The week leading up to the rodeo is a blur. Before I know it, I'm in my room, tugging on the zipper of my stuffed suitcase.
"Just one more inch... Got it! Rodeo, her I come."
I'm about to head downstairs for breakfast when my phone starts jumping around my side table.
"Hey, Mandy. What's up?"
"A full-on crisis! I've never been invited to a rodeo before...what are you wearing?"
"Honestly, I planned to wear what I always do."
"No. No way. Even I know rodeos are a chance to glitz out. Plus, don't you want to turn Jisung's head?"
She does make a good point...
I quickly look through my clothes and find an outfit that would be perfect for the rodeo. I get dressed and snap a quick picture to send to Mandy.
"Ooooooh! You look incredible! I'm going to have to up my game."
"This world might only be able to handle one of us looking this good, Mandy."
"On that note, I should go get ready before y'all show up. Drive safe!"
Just as I hang up the phone, Minho calls from downstairs.
"C'mon, Pip! We're gonna be late."
I hurry downstairs to find Minho waiting impatiently.
"Holy smokes, (Y/N)! You look like the queen of the rodeo."
I give a twirl, showing off my outfit from every angle.
"Figured it was worth makin' an entrance."
"Showin' up in that'll tell people we mean business. Won't it, Jisung?"
But Jisung just stares, jaw set as his eyes roam over every inch of me. Heat rises in my cheeks at the intensity of his gaze
"Damn, (Y/N). You're liable to give a man thoughts lookin' like that."
The air between us crackles. All it would take is one slip of the tongue, an errant touch, for everything I've worked to conceal to roar to life. Then Minho claps Jisung on the back and laughs, and Jisung startles, clearly only now remembering Minho's presence.
"If any fellas do get thoughts, you'll help me scare 'em off, right Jisung?"
"I think I can handle that..."
"Well, no more dawdlin'. It's time we hit the road."
I take the center seat between Minho and Jisung in the truck, and begin the drive to Tulsa.
"I'd usually pick the soundtrack myself, but I wanna focus on directions. Pip, you mind?"
"Happy to. But no complaints allowed."
I scan the dial until I find a station that i like, prompting a grown from Jisung.
"You've got to be kidding me with this crap."
He reaches across me to change the station, and his forearm grazes my breast in a way that sends a shiver through my entire body. Jisung seems to feel the same spark, and draws back slowly, savoring the contact. His eyes dart over to Minho.
"On second thought, I don't wanna hear you whinin' about it for the next hundred miles."
He turns to look out the window, but the way he presses his leg against mine is enough to make me gasp.
"Oh!"
"Everythin' alright, (Y/N)?" Minho asks.
"Yes, it's just...tight in here's all."
"Well, get used to it. We've got a long ride ahead of us."
I steal a sideways glance at Minho to confirm his eyes are still firmly on the road before gently nudging Jisung back. I lean my head on his shoulder getting back at him and from this position, I can feel the rise and fall of his breaths.
"Feelin' tired, Pip?" Minho asks.
"A bit. Was too excited to sleep last night. Plus, I had a pretty wild dream."
Jisung's throat bobs. I lower my voice to a whisper.
"Thing is, it started out just like this..."
As I angle my head to look at him, my nose brushes the tender skin of his throat.
"Oh man! I can't stand this song..."
Minho reaches for the radio, and Jisung and I pull apart quickly, my skin hot where it was touching his.
There's no way we'll make it through this drive if we keep goin' this way. I need to focus on somethin' else.
"So, Jisung, what's your plan to win this thing?"
"Simple. I just gotta last longer than every rider out there."
"That sounds like a tall order."
"Maybe for some folks, but not for Jisung. He's always been proud of his...stamina."
Minho reaches across the cab to give Jisung a playful shove, and I ease back into the seat, unsure whether I'm relieved or disappointed. Soon enough, the three of us are walking into the fairgrounds set up around the arena. Minho claps his hands together.
"I've got folks to see. Keep an eye on our talent, (Y/N). Can't have him chasin' the girls and losin' focus."
"Trust me, I've got my eyes on the prize, Minho. (Y/N) here should go enjoy—"
"OOOF!" I stagger to one side as an unseen stranger hug-tackles me from the other.
"You made it! I was startin' to think y'all got lost. And damned if that outift doesn't look even better in person. Look at you!"
"It's the rodeo! What better reason to dress up a little?"
"Couldn't agree more. Though I'm not sure you really need a reason to look that good."
"I'm sorry, do you know this person, (Y/N)?" Minho asks.
"Minho, this is Mandy Martinez, my college friend? Her parents own Martinez Beef."
