“You will not,” Jimmy said sternly. “We’re takin’ you. Load up, boys.”
I held up my hands. “You all have done more than enough for me.”
“Load up,” he ordered again.
“Let me grab the food,” Dean said, wandering to the counter.
“When did he order our food?” Alan asked with a shocked smile.
“Please, I promise-”
“We’re takin’ you home,” Colton interrupted. “You can’t stop us.”
He was looking at me again with that lost gaze. I offered a small smile, and he led me through the still-silent restaurant.
“I think I owe the manager a gift card or something,” I muttered as we wandered into the warm evening air.
“Are you kiddin’?” Alan scoffed. “You did this town a favor. They will be gossipin’ about this for years to come.”
Colton glared over his shoulder. “That’s not helpful, Alan.”
We stopped in front of a beat-up red truck. Colton opened the front passenger door for me and helped me in, giving my hand a small squeeze as he did. He climbed in the back with the twins, and Jimmy took the driver’s seat.
“Where are you stayin’?” Jimmy asked as he pulled away.
“The new hotel, south of town,” I answered quietly.
Dean whistled. “Fancy fancy.”
It was quiet for a long time; I’m sure all of them were trying and failing to think of anything other than the scene I had caused to talk about. “Are you all going to Oklahoma in two weeks?” I asked after the silence was becoming painful.
“That’ll be our home rodeo,” Jimmy said with a wink, turning on his blinker.
I kicked myself mentally. “Right! That’s exciting. I bet your families are excited to see you all.”
Dean sniffed. “My fiancée is probably ready to leave me.”
“Rodeo wife life,” Alan retorted, shoving a handful of fries into his mouth.
“And your wife and kids?” I asked Jimmy. “Are they used to the rodeo life?”
He half shrugged. “I don’t know if you can ever be used to it.” She’s put up with a lot for me, and one day, when I’m done with the rodeo, I’ll make it up to her by never leavin’ again.” Jimmy pulled into the hotel parking lot.
“I’ll walk you in,” Colton said suddenly. He popped his door open before I could say another word.
I snagged my purse, thanked Jimmy for the ride, and climbed out.
Colton and I walked side by side toward the hotel. I held my breath; he smelled so good.
Once we were a foot away from the lobby entrance, I stopped and turned to him.
He leaned against the wall, folding his arms and letting a mischievous grin take over his face. “If you’re going to apologize again, I might as well get back in the truck.”
“I can’tnotapologize,” I said with a sheepish grin.
“You have nothing to apologize for,” he said casually.
“My boyfriend thought we were sleeping together and tried to punch you,” I argued. “That’s worth an apology.”
