Carolina Blue

Part 28

Lukas POV

Darla and I were walking towards where Carolina was warming up. I noticed she seemed like she was beginning to drift away to the past. I know that if Carolina stays mentally tough she has a real shot at winning this thing. Once I reached Carolina and Duke I placed my hand on her leg, trying to comfort her. I don't know if she feels the same wave of calm that her presence gives me, but I'm hoping I can help subside some of those nerves right now.

"Hey how ya holdin' up?" I looked up at Carolina trying to show with my eyes that I wanted the honest answer, not just some bullshit. Carolina glanced around then her blue eyes finally found mine again, and she leaned towards me, "I keep hearing his voice from last summer. It's harder than I thought it would be." She ended her statement by looking up and far off again.

I squeezed her leg gently, "Hey look at me, 'Lina I'm not letting anyone hurt you, if anyone steps in a ten foot radius around you, I'll be right here."

I received a gentle smile in return, then Darla stepped next to us and cracked her knuckles, "And they'd have to get through me too." Darla stated with a wicked smile.

Darla's comment added a little light-heartedness that Carolina needed and smiled and responded, "Thanks guys."

I took a step back, knowing she'll have to go in the arena soon. I patted Duke's neck, "run like hell," and then I pointed at 'Lina, "and you ride like hell, show those pageant queens how a real cowgirl can ride."

Carolina shared with me a genuine smile that finally I could see her visibly relax. Darla added, "You got this 'Lina."

As Carolina rode away to get ready, Darla and I found our way back near the arena. Due to my popularity, most people were okay with Darla and I sneaking our way up to the front.

As we waited for Carolina's turn I felt Darla's eyes on me, "What?" I asked by still looking ahead.

"Just trying to figure you out."

I turned my head towards her to watch her studying me, "What do you mean?"

Darla smiled and shook her head, "The funny thing is I don't even think you realize it yet."

I knitted my eyebrows together in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

Darla then looked towards the direction of where Carolina was getting ready, "You and her."

I was really confused now, that's when Rhett decided to grace us with his presence by slapping a hand to my back, "Hey man, has she rode yet?"

I shook my head no, but was still looking at Darla, "Darla, I still don't get what you mean?"

Rhett looked between the two of us then his eyes went wide for second and nodded, "Oh is she tryin' to tell you what I have been trying to is that you are fallin' for Miss 'Lina and you can barely hide it anymore?"

Darla smirked and nodded, "See, I knew I wasn't the only one who saw it." I was still too taken aback by the statement, asking myself are they right? Am I falling for 'Lina?

Before I could say anything else we heard Carolina's name being announced and soon enough her and Duke were flying. Although, I knew she was riding fast, watching her felt like time slowed down, and I felt mesmerized by her out there. She looked confident, like she had circled around barrels her whole life. I couldn't help but smile, she looked good out there and better yet she looked like she was enjoying it.

Soon Carolina ended her run with no penalties. Rhett, Darla, and I all hooped and hollered for her then went to find Carolina. As soon as she had Duke tied up and was within reach, I couldn't stop myself I wrapped my arms around her, and whispered, "I'm so damn proud of you, you kicked ass, 'Lina."

I felt Carolina hug me back, and whisper, "Thanks."

When we pulled out of our embrace I saw Darla and Rhett sharing a knowing look, I just rolled my eyes. I could rethink about how I feel for Carolina later, right now I just want to enjoy her company doing something fun.