Stella grinned.
The announcer came over the loudspeakers. “All right, everyone, we’ve got the local kid from Hamilton, Montana—and current number one leader in the standings—up next.”
A song started up, and the crowd went nuts. The beat of the song matched the pounding of my heart.
Keeping my eyes on Brock, I tuned everyone out and focused on him. He hit at his hand and adjusted himself before he gave the head nod. I held my breath as the gateman pulled the gate open, and Moonshine came barreling out. My eyes widened in shock at how athletic that giant bull was. I had watched the videos of Brock riding, but live, seeing it in person . . . holy. Shit.
The bull under Brock was filled with rage. Snot flew from his nose as he forcefully jumped so high into the air, I gasped and grabbed on to Stella. The moment he landed, he kicked and twisted in a frantic effort to buck Brock off.
I watched as Brock looked like he was being tossed around on top of the bull. His head whipped back, then his body jerked forward—but he stayed on, his free hand never once coming down and touching the bull.
How in the world is he staying on that thing?
Stella screamed next to me, and Blayze did as well. Kaylee grabbed my hand as we heard the buzzer go off. Brock reached down to release his hand and was launched into the air. I gasped and jumped up when he landed.
He took off his helmet and threw it in the air. It was then that he turned and pointed to Blayze.
“Go, Daddy!” Blayze yelled as Stella stood next to me, screaming out her son’s name and clapping.
Then, his blue eyes found me, and he smiled. Dimples and all.
My heart melted, and I knew I had just fallen even harder for him. Not to mention it was sexy as hell watching him ride that bull.
“Is it wrong that this stuff is a huge turn-on?” Kaylee whispered into my ear, making me laugh.
Brock headed out of the arena. When they announced his score, Stella nearly knocked me over with a hug. I knew it was a good score from my earlier conversations with Brock.
Sitting back down, I searched for him. I had seen other riders come back up and hang out at the chutes. Ty was still up there, helping other riders, but Ty Senior had made his way toward where Brock was.
When round one was almost over, Stella stood. She took Blayze’s hand and looked at me. “He’s going to win this round. Let’s head down there.”
“Oh, okay,” I said, quickly standing.
Kaylee stayed behind with the boys’ cousin, Kristin.
As we made our way over, people reached out to shake Stella’s hand and congratulate her on the fine job Brock had done. Blayze had asked me to carry him, so I was currently holding him as we made our way over to the side of the chutes. People smiled at me, but I knew they were wondering who in the world this new girl was.