Chapter 11
Betty
“That was exhausting,” River collapses on the brand new living room couch that was just delivered to the Miller house.
“You didn’t have to come help,” I sigh, slumping next to her, allowing my arm to fall over the back of the couch.
“Yeah, well, Gray is out there with Tate, Reed, and Nash. Something about prepping the horses.” River waves a hand as if it’s too much for her to focus on.
I do my best not to sit a little straighter at the mention of Nash’s name.
I hadn’t known he was going to be here this weekend, but I shouldn’t be surprised.
Gray had mentioned that he would be around more, now that he was taking over his father’s distribution business and needed to attend rodeo events more often.
But this is a barrel racing competition only. The Donovan specialty is roughstock. It doesn’t add up.
It’s only then that I latch onto a name I don’t recognize. I made it my mission when I took over Miller Inn to learn everyone’s names and positions. If I were going to be their coworker and see them every day, I would want to address them properly. Reed. That one is new.
I suppose there may be a new hire I haven’t reviewed yet.
Funny thing is, when you brag to your boss that you memorized everyone’s name and position, you automatically get additional responsibilities like maintaining personnel files.
It was Tate asking, and he looked so exhausted, so I couldn’t say no.
Nor would I. Betty never says no. Betty is fun and compliant. She’s helpful no matter the cost.
“Who is Reed?” I ask.
River scrunches her brow as if confused by my question. “The bullfighter? He’s here every day working the ranch.”
“Bullfighter?” My features scrunch, recalling their names. “James, Conrad, Maverick, and Whitaker. There are a few others that come and go, but those are the main four.”
River slams the heel of her hand into her forehead. “Whitaker. Yeah, him. You don’t call him Reed like everyone else?”
I hadn’t. His file said Whitaker R. Lancaster.
I’d met him shortly after construction started, and when I called him by name, he never corrected me.
Every time I’ve seen him since, he hasn’t said a thing, not even when I started calling him Whit for short.
He’s a pleasant guy, but keeps to himself.
When he’s not working the rodeo here, he competes in bullfighting competitions, which is insane.
My head shakes as I stretch out further, inhaling the scent of cloth straight from the factory.
My couch had smelled the same when I bought it six years ago.
That seems like a lifetime ago now. The three-cushion sofa was supposed to be a placeholder until I could find the courage to strike out on my own, beyond the Cole County line, but I never did.
I stayed, just like we all do. “No, I’ve called him Whitaker or Whit since day one. He never said a thing.”
“Odd,” River shrugs before shifting to face me. “Anyhow, tell me about this date you have tonight.”
A flush creeps up over my throat and onto my cheeks. Embarrassment floods my insides. I’ve been so busy the past few days that I haven’t even thought about Ward or our date. But I hadn’t thought about Nash either, so maybe that’s a good sign.
“He’s a calf roper new to the rodeo here. We met on opening weekend, and then he happened to be at the bar. That’s all, really. I don’t know anything about him.”
“Do you want to know more about him?” River cocks a brow, resting her jaw on her fist.
My teeth sink into my lower lip as I worry the flesh.
I know I want love and a relationship. River and Gray make my insides rage with jealousy.
I thought I had that once until the unthinkable happened.
Shoving the memories out of my mind, I focus on River’s moss green eyes.
The woman is absolutely stunning, with her warm brown skin, vibrant eyes, and wild, dark curls. She is the definition of exotic.
“I want what everyone wants. Yah know, to be happy and find their person…” My words trail off as my fingers twist in my lap.
“But…”
“But…” I echo her.
“You’re still hung up on Nash?” I nod before she continues. “Betty, I know it’s easier said than done, but if he’s showing you he won’t, then you should believe him. Y’all shared a passionate moment, and then he bolted. I think that’s your answer.”
“I was wondering where no-nonsense River was,” I chuckle, trying to hide the tears burning behind my eyes.
I’d hoped Nash hadn’t meant what he said when he walked out of my room. His eyes and body had said something entirely different. Hadn’t they?
“Thanks to you and my sexy cowboy at home, I don’t have to be that woman all the time anymore.
” There’s a lightness to her tone, but her eyes give her away.
River is as tough as they come. Choosing a male-dominated field as an orthopedic surgeon wasn’t easy for her.
She had to be better and constantly remind them that her talent matched or exceeded theirs.
