Wild for You

by Daisy Prescott

  I’m no longer a bull fantasizing about goring Neil with my horns. But now my hormones are at war with logic. I should be annoyed Justin did that. I’m sure part of me is. Mostly I want to kiss him again and forget Neil’s standing here.

  Returning his hat to his head, Justin dips the brim at me. “I’ll talk to you soon, Zoe.”

  Talk. Not see.

  His tone is ice and he doesn’t bother to acknowledge Neil, who seethes next to me, his hands balled into fists. I bet he’s never thrown a punch in his life.

  I attempt to drain the rest of my spiked lemonade and find the cup empty.

  “What are you doing here?” I finally address Neil. “Wait. Don’t answer that. I need another drink first.”

  Without waiting for him, I head toward the bar tent.

  “I’m here to see you. Obviously.” He catches up and tries to hold my hand. Are you fucking kidding me? “I think I explained that when you were making puppy eyes at the cowboy.”

  “I don’t make dog eyes. At anyone.” I twist and weave my way to the end of the makeshift bar. I could leave. Walk right out of here and drive away. But I’ve been drinking and standing around the shuttle stop might be the lamest dramatic getaway ever.

  Fine. Another drink it is. The girls will be here soon. Reinforcements to keep me from shoving Neil into a pen with an actual angry bull.

  My bartender from earlier spots me. Holding up my empty cup, I gesture for another. He grins and nods.

  “Get me one, too,” Neil says from my side.

  I wonder if I can inflict serious damage with a cocktail sword.

  “Please,” I snarl at him as I motion to make it two drinks.

  “What is it?” he asks when I hand him a cup. His nose wrinkles when he sniffs it. “I know I’m not going to like this. Can I get a beer?”

  His voice is loud in my ear when he shouts at the bartender. He’s being rude and it’s embarrassing. Digging into my purse, I pull out money for the drinks and extra for a nice tip for letting us cut the line. I take the second cup and decide it’s a sign I need to double-fist to get through this encounter.

  Neil doesn’t move to pay.

  “It’s too crowded in here.” I turn to go, not caring if he follows or disappears.

  “Hold up! I came here to see you, why do you keep walking away from me?”

  I speed up. “I need to meet the girls. We had plans.”

  “I know,” he says. “Your mom told me.”

  I finally understand the meaning of apoplectic.

  When I stop abruptly, he knocks my arm, spilling most of one of my drinks, which further pisses me off. My voice rises into a screech. “She did what?”

  “I flew in earlier this afternoon and took a cab to the spa. You weren’t there.”

  “I had the afternoon off.” And it’s none of your business.

  “Where are you living? Your mom said with Sage, but isn’t she with Lee? I thought they had big plans to go to Cape Town.”

  My steps falter. Too many questions and assumptions are coming out of Neil like we’re catching up after not seeing each other for a couple of weeks. Not him showing up because my mother ratted me out. “What are you doing here? I mean in Snowmass, not literally here at the rodeo. Shouldn’t you be at work in Chicago?”

  “Didn’t your mom tell you I ran into your dad at the country club? We had a great talk, and he gave me some strong advice.”

  “I hope some of his words were about getting your head out of your ass.” I finish the remainder of the half-spilled drink and stack the two cups.

  “Yeah, that was part of it. But he mostly told me what a mistake I made leaving you out here. How disappointed they are in me.”

  I pause to gape at him. “Too late, but I’ll have to tell him thanks.”

  “And then he told me to be a man, come to Aspen, and bring you home.”

  Mentally, I cancel the thank you to my father.

  As I process the statement, I start chuckling. Soon, I’m full out, bent over, wheezing while laughing. When I stand back up, Neil, in his Brooks Brothers’ shirt and khakis, is glancing around to see who’s watching the crazy woman lose her mind.

  “You’re making a scene,” he chastises me through clenched teeth. “Are you drunk?”

  “Oh, boy. You’re funny.” Trying to inhale, I snort, which sends me into another fit of laughing. By the time I can even think about speaking, I’m wiping tears and mascara from under my eyes.

