All I See Is You

25. Leather

Chapter twenty-five

Leather

Quinn

I was glad we’d been in the shower for Hux’s revelation. The water washed away my tears before Hux could realize I was crying… Hopefully. Hearing him talk about how he’d just been existing before I came around…how I made him want to live again. It broke my heart that he could think so low of himself. He was so wonderful and brave and strong, and I wished he could see himself how I saw him.

Because he was nothing short of amazing.

I’m sure plenty of people might have seen that as a red flag. I could imagine my mom’s mom saying something about how irrational I was being, throwing myself at a broken man, and what did that say if he needed me to feel alive again.

But he wasn’t broken. Not to me.

At least I wouldn’t get any flack from Dad. Him and Georgette had gotten together even quicker than Hux and I.

But I couldn’t say we were actually together. There’d been, like, no defining the relationship or anything like that. Not that I was in any rush to do that. I didn’t need a label; I was perfectly content with what we had going on.

My hair was still a bit damp from the shower, but I found that the humidity here did wonders for my wavy hair. Besides, I wasn’t about to spend close to twenty minutes blow drying it for it to immediately go curly.

I glanced over at Hux as I drove us to the rodeo. He’d found a country station on my radio and hummed along to an older country song. Not gonna lie, I didn’t know who it was, but I wasn’t about to tell him that.

Holy God, he was so damn hot it hurt. His light blue long-sleeve shirt had a peach and navy colored chevron pattern. It was a shame it hid most of his tattoos, but I admired the few on the back of his hand and wrist that peaked from beneath the fabric as he gripped my thigh. The desire thrumming in my ears drowned out everything and made me almost miss more than a couple turns. He’d opted for his straw hat again, while letting me know that summer was officially straw hat season and it would be like this until Labor Day. I didn’t care, I just liked that he looked so good in it.

“So, what can I expect tonight? What all events are there? Do girls rodeo too or is it just men?” I asked hesitantly.

He’d said he wanted to go, but I was terrified to set him off. This was such a monumental moment for him, the last thing I wanted to do was screw it all up.

He gave my thigh a gentle squeeze that just about melted me, and his face turned contemplative. “There’s quite a few events. Two for women in PRCA—breakaway roping and barrel racing.” I’d heard of the last one vaguely, but needed an explanation for the other.

“It’s similar to tie-down roping for men, except the women just have to rope the steer instead of hoppin’ off and tying it down after. Basically, you chase down a calf and rope it. It’s real quick. Them girls are fast.”

“Did you date any…” The words fell away like a whisper on the wind. God, did I sound as pathetic and insecure as I felt? What did it matter if he’d dated one? Well, I mean, I guess if there was the possibility of running into one of his exes it would be helpful to be prepared. Right?

Hux didn’t seem bothered at all. A soft chuckle and another reassuring squeeze came from him before he said, “Don’t worry, Darlin’. I didn’t date any rodeo girls.”

“Oh.” Well, that made me feel a bit lighter. “How come?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Rodeo girls are fuckin’ nuts. Walker says it’s just cuz I could never handle women, but that’s a damn lie.”

I laughed. “So, what about the men’s events?”

He gave me the total run down, from what the rough stock events were and how they were different from the timed ones. Bull riding was apparently a rough stock event, along with saddle bronc and bareback bronc riding. Then you had the timed events, including team roping, steer wrestling, which apparently one of the ranch hands, Brooks competed in. I hadn’t really had the opportunity to interact with much, but he seemed nice enough. A bit shy and bashful. Or was that Wyatt? There was also tie-down roping. That was Travis’ event. Hux even told me about mutton bustin’, what sounded like an adorable, albeit a bit dangerous event for the little kids involving them riding sheep.

I don’t know if he realized it, but the longer he talked the more the tension just washed off of him like mud rinsing away in a rain shower. There was this lightness, this easiness that took over his voice, settled into the marrow of his bones. His harsh features had smoothed out, and the softest whisper of a smile toyed on his mouth.

But hearing him talk about the rodeo was nothing compared to actually seeing him there. It wasn’t a quick, obvious thing. In fact, at first I was worried that we’d made a horrible mistake. He’d gotten ridiculously quiet, his grip on my hand vice-like in its intensity. His breathing was sharp and shallow as he walked at my side, the only sound that of his leather cowboys and my, well, white fashion ones scuffing against the dirt. I was glad I’d opted to wear them even if I was worried I’d stick out like a sore thumb and look like a fraud. I hadn’t expected the rodeo to be outside, which was probably stupid, but I’d never been to one before.

“This is a small rodeo,” Hux clarified when I’d asked. “Not all of ‘em are indoors and in fancy arenas.”

An announcer and loud music blared over the speakers surrounding the place, mentioning something about five minutes until starting. A few stragglers still filed into line behind us as we made our way through the short line.