Scooting over, I wrap River in a tight hug.
We were never close in our younger years, but I am so grateful for her now.
When I finally pull away, her hard stare is back.
The moment has passed, and she once again has her armor in place.
“You should go find that hot husband of yours and get outta here. He should be spending your day off ravaging you, not playing with those damn horses.”
River glances down at her stomach, or maybe her lap, before standing and grabbing her purse from the brand new coffee table. “If your date goes bad, you call me. Gray will come get you.”
“Thanks, but Beckett already offered first.”
River snorts. “Your brother is something else. But he definitely knows how to protect the women he loves.”
She’s quick to leave the house, abandoning me to my thoughts.
There had been a time when I thought River might end up with my brother for the long haul.
I’d hoped for it, even though she was always this badass I looked up to.
Not to mention a lawyer and a future doctor would be the ultimate power couple.
But in the end, Beckett loved her more than she ever would love him.
I see it now. It was for the best. She moved on and built her own life in Kentucky before coming back here.
There was a purpose in that. She found a piece of herself, then found Gray and ultimately became the woman she was always meant to be.
She moved on, but my brother hasn’t. That pained look still lives in his features whenever he sees her, and it’s worse if Gray is there too. I want to tell him to get over it, but that would mean I needed to follow the same advice and leave Nash behind.
Resigned to do just that, I shove off the couch, shower, and pick out my favorite flirty spring dress.
This date is exactly what I need.
If you had asked me what I expected from Ward’s date, I wouldn’t have known what to tell you.
I’ve dated different types of men, and for the most part, the first date is a clone of the last: dinner, a movie, or a walk by the lake if the weather is nice.
It becomes rote repetition, where you’re counting the minutes waiting for it to end unless they’re funny or intelligent enough to distract you with great conversation.
But Ward had other plans. Thirty minutes south in Sloth County, their spring fair was in full effect.
When we arrived, I made assumptions that were once again wrong.
I figured we’d grab some food, walk around, and watch him try to win me some stuffed animal I won’t remember the origins of in a year. But he led me to the bumper cars.
“Up for a little competition?” He winks, flashing me that grin that makes my core tighten.
His hazel eyes glint with mischief, and I only nod, racing ahead of him and jumping into a blue car. He picks the one right beside me, and before I’ve even settled in, the battle begins.
Ward rams into me over and over, my laughter ringing out as my chestnut waves fly through the air from the impact.
My cheeks burn and my belly aches. When was the last time I had this much fun?
The type where there are no expectations but non-stop laughter and stories we’ll tell later that won’t make me blush in front of my parents.
As the ride ends, I’m still laughing in my car when Ward extends his hand, pulling me to my feet. “You’re one tough opponent, Betty Hughes.” He grins widely, that crooked tooth flashing my way as he weaves his fingers through mine. I let him, finding comfort in his warm, rough palm.
“You know, when I first asked you on this date, I wasn’t thinking of this place,” he says as we stroll hand-in-hand toward the games.
“And where were you going to take me?” I’m genuinely curious. Will he be like all the rest?
“There’s a farm right outside the county lines where you can pick flowers—all different types and colors. You seemed like the kind of woman who likes bright colors,” he almost whispers, nervously chuckling under his breath.
“Flower picking?” I gasp.
His brows lift before dropping as if in defeat. “Yeah,” he croaks awkwardly, running his hand over the back of his head. “I thought you’d like pretty things, but not necessarily given to you. More like treasured and observed.”
My feet stop as I turn to face him, a shy grin pulling at my lips. “I would have loved that date too,” I whisper, before pressing up on my toes and kissing his cheek.
I’m on the verge of pulling away when his palm glides along my jaw, his thumb rubbing back and forth in soft strokes. “I really want to kiss you right now.”
My lips part, a ragged breath pulled in as I watch him through my lashes. “I think I would love that too.”
Soft, warm lips press to mine. The type of kiss that makes you melt into your lover’s touch, eager to stretch the moment of connection. It’s not hungry like Nash and I had been, but my insides still burn.
When he pulls away, I can only giggle. Swiping my thumb over his mouth, I wipe away my lipstick. “Better.”
Ward says nothing more as he retakes my hand, leading us toward that hammer game made for guys who like to show off how much muscle they have.
“Okay, Betty. I watched you make a grown man cry. Let’s see what else you’ve got.”