I take the ruby ring off my left hand and move it back to my right ring finger where it belongs.
31
Logan
* * *
I release the clutch and speed away from The Cowherd as fast as possible. The hot wind in my face isn’t nearly enough to blow away the pain of what just transpired back at the bar.
As much as Macey’s always sworn she never wants to get married, she couldn’t disguise the crushed look on her face when I told her I was engaged. Because we had rules together. And I just broke the big one.
Ever since Vegas, I haven’t wanted to touch any woman other than Macey Henwood. Something about exchanging vows like that—it made everything that’s always been between us even more intense.
And I wanted to tell her the truth—that my “engagement” is nothing but a means to an end.
And that I’m doing it all for her.
I’ll do anything for her.
Even marry somebody else.
Someone I barely know but who’s as all-in as I am to make sure we accomplish our very separate goals that both require the exact same plan—a fake marriage.
Gigi’s waiting for me at the main ranch house.
Which is exactly why I veer right and head for the rodeo pen. Right now, I need to clear my head. And the best way for me to do that is to take a turn on Prince.
When I reach the pen, I park my bike and send out a text.
All set.
Gigi’s reply comes quickly.
You told Macey about us?
Yep. Then I change the facts just enough so Gigi won’t think any of this will be an issue. I can’t have her worrying any more than she is. She’s already signed our divorce papers and turned them in.
You didn’t tell her the truth about us, did you?
No. I blow out a heavy breath.
If Gigi knew Macey, she wouldn’t even be asking that question. Macey would never let me do this if she knew the truth.
Why not? Gigi texts back. You’re saving her family.
I take off my bike helmet and look toward the front field, the one in the direction of The Cowherd Whiskey Saloon & Chapel.
Because Macey Henwood doesn’t accept help lightly.
I turn off my phone and climb into the chute. The ranch hand helps me get set, and then Prince explodes into the ring.
Not getting bucked off requires all my concentration, and for a few blissful seconds, I stop thinking.
About the fucked-up, fake engagement I’m involved in.
About how the hell I’m going to keep the truth a secret from this entire town.
About how I’m going to look Macey in the eye every damn day and lie to her.
