Chapter 33

"Hey, Isobel," Fancy's voice came through the phone as she answered.

"Hi, Jules! How have you been?"

"I'm doing well. What's new with you?"

"Well, you remember Ryder, right?"

"Of course, I do."

"He told me he loves me."

"Oh, Isobel! That's wonderful news. Tell me everything."

Isobel eagerly shared details about her dinner with Ryder, his heartfelt journal entry, and the moment they exchanged those precious words.

"He sounds incredible, Isobel. This is so thrilling!"

"I need to tell mom and dad," Isobel admitted, her voice tinged with anxiety.

"Yes, you should. When are you planning on doing that?"

"I'm not sure yet. Soon. What do you think dad will say when he learns about Ryder's job?"

"I'm not sure, Isobel. You've never dated anyone quite like him before. I doubt dad will be thrilled, but remember it's your life. Don't let him discourage you."

"Okay. I really want you to meet him."

"I'd love that too. Let's plan a trip soon. I'll talk to Bill and see if he can get some time off."

"That would be amazing, Jules. I miss you."

"I miss you too. We'll talk again soon."

"Goodbye, Fancy."

Isobel sat alone in her seat, eagerly awaiting Bella Rose's turn at the barrels. When they announced her name, Isobel straightened up, mentally urging Rose to win. 

Bella Rose and Samson executed a flawless pattern, finishing with an impressive time of 14.95, propelling her into second place with seven competitors remaining. By the end, Rose secured third place. 

When she rejoined Isobel in the stands, Isobel leaped up and enveloped her in a hug. "Congratulations. That was amazing."

"Thanks, Isobel. Samson was fantastic tonight," Rose replied.

The duo then watched as the bull riders took their turns, with less than half managing to stay on for the full eight seconds. 

Ryder's turn came next, causing Isobel's heart to race with a mix of excitement and fear. She gripped Rose's hand tightly. Ryder nodded as the gate swung open, and the bull erupted into action. For a brief moment, Ryder lost his balance but quickly regained it, riding the bull through to the buzzer. He dismounted, hit the ground rolling, and stood up just as the bull disappeared behind the gate. 

"Hayes has scored an 89! He's on fire and now leads first place; he'll be tough to beat!" announced the commentator.

Isobel and Rose joined the crowd in clapping and cheering loudly. Ryder looked up into the stands and swiftly found Isobel. He kissed his fingers and pointed towards her, causing several fans in front of them to look back to see who he was acknowledging. Isobel smiled warmly as her cheeks turned slightly red.

Three riders later, it was Wren's turn. Ryder stood beside him while Wren prepared his bull rope, wrapping it securely around his hand.

The bull exploded out of the chute with more intensity than Ryder's had shown, but Wren held on tightly, only releasing after hearing the buzzer.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I thought Hayes had it tonight, but Coulter just topped him with a score of 93!"

The crowd erupted in wild applause and cheers as Rose and Isobel joined in enthusiastically, celebrating Wren's triumphant ride.

After a quick bite to eat, the group strolled across the parking lot towards their trailers; Ryder and Isobel walked hand in hand, while Bella Rose linked arms with Wren.

"This has been an amazing night, guys," Wren said as they approached the trailers.

"Absolutely, brother." Ryder patted Wren on the back. "Congratulations."

"Sorry for nudging you out of first place."

"Wren, never apologize for that. There's no one I'd rather lose to than you." Ryder pulled Wren's head sideways and planted a kiss on the top of it.

"Love you, man," Wren said as laughter erupted among all four of them.

Wren and Bella Rose vanished into her trailer, leaving Ryder and Isobel standing outside somewhat awkwardly.

"Want to come inside for a bit?"

Isobel smiled and nodded.

Ryder opened the door and waited as Isobel stepped into the trailer. Once inside, he gently pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. He bent down to kiss her neck as she tilted her head to give him better access.

Ryder trailed kisses up her neck and along her jawline, ending on her lips. He kissed her softly, savoring the taste of her and feeling the electric energy that surged through him with each touch and kiss—an energy that intensified with every moment.

He paused to gaze at her, running his fingers along her face and jawline. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"I wish you could stay here with me tonight."

"I can't, Ryder."

"No, not like that. Like the other night on the couch. I've never slept so soundly as I did with you by my side."

"Okay."

"Really?" Ryder's face lit up with excitement.

"Yes, Ryder," she giggled. "Okay. I'll go let Rose know and grab a change of clothes. Be right back."

Isobel stepped outside and closed the door behind her. Ryder swiftly changed his clothes, scrubbing off the dust and splashing some cologne on before brushing his teeth. He returned to the couch, waiting for her.

A knock sounded, and Isobel entered at Rose's invitation.

"Come in," called Rose.

As Isobel stepped inside, she saw Wren and Rose cozied up on the small couch.

"Wren, could you step outside for a moment? I need to change," Isobel asked.

"Of course, no problem." Wren planted a quick kiss on Bella Rose before standing up and leaving the room, giving them privacy.

"I'm staying with Ryder tonight if that's okay," Isobel said.

"What?! Naturally, it's okay. Are you two finally going to..." Rose started.

Isobel cut her off, "No, Rose. Just sleeping. That's all." She slipped off her jeans and put on a pair of shorts. "Will you be alright with Wren staying here?"

"Absolutely, we'll be fine." Rose responded with a mischievous grin.

"Wait, have you two...?"

"Yes," Bella Rose's grin widened into a smile.

"When?"

"He stayed over a few nights this past week and... well, you know."

"No, I don't know but I get it," Isobel said with a smirk. "So...have you guys exchanged 'I love yous'?"

"Wren said it first about a month ago. What about you and Ryder?" Rose tilted her head inquisitively. "I see the way you two look at each other."

"He told me he loved me just a few days ago."

Bella Rose squealed with joy and leaped up to hug Isobel. "I'm so happy for you! This is wonderful news."

Isobel finished changing and tossed her hair into a bun as she headed back to Ryder's trailer. He held the door open as she ascended the steps.

Ryder's eyes followed her movements as she made her way toward the couch.

Isobel turned to see him staring at her. "What is it?"

"You look nice."

"In this? Just shorts and a tee."

"Yes. You look relaxed, comfortable."

Ryder had changed into jogging pants and a gray tee. He approached her and gave her a swift kiss on the lips. "Ready to go to bed?"

Isobel nodded, her nerves showing.

She climbed up onto the bed, with Ryder following closely behind. As she settled in and laid down, she noticed another TV at the foot of the bed.

"Another one?"

"Yep. Feel like watching something?"

"Sure."

Ryder opened one of the cabinet doors and retrieved the remote. "What do you want to watch?"

"I don't mind. You pick this time."

Ryder flipped through channels before settling on Fool's Gold featuring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. He set the remote aside and slid his arm around Isobel. She moved closer to him, resting her arm on his chest and inhaling his cologne.

Ryder tilted her chin up to face him and kissed her softly. "I love you. And just in case you fall asleep during the movie again, good night," he teased.

"I love you too. Good night."

As they watched the film, Ryder held her close. Both drifted off before it was halfway through.