I've made my way back to the competitor's tent, still reeling from Jisung's words.
He wouldn't really leave us for the rodeo now...would he?
I'm still standing there, too stunned to move, when Mandy rushes in and grabs me by the hand.
"Thank goodness you're wearin' something so strikin'. I almost lost you in that crowd! So...did you give Jisung his real prize yet?"
"No, and there's no point now. Jisung's probably headin' back to the circuit, backed by a whole pack of sponsors."
"Hey now, he ain't gone yet. And if you show him what he'd be missin', he'll never sign."
With that, Mandy marches the two of us to where Jisung and Tate stand, discussing potential contracts.
"Which is why I decided to go with Martinson spurs as my main—. And who do we have here? (Y/N) I know, but I don't believe I've made your acquaintance, darlin'. Tate Fontayne."
"Mandy Martinez. Pleased to meet you."
"Hey, (Y/N). I was just talkin' shop with Tate, here."
"Tell us, Tate, are you used to getting' beat that bad?" I ask Tate ignoring Jisung.
"Damn! Jisung did always like 'em fiery..."
"In fairness to Tate, it's usually a toss-up between us."
"Not today, though. You beat me fair and square, and I ain't ashamed to admit it."
"See, this is the energy I want y'all to bring when we go out tonight! Meet us at the bar at 8? We have to celebrate Jisung's big win, after all! And you takin' second place, I s'pose." Mandy blurts.
"Doesn't quite have the same ring to it, but I appreciate you throwin' me a bone. And I'm always in for a good time." Tate smiles at Mandy.
"I suppose I'm in, too. After all, I get a feelin' I wouldn't wanna cross you, Mandy Martinez." Jisung adds.
"I knew you were sharp, Jisung. Part starts at 8 o'clock, boys. Don't be late."
"Wouldn't dream of it. But speakin' of late, we've gotta chat with the rodeo organizers. See you tonight."
As they depart, Jisung casts me a questionable glance, but says nothing.
"Be honest with me, Mandy...should I be nervous?"
"About what, spendin' the evenin' with two good-lookin' fellas? You already have a thing with Jisung."
"A complicated thing."
"So worst-case scenario, you switch to Tate. Everything's comin' up roses! Besides, maybe we need to light a little fire under Jisung's ass. And I have a feelin' Tate could help with that."
"You might have a point there."
"Buuuut in order to pull off the perfect evening, you'll need to perfect outfit."
"I didn't pack a lot of options..."
"Don't you worry! I know just the place."
Mandy steers me off of the fairgrounds and through the doors of a high-end boutique.
"Oh, I think I found just the thing! One look at you in this and Jisung'll be followin' you around like a lost puppy."
I quickly change in the dressing room and step out, turning around once for Mandy.
"Well? Whaddya think?"
"It looks even better on you than it did on the hanger. Forget Jisung! I dare any man to keep his eyes off you in that!"
Mandy glances at her phone. Her eyes go wide.
"Shoot! It's later than I realized. C'mon, I need to change and we need to get going!"
But as I head out the door, she can't stop herself from giving me one last look-over.
"I can't wait to see Jisung's face... He's got no idea what he's in for."
As Mandy and I enter the bar, my jaw drops at how glamorous it is. People sipping colorful cocktails, dancing in front of a stage with a DJ booth.
"I don't think we're in Thunder Valley anymore..." I giggle.
"Small towns have their charm, don't get me wrong, but for a night out you can't beat the city."
As I stare out across the bar, several patrons turn to stare at me. I hear a few murmuring about the couple's competition.
"Looks even sharper than she did in the arena! "
"Looks like I'm impressing the locals already."
Mandy taps a finger to my shoulder and makes a sizzling sound.
"Of course you are. USDA certified prime."
"Thanks, Mandy...I've missed our nights on the town. The Saddle Horn is fun and all, but I've been craving a night like this, in a place like this."
"You're always welcome to crash at my place when you need a dose of Tulsa glitz. I'd love to have you visit more often."
