Page 78 of Love, Lies, and Whiskey

Lucas’s brow furrowed. “I focus on all that, but I’m usually trying to anticipate what’s next.”

“Some riders do best that way, and you might be one of them. But consider this. Yesterday Layla didn’t plan on coming over, right?”

“Yeah. So?”

“She changed her mind while she was out, and when she showed up, how’d you feel?”

“Great, but what does that have to do with bull riding?”

“Because if you’d known she was coming over, you might’ve had time to get nervous, and it could’ve been awkward when she got there, and you wouldn’t have been at your best, right?”

“I guess.”

“Well, animals are like people. They have their own brains. Their thoughts can change with the wind. If you’re too focused on what you expect to happen, you’re not ready for the unexpected. Last night proved you’re damn good at handling the unexpected.”

Lucas grinned as they stopped by the truck. “Yeah, I am.”

“If you want my advice, practice on the bulls that challenge you to hone your basic skills, because you can’t control the bull, but you can control your grip and your form.”

Lucas nodded. “That makes sense. Thanks.”

“Ready to roll?”

“Hell yeah.”

Doc tossed him the keys. “Try not to kill us.”

He scoffed. “I’m a great driver.”

“Don’t get too cocky. You haven’t tried parallel parking this beast yet.”

AFTER THEY’D DRIVEN around town for a while, Doc was satisfied that Lucas was driving as carefully as he had the other night. He gave him directions on some larger roads, heading through Allure to Hope Valley. “Watch your speed on town roads.”

“’Kay.”

“You know, there are perks to being related to me.”

“Driving lessons?”

“Yes, but also, now that you know Birdie’s my sister, which means she’s your aunt, the next time you go in there”—he pointed to Birdie’s chocolate shop as they drove past—“you can charm some chocolate out of her.”

Lucas grinned and stopped at a red light.

As they passed the park, Doc said, “That’s where they hold the Festival on the Green.”

“What’s that?”

“A weeklong event with live music and a sea of tents where people sell all types of things. They have a huge fireworks display when it’s over. The ranch and the club have booths there every year. People come from all the neighboring towns. Maybe we can go next year.”

“Fireworks are cool, but why would a ranch or a motorcycle club need a booth at a festival?”

“Take the next left, and remember to watch the oncoming traffic.” After Lucas navigated the turn, he said, “That’s how we spread the word about the ranch’s programs, and my father founded the Dark Knights and made it our mission to keep the residents and businesses of Hope Valley and the surrounding areas safe. So it’s good to let people know we’re around.”

“How do you keep them safe?” he asked as he drove along a larger road.

“Lots of different ways. We work with schools to stop bullying and raise awareness about mental health issues and drug and suicide prevention, and we patrol certain neighborhoods. Keep an eye on the seedier operations that are known to be connected to troublesome activities.”

“Like drugs?”