“Jamie!” Clayton called, waving her over. “Come say hi to these fine folks.”
She hesitated. Would they even know who she was? Would they care? The cameras were pointed at him, not her. Maybe she should stay back . . .
A woman in the crowd turned, eyes widening in recognition. “Oh my God! Jamie Keaton!”
A ripple of excitement spread through the group and all eyes were on her, including Ruth’s.
Jamie smiled and shook the woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I love your new song!” the woman gushed. “I heard it on the radio this morning.”
Jamie tilted her head, confused. “What song?”
“‘When We Two Parted,’” the woman told her.
So much for Shorty keeping her in the loop about her single. Then again, she didn’t exactly get cell service at Clayton’s house.
“I didn’t know it was out yet,” Jamie admitted, covering her surprise. “But I’m glad you liked it.”
“Miss Jamie! Saddle up!” Charlotte hollered.
Clayton chuckled beside her. “What do you say, darlin’?”
Jamie eyed the horse warily. “I don’t know how to ride.”
“It’s easy.” His lips curled into a smirk. “I’ll show you.”
A ranch hand brought over two saddled horses, handing the reins to Clayton. He helped Jamie onto the smaller one and she swung her leg over, gripping the saddle tightly. Her stomach clenched. What if she fell? What if she broke something?
Clayton’s horse moved into a steady trot but hers barely took a step.
“Giddy up, now,” Clayton instructed, squeezing his legs against the horse’s sides.
Jamie mimicked his motion but her horse barely budged.
“You’ve got to squeeze,” Clayton coaxed.
A slow grin spread across her face. “What? You don’t like the way I ride, Clayton?”
His face reddened and he laughed before trotting off toward the girls.
Ruth rode up beside her, brow raised. “Okay, what was that about?”
Jamie shrugged. “Nothing.”
Ruth guided her horse a little closer to Jamie’s. She smirked. “Then why are you wearing yesterday’s clothes?” Her gaze landed on Jamie’s T-shirt. “Don’t tell me you actually like wearing Clayton’s face.”
Jamie adjusted her reins, grinning. “I did last night.”
Ruth gasped, nearly dropping the reins. “James! Did you—”
She nodded. “We did.”
Ruth blinked and steered her horse forward. “Okay, wow. I mean, I don’t need details, but if this was just a one-night thing, it’s about to get really messy.”
Jamie exhaled, the warmth of the morning sun on her face. “It wasn’t just one night.” She glanced over at Ruth, her voice quieter now. “We did it this morning too.” A breath, then, “I love him. And he loves me too.”
Ruth let out a delighted squeal, startling her horse, which flicked its ears in protest. She grabbed the saddle horn to steady herself. “Oh my God! I’m so happy for you—for us! Does this mean you’re staying?”
