The House That Built Me

Before Daybreak

"Did you have sex with him?" Beth questions from the other end of the phone.

I turned off my curling iron and took my phone off speaker "No, I didn't. Ya know, Lee asked the same thing."

"I would too if I came home to a man's hat in my living room and you basically naked in my bed. Which cowboy was it anyway?"

"I'm not telling you. You'll tell Lee then he'll tell Dad. Besides, it's not like we're gonna be a thing. Hell, I don't even think he looks at me that way." I say as I slip into my button-up shirt.

"Well, do you look at him that way?" she questioned.

"I–"

A banging on my door thankfully saved me from answering Beth.

"I gotta go."

"We're not done having this conversation! Good luck at the rodeo." She said before hanging up.

More banging came from my door before I could finish buttoning up my shirt. I walk over and open it to see Jamie standing there with an unpleasant look on his face.

"Make it quick, I still need to load Sundance" I huffed

"I just wanted to wish you luck" He says with a sly smile. I give him a glare in return. "And to ask for your help in asking Dad to consider whatever deal the developers will offer me after the hearing next week"

"You've lost your damn mind Jamie" I quipped as I squeezed past him and made my way downstairs.

"It's 30,000 acres so they're gonna make a big offer for it. Come on, you're his favorite so if anyone can convince him, you can." Jamie countered as he followed me down the stairs.

I stop and turn around to face Jamie. He looks at me impatiently waiting for my answer.

"No" I answered as I look at him with an icy look on my face.

"Fine" He mumbled then walked away.

The quick walk down to the stables helped me clear my head about the whole ordeal. As I got closer to the barn I saw Ryan leading Sundance out of his stall and into the trailer.

"I was coming to do that Ryan" I shout

"Sure you weren't coming to give us all a show" He shouted back.

"What are you talking about?" I asked as I get closer to him.

"You must have been in a hurry to leave seeing as you forgot to finish buttoning up."

I look down to see my whole black bra exposed.

"Yeah, I was. Jamie was being too lawyerly and I am running a bit late." I say while finishing the last few buttons. Ryan finished loading Sundance and leaned against the trailer.

"Hey, why don't I drive, let you and Sundance out behind the chutes, then go find parking so you aren't too terribly late."

"Don't you want to go with everyone else?"

"Not really. They've already started drinking so I don't even know if they'll even make it."

I think it over for a minute. I have kinda been avoiding Ryan ever since my drunken evening but I do miss seeing and talking with him.

"I guess we should head out then"

/

"Our last competitor hasn't been seen in the rodeo world in quite some time. Please welcome two-time NFR world champion Clara Dutton"