"Maybe when the season's over. I don't think I can handle all the trouble we'd get up to and work the ranch the next morning."
"And that's exactly why it's time for a little liquid courage."
She drags me to the bar at the back of the room. As we approach, Mandy holds up two fingers.
"Can we get two shots of whiskey, please?"
"Comin' right up."
The moment his eyes land on me, I notice him do a double-take.
"In fact, this rounds on me. Not often we get someone in this place lookin' as good as that."
"She does class up the joint." Mandy says with a giggle.
"I'll say."
"Thank you! But I'll only accept if you take the shot with us."
The bartender pours the drinks.
"Wait, that bottle costs...honestly, I don't even want to know how much it costs..."
"If I'm buyin', I buy the top-shelf stuff."
"Remind me to come here more often. With more bells on."
Just as I set down my empty glass, a hush falls over the bar...
"Is that...? "
"It sure is! "
"What's Han Jisung doin' here?" The bartender asks.
"He's here to celebrate with me. We go way back."
The bartender lets out a low whistle and clears our glasses.
"If it ain't too bold for me to say, you're one lucky lady."
"I'd argue that Jisung's the lucky one. But I forgive you for not knowin' that yet." Mandy says.
The moment before Jisung arrives, Mandy leans in to whisper a few words of advice.
"You said it yourself: you're not in Thunder Valley anymore. If you want him, now's your chance."
From my seat at the bar, I look up coyly at Jisung through my eyelashes.
"You made it."
"I think what (Y/N) means is...you're late." Mandy tells him with her arms crossed jokingly.
"Wanted to give you two some time to catch up.
"That was thoughtful. But I suppose that shouldn't surprise me, considerin' what you did for the ranch today."
Jisung's lips turn up just slightly, and he gazes at me with something close to tenderness.
"We both did our part. That couple's ride purse is nothin' to sniff at."
Jisung leans in a little closer to share a knowing look. The memory of his kiss warms me more than the drink.
"Looks like you're plannin' on getting' after it tonight."
Jisung's gaze burns from the hem of my dress, over the swell of my breasts, up my neck, and along the curve of my jaw. When our eyes finally meet, my blood feels like it's on fire.
"You'll give a guy a heart attack lookin' that good."
"We are celebratin', after all."
"Remind me to win purses more often."
Jisung bites his lower lip, shaking his head and exhaling a heavy breath before tearing his gaze away.
"Well, what're we drinkin'?"
"Pretty sure that's your choice, what with you bein' the big winner."
"Is this Lee (Y/N) lettin' me make the decisions? Hurry, someone check her temperature, I think she might be in real trouble."
"Even you occasionally earn the right to lord it over me, Han Jisung. Very occasionally."
Jisung's grinning slyly at me as I wave over the bartender. But before I can order, a woman taps Jisung on the shoulder.
"Pardon me, so sorry to interrupt, but could I get a selfie? I was just blown away by y'alls ride today."
"Sure thing."
We all sit patiently as she takes several photos. Mandy's hand tightens around her glass.
"Want me to try? I reckon it'll turn out better. And it'll sure as hell be quicker."
Jisung's smile twitches, but the selfie-taker doesn't even seem to hear Mandy. She waves her friends over from the other end of the bar.
"Is it okay if my friends come to say hello? They'd be so thrilled to meet a famous rodeo star like you."
"Actually, we were—"
"Sure, why not. The more the merrier." Jisung tells the woman interrupting me.
Soon, more women descend, draping themselves over Jisung and ordering drinks. One of them tries to nudge me out of my seat.
"Excuse me."
"You're excused."
"I don't know you think you are, but where Jisung and I are from, we have a little somethin' called manners. Ever heard of 'em?"
The woman rolls her eyes, unbothered.
"You're not the first gal to try and tell me she has some sort of claim on Jisung. And honestly, if your claim were any good...you'd be standin' a little closer."
