Page 93 of Sweet Madness
As the crowd roars, I lock eyes with Shaw, a million unspoken emotions passing between us in that fleeting moment of connection. In his gaze, I see a million emotions but one that makes the air slip from my lungs is… adoration. He looks at me the same way I looked at him. Could it be?
At that moment with his gaze fixed on me, while he expertly maneuvers the horse, it feels as though he can hear me cheering amidst the noise, sensing my unwavering support.
“Wohoooo!” I scream louder with the biggest smile on my face not caring if people around me think I was crazy. I was… crazy about that man. “You go, Shaw Bear!”
His brown eyes stay fixed on mine as we share a look that transcends the chaos of the arena. In this moment we create our own little private galaxy amidst the rodeo’s excitement. But all too soon, the moment had to end.
With a nod and a last glance filled with unspoken promises, he turns back to the task at hand. I watch Shaw go, my heart swelling with pride and admiration for the man who had captivated me with his big heart and admirable strength.
As he navigates the arena one last time, his figure becomes smaller in the distance, yet the imprint of our shared gaze lingers in my mind and heart.
Soon after the winner is announced.
I scream and howl louder.
Sha won.
I had no doubt in mind that he would.
The man is made of gold and steel. He can do anything he set his mind to.
I was coming to realize he was everything hard and soft.
Rigid and pliant.
Rough and tender.
So beautifully multifaceted.
Each imperfectly perfect, layered surface coming together to create this amazing and beautiful man.
When he was done he make his way toward me ignoring the crowd congratulating including the man who challenged him earlier. He walks toward me with a look of desire and dare I say something more in his eyes.
Once he is standing before me, he takes my face in his large palm and rests his forehead against mine. “You’re real.” He says it as if convincing himself that I am.
Breathing him in, I whisper back, “I’m real and so is this.” I tap his chest where his heart is. He knows what I am referring to. I don’t need to utter the words.
Shaw leans forward and presses a painfully slow kiss to my lips making me moan aloud, desire coursing through my body and heat making me pussy throb for him.
Too quickly he breaks the kiss, to stare into my eyes. Grinning, at my reaction he says, “That’s my good girl.”
Later in the evening Ella and I wander hand in hand through a maze of colorful, lighted tents and bustling crowds. The air is alive with the twang of country music, drifting from a makeshift stage where a lively band plays under strings of glowing lights.
It has been a long time since I last participated in any of this town’s events. After Ma died I stopped caring about anything other than the ranch. My life was what was left of her legacy and my purpose was to keep it afloat as if somehow it meant keeping my mother’s memory alive.
“This is just like the movies,” My girl whispers as she takes in everything with shining eyes.
“What is?” I mumble while holding onto her hand tighter as we walk by a tent where they’re selling fried foods.
“This rodeo! This town!” She turns and looks up at me beaming. Fuck, so pretty. “I used to watch romantic comedies with my sisters when we were little while we stayed at my Aunt Mila’s home. Most of the movies took place in charming small towns and the heroine always fell for the rugged and grumpy hero.”
I snort. “Is that so?”
“Yup.” She nods with a grin on her face.
“This is not a movie, princess.”
“I know,” her eyes soften and her smile widens. “This is better.”