I grit my teeth. Heat creeps up my neck, shame prickling under my skin, but I meet her gaze, not letting it show. If they weren’t going to let it go, I might as well own it.
“Guess I should be flattered you’re still thinking about that,” I say lightly. “My little show must have left quite the impression.”
“Go eat a dick, Tish. Your jealousy is showing,” Sawyer says flatly.
Tish laughs, her smile turning a little more feral. “Jealous? Of a skank so desperate for attention she dances on a bar? Tripp had to carry her out of here because she was so drunk.”
I will myself not to flinch as Allie’s brows shoot up. Clearly,shehadn’t heard about that part.
Sawyer’s glass hits the table with a mutedthunk.
“You’re pathetic,” Sawyer bites out. “So bored with your little life—two kids and a husband that can’t get it up for you anymore—that you have to make everyone else miserable.”
Each word hits Tish like a slap. I have no idea how Sawyer does that, but I could learn a few things from her.
Tish bristles, but Allie leans in, tone bright and her eyes gleaming with venom.
“It’s almost like you never got over the fact that Quinn wiped the floor with you at every 4-H event that mattered—trail class, showmanship, horsemanship—and she only came here for summers.” She grins. “I think it’s time you let it go. She’s just better than you, Tish.”
I smirk, some small amount of pride reemerging at the mention of my ability to always show her up in the arena.
Tish’s face goes red.
“Walk away, Tish,” Sawyer warns, her voice all steel. “Before I lose my patience and throw this drink in your face.”
Tish opens her mouth, thinks better of it, and finally turns on her heel, dragging her sidekicks with her.
I exhale slowly as they walk away, pulse still racing. “Remind me to buy you both a drink,” I tell Sawyer and Allie. “And maybe a medal.”
“Well, that was... something,” Wyatt says awkwardly.
I wince. Somehow, I’d completely forgotten he was still sitting there.
“Don’t let them get to you,” Allie says. “They’ve always been jealous.”
“I don’t know why,” I murmur, resting my chin on my hand as I take a deep pull of my drink.
Sawyer gestures at me with her straw. “Because you’re smarter, hotter, and you’re a natural in the saddle.”
Wyatt nods in agreement. “Everyone knows they’re bitter with nothing better to do. Just ignore them.”
I give him a small smile.
“You wanna dance?” he asks, jumping at the opening. “It’ll take your mind off the miserable bitches.”
I glance around, searching for a lifeline—a reason to say no—but I’m out of luck. Sawyer and Allie are smiling and nodding, their eyes all soft and hazy like they’ve set up the sweetest couple they’ve ever seen. And they have no reason to think otherwise. I’m not about to tell them I’ve had an entirely different cowboy on my mind all night.
After an uncomfortably long silence, I finally answer. “Sure. Let’s dance.”
Wyatt perks up and hops down from the stool, offering me his hand. I take it and let him lead me to the dance floor.
A slow country song croons from the speakers, and he pulls me close. I try to let go of what just happened at the table, but I can’t quite shake the shot to my newfound confidence.
“Hey.” Wyatt dips his head, trying to meet my far-off gaze.
“Sorry. Did you say something?”
My thoughts are already back at Dawson Ranch with Tripp—probably still laughing with Wes and Pops, not thinking twice about me. The thought shouldn’t sting, but it does.
