Making my way into the mudroom, I lean down to pat Max, our family dog, on his head as I pass. He wags his fluffy tail and follows me inside. It’s the night of my parents’ Spring Kickoff party, and it’s taking everything in me to pretend like I’m excited. I’ve been in a dark mood ever since Tate talked me into returning to Boulder Ranch. Just as I had nearly convinced myself that I was over Hayden, I found myself right back in the place with all the memories.
I feel like an idiot. Here I am pining after a man who doesn’t even look at me that way. With how I’m acting, I wouldn’t blame him for viewing me as a child. Oddly enough, I felt slightly better after catching a glimpse of him leaving the ranch earlier, so maybe tonight will prove that I’m over it. I’m a mature, adult woman who doesn’t get schoolyard crushes. I’ll hang out with Hayden. We’ll joke around like old times, and I won’t want to climb him like a tree. It’ll be fine.
“Randi?” My childhood nickname yanks me from my thoughts seconds before I walk right into my dad. He’s tall, with thick salt-and-pepper hair. He’s spent his life working on a ranch, so he has broad shoulders and a hefty build. I must have really been lost in my head to not notice him.
“Crap. Sorry, Dad. I was in my own world.”
His brown eyes study me beneath a furrowed brow. “Where’d you go, kiddo? You were miles away.”
“Oh, you know… Just daydreaming. Now, what do you need me to help with?”
I don’t think he’s convinced, but after a moment, he shrugs and leads me into the kitchen, where my mother has container after container of items that need to be set out. Good. The busier the better, as far as I’m concerned.
My mind immediately begins to drift to the first time I spent any one-on-one time with Hayden. It was at the Spring Kickoff five years ago. I’d been setting out items just like now, when his deep voice graced my ears. I turned around to find a man who somehow looked even better than he had weeks before when we’d first met. I’d managed to pretend I wasn’t affected by him, and we worked together getting everything ready. Once the barn was set up, we stood around talking, and I was reminded that Hayden is a friend of my dad from Boulder Ranch. And that was the end of that. I put the attraction into a tiny boxand went on my merry way. The same box I’ve shoved it into again.
The days are beginning to get longer, and the sun has only just started to dip behind the trees as I bring the last of the items into the barn where we are setting up. The original red barn nearest the house is only used for parties and storage. It’s got the perfect distressed look that people pay designers to recreate. String lights hang from the rafters, adding to the ambiance.
“Need some help?” a rugged voice says from behind me, causing me to freeze in my tracks.
I turn around to face Hayden Scott, live and in the flesh. I haven’t been this close to him since that night in the supply room, and I swear he looks and smells even better than he did then. He stands a couple of inches over six feet, has a short, neatly trimmed beard barely longer than a five o’clock shadow with traces of silver only visible in certain lighting. And shapely lips I’ve barely stopped thinking about…
Jesus, get a grip, Miranda.When I finally remember to breathe, I take the rest of him in casually, like an uninterested bystander. He’s wearing a flannel shirt and a brown cattleman hat, along with some perfectly fitted Wranglers and cowboy boots. He looks the same way I’ve seen him countless times, yet he still takes my breath away. My eyes return to the dark hair peeking out beneath his hat, and I give my head a gentle shaketo stop myself from imagining the way it would feel beneath my fingertips.
Once the initial surprise passes, I feel an unexpected sense of relief. I’m no more than three feet away from him, and I’m still alive. Not only am I still alive, but it feels good to see him again. A slow smile tugs at my lips.
“Hey, stranger. Actually, yeah. I could use some help setting up tables, if you don’t mind.”
I don’t miss the way his body seems to relax at my response. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think he’s been just as miserable as I have. Time apart was necessary, but maybe we can finally move past everything. After all, it was only a kiss. Well…two kisses.
“On it.”
Without another word, Hayden gets to work, and it isn’t long before the barn has been completely transformed into the magic that is our annual party. The first few guests arrive as I admire our handiwork. One end of the barn has tables set up with snacks, appetizers, and desserts, while the other side has three large wooden farmhouse-style tables and benches. The string lights combined with lanterns on the tables provide just the right amount of illumination.
I look up in time to see Joy walking in with Tate behind her. I know she isn’t far along, but I swear her gorgeous brown skin isglowing. She beams at me and gestures around the barn. “This is too cute! Thank you for inviting us.”
I pull her into a hug, genuinely happy to see her. Returning to Boulder Ranch reminded me how much fun Joy and I always have together, so I insisted she come. I feel bad for not inviting her sooner.
“Thanks for coming! Sorry the invitation was last-minute. I wasn’t in the best place when I left the ranch,” I explain, surprising even myself with my candidness.
“You don’t have to explain anything to me. I’m just glad I get to spend some time with you. And I know Tate is relieved to see Hayden, so he isn’t stuck being the third wheel all night,” Joy says with a laugh.
Watching the two of them together, I find it hard to believe Tate would be anything other than happy just watching Joy have a good time. They were inseparable even back when they were pretending not to be together. Laughing to myself, I rush to explain Hayden’s presence.
“Oh, yeah, he’s good friends with my dad. He comes early to help set up every year.”Why do I sound so guilty?
Joy’s lip twitches, but she doesn’t say anything, just raises an eyebrow before looking over at Hayden. I take a few steps over to the nearest table and begin straightening items that are already fine just so I can stop rambling.
“That’s nice of him,” Joy eventually says with a wide smile.
“Well, I’m starving, why don’t we grab some food. The guys know where the food is,” I suggest, realizing I’m only making things even more awkward than they already are.
Joy has mercy on me, and with little more than a sideways glance, she follows me to the food tables and grabs a plate. The bonfire is just getting started, so instead of the tables, I lead the way to the Adirondack chairs by the fire. I didn’t bundle up, and the heat from the fire is welcome. It doesn’t take long before I fall into conversation with Joy, forgetting all about the awkwardness from earlier.
Chapter 4
Hayden
Standing off to the side, away from the group of remaining guests, I focus on the flames as they lick and crackle around the remaining wood of the bonfire. It’s been a good night, to my relief. Seeing Miranda wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as I expected it to be, and it’s hard not to steal glances at her having fun with her friend. Things finally feel like they are mostly back to normal.
