Page 6 of Her Grumpy Cowboy

JASMYN

“Would you relax?”My best friend Lindsay loops her arm through mine. “It’s going to be fine.”

I bite my lip. “But I wasn’t invited. Won’t it be awkward?”

Lindsay rolls her eyes. “It’s a bonfire, girl. Everyone is invited. That’s the whole point.”

It’s Saturday night, the night of the annual Clayton Ranch bonfire. And even though I wasn’t technically invited, since Lindsay is the marketing coordinator for the ranch, she insisted I come this year.

As we walk up the dirt path toward the sprawling main house, the scent of woodsmoke and sagebrush fills the air. Crowds start to gather around the enormous pile of wooden pallets. String lights are draped between the towering pines, and country music blasts from speakers.

“See? It’s super casual. No one will even notice we’re here.” Lindsay grins at me reassuringly.

I nod, trying to absorb some of her carefree confidence. She’s right. I need to relax and just enjoy myself tonight. Stop overthinking everything.

Lindsay’s phone chimes with a text. She glances at the screen. “Ooh, it’s Jace. He needs me to meet him over by thebarn.” She waggles her eyebrows suggestively. “You good on your own for a bit?”

“Of course.” I wave her off with a smile. “Go have fun with your boyfriend. I’ll grab a drink and snack from inside.”

Lindsay glares at me. “For the last time, Jace isnotmy boyfriend.”

I wink at her knowingly. “Whatever you say.”

Jace Clayton is the youngest of the three Clayton brothers who own this sprawling ranch. Lindsay insists that she and Jace are “just friends.” But I know there’s something more between them. And it’s just a matter of time before the two of them realize it, too.

I walk up the wooden porch steps to the farmhouse and push open the heavy front door. Inside, the house is warm and inviting, with rustic wood beams and floors. I make my way toward the kitchen at the back, following the sound of clinking glasses and laughter.

The enormous kitchen is packed with people milling about, filling plates with barbecue and sipping drinks. The marble counters are loaded with an impressive spread - smoked brisket, pulled pork, potato salad, cornbread. My stomach rumbles at the sight. I grab a red plastic cup and ladle some spiked lemonade from a large glass dispenser.

Squeezing between the crowds, I start filling a plate with food. As I reach for a roll, someone bumps into me from behind. I stumble forward, my cup slipping from my grasp. I yelp, bracing for impact with the hard tile...but it doesn’t come.

Instead, a strong hand grasps my waist, catching me mid-fall.

“Careful, baby,” a deep voice murmurs in my ear. I’m pulled back against a solid wall of muscle. “Wouldn’t want to ruin that pretty outfit of yours.”

I freeze. That voice. I’d know it anywhere.

Slowly, I turn around and find myself face to face with Luke. And, as usual, he looks devastatingly handsome.

He’s wearing a faded pair of Levi’s that hug his muscular thighs and a blue button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing his tanned forearms. The top few buttons are undone, giving me a tantalizing peek at his chiseled chest.

I swallow hard. “Sorry. Guess I’m a little clumsy tonight.”

The corners of Luke’s mouth quirk up in a half-smile. “It’s alright, sweetheart. No harm done.” His eyes drift over me appreciatively. “You look beautiful tonight, by the way.”

I blink in surprise at the compliment. Who is this man, and what happened to Maisey’s grumpy dad?

“Actually, I’m glad I ran into you,” Luke continues. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.”

My heart skips a beat at his words. What could Luke possibly want to say to me? We’ve barely spoken since our tense encounter at the dance studio.

I feel another wave of nervous energy course through me. “What is it?” I ask.

Luke glances around the crowded kitchen. “Not here.” He takes my hand, his palm warm against my skin. “Come with me.”

Before I can protest, Luke is leading me out of the kitchen and down a quiet hallway. We pass by a series of closed doors before he stops in front of one at the very end. He pushes it open, revealing a small alcove tucked away from the main part of the house.

Once inside, Luke closes the door behind us, muffling the sounds of the party. Then he turns to face me, his expression serious. “Jasmyn, I owe you an apology.”

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