Page 20 of Her Filthy Cowboy

Luke nods toward Maisey and gives me a pointed look. “PG version please.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “Things went great. But we’ve hit a bit of a snag with her brother Liam. He’s threatening to pull all the Sullivan ads fromFit Mountain Monthlyif Savannah runs her article about me.” I stab a potato with more force than necessary. “He wants someone else to write it. Anyone but her.”

Luke looks confused by that. “Why’s he so against her writing it?”

“He thinks she can’t be objective. That she’ll make me look too good and the Sullivans too bad.”

Wyatt scoffs. “Like any other writer in this town wouldn’t be biased against us Claytons.”

I nod, feeling a surge of frustration. “Exactly. Savannah’s the only one who’d give me a fair shake. But Liam can’t see past his own damn prejudice.”

Melody’s eyes soften. “What does Savannah plan to do?”

“She wants to write it anyway.” I’m unable to keep the pride out of my voice. “Says she won’t let Liam or anyone else dictate her career choices.”

Wyatt grins, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Sounds like your kind of woman.”

I grin back. “She really is.”

As the meal winds down, I start clearing plates. Wyatt catches my eye, jerking his head toward the back porch. I nod and follow him out.

The cool air hits us as Wyatt leans against the railing. “So, this thing with Savannah. It’s serious, huh?”

I don’t hesitate. “Pretty serious, yeah.”

Wyatt’s eyes lock onto mine. “Then you fight for her. If she means that much to you, you don’t let her slip away because of some family feud bullshit.”

“I don’t plan to.”

“Good.” Wyatt nods. “Because a woman like that? She’s worth going to war for.”

As I head back inside, Wyatt’s words echo in my mind. He’s right. Savannah’s not just some fling. She’s it for me. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone, Liam included, come between us.

I feel a surge of determination as I finish cleaning up. Savannah is my woman, and I’m going to make damn sure everyone knows it. Whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together.

Hours later,I guide the mare through a series of exercises, my hands firm on the reins. Savannah’s leaning against the fence, her curves accentuated by her tight jeans and flannel shirt.

“Any word from Liam?” I keep my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my gut.

Savannah shakes her head, her brow furrowing. “No. He’s as stubborn as a mule. Won’t budge an inch on his threat to pull the ads.”

I feel a flare of anger. “What’s your next move?” I press, urging the horse into a trot.

“Well, I’m not backing down. This article means too much. It’s not just about you or the rodeo. It’s about standing up for what I believe in as a journalist.”

Pride swells in my chest. That’s my girl—fierce and unyielding. “I’ve got your back, darlin’. No matter what.”

Savannah’s eyes soften. “I know you do, Brody.” She pauses, chewing her lip. “I’m meeting with Evelyn tomorrow. I’m hoping she’ll support me, even if it means risking those ad dollars.”

I bring the mare to a halt, considering. “You think she will?”

“I don’t know. But Evelyn’s always encouraged me to chase the hard stories. To dig deep and find the truth. I’m hoping that spirit wins out over the bottom line.”

I dismount, handing the reins to a nearby stable hand. Crossing to Savannah, I cup her face in my hands. “Listen to me. You’re the best damn journalist in this county. If anyone can make Evelyn see the importance of this story, it’s you.”

Savannah leans into my touch. “You really think so?”

“I know so. You’ve got fire in your belly and steel in your spine. Don’t let anyone douse that flame. Not Liam, not Evelyn, not anyone.”

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