"No talkin' business. I'm much more interested in this handsome older brother (Y/N)'s been hidin'."
She leans close as the corners of her lips curl into a seductive smile. Minho's face shows a blend of interest and caged-animal fear.
"I've got some folks I need to meet up with. Breeders. Of horses, not... Anyway, nice to make your acquaintance."
He hurries away into the crowd. Mandy turns to me, grins even wider.
"Why didn't you tell me how cute Minho is? And from the look of that ring finger, on the market."
"He's my brother! If you keep flirting, you could become my sister-in-law!"
"I don't know about that. Especially since I practically scared him into the next county just now. And who's this fine lookin' cowboy? Assumin' he didn't just wash up by accident, that is."
"Mandy, this is Jisung...the guy I told you about."
"Well, well, well. It isn't every day that a man catches (Y/N)'s eye. You must be somethin' special."
"I like to think so. Though I can't speak to catchin' anyone's eye. Pip and I are just old friends." Jisung says.
"Sure, why not. Either way, I didn't come all this way to watch you two steal desperate glances, or whatever it is you do. Let's have some fun."
She loops an arm through each of ours and sets off across the fairgrounds.
"I may not have mentioned before, Jisung, but Mandy's very...direct."
"That's certainly one word for it." he chuckles.
"Oooh, a midway! I hope y'all like fair games, because I paly to win."
Pulled along by Mandy's enthusiasm, the three of us try our hand at the horse racing game.
"Dang it, how'd a five-year-old beat me?" I say with laughter.
...Then balloon darts...
"What do you mean there's nothing in that balloon either? What kinda game is this?" Jisung questions.
....And finally the ring toss.
"Wooooo! I won!" Mandy cheers.
"I don't think I've ever seen a grown adult this excited over a sawdust-stuffed toy."
"Be honest, you're just jealous she's got one and you don't." Jisung smirks at me.
As he says it, Jisung slings an arm around my waist, a gesture so casual it feels more intimate, somehow. It warms me from the inside.
"I might be. But I know how I can move past this deep sorrow. How 'bout you treat me to some fair food."
Competitive spirits satisfied, we make our way to the concessions area. We're welcomed by the delicious smells wafting from every stall.
"What'll it be, (Y/N)? Corn dog, hush puppies, French fries?" Jisung asks.
"Are you kiddin'? There's only one fair food as far as I'm concerned. Cotton Candy. A fairground classic!"
"Pure sugar, huh? Very sophisticated choice."
"You're just jealous 'coz you know I don't plan on sharin'."
"Hold on, you've got a little somethin' right here."
Jisung grins as his thumb brushes the curve of my cheek. The smile slowly fades, but his hand doesn't move.
"Did you get it?"
"Not sure. Better check again."
"Oh, come on, you two. When are you gonna make this official already?" Mandy blurts.
"What?" I ask.
"We're just bein' friendly." Jisung tells her.
"I know friendly, Jisung. You and me, we're friendly. You and (Y/N)? That's somethin' else entirely."
Jisung's warming to Mandy. He cocks an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"What can we do to convince you?"
"Why don't we kiss." I suggest.
"Ain't nothin' to it."
I close my eyes as Jisung presses his lips to mine. At first, it's perfectly innocent. But neither of us pull away. Then Jisung's mouth begins to move against mine, almost as though he can't help it.
"Bzzzzt! Sorry, you two, but that was way longer than a peck. You're permanently banned from the friend zone."
"Attention, riders! The amateur events are about to begin in the auxiliary ring. Participating couples, please report to the sign-up desk."
"They must be about to start the couples ride." Jisung points out.
"Why don't the two of you enter that? Sounds like it could be fun." Many suggests.
"There's a decent cash prize. I'd be game if you were, (Y/N). We could give 'em a run for their money."
"A cash prize and a chance to play couple with each other? Sounds like a win-win to me."
"In that case, sign me up." Jisung smiles.
"That said, I have no idea what a couples ride actually entails." I add.
"It's pretty straightforward. All the couples work as a team to lasso a horse, then ride tandem. We have five minutes. Whichever team manages a thirty-second ride first wins."
"That sounds tough, but not impossible."
"Normally I'd agree with you, but there's one thing you're not accounting for. The Lafayettes."
"Who're they?" Mandy asks.
"They do this routine every year. Fan favorites to win. That's them, Larry and Lorraine."
I spot a couple strutting toward the registration tents. They're both glitzed out, smiling widely as they pass the stands.
"Come watch us win the couples ride!"
"Event's startin' soon over in the outdoor arena!"