“Two tickets,” Hux said, fishing out his wallet as we settled before the pay station. I hadn’t even had time to grab for my purse. How had he possibly known we were at the front of the line? Was I just oblivious to my surroundings or was he hyperaware of things now? Probably a bit of both, but the latter seemed to be very true. He was always much more aware of things than me.

“That’ll be twenty-four dollars, sir,” the older woman replied.

“You take card or just cash?” he asked.

“Either, sir.”

He handed her his card, and I watched the moment recognition washed over her. Her eyes lit up, her mouth forming into a shocked “O”. “Well, goodness me. Jack—Jack, get over here! It’s Huxson Lane!”

My heart clenched as every muscle in Hux stiffened. A muscle in his jaw feathered and his grip on my hand tightened a fraction. He was so still, I wondered if he was even breathing.

“I’m so sorry, sir, but my husband’s such a huge fan.”

Oh God. This was going to end poorly. I braced for the…I don’t know what to come, but from Hux’s stance, the stillness, the barely breathing, it couldn’t be good.

“Debby what the he—” The man’s words died on his lips as he took in Hux. “Well, I’ll be damned. You’re—you’re…”

And then Hux surprised the hell out of me. He reached out his free hand and offered it between him and the older man. “Huxson Lane, sir. How’re you doin’ tonight?”

He spoke with such ease, held himself with such confidence it made my heart squeeze. This wasn’t the same gruff, closed-off, bitter cowboy I’d met a week ago, this was someone new. Or old, I guess. Maybe he was both now, but this was like getting a glimpse into the past. Into the man who I’d only seen in interviews and reels. At first I thought it was just a ruse, but as Hux stood there and chatted up the old man and his wife for a couple of minutes before paying for our tickets then making our way toward the grand stands, I realized this wasn’t an act. This was him. The real him.

And God he was beautiful.

The place was packed, and my worries about standing out wearing my cowboy boots were for naught. There were so many more girls in far flashier outfits than my sage green sundress and white cowboy boots. Hux’s hand never left mine as I helped him navigate through the crowd, but honestly, it was more like he was leading me.

Walking through the rodeo grounds had been like walking through a portal or something to an alternate reality or the past.

Hux moved with purpose, confidence, holding his head high. If he was aware of the growing number of hushed whispers, he didn’t let on. Or maybe he just didn’t care anymore. Either way I was proud as hell of him.

We made our way through the throng, stopping for a few minutes as the National Anthem was sung and a red, white, and blue clad cowgirl galloped across the arena on a beautiful pearly white horse while an American flag billowed behind them. Not gonna lie, it was pretty epic to witness. As the song ended and they announced that bareback bronc riding would start in five minutes, we continued on to find Whit or some open seats, whatever we could find at this point.

“Well, shit. They just lettin’ any old rabble in here these days?” An older gentleman scoffed, stepping into our path. His voice was deep and raspy, reminding me of the sound of gravel. He was probably in his mid sixties or so, and handsome, if not a bit rough around the edges.

I rocked back at his harsh tone, but Hux’s lips pulled up into a wide grin as he held out a hand. “Shit. Bad Mooney! Man, it’s been a minute. How’re you, sir?”

The man gripped his hand and shook it hard. A solid handshake. “Doin’ good. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Trust me, that makes two of us, sir.” Hux tugged on my hand gently, pulling me closer to his side. “I wanna introduce you to Quinn. She’s um…” He chewed his lip a moment and my heart thumped as I waited with bated breath for his next words. What did he think we were? “Well, she’s mine.”

Mine .

I bit back a gasp, a chord thrumming to life in my chest at his little admission.

I wondered if he’d even realized the significance of that four letter word. If it meant as much to him as it did to me. Did he remember when we were talking the other day and I told him it’s like my heart woke up and claimed him as mine?

I’m sure some people would see that as another red flag. Him claiming me as his own. But I didn’t see it that way. It felt fitting for us, to be honest.

I squeezed his hand in silent reassurance and smiled at the older cowboy across the way. “Hi, it’s nice to meet you, Mister Mooney, was it?”

He appraised me with a cool, hazel stare, a soft, appreciative grin finally coming to rest on his lips. “Pleasure’s mine, Miss Quinn.” Then he turned to Hux. “Now how’d your ugly mug wind up with someone as beautiful as this girl?”

From the light in his eyes and the smirk I knew he was joking, but his tone was so harsh, so unrelenting and brutal it was hard to remember that. I wondered how they knew each other.

Hux laughed, the sound rich and warm, warmer than I’d ever heard it. “I don’t know. Probably for a similar reason you landed yourself with a gem like Mrs. Mooney. Luck of the draw.”

The man laughed once more, a sudden, deep sound reminding me of the crack of a whip, or a clap of thunder. “Can’t argue with that. Have your parents met her yet?”

Something rippled across Hux’s face at the mention of his parents. It wasn’t as intense as anger or as wistful as sadness. I wanted to say maybe…guilt?

“Not yet,” he replied. “Haven’t had a chance to get back there.” Mr. Mooney nodded and before he could say a word, Hux asked, “Speakin’ of the missus, where is she? I don’t think I remember her ever missin’ one of Cash’s rodeos.”

