Carolina Blue

Part 43

Lukas POV
I couldn't believe I saw her. I hadn't seen her for years and I would've been fine, going plenty more before witnessing her again, especially with a child, specifically Beau's. Beau and I used to be close, back when I was in Oklahoma, but when shit when down with my mom, things blew up and I packed my bags and went south.

Keely was the last real girlfriend I ever had. Although Keely and I were just nearing the end of high school when we dated, we used to be endgame for one another, so much so we were almost parents together...

I was torn from my thoughts by the light touch of 'Lina's hand on my arm, "Are you okay though, you look like you've seen a ghost."

I grimaced and mumbled, "I feel like I have too."

I could feel Carolina looking at me trying to piece two and two together, but before she could ask anything more about Keely or Beau I pulled her in tight, "Yeah, I'm okay, let's get Duke put away, then I gotta get ready for the ride."

As we my body went through the normal routine of removing Duke's tack, my mind was still reeling. Thinking of Keely, and our almost son. I knew I needed to get my mind back to being focused for tonight, so I could have a good ride and not end up injured from distraction. I glanced over to 'Lina to see her still watching me with worrisome eyes. I know I must look like a crazed man right now because I sure feel it. I've appreciated that 'Lina understood that I didn't want to talk about it yet.

Soon my thoughts were interrupted by the next roping event being called, meaning Bull riding was next. I walked over to 'Lina wrapped one arm around her waist and kissed her temple. "Hey I probably should start to get ready, you wanna walk with me over?"

She looked up at me studying me with her ocean eyes, trying to sense whether she should ask about what happened or pretend for my sake right now. Pretending must have won, as she nodded her head wrapped her arms around my waist, and squeezed. "Give 'em hell for me and then we can celebrate together."

I hugged her tightly back, for once in my life I felt like I had already won, and I knew that I would be leaving with the best prize tonight regardless of my ride. However, I also knew 'Lina's double meaning to her statement, the most important part was as long as I was with her at the end of the night I would hopefully not be injured.

"I always do, I'm Lukas Underwood, babe, the best haven't you heard?" I mockingly asked while smirking at 'Lina. I watched as she rolled her eyes playfully, but still, a small smile grew on her lips.