Falling Hard

by Sandy Sullivan

  Meanwhile, Levi watched the rest of the riders. Some made the buzzer, others didn’t.

  Break time.

  There was always a break in the action about midway through the listings for the day. Since Levi’s ride was one of the last, he headed for the john. He needed to take a piss bad since he’d drank two full sodas on the way back from the ranch.

  “You ready?” Curt asked, meeting him as he hit the corner of the dressing room

  “In a minute. I’ve got to take a piss before I ride. I’m up third after the break.”

  “All right.”

  Levi went around the corner, past the other riders, and into the backroom where the urinals were located. A couple of other guys were standing around, one washing his hands, while another stood at the urinal to the left. Levi took the one to the right.

  “How is your shoulder, Levi?”

  “Feeling pretty good tonight, Tate. How are you doing?”

  “Good. Ready to ride.”

  “Me too.” As soon as he finished, he washed his hands before heading back out to behind the chutes to strap on his chaps. He wanted to watch the other guys ride while he got ready, so he’d grabbed them from his gear bag after he’d went to the bathroom.

  He stopped near the back of the chutes where his bull rope hung from the gate, and worked his chaps around his legs to strap them on. Next came the buckle around his hips. Chaps kept their legs protected like the vest kept their chest protected. They needed all this gear in case the bull decided to try to gore them. It happened before and lucky for the cowboy, he’d had on protective gear.

  “Next up, Levi Bond.”

  Curt nodded from his position as the spot man when Levi climbed the fence to position himself on the bull. Once he’d lowered his body onto the back of the two-thousand pound animal, the contractor secured the bull rope around the bull’s chest, before handing the slack off to the guy next to him to tighten it. Levi wound the end around his hand, pulling it tight across his palm. He pounded on his fingers to help his grip, yanked his chaps up out of his way, and nodded for the gate keeper to release the bull.

  Time stopped.

  The bull jumped straight up, landing on all fours with a teeth-jarring, ear-ringing bounce before doing it again. Holy shit!

  He whipped to the right, into Levi’s riding hand, spinning in circles a few times as he kicked straight out behind him.

  The buzzer sounded. He’d done it!

  He released his hand from the rope before jumping clear of the kicking bull. He glanced up to see what his score was. Eighty-nine point two four. He’d even received a good score although it didn’t put him in first place. He was in third with Curt in fourth. They would be bucking in the final round, which meant as long as they went for eight in the final go round, they both might gain on the leaders. Those numbers meant everything at this stage of the game. If the guys who were hanging onto those last remaining spots in the final thirty-five didn’t finish both rides this weekend, they would gain ground.

  Several of the other riders didn’t get a qualifying ride in round one, but would have a chance to ride again in round two. The top fifteen scores would advance to the championship round. Both he and Curt would have to qualify in round two if they wanted that world championship run.

  Curt met him at the back of the chutes. “You did great.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I believe you’re third right now, but the scores are so close, it doesn’t make much difference.”

  “Yeah, that bull was crazy. Did you see that jump? I nearly cracked a tooth with the bone-jarring plant he did.”

  “I saw it. I wondered if he rattled your bones with that one.”

  “He sure did.”

  “Ready for round two?”

  “Yeah. I hope the bull I got this time is good. I haven’t heard of him before.”

  “How is your shoulder holding up?”

  He held the shoulder and rotated it around twice. “Fine. It felt good on the ride.”

  “That’s great.” Curt slapped him on the left shoulder. “Are we going to check out the bar after the event tonight? It’ll be kind of late when we get done since this one didn’t start until eight.”

  “I’m game if you are. I could use a beer after that ride.”

  “I can imagine so.”

  They climbed up on the back of the chutes to watch the last rider. Rusty Arnold was the reigning world champion and he also held the top spot in the standings this year. All of the top riders were within a few hundred points of each other, so it was still anyone’s game this year.

  Rusty drew a bull that only five riders had ever ridden in this round. He’d managed to best the beast a few years before with a score of ninety-two point five. This match up was important. If he rode this bull for the full eight, he would be in the second round with a great shot of hitting the final round. If he won for the weekend, he’d be almost unstoppable in the world championships.

  Levi held his breath as Rusty gave the nod. The bull came straight out, charging one of the bull fighters first, kicking his feet out behind him as he bucked hard. Rusty held on, his right hand waving like a flag as he moved with the bull each time it changed direction. It was no wonder Rusty was the world champion. He made it look like child’s play.

  When the buzzer sounded, the crowd went wild. Rusty pulled his rope, but his hand was hung up in the grip. He’d tied a suicide wrap, the stupid bastard.

  As the bull continued to buck, Rusty was flung side to side like a ragdoll. His hat went flying. His legs swung back and forth as if there were no bones in them.

  Everyone heard a snap as the bull stepped on his lower leg when the bull fighters had finally managed to get him loose, but not out of danger.

  Shit. He may be out for the season.

  No one wished injury on the other riders, not even to further their own career.

  “Did you hear that?” Curt asked.

  “Yeah. I think the bull stepped on him and snapped his leg in two.”

  “Holy shit. That could cost him the season.”

  “Yeah, I know.”