“She’s back home helpin’ the girls with the kids. It’s a boys’ trip, accordin’ to Cash.”

“Cash settled down and had a kid?” Hux asked, surprise written plainly on his face.

Another bark of laughter fell from the old cowboy. “That’d be the fuckin’ day. Nah, Maverick and Ryder both have kids now. You remember them, right?”

Hux nodded. “Yeah, I remember ‘em. Good for them. Cash still his usual self?”

Mr. Mooney chuckled. “Well, he’s got himself a girl now, believe it or not, but it ain’t gonna last. He ain’t ready, and until he is, he’ll continue chasin’ tail.” He nodded at me. “If you’re smart you won’t let Cash meet her.”

I didn’t know who Cash was, but I gave Hux’s hand a reassuring squeeze once more and leaned in closer to him. I wasn’t going anywhere.

“Don’t let me meet wh—hot damn!” The sound of an unfamiliar voice drew my gaze and I took in the handsome, if not a bit gaudily-dressed cowboy who walked toward us. He was handsome, like, unfairly handsome with a chiseled jaw dusted in a five o' clock shadow beard, cropped, caramel-colored hair, and a physique that must’ve been sculpted by God himself, making the discussion about him earlier make much more sense.

No wonder he had no plans of settling down. He probably could get any girl in this place. Even in his obnoxiously bright pink outfit, complete with rhinestones and all.

His hazel gaze swirled with mischief and temptation as he flashed me a dazzling, lopsided grin. “Well, hello there, sweetheart. Aren’t you just as pretty as a damn present? The name’s Cash. But you can call me Big Daddy.”

I glanced at Hux who fidgeted at my side. Was he nervous? Worried I’d be affected by this guy’s charm? It was odd seeing him anything but the cool, confident cowboy I’d met.

“Thanks for keeping her company, bud,” Cash went on to Hux, his entire being rippling with confidence, “but it’s time for her to take a ride on a real cowboy.” He glanced at me, offering me a wink. “Don’t worry, sweetheart, I don’t buck…much.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Now this guy was a walking red flag. It should be illegal to be that charming and that good looking. But lucky for me, I already had my own hot as hell cowboy, and found him plenty charming.

“Sorry, sweetheart ,” I tossed back with a sugary-sweet voice. “But I don’t consider eight seconds a long ride.” I might not know much about rodeos, but Hux had let me know eight seconds was the magical number when it came to staying on a bull or bucking horse.

The cowboy was unfazed, that smug, perfect grin of his pulling wider on his face. Seriously, how was this guy not a model or something? “Not all my rides are eight seconds, darlin’.”

“Yeah, kid, sometimes you only last four,” Mr. Mooney chimed in, his words cutting to the bone even as a charming smile lit up his handsome features. Looking at him and his son side by side…wow. The Mooneys had some amazing genes.

Hux huffed out a laugh and pulled me tighter into his side as he kissed the top of my head. I glanced up at him, completely ignoring Cash and his father bickering back and forth. As entertaining as that was, seeing Hux so happy and light…it was magnificent. I couldn’t help but wonder why he’d stayed away from the rodeo for so long. Especially when just being here clearly mended some of the shattered parts of his soul.

“Didn’t they just call bareback ridin, dipshit?” Hux asked.

“Yeah,” Bad added, a frown forming on his face. “What the fuck are you doin’ out here? Better yet, what the hell’s wrong with Mav if he let you go?”

Cash brushed his dad off with a dismissive wave. “I need my lucky light.”

My brows furrowed together even as Mr. Mooney growled out some incoherent curse. “What the fuck are you talkin’ about, dumbass?” he managed to get out.

“Well, I like to carry a pack of smokes in my bag to light up right before some of my rides. I’m out, and Mav ain't smokin’ now since Chey had the baby and I figured since Mama ain’t here, you’d be lightin’ up like a damn chimney.”

Seemed like a bit of an over the top pregame ritual if you asked me, but his dad just shrugged and felt around in his chest pocket then both of his back jean pockets. “Fuck,” he all but snarled. “Where the hell did I leave ‘em?”

I bit back a grin at the following string of curses that fell from his lips. And I’d always thought cowboys were the epitome of manners and gentlemanly behavior, but apparently they had the mouths of sailors. It was okay though, I didn’t mind at all.

Hux shifted, his hold on me vanishing as he reached into his back pocket. “Here, I got ya.”

Cash’s grin was luminous as he grabbed the cigar in one hand and clapped Hux on the shoulder with the other. I noted the slight shudder that rippled through Hux, but it did little to dim his own grin. “Well, damn, look at you comin’ in clutch like that? Thanks, man. I’ll let it slide that your girl hurt my pride.” He chuckled, more to himself than anyone else. “I gotta run, but y’all should come out with us tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Hux replied, but Cash was already disappearing through the crowd as the first bareback rider was announced.