  “People are staring,” he barks under his breath. “What’s wrong with you? Are you willing to throw away five years?”

  “Me?” My voice cracks. “You can’t seriously think you could fly in here to tell me my dad told you to bring me home, and I’d say okay. I’m not a child. I’m a twenty-six-year-old woman. You called quits. You left. There’s nothing but scorched earth left of our relationship.”

  A few people jostle past us, bumping into his shoulder or mine. Kids wearing mini chaps and hats race through the crowd. We’re surrounded by happy people because the rodeo is a happy, magical place. And Neil is ruining it for me.

  He grips my arm, not to the point of bruising, but tighter than expected. “I’ve only been gone for three months, and you’re flirting with anything with a dick? How hard up are you? A random bartender and a cowboy? Did you see that guy’s dirty hands? There’s probably cow shit under his nails. Disgusting.”

  “We don’t even own cattle on the ranch.” Justin grabs Neil’s hand and pulls his fingers back. “But I know bullshit when I see it. Now take your hand off the lady.”

  Chapter 24

  Justin

  I made sure to catch Neil’s eye before they left, letting him know he’s on my territory here. My stomach churns watching Zoe walk away with the tool in the office casual clothes trailing after her. I haven’t been in a fight in years, but I want to clock that arrogant asshole.

  I’m about to follow her when Gentry steps in my path and lectures me about focus. The entire time he speaks about focus, my mind processes what the hell just happened. Takes me five minutes of nodding and giving him half-hearted “yes sirs” before I can escape.

  I know Zoe broke up with the boyfriend after ski season, but she’s never given any indication she’s heartbroken and pining for the ex.

  Unless I’ve missed all the signals.

  Sure, we’re taking things slow, but that’s been mutual. Nothing in my life is rushed, and I certainly don’t believe in hurrying love.

  Sometimes falling in love is slow like a late summer stream. Other times it roars a path of destruction as it crashes and speeds through life. I prefer the first kind. Still wild and free, this love creates a sense of peace and belonging. A sense of home for my soul.

  I kissed her in front of him to prove I could.

  A kiss doesn’t mean she’s mine. Not if her heart belongs to another man.

  I fight the urge to run through the crowd and chase her down.

  She’s not my girlfriend.

  We haven’t gotten that far yet.

  Doesn’t matter. I keep an eye on the corner of the rodeo grounds where I saw Zoe disappear into the bar tent. Even as Gentry continues to talk at me while I do my pre-competition check, my focus returns to the tent. Maybe her girlfriends are in there already. I have zero doubts Mae has Zoe’s back. Same for Mara.

  I’m squatting down by Cisco—checking his hooves and tack—when loud, hysterical laughter echoes from the public areas.

  On the surface, it’s laughter, but beneath there’s an edge of discomfort. Like the sound an animal makes when it’s under attack or in pain.

  I stand up so quickly, I spook Cisco a little. Alert, his ears swivel back and forth while his eyes dart from me to the crowd. Patting his neck, I calm him. “I’m going to go check it out.”

  I follow the laughter through the crowd until I spot Zoe. She’s wiping tears from her eyes. Neil’s grip is tight enough his fingers are making indents on her arm.

  Unacceptable.

&nb
sp; As I jog over to them, I hear him accuse her of slutting around after their break up. If he broke up with her, then it’s none of his damn business.

  When he insults me, I almost laugh.

  “We don’t even have cattle on the ranch.” I lower my voice while I peel his hand off her arm. “But I know bullshit when I see it. Now take your hand off the lady.”

  Zoe laughs. Her normal, beautiful laugh.

  Neil stares at my hand gripping his with disgust.

  “Oops, guess I should’ve washed up.” I point over by the toilet trailers. “I’m sure you can find some hand sanitizer around here somewhere.”

  I don’t even acknowledge his slut shaming comment. If I do, I’ll probably punch him. The trouble isn’t worth it.

  “You okay?” I focus on Zoe. Her mascara is smudged and her cheeks are flushed. Could be from the alcohol or Neil. Maybe both.