"I think we can take'em. This ain't about how fancy we look, it's about showin' off your skills, right?" I tell Jisung.
"I like that attitude. Not to mention we know we work well together."
"We also have somethin' else that could help us pull ahead..."
"What's that?"
"Passion."
Jisung's eyes flare with desire. The smile we share goes far beyond camaraderie.
"That's the spirit! Go get 'em team!" Mandy cheers.
Jisung holds my gaze for a moment too long, then finally turns away, forcing himself to get down to business.
"First things first, though, we've gotta convince 'em we're fit to enter."
" 'Convince'? You'd have to work harder to act platonic. Best of luck, I'll be watchin'. "
As Mandy makes her way to the stands, Jisung pulls me by the hand to the registration table, then holds me against his hip.
"I'm Han Jisung. This here's my partner, Lee (Y/N)."
"Partner, huh? "
Jisung only clutches me tighter.
"We're here for the couples ride."
The staff member looks up from his clipboard. He eyes me from head to toe, admiring my ensemble.
"Don't you look fit to beat the band. 'Bout time the Lafayettes had some real competition."
"That's what we're aimin' to provide."
The staff member adds our names to the roster, right after Larry and Lorraine's.
"You can go on in. Best of luck out there."
Jisung and I head to the arena's entrance. Larry and Lorraine stand beside us, but they're too busy blowing kisses at the crowd to notice me.
"You like us! You really like us!" Larry shouts to the crowd.
"Thank y'all for comin! We couldn't do this without you. It's the little people that make it all worthwhile." Lorraine adds.
I wave to them, trying to keep the competition friendly.
"Hey, there..."
"No photos, please! We need to focus all our energy on the upcoming performance." Larry says.
"The autograph line begins after the event. You can purchase tickets from our manager just outside the arena, sugar." Lorraine informs.
"Oh, I'm not..."
Jisung leans in close so I can hear him over the din of the arena.
"Ready to wipe those smug looks off their faces? "
I reach for Jisung's hand. He laces his fingers through mine.
"With you? You bet."
Smiling, Jisung slips an arm around my shoulders. I huddle closer and wave to the crowd as a voice crackles over the loudspeaker.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the couples ride will commence at the start of the buzzer. Today's competitors are Larry and Lorraine Lafayette!"
The crowd roars.
"And...Han Jisung and Lee (Y/N)!"
To my surprise, the reaction from the crowd is almost as enthusiastic.
"Han Jisung's the favorite for the saddle bronc' ridin' today...but who's that with him?"
"Can't say I know, but she sure looks like a professional in that getup, doesn't she?"
"Five minutes on the clock. First team that manages a thirty-second ride, or the team that stays on the longest, wins. Ready, Set—"
"BRRRRR!! Jisung and Larry jump into action whipping their lassos.
Han's right handed...I should run in the opposite direction to not get in his way...
I take off running to the left. Jisung runs alongside me, approaching our horse from the opposite side.
"Smart thinkin' (Y/N)! you've left me the perfect opening!"
"We do make a great team."
I move up along the far side of my horse just as Jisung's lasso circles her neck.
"Whoa, there!"
"Easy, girl..."
He tightens the lasso, holding the horse steady for a moment.
"Now, (Y/N)! Mount up!"
Without hesitation, I haul myself onto the horses back. Once settled, I offer Jisung my hand.
"C'mon!"
He quickly mounts up behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. Jisung's body presses up against me, his chest flush against my back, his legs squeezing tightly around my hips. He leans in to whisper in my ear, breath warm against my cheek.
"I got you, (Y/N)..."
God...the heat of him is enough to make a girl--
"Whoa!"
Our horse bucks, bringing me back to the moment. Across the arena, the Lafayettes are waving to the crowd from atop their mount.
"We're on our way to victory, y'all!" Larry shouts.
"We won't let you down!" Lorraine cheers.
"Dang it... I think they made it onto their horse before we did."
"This thing ain't over yet..."
"Would you look at that? Both couples are on their horses, but the Lafayette's have a few seconds head start...If they can stay on their horse, they'll remain undefeated!"
"Stands to reason that if they can't stay on the horse, we might just win this thing..."
"In that case, we'd better keep our horse calm."
I lean forward, patting the horses neck as I whisper to her.
"It's alright. We're all on the same team, right girl?"
I can feel the horse ease a bit under me. Jisung and I shift into a more steady position on her back.
"That's right! You've got this."
Luckily, the other team hasn't been quite so focused on the task at hand.
"Lorraine, let go! When you hold me that way it makes me look squatty!"
