Page 72 of Colt

I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Colton seems like the kind of guy who holds a grudge. He’s that pissy. That angry.

Except when he’s not.

Cash tells me to give him a call if I ever want to come check out their property. He stands. “I don’t mean to brag⁠—”

“Yeah, you do.” Mollie takes the hand he offers her and stands too.

“Fine, I do.” He presses a kiss to her mouth. “But Lucky River Ranch is special too. And not just because Ryder works there.”

I look at Beck. “So is Double U Ranch. Here, let me spell it for you so you can see what I’m working on.” He passes me a pen, and I write it out on a cocktail napkin, which I pass to him.

Beck’s eyebrows pop up as he looks at the napkin.

Mollie gasps, grabbing my arm for another squeeze. “Wait. That’s actually genius.”

“Double U. Nice nod to Ulysses and Uma.” Beck nods, narrowing his eyes in what I’m learning is the Wallace signature squint. “I dig it.”

“Do you really?” I let out a relieved exhale.

His dimple is back. “How much do you charge again? Not sure the Homestead Hen could afford you yet, but I’d hire you in a heartbeat.”

“You’re sweet.” I blush. “I’d be happy to help out.”

CHAPTER 15

Building Blocks

LAINEY

Despite the boost of professional confidence Beck and Mollie and Cash gave me, it still takes me three whole days to work up the courage to text Colton.

It doesn’t help that I don’t actually see Colton at all because I’m holed up in my apartment, working on my Double U Ranch presentation. The ideas are flowing, and I’ve learned you have to strike while the iron is hot.

LAINEY: Hey there, it’s Lainey Brown. Any chance I could come visit you and Dean for a bit one night this week? I have something for y’all.

My stomach dips as I type that last word. I consider erasing it. Am I stupid to think Colton will want to hang out with me and Dean? Do they not like people interrupting their “just the two of us” vibe? I imagine the week is super busy with school and work.

Then again, they did bring me out for a ride the other day. Colton confided in me. Made sure I was okay.

Hit him up, girl. Mollie and Cash didn’t find what they were looking for by playing it safe.

I hit Send. The hate sex isn’t gonna happen on its own, right?

To my very great surprise, Colton responds less than a minute later.

COLTON WALLACE

I know who you are

LAINEY BROWN

Lemme guess. Beck gave you my number too?

COLTON WALLACE

Apparently only because he gave you mine

LAINEY BROWN