Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek, #3) (40)

Noah





Okay, well just let me know! Landen and I are in the VIP Corral ready to cheer you on…and wait till you see my sign!





I shouldn’t ask.

It doesn’t matter.

But I can’t help myself.

Ellie





Is his girlfriend with y’all, too?





I want to slap myself.

Noah





No, I guess she had to leave early to make the trip back for work tomorrow.





Ellie





Oh, how disappointing she’ll miss the rodeo.





Noah





Yeah, pretty sure she didn’t come for the rodeo.





I didn’t need her winking emoji for me to know what she was implying.

After fifteen minutes, the junior division starts. Between the music coming on and off and the crowd cheering, a wave of nausea hits me.

Instead of focusing on it, I give my attention to Ranger so he doesn’t get anxious. He tends to know when I feel off and I need him on his A game tonight.

Once the final rider races, they declare a winner, and then it’s finally time.

I jump back on Ranger, give him his usual pep talk to rile him up to get pumped up, and then wait for the first girl to go.

“Good luck!” one of the Smith twins says as I ride past her.

I’m too focused on leading Ranger toward the gate to respond.

“You ready for this, buddy? We got this.” I lean down and pat his neck.

He stomps and rears when the music grows louder.

“Almost, hold on…” I pull the reins back, trying to keep him settled until it’s time.

As soon as the first girl returns, I lead him into the alleyway.

“Wait.” I listen for the emcee to announce my name and then… “Let’s go!”

I click my tongue, give him a little kick, and then he shoots off like a cannon into the arena.





Chapter Fourteen


LANDEN




The event being delayed would normally be a drag, but since we’re in the VIP Corral, that just means we have extra time to enjoy the free perks.

“Okay, just texted Ellie. She’s hangin’ in there,” Noah says, returning to her seat from grabbing more food.

“I dunno how she does this week after week. I’m a nervous wreck for her,” Wilder says, snatching something off Noah’s plate.

“Where the hell did you come from?” I ask, not even realizing he was here.

“It’s the adrenaline,” Fisher chimes in. “You get addicted to that feelin’ quite easily. The crowd cheerin’ you on, the smell of the arena, the high of winning. Ellie’s in her prime, too. I’d be surprised if she still gets nervous or just feeds off the excitement.”

Or Ellie’s really good at pretending she doesn’t and puts on a front.

“She’s definitely more of the junkie kind,” Noah confirms.

Wilder tries snagging another fry, and Noah smacks his hand. “What’re you two doin’ anyway?” she asks him.

“Waylon and I are makin’ rounds, scopin’ out the options for later.”

Noah balks and makes a face. “Gross. You two promised to work the lounge tonight.”

“We will!” He rolls his eyes, then grabs my beer.

“You can get your own, ya know?” I nod toward the VIP area.

“I know.” He grins smugly but walks away.

“That reminds me, Landen…” Noah looks at me with devious eyes. “You and Cecilia must be gettin’ serious already if she drove four hours here and back just to see you for one night.”

Fisher narrows his eyes. “That’s quick. Didn’t y’all just meet last weekend?”

“Didn’t you sleep with my sister the first night y’all met?” I scan my eyes around the arena. “In this exact place?”

Noah belly laughs when Fisher’s face turns red. “In fact, it is the three-year anniversary of our one-night stand. I told him we should recreate our first time. Wanna babysit Poppy for the night?”

When she waggles her brows, I mimic a gag reaction.

“Hard pass. And my relationship is none of your business.”

“I’m not judging, trust me. I like her. She’s pretty and seems nice. But I’m not sure why she’s interested in you, though.”

“Ouch!” I shove her shoulder, causing her to bump into Fisher. “Just for that, I’m not babysitting so y’all can’t get laid. Actually, I’ll crank my music to keep her up longer.”

Noah shoots me a death glare. “You wouldn’t dare. I know where you live.”

“Pfft. I know where you live, too.”

Our parents stop by with Mallory for a quick check-in. She pouts about not being allowed in the VIP area, but since she’s a minor, she can’t stay.

“In a few years, kiddo.” I grin. “And then you’ll be drivin’ us here.”

“Not me if you’re the one teachin’ her,” Noah teases.

“I’m gonna be a fabulous driver, thank you,” Mallory argues. “I’ve already memorized the student driver handbook for next semester.”