Riding to Win - LoveFest Entry 3

[madbottoms]

Title: Riding to Win

Author: Sandy (madaboutms)

Pairing: Jack/Ennis

Story Type: AU, one shot

Warnings/Rating: NC17, m/m sexual situations, sap :o)

Summary: Jack & Ennis are competing at a Rodeo and more than ribbons are won.

Word Count: 5884

Feedback: Yes please!

A/N: This is my third entry for Sienata and Lola's little LoveFest. I'm dedicating this fic to these two wonderful and inspiring ladies. Thanks to my beta Jodi once again who likes likes to spew red and blue all over my fics. I also want to say thank you to all those who have given me such wonderful feedback and made me want to continue writing in this fandom. You guys rock! Because I have added some graphics with my fic the post was a little too big so I have split it into two posts. Just follow the link at the bottom of this page. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: They’re not mine. Just havin’ some fun with ‘em for a while.

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Week long rodeo's were a bitch, but the prize money was mighty promising. Triple the amount of the usual weekend event would tempt any cowboy worth his hat. The drawbacks were aching muscles and crawling to bed in the early morning hours, only to get up a few hours later, and start all over again - six days in a row instead of two or three.

 

As he exited the hallway, Jack Twist surveyed the lobby of the sprawling ranch house, with its plush decorations and couldn’t help but think how gaudy it looked in the daylight, like someone had just spewed out one of those tacky shabby chic magazines. Mismatched pieces of furniture, placed almost haphazardly around the lobby and half-finished ornaments on tables were someone’s idea of fashionable. To Jack, it just looked unfinished and ugly. Jack admired beauty and this sight made him feel sick. He liked to be awed and what he was faced with was more than overwhelming… it was just plain hideous.

 

How he let the organisers make him agree to stay here was something he regretted. As the winner of the previous year’s Rodeo, he was put up in one of the ‘finest’ dude ranches just outside of Dallas and that was the only redeeming thing about the situation. He didn't have to fork out the cash for his stay here. It was as pricey as it was ugly, but he had to admit the scenery outside was inspiring, and most importantly, the bed was soft.

 

Rolling his eyes once again at a particularly foul looking piece of furniture, he headed for the exit. With his attention on the ugliness around him, he was not paying attention to where he was going and collided with someone.

 

Talk about awe-inspiring views! Looking deep into the eyes of the sexy cowboy scant inches away, he blushed, realizing he was still invading the man's personal space "Pardon. I wasn't watching where my boots were takin' me, Friend."  After a few more seconds, he recognized the man as the one he was almost neck-in-neck with in points.  He had seen him several times in passing and admired his abililty in a saddle, but up close, he was devastating to Jack's senses. "Ennis, right? I'm Jack, and it's sure a pleasure to meet you."

 

Ennis nodded, and stepped back, belatedly remembering his manners. "Yep. You, too." He thrust his hand out, and watched as Jack grinned widely and returned the handshake, shaking it longer than was polite.

 

Jack was pleasantly surprised to see Ennis at the Ranch, knowing that most of the other riders usually stayed at the cheaper motels near the fairground.

 

“You’re the one giving me a run for my money,” Jack said good-naturedly. “Bustin’ my butt to keep up with you.” It was true. Ennis was making him work harder than he had in a long time. The last two years he’d been able to hold his own with not too much competition about. But it seemed that this time fate had something else in store for him. A chance to mix business with pleasure.

 

He gestured for Ennis to precede him outside, then stood on the porch, taking in the beautiful morning. “You heading to the fairgrounds? We could ride in together, maybe swap some rodeo stories...” Jack trailed off, noticing the almost dreamy expression on Ennis' face.

 

The other man shook his head, and explained, “Gotta see to my horse first, and the trailer needs to come with me. I noticed you didn't bring your own animals with you.” Ennis mumbled. His faced flushed red as his brain caught up with his mouth, realizing he let Jack know he’d been watching him.

 

Jack just smiled, not wanting to embarrass the man further by acknowledging his slip. Ennis had been keeping tabs on him it seemed. “No, I left them at the fairground last night. Had a party to go to, so it wasn't practical to bring them back with me.” He rocked back on his heels, glancing around at the bustle in the ranch yard, then looked straight into Ennis' eyes. “Wanna get a drink later? Maybe swap some stories then?”

 

Not wanting to let the opportunity pass, and thinking he could make up for any rudeness, he nodded. “Yeah, I do. But if you beat me again today, you're buying, Rodeo.”

