Love And Rodeo

2

Rhett and Hannah worked tirelessly, herding the cattle and ensuring they were safely secured in the pens. As they finished, the sound of the lunch bell rang out, signaling a break from their labor. Hannah grinned at Rhett, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction on her face.

"Just in time. I'm starving," Hannah remarked, rubbing her stomach in anticipation.

"Well, knowing Lihla, I'm sure there will be more than enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Let's head in," Rhett replied with a smile, turning towards Kyle, the new foreman, to issue instructions.

"We'll do lunch in rounds. You, Lain, Shari, Kevin, and Deonte, stay and start branding. Me, Hannah, Emily, Levi, and Lance will go and eat. When we come back, then you can go eat," Rhett directed, receiving affirmations from the team.

As Rhett and Hannah rode towards the lunch area, Rhett glanced at Hannah with a thoughtful expression.

"Hey, Hannah, there's something I want to tell you before one of my guys lets it slip without thinking. I don't want you thinking I'm hiding anything from you," Rhett began, his tone serious yet earnest.

"Are you talking about your ex-wife?" Hannah asked, her gaze steady as she rode beside Rhett.

"How do you know?" Rhett inquired, surprised by her insight.

"Rhett, you're famous, in our world and in the real world too. I've read all the tabloids, though I figured you would talk about it when you were ready. Not to mention, we haven't known each other long, so you don't owe me an explanation," Hannah explained, her tone understanding.

"Hannah," Rhett said, reaching out to gently grasp her reins before she could ride off. "What do you want this to be?"

"This?" Hannah echoed, her eyes searching his for clarity.

"You and I. I know I don't want just a one-night stand. What do you want?" Rhett pressed, his voice earnest.

"I know I want more than a one-night stand, but as Miss Rodeo Idaho, it's not really right for me to have a boyfriend," Hannah admitted, a hint of vulnerability in her words.

"So we keep it on the down-low. Act like we're only friends at rodeos, and then you can come visit me here," Rhett suggested, his expression hopeful.

"I like that idea. I do want to get to know you better. Now, can I ask you something?" Hannah inquired, shifting in her saddle to face him more fully.

"Ask away," Rhett replied, curious about her question.

"What's with the house?" Hannah asked, her tone gentle yet curious.

"I built it for Vanessa, but she wanted to live in New York, and I didn't," Rhett explained, a tinge of regret in his voice.

"Wow, so do you like it?" Hannah probed further, sensing there was more to the story.

"Not really. I've tried to talk myself into demolishing it many times, but for some reason, I can't make myself do it," Rhett confessed, revealing a deeper emotional struggle.

"It sounds like you have a mental block with the house, or an emotional one," Hannah observed, her empathy evident.

"Emotional. The house is where I lost all my self-respect and self-love," Rhett admitted, his vulnerability showing.