She pushes herself between Jisung and I, and I stumble back. Jisung doesn't seem to notice, laughing at one of the women's jokes.
So this is the Jisung everyone's been warnin' me about...
Disappointment washes over me as I make for the exit. Mandy hurries after me.
"You aren't gonna give up that easily, are you?"
"Let's just go, Mandy. This isn't the night I hoped for. And...that's not the Jisung I know."
I turn toward the door, just in time to see Tate Fontayne strut into the bar. He tips his hat at the sight of me.
"Maybe you should give Jisung a taste of his own medicine... And I'm bettin' Tate would be happy to help you serve it."
"What are you gettin' at? You think it'd make Jisung jealous?"
"Tate is Jisung's biggest rival. If you flirted with him a bit, I bet Han would wise up real quick."
I crook my finger at Tate who looks left, then right, then points to himself.
"Yes, you. Get over here."
Mandy squeezes my hand.
"I'll stay at the bar. Better if I don't get in the way on this one. But holler if you need me."
I tilt my head towards the main club and head out. Tate slides up a moment later, all smiles.
"Evenin', (Y/N). I come bearin' gifts."
"Thank you very much!"
He takes a moment to run his eyes up and down my new ensemble.
"May I just say, respectfully, how fine you look tonight? In fact, I'd go so far as to say you're the prettiest girl in this place."
"I'll allow it."
It's then that Jisung realizes I'm not where he left me. Over Tate's shoulder, I watch his head bob above the crowd. The women turn, their sour faces following Jisung's fixed gaze to stare at me.
I've got Jisung's attention. Now's my chance to really work this...
I rest my hand on Tate's shoulder, leaning in to whisper in his ear.
"You're lookin' damn good tonight, Tate..."
Across the bar, Jisung's eyes narrow as my lips brush the curve of Tate's ear.
"If you're free, I'd love to steal you away for the evenin'..."
A slow song begins to play out over the speaker.
"How about we start with a dance?"
"Nothin' would make me happier."
The two of us make our way over to the crowded dance floor. Tate slides his arms around my waist, ducking down to whisper...
"You don't have to pretend with me, (Y/N). I know you've got somethin' with Jisung."
Hearing his name makes my eyes go to Jisung on their own accord.
"So I said to her--"
He's staring at me so intently he doesn't even appear to hear the woman beside him.
"Are you even listenin' to me?"
"Sorry, what were you sayin'?"
My stomach does a delightful flip. I know I have him hanging on my every move.
"So? You gonna tell me what's up with y'all or what?"
"Honestly...I wish I knew. Just out of curiosity...how obvious were we?"
"Not terribly. But Jisung and I have spent a lot of time together on the circuit. I can see he's smitten. You both are."
"If you've seen him like this before, then how can you be so certain he means it this time?"
My eyes dart back to Jisung and his crowd of hangers-on. They stare daggers back at me.
"That's the thing, (Y/N)...I've never seen Jisung act the way he does with you."
"Really?"
Tate shakes his head.
"And I'm just guessin' here, but I'd wager dressin' up that nice wasn't for just anyone's benefit, was it?"
Heat rises in my cheeks, but Tate tilts his head back and laughs. I hope, on the outside, the two of you look taken with each other. Across the bar, Jisung continues to stare.
"Not that a woman ever needs an excuse to look this good. Let's just say... If your heart didn't already belong to Jisung, I'd sure as hell shoot my shot."
"So, what now? Do we part amicably?"
"Oh, I didn't say that. We can still have some fun. Jisung seein' me with the girl he's after? Sure would soothe the sting of defeat..."
Tate spins me out across the floor, then dips me low. I laugh.
"I knew I liked you, Tate. Got any pointers for me?"
"Honestly, Jisung's pretty easy to rile. You just gotta make him think I'm the better catch."
"And how do I do that?"
Tate nods towards the buckle bunnies at the bar.
"What tricks have they used tonight?"
"Smilin', laughin', touchin'. You name it, they've tried it."