"It's not my fault the crowd wants to see this face. Now just move to the left a little so I can get a good sightline."
Just then, the Lafayette's horse rears...
"Hold on, Lorraine!"
As soon as its front feet touch earth again, the horse bucks. Larry goes flying into the dirt nearby, taking Lorraine with him.
"What the hell do you think you're doin', Larry?"
"Me? You were the one that lost hold of the animals neck!"
"Because two hundred pounds of man pulled me off it!"
The two take to the dirt, tussling like pigs in a pen. Their fans cheers turn to laughter. BRRRRRR!!!
"That's it, folks. In a thrilling upset, Han Jisung and Lee (Y/N) are this year's winners!"
Jisung smoothly dismounts, then turns to help me off the horse, his strong hands sliding around my waist tightly.
"Lemme help."
Before my feet touch the ground, he spins me around. I lock my arms around his neck and throw my head back, laughing.
"We did it!"
"We did."
Once we're both back on solid ground, Jisung cups my face in his hand, tracing the curve of my cheekbone with his thumb.
"You were amazin' out there, (Y/N)."
I cover his hand with mine, leaning into his touch.
"Only because you were right there beside me..."
The announcer approaches, leaning in and covering his mic to whisper an instruction.
"It's tradition for the couples ride winners to kiss as a celebration. Crowd loves it."
My eyes widen as I look to Jisung for confirmation.
"Did you know about this?"
"Must've slipped my mind..." Jisung smirks evilishly.
"Don't be shy, you two! It's tradition, after all."
"Well? Are we gonna give the people what they want?"
Jisung steps forward, slipping a hand around my waist. His gaze is so intense I can feel it heating me to the core. I take Jisung's face between my hands and pull him to me, kissing him hungrily. He pulls away just long enough to whisper.
"What's got into you? "
"Are you gonna play twenty questions, or are you gonna kiss me back? "
Jisung answers by pressing his lips to mine, parting my lips with his tongue. I dig my fingers into his back, holding him flush against me. The friction between our bodies ignites a fire in our blood. It's almost too much to take. I begin to tremble in Jisung's arms.
"Jisung..."
He pulls me to him even harder. I can feel his stiff desire through the denim of his jeans.
"Damn, (Y/N), the things you do to me..."
Jisung groans in frustration and slides his hands down the small of my back. The crowd whoops out their excitement.
"Should we stop?" he asks.
"Not yet."
I can feel Jisung's smile as his lips find mine again. The intensity of the sensation rivals the exhilaration of our ride.
"Now that's what we call a winner's kiss! Congrats, you two."
The announcer's booming voice brings us back to the moment. Reluctantly, we pull apart. Jisung slides his hand into mine, squeezing gently.
"As much as I'd like to keep doin' this, I should probably get ready for my event."
"I'll walk with you. Clearly I'm a good luck charm."
"Wouldn't wanna tempt fate."
Jisung's arm encircles my waist. As we exit the ring, I lean my head against his shoulder, feeling as though I'm on top of the world. The high of our win doesn't subside, even after we collect our prize from the couples ride.
"You keep it. For the ranch." Jisung tells me.
"Awww. It's sweet you thought I ever planned to share."
"Is that...Han Jisung? I thought you quit!"
A voice cuts through the crowd. From the look on his face, it's clear Jisung recognizes the owner immediately.
"Tate Fontayne. Shoulda known I'd find you here."
He sure looks slick. And isn't that a major seed and fee company's logo on his boots? I didn't know they sponsored rodeo riders...
My flashy ensemble catches Tate's eye. He looks me up and down appreciatively, then winks.
"And who's this? If she's why you've been hidin' away, Jisung, I don't blame you."
"Lee (Y/N) of Lee Ranch. And Jisung's not hidin', he's just been helpin' us out.
"Well, if this is your way of spookin' the competition, it's workin'. Anyone lookin' that good is gonna pull my focus."
"That's enough, Tate." Jisung says seriously.
"Jisung's told me all about Minho and the ranch. Which begs the question, what made you come out of your early retirement?"
"Only a fool would ignore a purse this big."
"If you were in it for the money, you'da had your own big-time sponsors ages ago."
"You know how I feel about sponsorships, Tate. Let's just leave it at that."
"Okay, we'll leave it then. Hope you've found time to practice your bronco ridin' on that ranch. I ain't gonna go easy on you."
"I wouldn't want you to. May the best man win."
As soon as Tate is out of earshot, I turn to Jisung.
"Jisung, you've gotta win this purse. Forget everything else, okay? We're here for the ranch. Do whatever it takes to win."
"That's always been the plan, (Y/N)."
