Kai:I’ve had THREE. This is me at peak performance.
June:Terrifying.
Kai:You’re welcome.
Carter:Seriously, though, how are you feeling? You had us worried last night.
I stare at the screen, warmth spreading through my chest despite my best efforts to stay detached.
June:Better. Just need some fresh air and normal human interaction.
Kai:We’re not normal?
June:You literally had a body pillow made of yourself.
Kai:And you snuggled pillow-me?
Carter:That’s called “concerning.”
Kai:You’re just jealous that Flat Carter doesn’t exist.
Carter:I have never been less jealous of anything in my life.
June:You two are hilarious. I’ll see you later.
Kai:Miss you already, doll.
Carter:Drive safe.
I set the phone down, smiling despite myself, and head for the shower.
The hot water feels incredible, washing away the remnants of last night’s fever, clearing my head. I stand under the spray longer than necessary, trying not to think about the fact that I’m in the guys’ house, using their bathroom, existing in their space.
When I finally emerge, I dig through my bag for something to wear. My hand lands on a dress I packed almost as an afterthought, red with short sleeves, buttons down the front, inching halfway down my thighs, and a belt at the waist. It’s pretty without being too formal.
I pull it on, add my cowboy boots, and check my reflection in the mirror. The color brings out the warmth in my skin, and the belt accentuates my waist in a way that makes me feel… good. Feminine. Like myself, whoever that is anymore.
I grab my keys and head downstairs, moving quickly through the quiet house. The guys are probably out training for the rodeo, and I should be able to slip away without any awkward?—
I stop dead at the back window.
The view overlooks the horse corral, where a wild bronco is bucking like its life depends on it. And on that bronco’s back, one hand gripping the rope, the other thrown up for balance, is Kai.
Shirtless.
Even from this distance, I can see the muscles in his back flexing with each violent movement. The tribal tattoo sleeve rippling as he adjusts his grip. The way his body moves with thehorse, wild, fearless, completely in control even as the animal does everything possible to throw him.
Seth and Carter are perched on the wooden fence, looking ready to jump in if needed, shouting encouragement I can’t hear through the glass. Seth is wearing a dark T-shirt that stretches across his shoulders, his cowboy hat pulled low. Carter is laughing at something, golden hair fluttering in the breeze.
They look like a photograph, like something out of a fantasy.
And I need to leave before my body decides to betray me again.
I force myself to turn away from the window and walk out the front door. Every step feels like fighting against a current that wants to drag me back to them.
But I can’t let myself get swept away when they’re leaving in a few weeks. Not when I have a life here, a business, a home (water-damaged as it currently is), friends who depend on me. I’ve built something in this town. Something that’s mine.
Scent match or not, some things just aren’t meant to be.