But as I look over, I notice the women's actions appear to have very little hold over Jisung. His eyes are locked on me and Tate.
"Exactly. So what'll it be, (Y/N)? Play this as bold as you like, I'm game for it."
"In that case, I'll pretend to laugh at your jokes."
"Pretend? Why, (Y/N), I'm offended."
My genuine laugh rings out through the bar. Jisung's ears perk up at the sound.
"You know what I meant."
"Go on, keep at it. Jisung looks like he's about to blow a gasket..."
Jisung crosses the dance floor in a flash, leaving the crowd of admirers at the bar without so much as a backwards glance.
"Alright now, that's enough."
"Somethin' wrong Jisung?"
He ignores the question, glaring at Tate as he takes my hand.
"Is Mr. Slick here botherin' you, (Y/N)?"
"Who, Tate? We were just getting' acquainted."
"Looked a little friendlier than that."
"Is that such a bad thing? You're makin' new friends, too."
"That's...different."
"Not if I have any say in how this night goes. (Y/N) was feelin' a little lonely, but not anymore, ain't that right, babe?"
"That's right, Tate."
Jisung's eyes flash with a threatening intensity.
"What are you tryin' to imply, Fontayne?"
But Tate raises his hands in surrender.
"Seems like the two of you have some talkin' to do. I'll just be on my way. Shoot me a text when you're finished up, (Y/N). I'm anxious to finish what we started."
Tate presses a kiss to my cheek, lingering at my ear to whisper the words...
"Worked like a charm."
"Thanks, Tate. I owe you one."
As Tate departs, Jisung closes the distance between us, his body language telling the rest of the bar to stay back.
"Coulda used some of that ten minutes ago when your fans were pushin' me off my stool."
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). Guess I got too caught up in the excitement of my win."
"Don't worry about it. Tate kept me company."
"I noticed."
"And I noticed how you only started payin' any attention to me after Tate showed up. Jealous, much?"
"It wasn't like that, I just—"
"Jisung. Come on."
He sighs heavily, then nods.
"I don't think I've ever struggled so hard, watchin' Tate with somebody. Hell, I don't think I've ever struggled at all. Usually, we have an agreement. May the best man win. But the idea that he might win you...I couldn't handle that."
"You sure about that? You seemed pretty damn happy for those gals' company just now."
"I know. I've just never had someone I cared about enough to want to turn 'em down. But now..."
Jisung moves closer. I rest my palm against his chest, and I feel his heartbeat pounding through his shirt.
"Forgive me? I'm only here because I wanted to spend time with you."
"Fine...but only because you won a damn rodeo for us today."
"I'll take it however I can get it."
"Speakin' of, how did it feel to compete again today?"
"Honestly? It was incredible, (Y/N). Hearin' the crowd, adrenaline runnin' through me...there ain't nothin' like it."
"I've gotta say, you sure seemed like you were havin' fun. Made the whole thing look easy. Watching you ride was thrilling. Everyone told me you were a pro, but actually seein' you in action was incredible. Next time you compete, I wanna be there."
"I have no intention of givin' up my good luck charm. Though...I probably won't need you in that capacity any time soon. Winnin' for someone other than myself felt different. Right. I hope you know I want to help on the ranch. And I want..."
He pauses, licking his lips as he takes me in. I lean closer, feeling the energy between us shift.
"What do you want Jisung?"
"You. I want you, (Y/N). Bein' here, away from all our history, makes it easier to admit that to myself."
"Say it again."
I hold my breath, eyes locked on Jisung's, his stare so intense I think it might set me alight.
"I want you, (Y/N). More than I've ever wanted anything in my life."
"I want you, too."
I run my palm down Jisung's chest, stopping at his waistband to hook a thumb through a belt loop and tug him closer.
"I want all of you, Jisung."
"Is that right? What do you propose we do about that?"
I lean closer, but before our lips connect, a hand grips my shoulder tightly, pulling the two of us apart.
"What in the—?"