 

----

 

The day went well for both of them. And there were still only a couple of points between them. Both scored points in the calf roping and both had managed to stay on for eight seconds. Although Jack’s ride was a might more rough than his new friend's and he had some lovely bruises to show for it. But Jack wasn’t complaining. This is what he did best and he loved it.

 

Jack had watched Ennis ride that day and couldn’t take his eyes off him. He was a sight up there rough-necking it with that ferocious creature, snorting furiously, trying to get this intruder off his back. But the cowboy held on tight for that elusive eight seconds before jumping off to cheers from the crowd as the rodeo clowns distracted the beast.

 

Having no time to congratulate Ennis, Jack climbed on his own ride as it bucked wildly in the stall before being released to dance madly in the arena, trying its darn best to throw its rider off. Jack felt like he was king of the world when he was out there, like no one could touch him. When he heard the buzzer, he whipped off the bull and stood waving to the crowd when he spotted Ennis. His breath caught at the image of Ennis sitting on the rail, dirt across his face but his smile shining through. He waved his hat and smiled, his eyes never leaving the sinewy cowboy staring right back.

 

Slowly the awareness of the crowd cheering came back to him and he acknowledged their presence, waving as he left the arena floor to go soothe his aching body. As he came through the, barriers he looked for Ennis again but he was nowhere to be seen. Disappointment etched on Jack’s face. He wanted to see him, talk to him. Their meeting that morning was too short and he wanted to remedy that.

 

He searched through the stalls hoping to catch the man but no luck. The disappointment increasing, Jack went to the shower block and got cleaned up before heading back to the Ranch. Maybe luck would have them run into each other at the Homestead. As he was leaving, some fellow riders managed to drag him along to the local bar where most of the rodeo cowboys drank each night. The bar was full of people drinking and dancing and having a good old time. All Jack could think about was Ennis.

 

Jack sat at the bar nursing his second whiskey when he heard a couple of the fellas greeting another. “Well, hey there, del Mar, come and have a drink with us.”

 

“Sure enough,” Ennis replied.

 

At hearing the name, Jack perked up and turned to see the very object of his current melancholy. He sure was a sight.

 

A drink was placed in Ennis’ hand and he was slapped on the back a few times, the other riders congratulating him on a good day before the group went back to their discussion.

 

“Nice to see you again, Ennis.” Jack greeted with a smile, holding his hand out to his competition, while his eyes searched the man's face, but for what...he just wasn't sure. Ennis was a hard man to read. The mixed signs he received this morning were confusing to say the least but he was determined to find out exactly what they meant.

 

“You, too. Great riding today, bud.”

 

“Same to you. You sure had a good handle on that bull today. You’re a natural, you know.” It was true. Jack had seen many riders who had trained hard to be where they were today but Ennis looked so easy up there, like he was born for it. Just like Jack had been. His momma had told him so and he believed her.

 

“Mm…don’t know about that, I just get on ‘em and ride.”

 

“That’s exactly what I mean. You don’t need to think, you just do what comes naturally. Not many of us out there these days.”

 

“Pretty high opinion of yourself there, Twist.” Ennis smirked.

 

“Hey, can’t help it if I’m the best,” Jack stated with a lopsided grin. Jack knew he was being cocky but he was one of the best and he was proud of it.

 

“I’m beginning to see that,” Ennis offered.

 

“Are you now? Planning on doing anything about that, Mr del Mar?”

 

“I might.” Ennis teased with a grin.

 

Was Ennis flirting with him? It sure seemed that way. Jack was feeling all giddy inside and he mentally slapped himself to pull it together. He’d learned he needed to be careful in situations like this and not jump the gun too quick. But he was feeling something from Ennis. He was sure there was something there. During their brief meeting that morning he had felt it too, and the smile he witnessed at the arena… well, he was pretty confident that something was there.

 

“Say Ennis, I haven’t really had a chance to see much of the ranch yet but from what I have seen it’s a great place,” Jack swallowed and continued, “Was wondering if you’d like to take a ride sometime? I was thinking maybe tomorrow? It's only a half day event. So we got some time up our sleeve”

 

“Well now, Jack, that sound good ‘n all but I got me some stuff I need to take care of tomorrow.”

 

“Oh, well... ok. No problem, bud.” Jack was clearly deflated and lifted his whiskey glass to his lips, pouring the amber liquid down his throat in consolation. “Another time maybe. Guess I’ll get goin’. See ya at the fairgrounds tomorrow, maybe.” Jack got off the stool and left almost quicker than he had jumped of the bull that afternoon.

 

“Jack…” Ennis called after him. But he just kept on walking until he disappeared out the door.

