“All valid points.” He wriggled his arm free and wrapped it around her shoulders, drawing her close enough for a tender kiss that left them both a little breathless. “This interview might give you options, though. The most I do is talk for a few seconds to the camera crews that follow us around. I dodge all the personal, more in-depth questions.”
“Your sponsors must hate that.”
“They’re not fans, but they certainly like it when I win.” He laughed. “Might be worth something. You’ll have material I haven’t shared with anyone else.”
“You think I should write it anyway?”
“I do.”
She pulled her head back and looked him over with a raised eyebrow. “And you’ll cooperate?”
“Yes.”
“In exchange for?”
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
“You’re not going to insist I come to the rodeo or go on another canoe ride in the moonlight?”
He chuckled. “You almost sound disappointed.”
“Hardly.” But that cute smirk she sent him over her shoulder when she went in search of her notepad said otherwise.
Chapter 17
Abbie
“Why are we attempting to move this dresser?” Erin demanded after their third failed attempt to shove the heavy piece of furniture more than an inch. “Or should I call it a giant boulder?” The bulky thing had been in that bedroom ever since Abbie could remember. She understood why no one had been eager to move it out when she moved in.
She didn’t want to tell Erin the truth, but she’d had no luck getting her brother over to help. And asking Logan was out of the question. He’d already left for the arena anyway. “I dropped something. It’s wedged down there.”
“Why didn’t you get your muscly cowboy to help you when he was here earlier?”
“We were busy.”
“Abbie!” Erin scolded.
“I didn’t meanthat! He was helping me finish the interview.” She wedged herself back in the corner, her back flat against the side of the dresser and one foot propped against its side, ready to push. “One more time.”
“Okay, I’m lost.”
The dresser didn’t budge. “Were you even doing anything?” She looked over her shoulder at her idle friend.
Erin’s hands were on her hips. “Why are you writing that article? Did I miss something? Seriously, I can’t keep up with you two! If I’m not careful, you’ll be hitched and I’ll have missed the wedding.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she ducked back in her corner. “C’mon, help me out here.” Probablynotthe time to mention whatthe item she sought was, the very engagement ring Logan gave her at Shimmering Lake that moonlit night so long ago. It might give Erin premature ideas. Abbie was only beginning to think she might have a future with Logan again, but her fortified walls had yet to completely crumble away.
Another hearty push from them both resulted in the dresser shifting almost two inches, enough for Abbie to stick her arm behind and wedge it underneath. Her fingertips brushed the ring. Another inch or two and she’d be able to grab it.
“He seems serious, Abbs.”
“Got it!” With the ring tucked securely in her clenched palm, she wriggled free of the claustrophobic corner. She’d ask Logan to help her move the monstrosity back tomorrow morning when he came by to check on Gus.
“Whatexactly?”
If she thought she had a half-decent chance hiding the ring from Erin, she might’ve tried. Instead, she unfolded her fingers and held out her hand.
“Is this . . .?”