"Sorry, y'all! Friend emergency!"
Jisung stands stupefied on the dance floor as Mandy whips me into a darker corner.
"Mandy! What the hell?"
"I know, I know. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to spook you tow, but... Minho just walked in the door."
"Oh, God. Do you think he saw us?"
"no, you're safe. He's talkin' to some breeders right now, but I knew it was only a matter of time."
"Jisung and I were just gettin' somewhere, too."
"I think I might be able to help with that. I'm callin' it Plan B-F-F."
She points to the back of the bar, where a set of double doors overlooks an empty patio.
"That patio belongs to the place next door, but they only open it for events. If you two slipped out there, you'd be totally alone."
"but what about Minho? Won't he come lookin' for us?"
"Not if I distract him. Go on. You and Jisung should take advantage of the time away from home. It makes you feel...freer."
"I reckon some time alone's just what we need. Can you point Jisung in my direction? I can't have Minho seein' us sneak off together."
"That's what I'm here for! I'll just be a sec."
I head out to the private patio, twisting the shades on the doors so it's invisible from the bar. Jisung follows me a moment later.
"I never would have known this was here if Mandy hadn't told me."
"Good. That means no one else will know about it, either."
Jisung grins as he crosses the patio to take me in his arms. I greet him with a slow, sensual kiss.
"I can't believe how private this place feels. No one'll know we're here..."
"Makes you feel like misbehavin'?"
"Actually, it makes me fell like kissin' you."
"I won't say no to that."
Jisung presses his lips to mine, and I quickly part them with my tongue. He moans and opens his mouth wider, inviting me in. We kiss deeply, hungrily, until finally I have to break away to catch my breath.
"I've been wantin' to do that all day."
"Didn't get enough of that after the couple's ride?"
"I can't ever get enough of you, Han. But the thing is..."
As my hands slide into Jisung's back pockets, I pull him close to nuzzle his neck, kissing along the line of his throat. His breath hitches at the intensity of the sensation.
"...The kinda kissin' I wanna do isn't appropriate in public."
I feel his desire stir against my hipbone. I smile, then take his bottom lip between my teeth. With a groan, Jisung guides the two of us to the bar, never breaking the contact of our kiss. The bottles rattle as the two of us slam against it. Jisung reaches to steady them, and realizes his hand has closed around the bottle of whiskey.
"Just what we needed."
"Jisung! We can't--"
"Don't worry. I'm today's big winner, remember?"
He drops a crisp $50 bill on the bar.
"That oughta more than cover whatever we get into. Now, where do you think they hide the glasses out here?"
A wicked thought crosses my mind as Jisung turns the bottle in his hands.
"Who needs glasses? I'd bet we could make do without 'em."
"You thinkin' body shots?"
"Only if you're game."
A devilish grin spreads across Jisung's face.
"Sounds like a plan. But who's drinkin' and who's servin'?"
"Why don't you drink first?"
Jisung motions to the bar.
"In that case, you'll need to get undressed."
"You act like I've never done this before."
"Is that so? I'm startin' to think that Mandy was a bad influence."
"You underestimate me, Jisung. I can be bad all by myself..."
I fix him with a challenging stare as I slowly begin to peel off my clothes.
"Holy..."
Jisung bites his lower lip, eyes running up and down my curves slowly.
"Somethin' wrong, Jisung?"
"I need you on that bar. Now."
"And I need you to take the shot off my stomach."
"I can manage that."
I lay back against the bar. Its surface is cool against my bare skin, but the heat of Jisung's gaze is enough to keep me warm.
"You're so gorgeous, (Y/N)."
"You ain't so bad yourself, cowboy."
"You ready for this, (Y/N)?"
"God yes. Stop teasin' me, will ya?"
Jisung's eyes burn with unbridled passion as he slowly bends over me. Never taking his eyes off mine, Jisung bends to sip the whiskey from my stomach. He moves his mouth lower, his kisses lighting a fire at my core.
"God, Jisung."
"You like that?"
