She looked at me then, her eyes softer. “You scared me.”
“I know.”
“Not because of them. Because of you. Because I saw what you looked like when you walked up.”
I gripped the wheel tighter. “I am not proud of that.”
“You shouldn’t be. You looked ready to kill someone.”
“Maybe I was.”
She turned away again, whispering, “That’s what scares me.”
We drove in silence after that. The roads were slick with dust and patches of frost where the temperature had dropped. The truck lights caught flakes of snow as they started to fall again.
When we reached the bar, she climbed out before I could open her door. I followed, watching her move through the light spilling from the windows, the music audible through the walls, her silhouette sharp against the falling snow.
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“For what?”
“For showing up.”
I nodded. “Always will.”
She opened her mouth like she wanted to argue, then stopped. Her hand brushed mine as she stepped past, a fleeting touch that left my skin burning.
I didn’t follow her immediately, I needed a minute or I was going to go into that bar, and haul her out over my shoulder and take her home to our bed.
CHAPTER TWELVE
KRISTIN
The Fencepost was already packed when we walked in, the kind of Friday-night crowd where every table was claimed and the air was heavy with music, beer, and fryer grease. Neon signs glowed over the bar, a country song blared too loud from the jukebox, and the scent of smoke and sweat clung to denim jackets and hair.
It felt like half the rodeo crowd had beaten us here. Boots thudded against the sticky floor, hats tipped back, laughter rolling from every corner as people crowded around tables, trading stories and shots.
My cousin, Lydia, Lexie’s sister, was behind the bar, her dark hair pulled into a messy knot, the corner of her mouth twitching every time someone called for another round. Her partner, Faith, worked the tables with a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand, moving through the crush of people as if she were built for it. The two of them ran this place better than anyone had before.
Julie and Phil had all the kids for the night, which meant the entire Flying Diamond crew was free for once. Judging by the noise level, everyone seemed to plan to take full advantage.
Kipp got to the bar first, impossible to miss with his height and the way he carried himself. “Beer,” he called, like Lydiacould hear him over the crowd. Nora tugged on his sleeve, laughing as she leaned in close to say something. He bent down, the edges of his grin visible even from where I stood.
Nash and Fallon claimed a booth near the wall, Fallon already flipping open the drinks menu like she was plotting a strategy. Griffin and Elle followed right behind, Elle snatching Griff’s hat off his head and shoving it on her own. He didn’t even try to take it back, just smiled like a man who knew better.
Ryder and Lexie staked out a high-top near the jukebox, both trying to feed quarters in first. Lexie smacked his hand when he beat her to it, and he laughed so loud half the room turned to look.
I slid into the booth beside Fallon, still running high on adrenaline. My body was buzzing, too sharp, too awake. I couldn’t tell if it was the whiskey-sour she shoved at me or the run still burning through my veins.
“To our new champion,” Fallon announced, raising her glass high enough to catch the overhead lights. “Kristin Felder, fastest damn girl on dirt tonight.”
The whole crew cheered. Griffin let out a sharp whistle. Ryder slapped the table, laughing. Nora’s grin was wide and proud, and Kipp pounded the bar hard enough to make strangers turn their heads.
I lifted my glass, cheeks burning. “Thanks, but let’s be real, it was my horse. She’s the star.”
“Uh-uh.” Fallon jabbed her straw at me. “Don’t you dare be humble. You rode like hellfire was after you.”
That got a laugh out of me, the first real one all night. “Fine. Maybe just a little fire.”
