I giggle, shaking my head. “Don’t get all sentimental on me now.”
But then it hits me.
Knox didn’t even know.
My throat tightens.
Trouble didn’t do it for credit. He didn’t tell me. He didn’t even tell Knox.
Would he do this all because he cares about Knox?
His words from the other night circle back:"I care about your brother. That’s it."But suddenly, they feel more like a smoke screen. A way to protect something else. Something he’s not ready to admit.
Because no one puts in this kind of work—sweat, time, effort—just to be the good guy. A good friend. Especially not someone like him.
And now I can’t stop wondering: What if he wasn’t just trying to save the ranch? What if… he did this all forme?
nineteen
Trouble
There are three things you can always count on at the Summer Barn Dance: someone’s aunt will start a line dance she has no rhythm, no business, and no shame leading; a punch will be thrown by the end of the night—usually over bags or a woman named Sherry; and at least one Stetson brother will do or say something so stupid, it’ll live forever in the family group chat.
Right now, Charming's leading the race.
He takes a lazy sip of his beer, eyes tracking the dance floor like he's scouting a draft pick. “Be honest—if love at first sight is real, how many women in this barn just fell for me?”
Knox nearly chokes on his drink. “Pretty sure that last one asked if your belt buckle was compensating for something.”
Charming waves him off. “Doesn’t count. Patsy Jean’s had it out for me since I beat her at karaoke night last fall.Wonderwallchanged everything.”
I lean back against the barn wall, watching as couplesspin and stomp through another round of line dancing while overhead lights swing lazily from rafters. Music blasts from the DJ’s corner. Laughter rolls through the open barn doors, and the scent of hay, spilled beer, and something deep-fried is what makes it all come together.
And me?
Well, I’m standing here trying not to look ather.
Damn near impossible. She's all glowing and confident. That dress she’s wearin’ outlines every perfect hill and valley of hers. I can see every glance she snags from under every wide-brimmed hat in here.
"Trouble," Charming claps me on the back, "looks like we're running dry. Let's go saddle up another round."
"Guess that means the next round's on me,” I say as we stride toward the bar.
"Well looky there, Sawyer's here," Charming says in a way that already pisses me off. "I should probably go over and make sure she feels welcome."
“Make sure she feels welcome,” I repeat, irritation edging every word. “Why you gotta do all that?”
He shrugs, way too pleased with himself. “Why not?”
“In case your brain’s off balance from bull-riding—she’sKnox’ssister, remember.”
“Relax,” he says, low and smooth, like he’s the fucking voice of reason. “I know who she is.”
His gaze pins mine, eyes sharp. “But I think you’re the one who needs reminding. You’re showing your cards, brother. I knew you were into her. And don’t even try to lie about it.”
I say nothing. Because he’s not wrong—and he knows it.
“That extra work you got us doing on Knox’s property lately? The early-morning shit we’re takin’ on? That’s not for him. It’s forher.” He leans in, lowering his voice. “And thefact that we’re keeping it all from Knox? Yeah… tells me everything.”
