Page 122 of Lost Trust

I grin despite myself.

“That was insane,” Shelby says.

I barely hear her. The camera follows Axle as he gets to his feet, then pans wider. And that’s when I see it. Blaze. Standing outside the rails, watching the action. With a woman pressed against him. Her arms are wrapped around his body, her face tucked against his neck.

My smile disappears.

I know her. Even from this distance, I know that straight jet-black hair. That familiar profile. That face I used to see across arenas while we competed for the same titles.

The woman who eventually took my place at the top of the rankings.

Francey Hart.

My fingers go cold around Jovie’s.

That son of a bitch.

Axle’s score flashes across the screen—92.

The bar goes nuts again.

The announcer’s voice booms through the speakers, calling out the standings.

Axle is sitting comfortably at the top by a solid margin. Chase Braun is in second place, with Blaze just a fraction of a point behind Chase in third.

The camera cuts to Axle.

He’s already pulled his hat from his head, lifting it high above him as he waves to the crowd.

The response is deafening.

It’s obvious who the fan favorite is tonight. Axle has the crowd eating out of the palm of his hand.

There’s still one more ride to go, but I can’t watch another second.

Not tonight.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Shelby, pushing to my feet. “I need some air.”

I don’t wait for her answer. I weave through the crowd and push through the door behind the bar that leads out onto the patio.

The cooler night air hits my face, and I suck in a deep breath.

Then I see Cabe.

He’s leaning against the railing, staring out into the darkness.

“Why aren’t you inside?” I ask.

His eyes shift to me, and he shrugs. “Just needed a break.”

I nod. “Me too,” I say, walking to stand beside him. “Axle just rode. He was incredible.”

A smile pulls at the corner of his mouth. “I figured. He’s a hell of a bull rider.”

I study him for a second. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” He looks back toward the building. The hum of the crowd vibrates the exterior. “Just not in the mood for all the fangirling tonight.”