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I lick my lips as my heart leaps into a gallop. “What if I told you that I haven’t been with anyone else?”

“Today? That’s not very impressive.”

“Ever,” I correct.

Another giggling fit spews out of her. “Quit being ridiculous and I might let you watch me beat the clock.”

My pulse booms faster, regardless of the fact she ignored my confession. “Is that an invitation to stay?”

She shrugs and fiddles with a piece of hay. “I might need a hand getting Hank into the arena.”

“And I’m the only man for the job.”

Gemma points at me. “Don’t push it.”

A wide smile consumes my expression. “I’ll fulfill your every wish and desire, Wildflower. All you gotta do is keep looking at me like that.”

“It was a moment of weakness,” I grumble over the music playing in The Paddock. Ironically, the current song is “Dry Spell” by Kacey Musgraves. “Chance just refuses to take no for an answer.”

Three different versions of disbelief rest on the faces of the women gathered as my moral support. Paisley’s shrewd gaze narrows into the fine art of sisterly wisdom from her spot in the booth across from me. It’s no surprise she’s the first to speak up.

“And you’re letting him wear you down.”

My shoulders hunch forward. “Would it be so terrible to reinstate our friendship?”

My sister snorts. “That man won’t be satisfied with your friendship.”

I stir my iced tea, suddenly wishing for something stronger. “Well, he can settle for that or nothing at all.”

“Uh-huh, whatever makes you feel better about caving.” Bianca winks at me, which deserves a scowl.

“You’re one to talk.”

The brunette shrugs. “Didn’t say I wasn’t a hypocrite, but we aren’t here to discuss my flimsy willpower. This is about you and Mr. Heartbreaker.”

“Fine, I’ll keep my distance.”

Paisley cocks her head. “Haven’t you already?”

“Not well enough for the peanut gallery.”

That’s when the third and final member of my so-called reinforcement team pipes up. “Good luck trying, babes. Chance will just break into your apartment again, but this time he won’t leave.”

My butt swivels on the bench seat to pin my friend with an accusation. “Hey! You’re supposed to back me up no matter what. Those two”—I motion at my older sister and her bestie beside her—“are hit or miss. I need you in my corner to rely on.”

Shiloh’s smile is sheepish, but not apologetic. “I’m just speaking the truth.”

Frustration mixed with defeat breezes from my lips. “What do you suggest? I think Chance is trying to grovel, but he really sucks at it.”

Paisley nods. “He seemed pretty clueless when Bee and I were trying to give him advice. All those other women must actually fall into his lap.”

My stomach gurgles and I cringe. “Thanks for the reminder.”

Shiloh pats the top of my head. “Well, if it’s any consolation, I’ve heard he’s off the market.”

“As if that’s believable.”

“It came from multiple sources. The buckle bunnies are very disappointed.”