“You wish.” I level the knife at him. “Now turn around and leave before I have to use this on you.”
He still doesn’t flinch. Just grins, like he’s got all the time in the world.
“Well now,” he drawls, that Southern twang curling around me like smoke off a bonfire, “I do admire a woman who can protect herself. But sweetheart, if that butter knife’s your best weapon.., you might wanna work on your plan B.”
My grip tightens. I don’t laugh. I don’t blink.
“Be on your way, cowboy.”
He chuckles, tipping his hat. "Fair enough."
"Good," I say, still holding the knife like it gives me power. He backs away slowly, hands raised in mock surrender, with that crooked grin still on his face.
The moment the door clicks shut behind him, I exhale a long breath. Then, ever so cautiously, I inch toward the window, peering through the blinds to check that he's really gone.
Once it’s clear, I step carefully down the metal stairs. "Tonight can't get any worse, right?" I whisper to the dark, moving stealthily towards the bleachers. A few others are scattered around. My gaze sweeps the thinning crowd, hunting for Knox.
A high-pitched squeal finds me instead. "Sawyer Woodworth, that cannot be you!"
It’s Honey Longford. It’s been so long since high school, but she hasn’t changed a bit. Her dark hair is still glossy andstraight, like it does that effortlessly every day. We weren’t super close but ran in the same friend group. Back then, everyone knew her for how great of a singer she was. I assumed people here would judge me for leaving, maybe even hate me, but she seems genuinely excited.
“It sure is," I respond. "How have you been?"
"Been great!" Honey's voice lifts a pitch higher. "I work over at the bar now. And what about you? You're real successful in Chicago now, aren't you? Some big-time agent?"
"I don't know about big time," I giggle. "But yes, I'm visiting from Chicago."
"Oh, amazing! While you're in town, you should come get some drinks so we can catch up. I'm heading over there in a few if you want to come by."
"I’ll see what my brother’s in the mood for and let you know," I say, giving the lot another once-over for Knox—until something irritating yanks my focus.
"Ugh. Hey, Honey… who’s the human red flag over there?”
Honey follows my gaze. The second her eyes land on him, I can tell she knows exactly who I’m talking about.
"Oh, Trouble?"
“Is that his government name?”
Honey leans in like she’s about to spill all the tea. "Nope. That’s just what everyone calls him. And trust me—he knows exactly how good he looks. Unfortunate, too, because the Stetson brothers don’t settle down."
I snort, hoping no one sees me gawking because honestly, it’s maddening how hot he is. “Of course they don’t.”
"Doesn’t stop half the town from tryin’, though." She smirks. "I get a front-row seat workin’ at the bar, and girlssure do line up for the Stetson men like it’s a meet-and-greet."
She tilts her head, watching him with a sigh that sounds a little too dreamy.
“Doesn’t surprise me one bit. Did they go to school with us?” I ask, curiously.
She shakes her head. “Same school, but they were a few years older. Probably graduated a year or two before Knox. Him and his family own a ton of land out by the ridge. If you want the best horses, you go to their ranch,” she adds.
“Lucky for me, I’m not in the market for horses,” I mutter, my eyes still on the cowboy disaster. Then finally—thank god—I spot him. “There’s my brother. I’ll check in with you soon.”
“Alright! Drinks on me if you come by tonight,” Honey says, pulling me into a quick hug. “Glad to have you back in town!”
I break away and head straight for Knox. I sneak up behind him and wrap my arms around his waist.
He stiffens mid-step, startled. “Sawyer?” His voice cracks a little when he turns. “You actually came?”