"Riders, please report to the main arena!" a voice over the loudspeaker instructs.
"Good luck."
Before I can second guess myself, I give Jisung a quick peck on the cheek. A slow smile spreads across his lips.
"Don't worry. I'm the luckiest fella walkin' into that arena."
I hurry into the main arena and search for Mandy in the stands as the first few bronco riders make their run.
"(Y/N)! Over here! Thank God you found me, this place is huge!"
"I know. Nice seats, by the way."
"Nice seats? How about 'nice kiss'!"
Heat rises to my cheeks as Mandy shakes out her blouse.
"Don't try to pretend there's nothin' between y'all now. That entire crowd knows otherwise."
"You don't think Minho saw, do you?"
Mandy rolls her eyes.
"If he did, I think we'd already have gotten an earful. Still, smart to keep him in mind if you're not ready to go official. If that kiss was any indication, things between y'all are far from over."
Mandy and I lean forward for a better view as Tate sidles up the gate, his horse clearly loving the energy of the crowd.
"Who is that? I've never seen anyone look so good on a horse."
"Then you haven't seen Jisung. That's the man he's got to beat if we wanna win that purse."
"Up next in our bronco riding competition, Tate Fontayne! Ready...set....GO!"
Tate's bronco rips out of the gate, trying to oust him from the saddle. But Tate grits his teeth and holds on. The horse bucks hugely, but somehow Tate holds firm as the seconds tick past. With a final flourish, Tate dismounts at the last possible moment, and the crowd goes wild! He speaks into the announcer's mic.
"Y'all are too sweet."
Tate waves his hat and throws a wink to the stands before exiting the arena, grinning widely.
"I can't believe he stayed on that long. Now it's all up to Jisung."
"What a show so far! Next we got a real treat for y'all. Let's hear it for Han Jisung of Thunder Valley! Ready...set...GO!"
Jisung's face is taut with determination as the bronco pounds into the arena. With every kick of the bronco's legs, Jisung seems to only hold tighter. For the longest seconds of my life, the black bronco bucks and leaps. But Jisung's hip roll with the movement, as if he's part of the horse himself. I can see him starting to enjoy himself as the ride continues. Then Jisung's horse lurches, and Jisung's shoulder almost scrapes the earth. In an instant, I'm on my feet, screaming as though only Jisung can hear me.
"C'mon, Jisung! Hold onto him!"
Jisung's eyes flit to the crowd, even as he labors to stay in the saddle. He grips tight to the pommel, leaning hard. He glances up at the timer as the bronco rights himself...and dismounts with a practiced flip.
"He stayed on a quarter of a second longer than Tate! He did it!"
Jisung's eyes scan the stands, catching on me. My heart nearly melts at his sincere smile as he tips his hat to me.
"Get down there and congratulate him properly. Now." Mandy encourages.
I race through the stands to the tent where the riders got ready just as the PA crackles to life again.
"With the longest ride in the Tulsa rodeo history, Han Jisung is today's saddle bronc winner!"
Jisung and I reach the tent at the same time. Within seconds, his arms are around me.
"You did it! I can't believe it!"
"I can. All I could think about out there was you. You made me want to be better."
I feel the breath leave my lungs. Jisung leans in to close the distance between us, but then.
"Pardon the interruption, but there's someone you should meet."
Reluctantly, Jisung pulls away from me, turning to look to where Tate's pointing.
"And why would I wanna talk to some suit?"
"C'mon, Jisung. After ridin' like that, I think you owe it to yourself to hear his offer..."
"God ahead, Jisung...but hurry back. We ain't finished here." I smile up at him.
"Don't worry. Wouldn't dream of puttin' off whatever y'all were getting' up to. At least not for long."
Tate slings an arm around Jisung's shoulder and leads him to the man to make introductions. I trail after them, curious about this 'offer'.
"We'd offer a signing bonus, of course, and we'll cover trainin', accommodations, supplies. Anything you need to be your best, really." the suit says.
"That's a hell of a generous offer. But I have to ask you—"
A couple rodeo bunnies enter the tent, drowning out Jisung's reply.
"That's when I said 'I'll show you a real ride'. "
"No! What'd he say?"
Dammit, I can't get around them!
By the time they've moved along, the suit as left, leaving just Tate and Jisung behind.
"So? Am I gonna finally have some real competition again? An offer like that oughta be enough to entice you back to the circuit. Though I will admit, Minho's kid sister is mighty enticin', too."
The mention of Minho shifts something in Jisung. His eyes turn troubled as he looks over at me.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe it's time to be honest with myself about where I belong."