Page 3 of A Montana Rodeo Star

“You did amazing, Brent! I can’t believe that was your first time.” A little groove formed between her brows and she lifted her fingers to the tender spot on his forehead.

He sucked in a sharp breath.

“Sorry,” she murmured. Faith took his face in her warm palms and moved his head side to side, dragging his face closer to hers. He could smell cinnamon on her breath, and it mingled with the floral scent of her shampoo. It was familiar and comforting. They weren’t close by any means. No one was really allowed to get close to Tate’s sisters. He and his twin were too protective, and they’d made it clear in no uncertain terms that Faith, Wren, and Lydia were off limits to the cowboys living in Rocky Ridge.

“The good news is that I don’t think you need stiches,” Faith chirped. “The bad news is that it’s gonna sting like no other when I clean it. I should probably use a butterfly bandage, too.”

Tate clapped Brent on the back again. “Good work, Gilley. Let Faith patch you up and then come find my brother and me. We want to talk.”

A thrill of excitement overtook all the aches and pains from that first attempt at bronc riding. He’d done it. He’d proven he had some modicum of talent to excel in this field.

“Come on, cowboy,” Faith said with a smile. “Let’s find a place to get you cleaned up.”

They settled on a bench a good distance from the bustle of the arena. She sat in front of him and made quick work of disinfecting his cut. He watched her face, noticing the little lines of concentration that formed between her brows when she wanted to ensure she was doing something right.

Her blue eyes found his and she smiled warmly. She had golden brown hair and usually it was pulled back from her face. Today was no different and there were whisps of hair that had fallen out of the ponytail. “Jason said that you want him and Tate to train you for the national event at the end of the summer?”

“Yeah,” Brent said. Then he winced when she pressed the alcohol swab to his wound.

She flinched. “Sorry about that.”

“It’s not your fault. Honestly, it’s not so bad.”

She nodded, but didn’t say anything.

“You’re really good at this stuff.”

Her eyes found his before flicking away. “I’ve got lots of practice fixing up my two boneheaded brothers. Honestly, I can’t tell if they can even feel pain.”

Brent chuckled. “You ever consider going into nursing or something?”

“Or something,” she bit back a smile. Her eyes locked with his for another moment. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why did you do this? The rodeo isn’t exactly for the faint of heart. I’m sure you know that, but… I just never saw you as the type to willingly put your body at risk.”

“I don’t see it that way,” he confessed. “It’s more…” He squinted and stared up at the sky. “It’s more like a calling. I’ve loved the rodeo since before I can remember. My parents have never been interested and didn’t take me, but when I’d come to visit my cousins in the summers when I was a teenager, I came to every rodeo I could. The cowboys riding those bucking broncs are…” He blew out a breath. “It’s amazing, you know. And it calls to me.”

She finished pressing the bandage to his forehead and her hands fell to her lap. “Yeah, I suppose I can understand that.”

He lifted his fingers to the bandage. “You think this will scar?”

Faith shrugged. “Probably. But hey, girls like scars, right?”

Brent huffed out a chuckle. “I guess you would know.”

Her cheeks pinked and she turned to gather her things. “Tate and Jason said they’d wait for you over by the south side of the arena. Good luck.”

“Thanks, Faith.” He pointed to his head. “For your help.”

“It’s nothing.”

Brent grinned and headed toward the arena. Time to face the music. He wasn’t sure how he’d react if Tate and Jason refused his request. He just had to pray they’d take pity on him and get him on the right track.

CHAPTER TWO

“Eww. What are you reading?”