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“Yep,” he agreed, his honesty stinging a bit.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I half-joked. I should have focused on Gambler instead of flirting, even if it was in fun.
“He’s new to you. You both need to learn each other’s ways. You weren’t ready for that, but keep at it, and you’ll get there,” Rhett advised, his voice firm but encouraging.
He was right. With Cherokee, I anticipated her every move, and she read me just as well. I’d been naïve to think Gambler and I would have that same connection so soon.
Rhett walked with me to cool Gambler down. I opened my mouth to speak but shut it before the words came out.
“Go ahead and ask.” Rhett’s voice was gentle.
“How’s Wyatt really doing?” I asked, grateful for the opening.
“He’s okay, but Drifter’s slowing down, and he doesn’t want to face it.”
“Do you think Drifter needs to retire?”
“I do,” he confirmed my fears.
Wyatt would be devastated. That horse was his world. He needed him.
“Wyatt thinks winning again will solve all his problems, but not on that horse.”
“So, what’s next?”
“He won’t let anyone help,” Rhett said, echoing the frustration I’d felt countless times. Wyatt had refused sponsorship from my family, which would’ve covered his expenses.
Stubborn man.
Maisey rode up on her palomino mare, Lexie. “Tough ride,” she said to me, then turned to Rhett with a rosy blush to her pale cheeks. “Hey, Rhett.”
He tipped his hat to her, and her flush deepened.
“I’ll beat you tomorrow, though,” I teased her. She would beat my time today easily.
“We’ll see,” Maisey replied, her confidence shining through. “I’m aiming to win a new saddle. Coming to watch?”
“Of course.” I smiled. “Rhett?”
“Yeah, I’ll come,” he agreed.
“Great! Umm, I better get going,” Maisey said, a hint of nervousness in her voice as she turned Lexie towards the arena.
I chuckled. “You’re quite the heartthrob, Rhett.”
“I am not,” he protested, his cheeks tinting with a blush.
“So modest. It’s adorable.” I nudged him playfully.
“Stop.” He laughed, his rare smile breaking through.
We watched the rest of the barrel racing together, Gambler now calmly standing at my side. Maisey was up next, and she flew through the pattern, setting a new fastest time.
“Wow,” Rhett exclaimed. “That was impressive.”
“Yeah, she’s going to be hard to beat this year,” I admitted with a twinge of jealousy. I was proud of Maisey, but I wanted to be the one impressing everyone. “Guess I have some catching up to do.” I chewed the inside of my cheek.
As I led Gambler back to the stables, doubt crept in.
