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The mayor has a way of making me feel like I’m gum on the bottom of his shining black shoes, so being a nuisance helps me exact revenge.
More than anything, I’m just a child with adult money to blow.
“I haven’t sent one in a while,” I defend. “And I have no plans to send one again.”
Anymore.
“Well, if you do, your secret’s safe with me.”
She can’t be serious. “You don’t mind that I annoy him?”
She raises a shoulder, her dark hair flowing out behind her as the breeze catches it. “I know my dad. He gives as good as he gets. Whatever battle you’re in, you both must feel it’s warranted. It just amazes me that you’ve been subtle enough to not let anyone else in on it.”
I thought Juliet would’ve used Rapunzel to get her halfway home by now. How can anyone be so level-headed?
“Can I ask how you feel about it all?” I question. “I mean, more than the pranks. About...the other things I did, too.”
She twists back and forth in the saddle to stretch, highlighting her figure, so I look away to avoid being caught staring. “I’m surprised. I never would have guessed all that was in your past. But that’s just because I know who you are now.”
Our eyes meet. Her words unlock a door in my chest, swinging it wide open and allowing the guilt inside to flee from the light she brings with her.
A lot of my friends turned against me in Texas after what I did—some of the other bull riders, too. It hurt, but I never blamed them.
To have Juliet brush my wrongdoings aside like simple clumps of dirt off a horse’s back, I feel free. How can she possibly be from the same fold as Mayor Monroe?
His name drags my floating hope right back down to earth which ultimately results in a “no score” in my ride for Juliet. A relationship with her would never work.
“Ready to turn back?” I ask.
“Yeah. I didn’t tell Dad I was leaving town, so I don’t want him to worry. Which he would do, knowing I’m with a criminal.”
She gives me a look that says, “Too soon still?” and this time, I chuckle.
We lead the horses around the trees before heading back on the same trail.
“Speaking of my dad...would you mind if I share with him what we talked about today? Not the pranks and stuff, but the other things?”
“If you’d like to. I’d never ask anyone to keep something a secret from their loved ones.”
Anyway, what’s it going to hurt? He already knows about my past.
“I have to warn you, though,” I continue, “don’t expect him to change his mind about me.”
“Oh, I don’t.”
Some small part of me had hoped maybe she would convince him—that she wanted to so she could see me again—but any chance of that now bolts from my grasp.
She obviously must not care about seeing me again.
“I guess we won’t be spending much time together after this,” I say, attempting to protect my pride.
She shrugs. “If that’s what you want.” Her eyes home in on mine. “Is that what you want, Archer?”
Juliet
I don’t want to pressure Archer, especially after all he was willing to share with me, but this answer feels like it could be more significant than the rest.
“I’m sure I’m past my six questions, so you technically don’t have to answer that one,” I say.
