Page 58 of Piece Of Me

Scarlett watched, amused, when the men broke apart and the newcomer turned to her. He was a handsome devil, with a square jaw, a smile that didn’t quit, and the kind of charisma a rockstar would be envious of. His hair was on the long side—hung past his shoulders—and his green eyes twinkled when he touched the brim of his hat.

“Howdy,” he said in a slow drawl.

“Not gonna happen.” Taz shook his head. “Off limits.”

Surprise lit up his features. “Huh,” he said with a wink. “In that case, nice to meet you. I’m Mason.”

“This is Scarlett, and her little guy, Hank,” Taz said before she could answer. “And these are my girls, Cameron and Ryan.”

Ryan cranked her head to get a better look. “Are you a real cowboy like Daddy?”

Mason chuckled and knelt down. “I sure am. Except I ride broncos, not bulls.”

“I want to ride broncos when I grow up,” Cameron added, digging into her snow cone.

“Princesses can’t ride broncos, silly,” Ryan chided.

“I can do whatever I want, right Daddy?”

“You sure can,” he replied.

Mason straightened. “This is a good look for you, Pullman.” He turned to Scarlett. “Hopefully we can find time for a drink later. I’d like to get to know the woman who managed to get Taz here to rethink his life goal of staying single and…” He caught himself in time, aware the girls were waiting on his every word. “Well, that’s for adult ears only.”

“I don’t think Scarlett needs to hear your bull. You riding today?” Taz asked.

“After the barrel racing.” He backed away, a devilish smile on his face. “Nice running into you. We’ll have a drink later?”

“Not sure I’ll be around later, but if I am, I’ll shoot you a text.”

“See?” Mason chuckled. “Gelded.”

“An old friend?” Scarlett asked as he walked away.

“We go way back. I haven’t seen Mason in over a year when I ran into him back in Texas.”

Scarlett would have liked to know more, but they found seats, and she rummaged through her bag for the ear protectors she’d packed for Hank, and once they were in place, settled back to enjoy the show.

“Do you want anything?” Taz leaned close, his hand on her knee. In that moment there wasn’t anything she wanted or needed. Everything was perfect.

She shook her head, unable to answer.

“If I didn’t tell you already, you look beautiful,” he whispered, before straightening up and explaining to the girls how barrel racing worked.

The event had just started when Scarlett’s phone pinged. It was Lacey. The message was short and to the point.

I need details. I’m at the hotdog tent. Come now.

She smiled to herself and considered her answer.

“Everything okay?” Taz asked lightly.

“Yes. Can you watch Hank for a few minutes? I need to?—”

“It’s okay darlin’. Go meet your girlfriend.” He leaned closer. “Don’t give away all my secrets.”

Face as pink as ever, she got to her feet, aware she and Taz had drawn the interest of some locals, mainly Mary Margaret Christchurch and her pals. They didn’t bother to look away or hide their whispers as she walked by.

Once clear of the stands, she spied Lacey and headed her way.

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