“Wow,” Ward breathes. “Betty Hughes, I just might be in love with you.”
At least someone is.
Chapter 11
Betty
“That was exhausting,” River collapses on the brand new living room couch that was just delivered to the Miller house.
“You didn’t have to come help,” I sigh, slumping next to her, allowing my arm to fall over the back of the couch.
“Yeah, well, Gray is out there with Tate, Reed, and Nash. Something about prepping the horses.” River waves a hand as if it’s too much for her to focus on.
I do my best not to sit a little straighter at the mention of Nash’s name. I hadn’t known he was going to be here this weekend, but I shouldn’t be surprised. Gray had mentioned that he would be around more, now that he was taking over his father’s distribution business and needed to attend rodeo events more often.
But this is a barrel racing competition only. The Donovan specialty is roughstock. It doesn’t add up.
It’s only then that I latch onto a name I don’t recognize. I made it my mission when I took over Miller Inn to learn everyone’s names and positions. If I were going to be their coworker and see them every day, I would want to address them properly.Reed.That one is new.
I suppose there may be a new hire I haven’t reviewed yet. Funny thing is, when you brag to your boss that you memorized everyone’s name and position, you automatically get additional responsibilities like maintaining personnel files. It was Tate asking, and he looked so exhausted, so I couldn’t say no. Nor would I. Betty never says no. Betty is fun and compliant. She’s helpful no matter the cost.
“Who is Reed?” I ask.
River scrunches her brow as if confused by my question. “The bullfighter? He’s here every day working the ranch.”
“Bullfighter?” My features scrunch, recalling their names. “James, Conrad, Maverick, and Whitaker. There are a few others that come and go, but those are the main four.”
River slams the heel of her hand into her forehead. “Whitaker. Yeah, him. You don’t call him Reed like everyone else?”
I hadn’t. His file said Whitaker R. Lancaster. I’d met him shortly after construction started, and when I called him by name, he never corrected me. Every time I’ve seen him since, he hasn’t said a thing, not even when I started calling him Whit for short. He’s a pleasant guy, but keeps to himself. When he’s not working the rodeo here, he competes in bullfighting competitions, which is insane.
My head shakes as I stretch out further, inhaling the scent of cloth straight from the factory. My couch had smelled the same when I bought it six years ago. That seems like a lifetime ago now. The three-cushion sofa was supposed to be a placeholder until I could find the courage to strike out on my own, beyond the Cole County line, but I never did. I stayed, just like we all do.“No, I’ve called him Whitaker or Whit since day one. He never said a thing.”
“Odd,” River shrugs before shifting to face me. “Anyhow, tell me about this date you have tonight.”
A flush creeps up over my throat and onto my cheeks. Embarrassment floods my insides. I’ve been so busy the past few days that I haven’t even thought about Ward or our date. But I hadn’t thought about Nash either, so maybe that’s a good sign.
“He’s a calf roper new to the rodeo here. We met on opening weekend, and then he happened to be at the bar. That’s all, really. I don’t know anything about him.”
“Do you want to know more about him?” River cocks a brow, resting her jaw on her fist.
My teeth sink into my lower lip as I worry the flesh. I know I want love and a relationship. River and Gray make my insides rage with jealousy. I thought I had that once until the unthinkable happened. Shoving the memories out of my mind, I focus on River’s moss green eyes. The woman is absolutely stunning, with her warm brown skin, vibrant eyes, and wild, dark curls. She is the definition of exotic.
“I want what everyone wants. Yah know, to be happy and find their person…” My words trail off as my fingers twist in my lap.
“But…”
“But…” I echo her.
“You’re still hung up on Nash?” I nod before she continues. “Betty, I know it’s easier said than done, but if he’s showing you he won’t, then you should believe him. Y’all shared a passionate moment, and then he bolted. I think that’s your answer.”
“I was wondering where no-nonsense River was,” I chuckle, trying to hide the tears burning behind my eyes.
I’d hoped Nash hadn’t meant what he said when he walked out of my room. His eyes and body had said something entirely different. Hadn’t they?
“Thanks to you and my sexy cowboy at home, I don’t have to be that woman all the time anymore.” There’s a lightness to her tone, but her eyes give her away. River is as tough as they come. Choosing a male-dominated field as an orthopedic surgeon wasn’t easy for her. She had to be better and constantly remind them that her talent matched or exceeded theirs.
Scooting over, I wrap River in a tight hug. We were never close in our younger years, but I am so grateful for her now. When I finally pull away, her hard stare is back. The moment has passed, and she once again has her armor in place. “You should go find that hot husband of yours and get outta here. He should be spending your day off ravaging you, not playing with those damn horses.”