 

----

 

The next day, Jack avoided Ennis, although it was not difficult to do so as his day was pretty full. They tried to fit as much in as possible because of the half day event. The afternoon gave competitors the chance to wind down a bit before the finals in the last few days.

 

Jack was off his game a little and it showed in the points. He’d slipped down a few, putting him neck and neck with Ennis del Mar again. Fuckin’ Ennis del Mar, the man he wanted most and the very man he didn’t want to think about at the moment. Ennis’ rejection had felt like he’d been knocked on his ass. He knew he was being a baby but he thought there might have been something. Guess he was wrong.

 

Licking his wounds, he packed his gear and headed back to the ranch and hoped the hot tub was free to sooth his aching body. After his soak, he showered and dressed then headed for the stables. He still wanted to go riding and see the rest of the ranch. So he saddled his mount and headed off.

 

Twenty minutes into his ride, he felt as if he was being watched, but before he could turn around he heard hoofs approach and saw a shadow settle next to him. As he turned, he saw a figure that made him gasp. Ennis del Mar sat astride his horse with the sun behind him, casting him in brilliant shadowy light.

 

“Hey, Jack.”

 

“Ennis.”

 

“I was wondering…well, I was hoping you’d still be interested in taking that ride?”

 

“You bet!” Jack wasn’t interested in why Ennis had changed his mind, only that he was here.

 

Without another word said, they settled beside each other and headed out over the plain, toward the mountains to the west.

 

The day was perfect for riding, with high wispy clouds dotting the sky the way horses dotted the land. The temperature was surprisingly pleasant for Texas, with the sultry air from the gulf making its way across the whole state. But the surroundings paled in comparison to the joy of getting to know someone you cared for. That joy reflected in their faces, making them animated, and allowed them to totally relax and enjoy the afternoon.

 

Jack used humor to deflect the way the loneliness he'd felt growing up affected him, and how he found his peace with horses, his rhythm in riding. He spoke sparingly of his father but had nothing but love in his voice when he mentioned his mother.

 

Ennis listened, making appropriate noises when necessary, but mainly just watched the emotions chase across Jack's face as he spoke. He learned more about him in those few peaceful hours than he could have with weeks of casual contact. It was a very good day in his book.

 

As for Jack, being able to have Ennis all to himself made him happier than he’d been in longer than he cared to remember and he was thankful that the man had shown up for the ride after all. It was rare for him to get exactly what he wanted, but he'd be damned if he'd look a gift horse in the mouth. No amount of winnings or fame would ever equal or rival what he gained from this day. And even though what they had shared of their lives so far had been general, it was enough for him to know exactly what had been missing from his life. The knowledge that he could just 'be' with Ennis was priceless. 

 

Shy glances passed between them as if they were on a first date, blushing when one caught the other staring for longer than was necessary. They would smile and look ahead, watching where their mounts took them, happy in the freedom to just ride in companionable silence. 

 

And as the sun began to set they slowly made their way back to the stables and brushed down and fed the animals before heading back to the house. Standing on the porch, they stared up at the stars.

 

“I had a great time, Ennis. Thanks for coming. It would have been lonely out there on my own,” Jack admitted.

 

“My pleasure, Jack. I understand that feeling only too well.”

 

“I guess we should hit the hay with the early start and all.”

 

“Sure enough.” Ennis held open the door for Jack and followed him into the open lounge area. “Well goodnight, Jack. See ya in the morning.”

 

“Yeah ‘night, Ennis.” Jack walked toward the hallway leading to his room but turned back quickly. “ Ennis?”

 

“Yeah, bud?”

 

“I really did have a great time.” Then Jack disappeared down the hall with a smile on his face.

 

That evening set the pace for the next few days and Ennis and Jack fell into easy friendship, both knowing that what they were building was a strong foundation for something bigger. Something both of them wanted.

 

----

To go to next part click here: http://madaboutms.livejournal.com/12425.html#cutid1

 

 

Comments

[sienata.livejournal.com]

What a nice start to a story. Nothing heavy or dramatic, just lots of picturesque moments, very realistic dialogue and settings, and them taking it slow but both knowing what they want! THanks. part one rox! S!

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Thanks, S. Wasn't expecting any comments on part one so this is a nice surprise.

I really wanted to have something nice and easy and luckily I was able to make it come out that way int the dialogue and narrative.

Hugs

Sandy

[noreins.livejournal.com]

Very nice start. You've got me desperate to see how things progress between them...so I guess I'll take myself off to part 2.

[madbottoms.livejournal.com]

Hi

Thanks for reading and commenting. Glad I got your attention.

Hugs

Sandy