I text Cooper and meet him at the barrel racing area where his cousin’s competing. My mind wanders, and my body buzzes from being with Maize, but I try to push it away. When I come into sight, Sarah and Cooper wave, and I climb the stadium stairs two at a time and sit. For the next couple of hours, we watch the teens compete like fearless savages. They take corners so tightly that they look like they’ll slide right out of the saddle.

Every so often, I pull my phone from my pocket to see if I’ve gotten a text from her yet. Tonight, she’ll either be in a great mood or a shitty mood, depending on how things go. Either way, I’m determined to show her a good time.

When there’s a break between age groups, Cooper stands and yawns. “I’m gonna go to the RV and take a nap.” He rubs his eyes. “Need to reset my mindset before I ride.”

“That’s a good idea,” I say. “Want me to come get you an hour before?”

“Yeah, that would be good.” He gives me a nod, then leaves.

Sarah grins when Cooper walks away, leaving us alone.

She scoots closer, and I can feel the warmth from her body. “So.”

I smile, and before I can say a word, my phone vibrates. Immediately, I pull it from my pocket and see a text from Maize.

Maize: Food is delivered, and we cleaned up. Judges are eating, and now I’m pacing. UGH.

Gavin: Awesome! So, you’re ready to hang out?

Maize: Yes! Please! I need to keep my mind busy.

A smile touches my lips, and I think of a few ways to do just that.

Gavin: Wanna meet me at the mutton busting area?

Wanting to be alone with Maize, I stand and politely excuse myself. Sarah’s face contorts, but she quickly smiles and tells me goodbye.

Maize: I’ll be there in 10 minutes.

Once I’m out of the arena, I hear a crowd yell, followed by an eruption of applause. Parents and spectators are way more excited watching the toddlers ride sheep than the stadium is watching teenagers race barrels. It’s adorable, and it’s where I first realized I wanted to ride bulls when I was older.

I lean against the metal railing and see a sheep loaded in the shoot. A boy, barely five, sits on top of the fuzzy animal with a helmet and full gear. He holds on for dear life with his arms and legs. They open the gate, and the sheep zooms into a full sprint, trying to get the kid off his back. Five seconds later, the little boy is on the ground throwing a fit with elephant-sized tears. I chuckle, and so does everyone else.

As I turn, I see Maize walking toward me wearing a sexy smile.