  Honestly, it’s none of my business.

  I sure as hell want her to be mine, but this breaks my no complications rule.

  She nods and steps to my side. “Neil showed up unexpectedly tonight.”

  “I’d like some privacy so Zoe and I can continue our conversation. If you don’t mind.” Neil glowers at me.

  “Sadly, I do. If it’s all right with her, I’d prefer to stay. Her call.”

  Neil’s head jerks back, and then his chin points up like a defiant toddler. Or horse.

  Unlike an angry horse, I don’t think he’s going to charge me. Doesn’t mean I’m not prepared to take a hit. My guess is this khaki wearing asshole fights dirty. I remember his type from business school. The Neils of the world are one of the biggest reasons I refuse to work for anyone but family.

  “I’m okay.” Zoe squeezes my hand. “I swear.”

  The speakers crackle and squawk as tonight’s announcers begin their introductions.

  “Looks like it’s showtime.” I’m reluctant to leave her with Neil. “Mara and Mae showing up tonight? I’ll look for you in the stands.”

  I say the words as a reminder she won’t be alone for long with her ex.

  “They should be here soon.” She steps close and gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. Softly, for only me to hear, she whispers, “Thank you. I’m fine.”

  Reluctantly, I head back to the trailer. On the way I pass Jim, the rodeo clown, and stop him. “See the brunette over there? The beautiful one in the gingham shirt and jeans? Can you keep an eye on her for me?”

  “She’s hot. Claiming her early?” He slugs my shoulder.

  “We’ve known each other for a while. The guy with her might start trouble and I want someone to make sure he keeps in line. Or leaves.”

  “Want me to make him leave? A lot of people get freaked out by clowns. I could stare at him. That might work.” Jim grins at me and it’s creepy as fuck.

  “I appreciate it.” With a friendly slap to his back, I continue over to Cisco. Hopefully Gentry hasn’t noticed my absence.

  I ride like shit tonight.

  On the bronco, I barely last my eight seconds. An overcooked spaghetti noodle would have better form than I did.

  Before I know it, I’m off the bull and running for the fence.

  The only thing that goes my way is roping. Even that I almost mess up because when we enter the arena, I’m scanning the crowd for Zoe instead of focused on the calf. After tying off the final knot, I hold up my arm, still unable to spot her.

  “Giving the rest of the guys a shot at a buckle tonight? Feeling generous?” Gentry scowls at me from his spot by the fence.

  “Not in the mood for this.” I shove past him and the cowboys loitering around.

  Jim jogs over to me, his makeup smeared and more hideous. “Your woman left right after you asked me to keep an eye on her.”

  “With the guy she was with earlier?” Unsettled anxiety fills my lungs with a bad feeling.

  “Him, a couple other women and a guy with a beard.”

  At least it sounds like her friends showed up. I hope they were escorting him to the airport to catch the last flight to Denver tonight.

  Knowing I’ve blown my winning streak, I stomp over to my truck and dig my phone out of the center console.

  No messages or missed calls.

  My need to know Zoe’s okay overrules my need to stay out of any drama. I text her, asking if she’s okay.

  Gentry knocks on my window. “You came in second. Time to be gracious.”

  “Always am.”

  Despite Jim telling me she left, I let my gaze wander while we line up for the final time of the night. Distracted, I manage to clap when Dusty claims his winning buckle. He rode well and earned it.

  Once we’re off our horses, I congratulate him. “’Bout damn time you got that thing. I was losing faith you’d ever learn how to stay on a bull for longer than one-Mississippi.” I might be proud of the kid, but I’m still going to give him shit.

  Dusty flashes his teeth in a huge grin. “Won’t be the last time.”

  “We’ll see about that.” I hold out my hand and he shakes it enthusiastically.

  “You gonna join me for a beer to celebrate?”

  “Where you going?”

  “Woody Creek, probably. Show up if you can stay awake. I know it’s almost your bedtime.”

  I want to go and be the last man standing to prove him wrong.

