Carolina Blue

Part 45

Lukas POV

As I approached 'Lina, she reminded me of someone who had seen a ghost. Worry ran through my veins that the attacker had approached her while I was distracted. I grab 'Lina's hand gently, "'Lina, ya okay?"

My touch seemed to have startled 'Lina out of whatever trance she was in. She blinked a few times then nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine no worries." To solidify her points she flashed me a smile then threw her arms around me in a hug. "You did so good!"

Hugging her back, I was still skeptical that there was something she wasn't telling me. I pulled back slightly and looked at 'Lina, "Ya know you can tell me anything."

She nodded nuzzled her head into my chest, and responded, "I know, but it can wait until later, let's just enjoy tonight."

"But no one tried to hurt you right?"

'Lina snapped her eyes to me, and brought her hand lightly to my face, "No, nothing like that, don't worry." Then she sealed her words with a kiss.

We enjoyed watching the rest of the bull riders together as we waited for them to announce the winners for the night. While 'Lina watched the bull riders, I watched her closely to see if this was going to be too much for her. I was surprised she was handling this rodeo with as much ease as she was. Hell or high water, 'Lina was strong and mine.

The energy in the crowd was shifting as the announcers prepared to announce the winners of the night. I wouldn't say I like to stroke my own ego, but I am pretty confident in my ability to look at the night objectively. A lot of guys could not hold on tonight, and the ones that did their form was lacking some. My eyes shifted to 'Lina and I couldn't help the easy smile that spread across my face, she kicked ass tonight, it was her best run yet. Hell, if she didn't place in the top three tonight, I would throw hands.

'Lina grabbed my hand tightly, and looked up at me through her eyelashes innocently, "For good luck."

I shook my head smirking, and leaned down to whisper, "Mhm, you can hold any part of me ya want any time luck or not." I leaned back up and added a swift wink at the end. I watched as heat rose up 'Lina's neck into her cheeks. After a few seconds of composure, 'Lina shoved me lightly.

Before I could rile her up anymore, crackling filled the speakers, as an announcer lifted a mic. "Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen, are we having fun tonight?" The speaker asked with bravado in his voice.

"Well without further ado, let's begin announcing our winners tonight...."

He announced event and event, while 'Lina somehow continued to tighten her grip on my hand. This was the most she had been on edge for one of our rodeos yet.

Finally, the announcer came to the last events to announce... "In the barrel racing event, 3rd place: Lucy Johnson, 2nd Place: Magnolia Hayes and your grand champion Barrel Racer is..." I grinned it had to be Carolina, no doubt. "Carolina Blue!!"

I grabbed 'Lina around the waist and spun her around. "You did it!"

'Lina was smiling from ear to ear when I put her down and placed our smiles together. When I pulled apart I whispered words just for her, "I'm so damn proud."

At my comment, 'Lina's eyes became glassy. She had been through hell this summer, hell this year and she's come out stronger.

'Lina gave me a playful look and said, "No you have to win."

I wrapped her in my arms from behind, "Don't worry darlin' I was born to win." Adding a kiss on her temple.

The announcer was speaking again, in our celebration we missed a few names, but the most important was yet to come...

"And our Grand Champion Bull Rider tonight is... Lukas Underwood!!"

Carolina turned around in my arms and swiftly wrapped her arms around my neck bringing me in for a fiery kiss. "We're both winners! Take that Louisiana."

This woman I couldn't help smiling like a fool and shaking my head, but I wouldn't trade this moment with her for anything.