We both turn. And standing just outside the doorway, phone raised and smug satisfaction painted across her face, is the same woman from the dancehall.
“Seriously?” Nash snaps, the sharpest edge I’ve heard in his voice all night.
She flinches, but doesn’t stop. “Just doing what the fans want.”
In one smooth motion, he pulls off his hat and lowers it over my face, shielding me as he guides me toward the elevator. His arm is firm around my back. Protective. Furious. Steady.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs. “We’re not playing their game.”
But even as the elevator doors close, my mind spins. Because someone always wants a piece. And this time, I don’t know what it’ll cost.
By the time we’re standing in front of my door, my phone is exploding. His is, too, though he seems less bothered by it.
I sigh. Pick it up. And brace myself.
@WesternWhispers: Two photos in one night? Miss Phern Stone’s not wasting any time. #NashKimzey #RodeoRomance #SamStoneSister
@RodeoWatch: Looks like Nash Kimzey’s got a new cowgirl in his life. And she’s not just any pretty face. She’s Sam Stone’s sister.
@BarrelGirlBarbie: I mean, she’s hot, but it’s giving PR stunt.
@CowboyCanon: Noooo! This isn’t fair! Nash is in Ft. Worth and didn’t go home with me? Instead he went with a *cow emoji*
@MissyLovesD: Wow. Nash is WAY too hot for someone like Phern Stone. Rumor has it she’s still a virgin!
I scroll faster, heart pounding. It’s a blur of opinions, guesses, people tagging me in threads I never asked to be in.
My text messages aren’t any calmer.
Tish Garcia
It’s officially gone nuclear.
Also please tell me you’re okay. I’m ready to fly in.
The next one is from Sam.
Sam Stone
Just saw the second photo. You alright? Want me to say something? Or punch someone? Or both?
Then Liam.
Liam Stone
What the hell’s going on in Texas? Call me!
And then inevitably Will.
Will Flowers
You’re really making headlines tonight.
That one stings. Not because he’s wrong. But because there’s no kindness behind it. I glare at the door, knowing he’s just on the other side.
Nash sighs. “I’m real sorry about this, Phern. Now my PR team’s wanting me to come up with a statement.”
I blink. “Statement?”
