“You can burn things, which is different.”
“I set a pan on fire once, and suddenly I’m banned from the kitchen forever.”
“You set theceilingon fire.”
“In my defence, the smoke alarm was broken, so I had no warning.”
“The warning was the flames shooting toward the ceiling.”
“Details.” He snorts, which turns into a chuckle.
I laugh, spooning more mashed potatoes onto my plate. They’re impossibly creamy, rich with butter and garlic, and I could probably eat the entire bowl by myself. Except, I’m feeling a bit off where there’s a low heat simmering under my skin that’s been building since dinner started, but I figure some iron from a good steak and proper food is exactly what my body needs.
“So,” I say, cutting into my meat, “the rodeo kicks off the day after tomorrow. When do you guys find time to train with everything else going on?”
“We make time,” Seth answers. “Early mornings, sometimes late at night if we run out of time.”
“You should come watch us sometime,” Carter offers. “See what goes into it before the actual show.”
“I’ll definitely be at the rodeo. Already have my ticket.” I take a bite of steak, which is perfectly cooked, pink in the middle, and have to stop myself from moaning out loud. “God, this is incredible.”
“Just incredible?” Seth raises an eyebrow.
“Fine. Life-altering. I may never eat my own cooking again. You’ve ruined me for all other food.” I fan myself dramatically. “Is it warm in here, or is it just the steak?”
Nobody answers, but I notice Kai and Carter exchange a quick glance.
“I went to a bull-riding event last year,” I continue, ignoring whatever silent conversation they’re having. “Local riders, nothing as big as your circuit, but it was amazing. The energy in the crowd, watching those guys hold on…”
“You’ll have to introduce us to the local riders,” Kai says. “Always good to meet the brave ones.”
“Brave or crazy. Fine line in your profession.”
“We prefer ‘calculated risk-takers.’?”
“I bet you do.”
The conversation flows easily as we eat. I’m hyperaware of the warmth spreading through my body, not just from the food, but from something deeper, like a low fever that keeps building. I take a sip of juice and try to focus on the meal, but there’s a flush creeping up my neck that has nothing to do with the temperature of the room.
The guys keep reaching across the table, refilling my glass before it’s empty, pushing dishes toward me, making sure I have everything I need. It’s unspoken but obvious that they’re taking care of me. Looking out for me.
I’d forgotten what that felt like.
The last time someone truly looked after me was years ago, when I was young and my parents handled everything. Now it’s just me, navigating life alone, making my own decisions and dealing with my own problems. Having three people actively invested in my comfort is… cozy and reassuring.
I’m about halfway through my steak when Seth asks, “So what is there to do in this town? Besides bars, cafés, farming, and rodeos.”
“That pretty much sums it up.” I grin, dabbing at my forehead with my napkin—when did I start sweating? “Though, more people have been moving in lately. Younger crowd. The town’s growing, but at its core, it’s still rural Montana.”
“Any hidden gems?”
“Well, there’s a book club at the local bookstore. Meets monthly.” I shift in my seat, trying to get comfortable despite the warmth pooling in my stomach. “I usually go with my friend Sophia, who inherited a ranch last year when she moved here. Along with three cowboys, actually.” I smirk at them. “Seems to be a pattern in this town.”
The guys are watching me with varying degrees of interest, and I remind myself that I’m not chatting with Hazel. I need to filter.
“What kind of books?” Kai asks, leaning back in his chair with that troublemaker grin.
“Romance, mostly. We rotate through different subgenres.”
