I hadn't felt like this in... heck, how long had it been? Two years since Landon. But this felt different. Faster. More intense.
Which might not be a good thing.
With Landon, the attraction had been slower. Comfortable. Safe. Right up until it wasn't. Right up until "I love you" became"Where are you?" and "Who were you with?" and "Why haven’t you texted me back yet?"
After we broke up, I'd thrown myself into Crown & Grace. It was definitely easier to focus on my students than wonder if I'd ever trust my own judgment again.
But Rhodes seemed different from Landon. At lunch yesterday, he'd held my hand at The Grill without making it feel like ownership. He made my pulse race just by existing in the same room.
Or I was being an idiot. Again.
Three days wasn't long enough to know a person—even if the person in question was a bodyguard and probably the hottest man I’d ever laid eyes on.
I dragged myself out of bed before I could do something stupid like stay there inhaling his pillow until he discovered me and asked what I was doing.
By the time I emerged from the bathroom, I'd dressed in designer jeans, low-heeled boots, and a lightweight blouse. Practical enough for a ranch, put-together enough that I wouldn't feel—I hoped—completely out of my element today. I'd never been roping in my life. The closest I'd come to ranch life was a pony ride at my sixth birthday party. Somehow, I didn’t think that counted. I found Rhodes leaning against my kitchen counter with coffee in hand.
"Morning," he said.
"Morning." I poured myself a mug, added cream. "Sleep okay?"
Something flickered across his face. "Better than the daybed."
I studied him over the rim of my mug. Dark circles under his eyes said he hadn't slept much better than I had. Though whether that was because of me or just an unfamiliar bed, I had no idea.
"What do you think about stopping at Sweet Sage Bakery to pick up something for breakfast on the way to the studio?" I asked. “Patsy—the owner—makes the most delicious scones this side of the Mississippi.”
"Sounds good."
I grabbed my purse, locked up. The short drive was quiet, the sky that clear blue that heralded a perfect spring day. Despite the serenity of the morning, the roping lesson this afternoon had my stomach in knots. I'd built a business on teaching confidence and poise. Now I was about to prove I was terrible at something in front of Rhodes and my best student.
PATSY WOMACK LIT UPwhen we walked into the bakery at seven-thirty. The warm scent of butter and sugar enveloped us the moment we stepped inside. Sweet Sage occupied a charming corner spot on the square, with exposed brick walls, mismatched vintage chairs, and a glass display case showcasing Patsy's handiwork—golden scones, cinnamon rolls the size of my fist, and delicate pastries that looked almost too pretty to eat. A few early-morning regulars sat scattered at small tables with their coffee and newspapers, glancing up with interest when they saw us together. "Presley! And this must be the boyfriend everyone's been talking about." She beamed. "Rhodes, right?"
"News travels fast." I smiled, letting Rhodes's hand settle on the small of my back. The touch sent heat straight up my spine.
"Honey, this is Valor Springs." Patsy winked, already boxing up half a dozen scones. "What else can I get you?"
"Two large coffees. One with cream, one black."
Rhodes held the door open for me as we left, his hand returning to the small of my back as we walked to the truck. That simple touch had my pulse jumping all over again.
AT CROWN & GRACE, THEmorning fell into an easy rhythm.
Crystal Chambers arrived at nine with her mother Christine for interview prep. The moment they walked into the main coaching room, Christine's gaze landed on Rhodes. He stood near the windows, positioned where he could watch the door while staying out of the way.
"And who's this?" Christine's curiosity was written all over her face.
"Christine, Crystal, this is Rhodes Foster. My boyfriend." The word still felt strange on my tongue. "Rhodes, this is Christine Chambers and her daughter Crystal."
"Nice to meet you both." Rhodes shook Christine's hand, then Crystal's.
"Boyfriend?" Christine's eyes lit up. "Well, it's about time someone snatched you up, Presley. How long have you two been together?"
"About a month. We've been keeping it quiet." I smiled up at Rhodes, trying to look natural. "But we're ready to go public now."
"Well, isn't that wonderful." Christine beamed. "You two make a lovely couple."
After a few more excited questions that I answered with a smile, I guided Crystal to the center of the room. The space was my pride and joy—eight hundred square feet with mirrors lining one wall, a small elevated runway area at one end, and professional lighting I'd installed myself. Motivational quotes in elegant script decorated the cream-colored walls between framed photos of my students at various competitions.
