Page 8 of Her Grumpy Cowboy

A loud whooping cheer from outside the barn jolts me back to reality.

Luke chuckles. “Guess it’s time for the bonfire to start.” He reaches for my hand, his fingers lacing through mine. “Come on, let’s head down there before all the good spots are taken.”

As we approach the bonfire, the crackling of the flames and the lively chatter of the guests grow louder. The air is thick with the scent of wood smoke and roasting marshmallows.

“Daddy! Ms. Jasmyn!”

I turn just in time to see a blur of curls hurtling towards us. Maisey throws her arms around my waist, nearly knocking me off balance with the force of her hug.

“Hey there, sweetpea.” I smooth her wild hair. “I’ve missed you!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Luke watching us, a soft, unreadable expression on his face. My cheeks warm under his gaze and I stand, brushing off my jeans.

Suddenly, I hear a deep voice from behind me. “Well, if it isn’t the lady of the hour.”

I look up and see a tall, broad-shouldered man striding towards us with a friendly grin. And walking beside him, a smug smile on her face, is Lindsay. She catches my eye and winks. I realize this must be Jace, the youngest Clayton brother that she’s always talking about.

The one who is decidedly “not her boyfriend.”

Lindsay has always been the type to keep her friend groups separate, not wanting to mix her work life with her personal life. So I’m excited to finally meet the mysterious Jace Clayton in person. Lindsay talks about him constantly, even if she won’t admit her real feelings for him.

“You must be Jasmyn,” the man says warmly. He extends his hand to shake mine. “I’m Jace Clayton. It’s great to finally meet you.” Then he looks over at Luke and smirks. “Hope my brotherisn’t giving you too much trouble. He tends to be a little gruff around pretty women he likes.”

Luke scowls at him. “Very funny.” He turns to me, his expression softening. “Ignore him. He thinks he’s a comedian.”

Maisey tugs at my hand, drawing my attention back to her. “Ms. Jasmyn, will you come sit with us at the bonfire? Pleeeease?” She turns her big, pleading eyes on Luke. “She can, right daddy?”

“Yeah, baby.” Luke looks over at me and grins. “She can sit with us.”

Chapter Four

LUKE

The bonfire blazesas Jasmyn and I walk hand in hand toward the crowd.

The fire is mesmerizing - flames licking at the starry night sky, embers floating up and disappearing into the darkness. The heat radiates out, warming my face as we approach. But I can barely focus on any of it, not with Jasmyn’s hand in mine, her body so close.

She looks incredible in those painted-on jeans, hugging her curves in all the right places. And the flannel top, tied at her waist, revealing just a hint of smooth brown skin... Damn. It’s taking every ounce of my self-control not to pull her close and bury my face in her neck.

I clear my throat, trying to shake off my desire before I embarrass myself. “So, is this bonfire everything you thought it’d be?”

Jasmyn looks around, her eyes wide, clearly mesmerized by the scene. The flickering firelight dances across her face, highlighting her high cheekbones and full lips.

“It’s great,” she says, but there’s a hint of uncertainty in her voice. She glances down at herself, then back at the crowd. “Ifeel a bit underdressed though. Everyone else has their cowgirl outfits on, and here I am without a hat or boots.”

I can’t help but grin at that. She looks perfect to me, but I get what she means. Without a second thought, I reach up and take off my own well-worn cowboy hat.

“There, now you’ll fit right in,” I say as I gently place my cowboy hat on Jasmyn’s head.

Jasmyn reaches up to touch the brim, her eyes meeting mine. In that moment, the rest of the world falls away. No bonfire, no crowd, no music. Just us, our gazes locked, the air between us electric with tension.

But then Maisey’s voice breaks the spell. “Daddy, daddy! Can I go play with Lila and Rosie? They have sparklers!”

I blink, the world coming back into focus. I look down at my daughter’s eager face, her eyes shining with excitement in the firelight.

“Sure thing, little darlin’,” I say, crouching down to her level. “But you stay where I can see you, alright? And be careful with those sparklers.”

“I will, I promise!” Maisey gives me a quick hug before darting off to join her friends.

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