Free You're Always in the Last Place You Look by T.N. Gates Page A

going to be mighty hard to take. The next two teams missed a catch, and the third broke the barrier with the heeler only catching one leg. We glanced at each other, a hint of a smile working between us. As Dad would have said; there was still a lot of roping left.
    The missed opportunities continued over the next few teams. As they were re-tying another broken barrier Zane climbed up, settling himself on the fence on the other side of AJ. I tried really hard not to look at him. Really hard. Anxiety rooted inside me, growing into tension as I watched the next three teams go. Tye bumped my shoulder as another header missed his second loop.
    “That’s good for you isn’t it?” Zane asked.
    I glanced at him, but he was looking down into the run-in. I couldn’t see his expression through his hair. “Sucks for them though,” I said turning my attention back to the arena.
    Only it didn’t stay there. Like a magnet, Zane kept drawing my attention, and I knew he was watching me. I could feel his gaze touching me. I wanted to shove him off the fence. I wanted to ask him what the hell he had been doing with me this morning. I wanted to demand if he was really gay, or just playing with me. But most of all I wanted to pin him down, and get that first kiss out of the way so I’d finally have the divining answer to the biggest question of my life.
    AJ shoved my back with his nose, sending me face first into the fence on the other side of the run-in. Tye jumped down, picking me up out of the cow slop. I jerked away and shook my head, trying to dislodge the ringing in my ears. My lower pants legs were now green, not to mention I stunk. I grabbed for the rail to hoist myself up, too embarrassed to even glance Zane’s way.
    “Whoa. Hold on.” Tye turned my face into the sun, and cringed. “You got a little cut, and probably a nasty lump.” He reached towards my temple.
    “Ow!” I winced as he pulled out a large sliver of wood then let it fall from his fingers. Hearty cheering had us both turning to the clock on the announcer’s booth. Eleven-two clean. I shrugged, Tye shrugged back. It would have been a crummy way to have won. Third or fourth was a much more satisfactory placing with our penalty.
    Tye helped me back onto the rail. Once seated, I rubbed AJ’s forehead to show him I wasn’t mad. He relaxed, quitting his soft snorting, and cocking a back foot.
    Tye grabbed me around the neck, pulling me against him. “You look about ready to breakdown again, and that’s not like you.” He glanced past me to Zane, who was watching out of the corner of his eye. “I’ve known you a long time...if you need to talk—or just a shoulder,” he leaned in close, “I’m more open minded than you think.” Tye gave me a knowing look.
    Was I really that transparent? I hung my head, not sure if I was ashamed or just wrung out. He kept his arm around my shoulders, practically forcing me to lean against him. Finally I gave in, resting my aching head on his shoulder. It was nice until he ruffled my hair like I was a little kid.
    Somewhere during this exchange Zane disappeared. And even though I had all but ignored him, a weighty sigh escaped. Tye bumped my shoulder again, and I leaned back against him, glad he was there.
    We finished third when all was said and done. Not a bad haul actually. The winnings would cover my costs for the next two rodeos. It had been my father’s idea that any money I won be used to pay my entries, and I hadn’t argued, knowing rodeo wasn’t a cheap sport.
    After changing clothes, I cleaned up the kitchen. Once everything was secure, I went to put the couch back in order. When I pulled the blanket off something hit my foot. Zane’s phone. I looked out the window, and saw the empty space where Chuck’s trailer had been. I’d give it back to him in class. After that? I really didn’t know. It had never been this complicated with a girl. Take her on a date then fight her off until she broke up with