Cortland
The scent of fresh hay and earthy musk of sweating horseflesh washes over me as I lead Epic, my prized barrel racing steed, into the warm-up arena. The Wyoming sun beats down, casting sharp shadows along the fence line. Dust kicks up in swirls with each step.
I glance at Austin as she guides Vanna, her dunn mare, into the ring beside me. She tosses her chestnut waves and flashes her mischievous grin. "Ready to eat my dust, Carter?"
I laugh softly. "Wishful thinking, Myers. Epic's pedigree surpasses your quarter horse's." Vanna tosses her head, seeming to react to the slight.
"We'll see who's dreaming when they're hauling your cocky ass out of the dirt after my run." Austin's eyes sparkle with fiery determination. She wheels Vanna around with a nudge of her heel and they take o
