Page 143 of Lost Trust

We race for the third, and when I give him the cue, he drops into the turn like we never stopped competing.

For a few glorious seconds, there is nothing but dirt beneath us, wind against my face, and the two of us moving as one.

We hit the final stretch, and I give him everything. He gives it right back.

We cross the line, and I finally sit deep, gathering him up as he blows hard beneath me.

I laugh, breathless. “Still got it, old man.”

Rowdy tosses his head like he takes offense to the word old.

“Okay, okay. You’re not old.”

He slows to a walk, and I’m still grinning when a sharp whistle rings through the arena.

I look up.

Royce is standing on the bleachers. Dressed in his vest and chaps.

Damn.

His arms are folded across his chest as he watches me.

I can’t believe he just saw all of that.

I guide Rowdy toward the bleachers, still trying to catch my breath.

Royce doesn’t move.

He just watches me come closer, that devilish grin spreading across his face.

“Damn, baby.” His voice carries across the arena. “You still look like a world champion.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t stop the smile tugging at my mouth. “Rowdy makes me look good.”

He shakes his head. “No. You just are good.”

I let the compliment pour over me like warm honey as he descends the bleachers and hops up onto the railing.

“So, what are you doing here?” I ask. “Stalking me?”

“What’s your dinner plan?” he asks.

I laugh, turning Rowdy in a slow circle. “Are you still begging for somebody to have dinner with you?”

“Maybe.”

“My mom is going to some church thing with Evelyn tonight, so I was planning to cook for Ryder.”

His eyes go wide. “Your mom?”

“I know,” I say. “Hopefully, lightning won’t strike her on the spot.”

Royce’s expression shifts. “Okay. If I do beg, am I gonna get an invitation to dinner?”

“Mmm, I do like the thought of you on your knees, cowboy.”

His eyes darken, and he licks his lips. “That can be arranged.”