Page 13 of Pure Bred

Hours later, I’m walking up to Sierra’s parents’ house with a picnic basket in hand. Her mom opens the door, smiling at me like I’m still that teenage kid who used to come around all the time.

“Hello, Logan. Come on in, honey,” she says, then turns and hollers into the house, “Sierra! You have a visitor!”

I hear footsteps, and then there she is. My beauty. Sierra’s eyes widen when she sees me, full of surprise and excitement.

“Hey! I didn’t know you were stopping by.”

I hold up the basket. “I know going out can be…complicated. So I thought I’d bring Eagle Falls to you.”

Sierra beams. “Aw. Really? That’s so sweet of you. Come on, let’s sit in the backyard.”

We head through the house and go out into the yard. It’s a perfect fall day—cool but sunny, with leaves periodically falling from the trees. I spread out the picnic blanket and start unpacking the food.

“Holy shit,” Sierra says as she sees what I’ve brought. “Did you go to every restaurant in town?”

I grin. “I mean, I had to get all your favorites. But I also had to get some new stuff for you to try.”

“You’re the best.”

I pretend not to hear her. “What was that?”

She playfully pushes my shoulder. “You heard me perfectly fine, Magnuson.”

As we dig into the spread of local food, the familiar dishes bring up so many good memories from the past. But I’m equally as pleased when Sierra tries the new-to-her dishes and loves them just as much as the old ones.

Then, out of nowhere, Sierra’s expression turns serious. “Logan, there’s something I need to ask you. Gabe told me you haven’t been with anyone since me. Is that true?”

I freeze with a sandwich halfway to my mouth. Shit. Wasn’t expecting that. I set the food down, buying myself a second to think.

“Yeah, that’s true,” I say, trying my best to sound casual. “The ranch keeps me so busy. And I just haven’t met anyone I wanted to date.” It’s not a lie, but it’s not the whole truth either.

Sierra nods, but she’s still looking at me curiously.

I clear my throat. “Hey, do me a favor. Don’t tell me about your relationships, okay?” I try to keep my tone light, but I mean every word. “I’d rather not know about your hundreds of boyfriends.”

She laughs. “Logan, there’s nothing to tell. I haven’t been with anyone, either.”

I stare at her, sure I’ve misheard. “Come on, you don’t have to say that.”

“I’m serious,” she says. “I’ve been so focused on my career, and I’m always on the road or in the studio. I haven’t had any time for dating.”

The weight of what she’s saying starts to sink in. Neither of us has been with anyone else. All this time. That feels…significant. Important.

But I can’t let myself read too much into it. Can’t let myself hope.

I reach into the picnic basket, pulling out the desserts I’ve brought. The sun is starting to dip, casting a warm glow over the yard. It feels different now. More intimate.

“So,” I say, trying to sound casual as I slide a slice of apple pie in front of Sierra, “what’s your take on long-distance relationships?”

She pauses. “Is this a hypothetical question or…?”

“Practical,” I admit, my heart pounding like a fucking jackhammer.

Sierra takes a bite of apple pie, considering my question. “It would depend on the person,” she says, her eyes meeting mine. “If it was with you, I’d definitely consider it.”

The corner of my lips lifts. “Yeah?”

She nods, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Yeah.”

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