AllFreeNovel
Share Us
We stand there silently for a moment. I know Wyatt wants to say more, but he knows me well enough to know when to keep his mouth shut. This is one of those times.
Or so I thought.
“Listen…” Wyatt starts.
“Don’t,” I interrupt, turning to him. We aren’t alone in the suite. Sponsors and their families mill about, excitedly watching the barrel racing taking place below.
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say,” he pushes, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Don’t need to. I already know I’m not going to like it.”
“And here I thought engaged life would cheer you up a bit.” He smirks.
“Fuck you,” I say under my breath, causing Wyatt to chuckle.
“Where is your blushing bride, anyway? I thought for sure you would show up together after you left so quickly last night.”
What I want to do is punch him for how much enjoyment he’s getting out of my situation.
I thought Dakota and I had taken a turn last night during the first round of competitions. She’d hung off my arm and mingled with everyone. She’d sent me looks across the room that had my blood pulsing through my body and wanting to push her into the closest empty room. When she suggested we leave right after the last rider had gone, I thought for sure we were going to have another night like we had shared all those weeks ago at the gala.
But no, once we were in the car she wouldn’t look at me or touch me, and insisted she be driven home. I haven’t heard a word from her since.
“She had some work to do before coming in today,” I answer, hating that I’m lying to Wyatt, but not really having another option.
“Right.” He scans the room again before elbowing me in the arm and nodding toward someone that’s approaching. “Buckle up.”
I turn to find Greyson Wallace walking toward me with a woman on his arm. I knew he had married someone from town, but it was a bit of a shock seeing Ella from Dakota’s office next to him. The beautiful blonde smiles as she looks up at her husband, her hand tucked into the crook of his elbow.
I wonder if that’s how people see Dakota and I. Do they think she looks up at me with stars in her eyes, like we really were in love?
“Chance, you remember Greyson,” Wyatt says, reaching out and shaking the man’s hand.
Greyson nods at Wyatt, releasing his hand and turning to Chance. “It’s been a while, Declan. Good to see you.”
I take his outstretched hand in mine and tip my hat before turning to Ella. “I didn’t realize this was your husband.”
“I didn’t realize there was anyone in town that didn’t know,” Ella laughs. Her bright smile makes me wish that Dakota had the same one when people congratulated her on our engagement, not the fake placating one that she wears like a mask.
“Chance here never keeps up with the gossip in town,” Wyatt adds.
“I leave that for you,” I grit out, searching the room again.
I’ve never longed to have a woman on my arm at these events. When I did have them, they were more like an accessory. I know I’m an asshole for thinking that way, but it’s true. But not with Dakota. With her, I actually want her at my side. I want to have her as part of my conversations. I want to show her off when I have to be in public, but also have her all to myself when we’re alone.
I want her in my bed.
I want her in my life.
And that scares the fucking hell out of me.
“Thank you again for letting me play here tonight. It’s nice to have a show here in town.” Greyson looks down at Ella with the same starry eyes she’s giving him.
“No problem.”
“There you are,” Dakota’s warm voice washes over me as she takes my arm and mimics Ella. “It’s so good to see you! I’m glad you guys made it.”
“Thank you for making this happen, Dakota. We’re both so happy that Greyson gets to do this.”