When Jisung's tongue curls against my body, my toes curl in response. I imagine his mouth kissing just a few inches lower.
"Please, don't stop..."
When the last drop of liquor is gone, Jisung straightens up, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"I told you, no glass needed."
But immediately, Jisung's upon me, wild with desire.
"(Y/N)..."
He presses his lips to mine, fiercely, the sweet burn of whiskey still lingering on his lips.
"Mmmm...you taste so good."
Fire courses through my veins at the feeling of Jisung's warmth against my skin.
"Do you feel what you're doin' to me?"
He drags my hand down over his pants. Even through the stiff denim I can feel him, stiffer yet, throbbing against my fingers.
"I told you I wanted to make you feel good..."
"Then let me drink a shot from you."
At my instruction, Jisung sets his hat aside and lies back on the bar, tugging off his shirt and presenting his stomach for a shot.
"I have one favor to ask."
"Tell me what you want and it's yours."
"While I'm drinkin'...watch me touch myself."
"God, yes. Please."
I pour the liquor into Jisung's navel and sip slowly as I stroke myself.
"Ohhh..."
The sight of my hand disappearing beneath the waistband of my underwear is enough to make him squirm.
"Do you enjoy watchin' me, Jisung? Is it everythin' you dreamed of?"
"More. It's more."
As my finger swirls over my pleasure point, I watch Jisung grow rigid with desire.
"This is what you do to me..."
Unable to contain myself any longer, I reach down to tug his jeans down over his hips.
"(Y/N)..."
"I'm about to peel off all the scraps of clothing remaining between us, when...PING. I ignore the chime of a text coming in, but my phone pings against almost immediately.
"Let me just make sure nothin's wrong."
As I check my phone, Jisung transitions to nibbling at my ear.
(Y/N): Minho's asking where you are. I made up an excuse, but you need to come back t the hotel bar. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!
"Sounds like that's our cue to go. Minho's wonderin' why we aren't with them."
"He can wait a little longer..."
I smile against the kiss Jisung presses to my lips, shivering pleasantly as his fingers trail up my spine.
"Jisung..."
"Fine, fine. That'll have to hold me over. But you should know I intend to pick up where we left off."
"I'm countin' on it."
Jisung slips back into his shirt and the two of us make our way to the hotel bar. To avoid suspicion, I enter the bar a few seconds before Jisung. As soon as Mandy spots me, she stands.
"There you are! Minho was just catchin' me up on his business dealings. Very savvy, your brother."
Minho grins and gives me a side hug from his seat at the bar.
"Jisung's not with you?"
"Nope! Can't imagine he got too far, though."
"If he's with a girl, we won't see him 'til—scratch that, speak of the devil!"
Jisung enters the bar, looking harried. Minho pulls him into a tight hug.
"The man of the hour. Let me buy you a drink."
"Only if you promise to pay with this."
Minho's eyes go wide as Jisung hands him the check from his win.
"Jisung, you don't need to—"
"I do, and I won't hear another word about it. This isn't about you or me. It's about the ranch. Alright?"
Minho nods, gaze cast downward to disguise his tear eyes.
"Thank you, Jisung. This means the world to me."
"Don't mention it."
"So, Minho...wanna fill your sister in on those business deals? You were gone all day. I'd wager somethin' interesting musta kept you away."
"I was mostly getting' the lay of the land. But now that we've got this purse to play with, there is somethin' I wanted to tell you about. Y'all know our prize mare is pregnant. Due any day now. Well, there's an outfit lookin' for a foal...and they want a meetin'!"
"Wow, Minho. That's great!"
"Think you and Jisung can handle things on your own around the ranch for a few days? I know it's a lot to ask, but I know I can trust the two of you. You'd never let me down."
"We can handle it, Minho." Jisung answers him.
Jisung reaches beneath the bar to squeeze my hand, eyes never leaving Minho's.
This trip's changed somethin' between us. But what'll that mean once we're back on the ranch...alone?