  While the medical team came out to tend to Rusty, his score flashed on the board. Ninety point zero. It was a hell of a score, but at what cost? They wouldn’t know until the doctor had a chance to look at him.

  To his credit, Rusty waved from the stretcher, indicating he was conscious and doing okay for the moment. Bull riders were a tough breed. He would more than likely be out at least for a few weeks.

  After the ground was clear, they resumed riding, getting the second go round under way. The final round would happen tomorrow with the top fifteen riders going into the championship for the weekend.

  Levi was on a roll. He just hoped he could maintain his momentum and keep his streak alive.

  The beginning of round two saw him draw one of the toughest bulls on the circuit, the one who had dislocated his shoulder the week before. Mr. Tough. He hoped he could do it again for another good score without injuring himself. He couldn’t afford to get hurt again, otherwise he would be in the same boat as Rusty, possibly out for the season.

  When it came his turn to ride, he slid into position on the back of the bull, wrapped his hand, and gave the nod.

  The world exploded in two thousand pounds of mean bull.

  Levi did everything he could to stay on for the required eight seconds. It wasn’t a pretty ride, but it would do.

  The buzzer sounded.

  He released his hand and jumped clear. When he saw his score, he pumped his fists in the air to celebrate. He was in first place.

  Curt had already ridden and managed to ride to the buzzer, giving him a combined score just below Levi’s. They were number one and number two for the weekend, two of several competitors to ride their bulls in the second round to advance to the final. If he won this weekend, he might even manage to catapult himself into a good standing in the world championship race.

  After grabbing his bull rope from the bull fig
hters, he headed for the exit. He walked around the back of the chutes to be met by several of the other riders. One in particular, he’d always found attractive, but he didn’t know which way the guy swung so he never approached him.

  Butch slapped him on the left shoulder. “Hey, Levi. That was a fantastic ride.”

  “Thanks, Butch. Sorry you didn’t qualify this weekend.”

  “No matter. It happens. I’m still in the races so I’m happy.” Butch tipped his hat back on his head. “Did you go home this weekend? I know you’re from somewhere not too far.”

  “Yeah. I spent a couple of days on my place before coming back in this afternoon. It’s only a little over an hour home from here.”

  “Wow. That’s great.” Butch looked down at the tips of his boots. “Did Curt go with you? I know you two caravanned into this event.”

  “Yeah. He helped me out at my place.”

  He glanced back up to catch Levi’s gaze. “Cool. I hear you two are rooming together.”

  “That’s the plan. We both need to cut back on expenses.”

  “I know the feeling. I was looking for someone to room with too.”

  Levi itched his leg, before reaching down to unhook the buckle on his chaps. “Sorry if you were thinking of asking Curt.”

  “Actually, I was thinking of asking you.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yeah.” Butch leaned closer. “I’d like to talk to you about something.”

  “What’s that?”

  Butch’s gaze shifted around to several of the other riders within earshot. “Not here. Too many ears.”

  Curiosity got the best of him. “Okay.”

  “Meet me at the bar later? We can chat in the corner where our conversation will be drowned out by all the other noise around.”

  “Sure.”

  “Great. See you there.” Butch disappeared down the hallway toward the locker rooms.

  Levi shrugged. Weird. His gaze caught Curt’s from where he stood against the chutes. Curt’s eyes narrowed slightly. I wonder what that look is for.

  Several other riders came over to congratulate him on his ride as he unhooked his chaps the rest of the way, making him feel great. He liked being on the top, figuratively.

  During sex, he liked being on the bottom, although the top was good sometimes too. Lucky for him, Curt seemed to prefer the dominate position in their relationship. Curt sidled over with that slow, hip swinging walk of his. Levi’s mouth watered as he watched the approach. Curt’s cock was outlined by his jeans where it laid against his pelvis. Levi had never noticed before they’d become lovers, but Curt had an impressive cock.

  “What did Butch want?”

  “I don’t know. He said he wanted to talk to me about something, but mostly he was congratulating me on the ride.”

  “You did well. Great score.”

  “Thanks.” Levi wrapped his chaps up in a roll. He needed to get his gear bag from the locker room. “You ready to go back to the hotel?”

  “Yeah.”

  They headed for the back room together. “Your ride was text book.”

  “I did make it look easy this round.”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “Too bad about Rusty.”

  “What did you hear?”

  “He’ll be out for at least a couple of weeks. They don’t think he’ll be back for the season, more than likely. The break was a bad one.”

  “Wow. He’ll lose his chance to get back to back championships this year.”

  Levi headed for the corner of the locker room where his bag lay open. He stuffed his chaps inside, zipped it up, and flung it over his good shoulder. Curt grabbed his from nearby before they headed out toward the parking lot.

  Several fans lined the ropes.

  “Levi!”

  He turned to see a twenty-something brunette holding a marker. “Can you sign my bag for me?”

  “Sure.”

  She was kind of pretty with her hair hanging down in long, flowing curls around her face, big green eyes, a pretty mouth lined with red lipstick, and a top that emphasized her breasts. Too bad she wasn’t his type. Curt might like her though.

  “Curt, will you sign it too, please?”

