Her hands stilled. “Surprise me. Be honest. Don’t play games. Don’t pretend.”
“I’m not playing games.” I caught her eye over Bandit’s back. “I’m being honest right now.”
She bit her lip. “This is a bad idea.”
“Probably. Safe ideas are usually boring.”
“You’re leaving at the end of summer.”
“I am.”
“So this is temporary.”
“Everything’s temporary if you think about it long enough.”
“That’s not comforting.”
“Wasn’t trying to be comforting. Was trying to be honest.” I set down the brush. “Look, I get it. I’m the city boy with a trust fund. But I’m also the guy who’s been working his ass off because he gives a shit. And yeah, I think you’re beautiful. Smart. Tough. Funny. And watching you work makes me want to either worship you or throw you against a wall and—”
“OKAY,” Cassie yelled, hands over her ears. “I’m leaving! This is too spicy! Winnie, text me later!”
She bolted, truck engine roaring, leaving us in silence.
Winnie stood frozen. “You can’t just… say things like that. It makes things complicated.”
“Things are already complicated.” I stepped closer. “I’m just naming it.”
“Beau…”
“If you want me to stop, say it. I’ll go back to being the respectful ranch hand who pretends he doesn’t notice when you bend over.” I held her gaze. “But if even a part of you wants to stop pretending too? Tell me that instead.”
She opened her mouth. Closed it. “I… I need to think.”
“Fair.” I stepped back. “Take your time.”
We finished chores in loaded silence. Every movement charged. By the time we were done, the sun had set and the barn felt too small.
When we walked back, Pops was on the porch, rocking.
“Horses settled?” he asked.
“Yeah,” Winnie said tightly. She disappeared inside, screen door slapping shut.
Pops studied me in the twilight.
"Well, you’ve got guts Son"
"You heard that?"
" “The whole county probably heard that. You got a voice that carries.” He stood, stretching. “Question is—you mean it?”
“I mean it.”
“Even knowing how this ends?”
“Even knowing how this ends.”
He nodded slowly. “Just… be careful. With her heart. And yours. Hearts don’t mend as easy as fences.”
