Love in the Dust: A Cowboy's Second Chance with a City Girl

Bull ride

Brief time skip:

"So.... Today if you aren't busy I'd like you to watch me bull ride." Chandler says with a small grin as we sit outside and eat during our lunch break.

"Bull ride?" I echo with amusement.

He says turns to amusement back.
"Yes bull ride." He says as though obvious.

"Bull ride as in a cow with horns?" I ask with question as a sip in my water.

He chuckles. "Close enough."

"And you want me to come watch you?" I ask raising my eye brows.

"Well Ms. Talley, yes, yes, I would. I think I would like that quite a lot." He says as he looks at me with soft eyes.

I playfully roll my eyes.
"What time today?" I ask as I look at him.

"It's at 7pm and the county arena." He says as he adjusts his hat.

"You know that's cutting close to my dinner time." I say playing.

He chuckles but his eyes seem to darken ever so slightly.

"Well, I'll tell you what beautiful come watch me and after words. Let's say me and you get a pizza and have a movie night at my house?" He says with a small smile as he looks at me with what I'd call pleading eyes.

I sigh.

I really didn't want to go there last I heard his ex worked there and well we don't get along never have.

"Fine..." I say softly.

He seems to grasp the air with his hand seemingly happy.

"Yes." He whisper shouts.

Before he leans in ever so slightly.
"God, Ms. Talley if we weren't being professional right now, I think I might just kiss you." He says against my heard hushed.

Before he pulls say like nothing happened.

"So about this whole bull riding thing... isn't that dangerous?" I ask hesitantly.

"Can be, I have a good team." He tells me to ease my mind.

"Well, then.. I guess I'll have to see what it's all about." I say carefully as I finally toss my trash away.

"Well, I guess. I will see you later... Mr.Givens" I say with a smirk. As I start to heard back to my classroom.

I knew quite early on how he likes walking me to class but I figured if I'd see him tonight what's the harm.

Chandler stands up and tips his hat with a grin as I gather my things. "Looking forward to it, Ms. Talley," he says, a glint of excitement in his eyes.

As I head back to my classroom, I can't help but feel a mix of nerves and anticipation fluttering in my stomach. The idea of watching him bull ride—a mix of danger and thrill—has me more curious than I'd care to admit. And the thought of a movie night afterward? Well, that might just be the highlight of my week.

The afternoon passes quicker than usual, and by the time I'm wrapping up, I can't deny the eagerness building inside me. I freshen up, change into something casual but nice, and head to the county arena just as the sun starts setting, casting a warm glow over the place.

When I get there, the energy in the air is palpable. The crowd is buzzing, excitement radiating from every corner as people fill the stands. I spot

Before 7 p.m., I arrive at the county arena, feeling a bit out of place among the crowd of rodeo enthusiasts. I scan the bleachers, looking for a spot with a good view of the arena. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, and I can hear the announcer hyping up the crowd.

After a few moments, I spot Chandler near the holding pen, getting ready. As if sensing me he glances up and finds me in the crowd. A warm smile spreads across his face, and he gives a small, subtle nod, his way of acknowledging me.

He was looking every bit the cowboy, dressed in jeans, boots, and a sturdy plaid shirt under his bull-riding vest. He notices me and waves with a grin.

"You made it," he says, his eyes lighting up as he approaches.

"Well, I couldn't exactly miss out on seeing this 'bull riding' thing," I reply with a playful smile, though my heart races at the thought of him getting hurt. As I stare at the massive bull.

He chuckles as he seems my apprehension. "Don't worry, beautiful. I'll be just fine." He gives my hand a quick squeeze. "Besides, it's worth the risk to impress you."

I feel my cheeks warm as I roll my eyes at the foolish statement. "Well, let's see if you can."

As the announcer calls his name, he adjusts his hat, gives me a quick wink, and heads toward the chute that holds the wild bull. I watch as he climbs onto the bull, gripping the rope tightly. My heart pounds as the gate flies open.

The bull bursts out, kicking and twisting, and Chandler moves with it, holding on tightly, his body in sync with the powerful animal's movements. My hands instinctively clutch the railing in front of me as I watch, completely mesmerized and more than a little terrified.

The crowd roars, and I can barely breathe. Finally, after what feels like the longest eight seconds of my life, the buzzer sounds, and he dismounts, landing on his feet and dodging the bull as it rushes away.

He looks up into the stands, and our eyes finally meet. There's look of victory on his face, and I can't help but cheer, feeling a rush of pride and relief.

They said he placed.
I wasn't sure what that meant.

After the event, he finds me. "So," he says with a grin, "what did you think?"

"I think absolutely you're crazy," I laugh, "but I was impressed."

"Good, because you were definitely the reason I stayed on that bull," he says honest but the smirk on his lips was still noticeable.

I roll my eyes, but I can't help but smile. "Well, you did well, Mr. Givens."

He laughs as he slings an arm around my shoulder as we walk toward the parking lot. "I guess I owe you something to eat huh?" He says as he look at me.

I nod vigorously. I was absolutely starving.

"I will admit, that was impressive though," I reply, crossing my arms and smiling up at him. "I didn't know you could do that."

He chuckles and pulls me closer. "There's a lot you don't know about me yet," he says, his tone teasing. "But I'll fill you in one day."

"Chandler." I hear an all too familiar voice call out.