Page 7 of Pure Bred

“Ladies first,” I say.

Sierra grins. “Such a gentleman. Watch and learn, cowboy.”

She steps up to the tub, tying her hair back. I can’t help but admire the graceful curve of her neck. The years may have gone by, but I haven’t forgotten how soft her skin always felt against my lips. Or how good it felt to hear her needfully whisper my name. Or how?—

“On your mark, get set, go!” the attendant calls.

Sierra plunges her face into the water. I watch, mesmerized, as she emerges triumphantly with an apple between her teeth.

“Beat that,” she challenges me, wiping her face.

I step up, determined. As I dunk my head, the cold water shocks my system. I try my hardest, but the damn apples keep slipping away. Finally, I snag one and surface.

Sierra’s already cheering. “I win again!”

I can’t even be mad. Her joy is infectious, and I find myself laughing along with her.

But then I notice something. People are starting to stare. A few have their phones out and are snapping pictures. Sierra’s disguise is good, but it’s not perfect.

Immediately, my protective instincts kick in. I lean in close, speaking low. “Sierra, I think people are recognizing you. They’re taking photos.”

Her smile falters. “Oh. I...I guess I should have expected that.”

“We can leave,” I offer.

She shakes her head. “No, no. I don’t want to ruin anything. We still have a lot to see here.”

I take her hand without thinking. “I don’t care about that. What matters is that you’re comfortable. Let’s get out of here.”

Sierra looks at me, her eyes soft. “You sure?”

“Positive. Come on, I know a back way out.”

I guide Sierra through the crowd, my hand on the small of her back. We slip out a side gate and make our way to my truck. Once we’re safe inside, I turn to her.

“You okay?”

She nods, but her smile doesn’t quite convince me. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

I start the engine. “I’ve got a place in mind we can go to, if you want.”

Sierra looks at me, curiosity replacing the tension in her face. “Sure. Let’s go.”

I drive us out of town, across winding country roads. The trees are a blaze of red and gold in the fading light. Finally, I pull off onto a dirt track, coming to a stop at the edge of a small lake.

Sierra leans forward in her seat, drawing in an awe-filled breath. “Oh, Logan. It’s still so beautiful here.”

I smile, pleased to see that she approves. We used to come here as teenagers, sneaking beers and making out under the stars. Now, we sit on the hood of my truck, watching the sunset shimmer gold across the water.

“So,” I say after a while. “Want to talk about what happened back there?”

Sierra sighs, pulling her knees up to her chest. “It’s stupid. I should be used to it by now.”

“Doesn’t mean it doesn’t bother you.”

She’s quiet for a moment. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not even a person anymore. Like I’m just this...thing for people to consume.”

My heart aches for her. “Sierra, you’re so much more than that.”

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