He’s been extra careful to keep things at the ranch strictly professional, but when he walks past looking the way he looks, I’m the one struggling to pretend like I don’t get to see him naked. Especially when I catch other women like Miranda paying close attention to him. I want to shout that he’s mine, keep your eyes to yourself.
“It’s going to be so weird tomorrow with neither of the Garrison brothers riding.” I look up to find Miranda standing beside me. Speak of the devil.
“Oh. Hey, Miranda.” I’m less than excited to see her at the gate beside me.
“Hey. Is Tate nervous?” she asks.
I feel bad keeping her at a distance when she’s truly only ever been kind to me. But I still don’t feel completely comfortable with people knowing about my relationship with him. Shifting my stance, I prop a foot up on the gate.
“I’m sure he’s fine. He knows how to run a ranch, and he’s helped out behind the scenes at the rodeo even before,” I respond carefully.
“You realize you don’t have to pretend, right?”
Doing my best to hide my surprise, I turn to face Miranda. She looks at me from her spot along the gate. Her hazel gaze narrows in on me as she waits for me to respond.
“What are you talking about?” I ask when she doesn’t elaborate.
“Girl. Be for real. I knew you and Tate were a thing when you rode in together after that rainstorm, no matter what you said. Ever since then, he looks at you like no one else exists. It’s cute.”
Gaping at her, I try to find a response without looking like a fish out of water. “What do you mean?”
Tipping her head back, she laughs. “I mean we all know. If it isn’t busy here tomorrow night, just go ‘head and be there with him. This isn’t the big city. Literally, nobody cares.”
I open my mouth and then shut it without saying anything. It’s a bit of a relief that I don’t have to keep things a secret anymore. Honestly, it was less about the job than it was about what people thought of me. I thought it was bad wondering if people would see me as a buckle bunny, but sleeping with the boss felt huge. Even if my job isn’t the start of some prestigious career, I really expected people would care. I desperately want to believe Miranda.
“Think about it,” she urges. “Anyway, are you going to the Thirsty Pony? I’m sure you know a bunch of us are going as a kickoff to Tate’s new rodeo career.”
“Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“See you later, then.” With a smile and a wave, she turns and heads back into the stable.
I’m finished for the day, so I head to the gravel parking lot and to my car. I’ll have just enough time to shower, get some housework done, and then get ready. I was worried about keeping up appearances, but if Miranda’s telling the truth, maybe it isn’t such a bad idea to join everyone at the Thirsty Pony.
“Hey, you heading out?”
Looking up, I meet River’s gaze as she laughs at what I can only assume is a look of shock on my face. I’d been completely lost in my head and didn’t even see her in front of me. I laugh along with her before answering.
“Yeah. Will I see you tonight? At the Pony?” I ask.
She shrugs. “I’m not sure. I’ll go if Gray goes.”
“Is he coming to watch tomorrow? I’m sure Tate would love it. It would even be a good excuse to see if he’s interested in helping out.”
Now it’s River’s turn to look lost. With eyes narrowed, she repeats what I said. “Helping out?”
“Tate’s drowning in work. He gets up and does morning chores before coming here. And then he’s out late on his ranch after his day here is over.”
River looks more confused with each passing second. “And he asked Gray?”
I let out a short laugh. “Yeah. He bought the place with the hope that Gray would want to work with him. He stopped by his house to talk to him a little while ago. Guess he didn’t tell you.”
River is quiet for a minute before she crosses her arms. “I’ll see if I can get him to come out tonight. He didn’t talk to me about any of that, but maybe he’ll be motivated to either talk about it or make a decision if they’re in the same room together.”
“Good luck. Maybe I’ll see you later,” I say with a chuckle before continuing to the parking lot.
All I can do is laugh and roll my eyes. I knew the men were stubborn and I knew they didn’t get along from day one. I signed up for this. It may sound like a terrible idea, but the best thing these Garrison men can do is be forced to spend some time together.
Chapter 30