  “Of course, darlin’.”

  The girl nearly melted on the pavement as she giggled.

  Some of the other riders came out behind them. The fans cheered as each rider spent time with them for pictures and autographs. This was part of being a rider. He loved it. The part of being with the fans made it all worthwhile in his book.

  As they made their way toward the end of the crowd, Levi caught Curt’s gaze as he tipped his head to the side indicating they should make a break for the truck. The hotel wasn’t far, but he wanted to go back to the room to take a shower before they went to the bar for a couple of beers.

  His throat felt parched from the dust and dirt of the arena, one of the hazards of being a bull rider. He knew he had a brown coating of grime on his clothes. Clean jeans, a nice button down shirt and dusty boots made the women go crazy. He laughed. Totally not what he was after.

  He glanced at Curt as they walked to the truck. I wonder if there is time for a quick fuck?

  When they’d both slid into the cab of his truck, he turned the engine over before pulling out of the parking lot.

  “I need a shower before we go to the bar.”

  “Yeah, me too. This dirt is making my skin itch.”

  Curt looked relaxed sitting in the seat beside him, but Levi got the impression he was strung tight for some reason. Maybe it was the way his fist lay clenched on his thigh. Maybe it was the slow tick in his jaw or the narrowing of his eyes as he glanced around.

  Silence hung thick in the air between them on the short ride to the hotel. Levi didn’t know what he’d done wrong, but apparently Curt was pissed about something.

  Chapter Ten

  They made their way into the hotel with their gear bags slung over their shoulders. The key card in hand, Levi opened the door, walked inside, and dropped his bag on the floor near the dresser. Before he could take a breath, Curt slammed him up against the wall with enough force to make him grunt, crushed his mouth against Levi’s, and pushed his tongue between Levi’s lips. The demanding way he took control, shoved Levi’s libido through the ceiling.

  He grabbed Curt’s shirt in his fists and ripped the middle in two, sending buttons flying in every direction. The warmth of Curt’s skin beneath his fingers made them tingle.

  Curt pulled his mouth from Levi’s before skimming his lips over his jaw, down his neck, reaching his shoulder in the next breath. Through his shirt, Curt bit into his shoulder. The sensation sent desire zinging down his back, straight to his cock.

  “Fuck.”

  “Yeah, we are.”

  Curt tossed his shirt onto the bed as Levi worked the buttons on his own, so he could pull it off. Curt got his belt off, unbuttoned his pants, and shoved them to the floor.

  Within seconds, they both stood naked in front of each other.

  “Over the bed and spread those cheeks. I’ll get the lube.”

  Levi bent over the bed, spread his legs, and put one hand on each ass cheek to open his hole for Curt’s invasion. This was going to be fast, furious, and fun. The cold dollop of the lube made his hole contract.

  Anticipation had him shivering in need.

  Curt positioned his cock with the head against Levi and pushed forcibly until he was totally inside, pelvis to ass.

  “I’m gonna ride you hard.”

  “Good.”

  Curt pulled out and shoved back in. Sex with him was never boring. They had this connection of loving everything about fucking whether it be hard and fast like this one or slow and methodical like earlier this morning before they left his home. Sweet lovemaking could be good in its own way, but Levi liked this the best.

  The sweet burn of penetration eased as the slow build of orgasm took its place. He hoped Curt would allow him to come before he finished himself. H
e would be in so much pain if he made him wait.

  “Oh God.”

  “Fuck yeah.”

  The hard pounding drove Levi face first into the bed. Curt fisted his hair as he continued to slam into him at a furious pace. His cock hurt, his balls ached, and he needed to come so badly, he was seeing stars behind his eyes. “I need to come.”

  “Not yet.”

  “You’re killing me.”

  “But what a way to die, my friend.”

  The rough fuck had him moaning his pleasure as he held off his orgasm by biting his lip. When the sensations became too much, he begged, he pleaded, and he cursed the man behind him. “Damn it, Curt. I need to come.”

  “I’m there, buddy. Come now.”

  Levi exploded as cum shot over the comforter beneath him. They would have to wash it off, he supposed, but right now he didn’t care. Satisfaction rippled through him as Curt jettisoned his own cum into his ass. When Curt shuddered behind him, he knew the other man had found his own pleasure.

  The weight of Curt against his back felt like heaven. He liked having the bulk on his. It made him feel like they had a connection no one would be able to break.

  As Curt removed his cock, Levi moaned. The loss of the contact left him feeling a little lost.

  A hardy slap to his right butt cheek brought him up off the bed as he flipped over onto his back. “What the hell?”

  A smile played on Curt’s lips. “We need to get moving. I thought you might require a little motivation.”

  “Motivation for what?”

  “A beer and some nachos or something. I’m hungry.”

  Levi fell back on the bed, his arms out to the sides. “I think I’ll stay here and sleep.”

  “No you won’t. We are going out. Get your happy ass up.”

  “Fine.” Levi didn’t move.

  “Now, buddy.”

  “What’s your hurry?”

  “Food.”

  “All right.” Levi stood and reached for his duffle bag with his clean clothes. “I’m going to take a shower first. You might want to wipe the cum from the comforter.”