Page 31 of Big Rowdy Cowboy

There’s another woman on an old, faded couch. She’s tapping away on her phone, and she hasn’t looked up since I entered the room.

“I’m Dotty, Zac’s girlfriend,” I introduce myself, trying to give them a bright smile. These people work with Zac, and I want to make a good impression on them. Thea has been kind and sweet to me.

The one with the eyebrow piercing rolls her eyes. “Tara, do you think you have enough concealer for all these acne scars?”

My smile falters and my heart falls. They aren’t future friends, then.

Tara, with the mermaid tattoo, chomps her gum loudly. “I’ll have to get an ice cream scoop to fill some of these craters, Aspen.”

I blink rapidly. I didn’t ask for the acne that left behind these scars or the eating disorder that put my brain and body at war. But I don’t have to stand here and take this. I’m proud thatmy voice doesn’t wobble when I say, “I’m afraid there’s been a mistake. I won’t be needing help with my makeup this evening.”

I turn toward the door as Aspen sneers, “It won’t last. Zac feels sorry for you.”

I face her again. “Zac is in love with me, and I’m going to marry him.”

While the two women are still reeling from that news, I stomp from the room. The third woman hurries after me. She grabs my elbow so I turn and face her. I’m prepared to tell her to go to hell too, but she grins. “You did good. Tara and Aspen have always been bitches, but you stood up for yourself.”

I blink at her unexpected praise and wait for her to follow up with a catty remark, but she doesn’t. “Thanks, I think.”

“I have an empty room over here.” She leads me into a room with several couches that are in much better condition with plush carpeting. “Give me five minutes and I’ll have a mirror set up so you can get ready without being disturbed.”

“Who are you?” I ask.

“I’m Skye, Thea’s assistant,” she answers before she disappears.

I let out a soft breath, relieved to be alone. I think that might have been the first time I’ve stood up for myself.

Pride fills me. I’ve spent so much time feeling like I have to apologize. But now I see I’m enough, as I am. I’m done making apologies and playing small. I’m taking back my power.

Skye returns with two big guys who are carrying a vanity. She directs them on where to set it in the room. It powers on, lighting up my face and I can see every acne scar and every freckle. But for the first time in a long time, I don’t want to hide.

“Those two are always like that, but I didn’t think they’d have the nerve to say something to your face,” Skye says. “I’m really sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize for them,” I tell her, meaning the words.

Before I can tell her anything else, Zac barrels into the room.

Skye mutters something and leaves the two of us alone.

His jaw is tight and there’s an icy calmness to his voice. “It’s been handled.”

“What do you mean, handled?” I demand as I start applying concealer over my trouble spots. I glance at him in the mirror. He’s reassured me so many times that he loves seeing me bare-faced that I don’t feel self-conscious in front of him at all.

“They’ve been fired.”

I gasp. “You can’t fire your crew because they were mean to me.”

“Damn straight I can. These were my people, and I don’t want people working for me that don’t see the beautiful treasure I see when I look at you.”

“Zac…” I stand from my seat at the vanity and cross the room. I throw myself into his arms. His hands go to my hips and his lips are on mine in an instant. His kiss is hot and possessive. He growls deep in his throat when I hitch my leg over his hip, grinding against him.

“Maple, get your ass out here right now! Stop making out with your girlfriend!” Thea bangs on the door to the dressing room.

I back away from him, sucking in oxygen greedily. This man kisses like he doesn’t care if we both suffocate. “You have to go.”

He presses soft kisses to my jaw, and I offer him my neck. He trails his lips lower. “Can’t help it. You look so damn beautiful tonight.”

“I love you,” I whisper. I hadn’t planned to tell him that yet. I’d wanted to wait for a quiet moment after the show. But this moment feels so very right.

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