“Not sure, but damn, I can smell charcoal and mesquite smoke.” Rawley inhaled deeply.
“Me too. Let’s check the house.” She took his hand in hers, his palm warm, and they strode across the yard, gravel crunching like broken glass underfoot. Rawley leaned close to her, his breath tickling her ear. “Did I tell you how much I like those red toenails?”
“I think I did hear you mention that once or twice.” She smiled when he chuckled.
“Seriously, though, you look nice.”
“Thank you.” She glanced down at her crimson sleeveless blouse and crisp white shorts. Her freshly painted red toenails caught the sunlight and sparkled like tiny rubies when the sun hit them in her T-strap sandals. She was happy she’d made the right choice.
“Skylar!”
****
Rawley felt Skylar’s fingers slip from his as she tugged free and sprinted across the sun-dappled yard toward her friend. The women collided in a tangle of laughter, rocking back and forth in a fierce embrace. He caught sight of Seth leaning against the post on the porch, beer bottle dangling between fingers, shaking his head with the weary tolerance of someone who’d witnessed this scene countless times.
“They talk every damn day,” Seth called over the women’s excited chatter. “Hours on the phone, hundreds of texts, meet upwhenever they want, but you’d think they’d been separated for years.” He descended the steps, boots heavy on the wood, and extended a hand rough from ranch work.
“How are you, Seth?” Rawley clasped the offered hand.
“I’m well. Yourself?” Seth’s eyes crinkled at the corners.
“Same. Congratulations on getting that mare trained. I’m sure she’s another champion in your stable.”
“She sure looks it. Got her mother’s stride and her sire’s temperament.” Seth looked toward the corral. “So, I was surprised when Ryan mentioned you and Skylar were an item.”
“Why? She’s not the first woman I’ve dated,” Rawley replied with a grin.
Seth chuckled. “That’s true enough, but I’ve never seen you bring one to any kind of gathering before.”
“She brought me.” Rawley’s lips quirked into a smirk.
“But you did come along.” Seth slapped his shoulder, the impact solid against Rawley’s frame. “I’m just messing with you. Skylar’s a wonderful person.”
“Yes, she is.” Rawley’s gaze drifted to where Skylar stood, her blonde hair catching the late afternoon light as she linked arms with Ryan and steered her friend toward them. The women’s shoes kicked up little puffs of dust from the dry ground.
“Do me a favor. Don’t hurt Skylar because I have a feeling Ryan would take it out on me.”
“I’ll do my best not to.”
“Do you want a beer?”
“No, thanks. I’ll get one later, Seth.”
“Ryan, this is Rawley Bowman,” Skylar announced, her voice warm. “Rawley, this is my best friend, Ryan Carroll.”
“Ms. Carroll,” Rawley said, taking the hand she offered.
“Please, call me Ryan,” she insisted, cobalt blue eyes assessing him frankly. “It’s great to finally meet you.”
“My pleasure.”
“As soon as my brothers get here, I’ll tell Ringo to start the steaks,” Seth said. “We’ve got a full house tonight.”
“How many?” Skylar asked.
Rawley watched, amused, as Ryan counted dramatically on her fingers, her engagement ring flashing in the sunlight before she turned to Skylar with a theatrical sigh.
“Sixteen of us. Seth’s parents aren’t here yet either, but I think they’re all coming together.”
