“Put it on. You’re freezing.”
I hated that my body agreed before my pride did, but I slipped it on before I could overthink it. The jacket settled around my shoulders, warm enough to make me forget for a second why this was a bad idea.
“We’d need new construction,” I said, pulling my attention away from how it felt to be wrapped up in Slade Kincaid’s coat and focusing it back where it belonged. “I imagine you’ll have to have chutes and pens for the animals. You can use temporary bleachers but will probably need to bring in gravel for parking.”
“And a spot for restrooms,” he added.
I snorted before I could stop myself. “Especially restrooms.”
Something like a smile tugged at his mouth.
“This land you’re offering,” I said, shifting my gaze to the ground. “Does that marker you found complicate any of it?”
Slade didn’t answer right away.
“Not directly,” he said. “But it’s close enough that I’m not pretending it doesn’t exist.” His answer told me more than a yes or no ever could.
“If we move forward,” I said, “everything we build has to stay clear of that boundary until the issue is resolved. That’s non-negotiable.”
His jaw flexed. “I agree.”
I looked up then, catching the concern he probably hadn’t meant to show. His jaw was tight like a man bracing for impact he couldn’t yet see.
“And you’re comfortable offering the land anyway?” I asked.
He met my gaze. “I wouldn’t have brought it up if I wasn’t.”
The wind shifted, carrying the smell of cold earth and pine. For a moment, neither of us said anything.
“This could work,” I said. “If you’re willing to be honest about the risks.”
His eyes held mine, steady and serious. “I don’t know how to do it any other way.”
I nodded. For a moment, the wind faded into the background. The barn, the land, the logistics… all of it fell away as something warmer and more dangerous took hold.
It was time to go. I handed his jacket back, my fingers brushing his as he took it. As I turned away, I was uncomfortably aware of the truth settling into my chest. The real issue wasn’t the rodeo. It was how much I trusted him already and wanted to see him succeed.
“I should get back,” I said, though I didn’t move.
“Yeah,” he replied. He didn’t move either.
For a split second it felt like something might tip. Like the space between us wasn’t just charged but waiting. Then he stepped back and gestured toward the truck.
“After I drop you off, I’ll send you the rest of the notes Dawson has.”
“Thanks.”
He reached the truck first and opened my door. The conversation lagged on the way back to town. Either he was all talked out or there was nothing left to say. Either way, I was glad when we reached town hall.
“Will you be at the Chill Thrill event this weekend?” I asked as I picked up my bag from the floorboard, my heart beating faster than it should have after a day of taking measurements and checking maps.
“Yeah. They’re donating the money they raise to the rodeo fund this year.” Slade reached for his door handle like he was about to get out and come around the truck.
“I’ll see you there.” I got out of the truck and shut the door behind me before he had a chance. With a quick wave, I turned around, feeling his gaze on my back as I walked away. I didn’t trust myself to turn around. If I did, I might have to admit that the real line I was in danger of crossing wasn’t on a map at all.
CHAPTER 5
SLADE
