“Don’t pretend to be mad, Sorrel. I know you better than that. You didn’t have the guts to say yes, so I did it for you.”
“I am mad!” I shout at her. “I’m not interested in any men. I don’t care that he’s a country music star. He could be Sam Elliott in his younger years and I still wouldn’t go for it.”
She gives me an exacerbated look. “First off, Sam Elliott is so hot. Second, you’ve got to get back on the horse at some point, or you never will.”
Something in me knows she’s right. I can’t even remember the last time I was alone with a handsome man.
“Ugh,” I groan. The little devil on my shoulder says,Why not have a little fun—dip your toes in the water?
“Remember, honey, we ain’t getting any younger, and if I recall, you have a birthday coming up…the big two-six.”
I roll my eyes at that. She doesn’t need to remind me.
A stupid, hopeless romantic side of me thought maybe Huck was the one. I never should have let my mind go there. But I did, and now I’m paying for it with a broken heart and trust issues. Settling down or marriage never crossed my mind much. I was always on the road or working on the ranch, and that kept me too busy to focus on a serious relationship. I’d had a few admirers in the past, but most couldn’t even make it past Dad to get to me. Half of the guys in town would rather have a job at the ranch than date me and piss off my dad.
Two summers ago, Sutton got married. Seeing how happy she was that she found her person made me think maybe I want that too. Huck had been my date to her wedding. The way he looked at me while I stood next to my big sister while she got married melted my heart. But after what he did to me, it has long since frozen over again.
I sigh. “Fine, I’ll meet with him, but only one drink and you’re checking on my animals.”
“Of course, babe, I’ll even cuddle with Dashy and tuck him into his little bed.”
We smile at each other, and she gives me a big hug. The concert is nearly over. Charli looks the band over one more time like she’s trying to take a mental picture to save for later. Then she leaves to go check on my animals as promised. I walk toward the back of the stage. Len and the other deputies are standing in a circle, probably making a game plan for clearing the arena out. When Len sees me he pats one of the younger deputies on the shoulder then walks over to me.
“I heard from a little birdy Mr. Reed asked to have a drink with you.”
Wow, gossip travels fast with these guys.
“He did, and wouldn’t you know it, Charli is forcing me into it.”
He snickers, shaking his head.
“Well, I asked around and heard he’s actually a decent guy. You know I would tell you the truth. Your daddy wouldn’t forgive me if I let you hang out with some wild, two-timing musician.”
Nope that’s just bareback riders, I think. I give him a tight smile in response.
“Have some fun, Sorrel. I’ll be around if you need me.”
“Thanks, Len, be safe out there tonight.”
His job makes me nervous. I know how dangerous it is. Nowadays you never know what crazy person will show up at events to cause trouble.
I’m a barrel of nerves and I look around to see where I can get a drink. A little liquid courage might do me good. I find a private bar tucked in the corner. The bartender is slinging drinks left and right to all the people backstage. When the line clears, I walk over and give her my order.
“Can I get a shot of Pendleton please?”
Her brows come together and she scans me up and down. I stare back at her with a blank look on my face. She’s pretty with brown glossy hair pulled into a slicked-back ponytail and brown almond-shaped eyes. Her big boobs are on display, sticking out the top of her tank top. Probably helps with tips, I assume.
“ID,” she says flatly.
I dig my ID out of my pocket and hand it over to her. It doesn’t offend me that she asks for it. I’m used to getting IDed most of the time when I order alcohol. Everyone has always told me I look young for my age. Baby face problems.
She throws it back to me across the bar and pours my shot—not even to the brim.
I scoff. “Thanks. How much is it?”
Her mouth falls open and her eyes light up. She stands up straighter, and a smile spreads across her face. I feel heat on the back of my neck. I turn my head to the right, and there he is.
“Whatever it is, put it on my tab,” Denton says.