  Back in the truck, I check my phone and there’s a voicemail from Zoe.

  Her shaky voice fills the cab.

  “I’m so sorry. I’m embarrassed about earlier. I had no idea Neil was in town. He decided to fly in and surprise me based on some stupid advice my dad gave him. Oh, right, yeah, apparently, he’s gone out to lunch with my dad at the club. Or they played golf together. I’m not really sure about the details. I do know I’m not going home for Thanksgiving. Or Christmas. Not happening.

  “I wanted to leave you a voicemail because this is a lot to type. And I thought if you heard my voice, there won’t be room for misinterpretation or confusion.”

  I don’t like the sound of that. What could I have to be confused about?

  “I escorted Neil to the airport. He’s gone. Hopefully for good this time.”

  Good. I exhale with relief and unclench my fist.

  “But—”

  She says the words I definitely don’t want to hear.

  Chapter 25

  Zoe

  I’m sitting in the backseat of Mara’s car in the parking lot at the airport with an eye on the entrance. Neil went through those doors with Jesse and I want to make sure only Jesse comes back out again. After Neil’s surprise today, I don’t trust him. Because he’s a stranger to me.

  How does that happen in months after years of being together? Was he always this person and it’s taken some distance to see the truth?

  If he hasn’t changed, this summer I definitely have. Nothing major on paper, but I’ve given myself permission to explore. To be Zoe. Mildly adventurous, definitely curious, reluctantly independent, I’m not the same woman I was earlier this year.

  I thought Neil was my anchor, grounding me. Instead, he was pulling me down, keeping me tethered.

  Thankfully, Mara and Mae showed up at the rodeo, with Jesse as backup. I was about to FaceTime Sage again to reinforce to Neil I have zero desire to ever get back together. I’m not sure how effective her yelling at him from my phone screen would’ve been. Maybe if Lee lurked around in the background flexing muscles or grunting.

  The last flight takes off in five minutes. It’s not even dark yet and the rodeo is probably just starting.

  My mind is still reeling as I sit here, waiting for the jet to taxi down the runway. The whole drive, Neil made his argument while my friends pretended not to be listening. I don’t know who I’m more annoyed at: him or my parents. There’s no way I’m moving back to Chicago. Hell, I don’t want to even visit them. Not for a while.

  A text message chirps on my phone. Justin.

  With a sigh, I rest my head on the back of the front seat.
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  He’s too good to be real. All charm and smarts and kindness and sweet smiles and cocky confidence.

  My stomach twists with unwanted realization.

  Justin’s a wild, untamed fantasy man.

  The cowboy on his horse.

  If I could invent a man opposite of Neil and the comfortable safety of his upwardly mobile dreams, I couldn’t do better than Justin.

  And if I’m all about truth and passion, honesty and self, then I’m not being fair to him. Or me.

  As the jet engine roars, at the far end of the runway, I open the door and tell the girls I’ll be back.

  I want to listen to Justin’s message in privacy. With my finger over his number, I pause until the plane lifts into the sky. Sitting in the quiet lot, I press call.

  My words are rambling and I’m not sure if I’m ever going to get to the point. Or if I have a point.

  Clichés like “it’s not you, it’s me” and “I need time to work on me” float up from my throat and I manage to swallow them before making a complete ass out of myself.

  What I don’t want to say is we’re too different. Or he deserves better. Because even if I’m about as comfortable on a horse as a dog riding a bike, I’m not stupid enough to not want to hold on tight with both hands to a man like Justin.

  “Tonight flipped my world. What I thought was over, dead and buried, apparently has a second life sponsored by my parents. I need some time to process. Some space to expel the ghosts.

  “I can’t go on the trip with you. Not this weekend. It sounds amazing and there’s no one I’d rather be alone in the world with than you. But …”

  Swallowing around the difficult truth of what I need to say, I continue. “It would be easy to continue on like everything is good. You make it so easy to believe life can be simple and good, wild, and free from expectations. With you, it could be right.”

  I pause again, staring at the phone’s counter flip as time passes. “I need a little time.”