Page 3 of Her Steamy Cowboy

“So,” I say, trying to keep my voice casual. “Sounds like someone has big plans for New Year’s Eve.”

“Um, yeah. Something like that.” She won’t meet my eyes, moving to the counter to straighten items that don’t need straightening.

“Must be important if you’re missing the party.” I gather up the fallen decorations, trying to understand why she seems almost angry. “You haven’t missed one since you moved back.”

“I know. But sometimes things change, you know?” Her voice is tight with something I can’t read.

“Guess they do.” I swallow hard. “You heading out of town?”

“Nah, just going to The Pitcher’s Brew. I’m meeting someone.”

The words hit me like a physical blow.

My fingers go numb where they’re gripping the garland, and there’s a roaring in my ears that almost drowns out everything else. But beneath it all, there’s a voice screaming at me to keep it together, to not let her see how those three words just shattered my whole world.

Although I’ve never admitted it to anyone, I’ve been in love with Lindsay since the day she and her mom moved to Cooper Hills ten years ago.

I still remember the first time I saw her, stepping out of that beat-up station wagon in cutoff shorts and a tank top, her long dark hair shimmering in the summer sun. She was beautiful even then, with those wide brown eyes and that brilliant smile that made my heart skip a beat.

But I was just a dumb kid back then, too chicken to tell her how I really felt. So instead, I played the friend role, always there to lend a hand or crack a joke, but never crossing that invisible line.

When she left for Chicago, it almost broke me. I told everyone I was fine. Told myself she needed to chase her dreams, even if they led her away from Cooper Hills. Away from me. But the truth is, nothing felt right until she came back three years ago.

Ever since then, I’ve been trying to find the right moment to tell her how I really feel. To let her know that she’s not just mybest friend, but the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

But the timing never seemed right.

I always knew that there was a chance that Lindsay would find someone else, but I always thought I had more time.

Apparently, I was wrong.

“Well, sounds like you’re going to have fun. Can’t wait to hear about it.” I lie as I lean against the counter, watching as she untangles a string of lights from the fallen garland. “Want me to stick around until you lock up?”

“No, I’m good.” She coils the lights around her arm, and tinsel catches on her sleeve. “Thanks, though.”

“You sure?” I reach over and pluck a piece of silver garland from her sweater. “Hate to have my best friend kidnapped on her walk home.”

That gets a small laugh out of her, the sound easing some of the tension in my chest. She ducks her head, dark hair falling forward as she gathers more decorations. “I’m just going upstairs, you goof.”

Right.

Sometimes I forget she lives up there now, in the little apartment above the ranch gift shop. She’d moved in a few weeks ago right before Jasmyn married Luke and moved into the main house with Maisey. She said it made sense to be closer to work, but I think part of her just needed her own space after being Jasmyn’s roommate for so long.

I raise my hands in mock surrender. “Suit yourself.” I push off from the counter and shove my hands in my pockets. “But don’t come crying to me when some masked guy pops out from under your bed and kidnaps you.”

Lindsay snorts and tosses a wad of tissue paper at me. “Maybe I’m into that sort of thing.”

I chuckle and shake my head. “You and your spicy books.”

She grins at me, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it, Clayton.”

“I’ll take your word for it.” I wink at her before heading for the door. “See you around, troublemaker.”

I start to walk out, my boots heavy on the worn floorboards. The bell above the door jingles as I push it open, a blast of cold Wyoming air hitting my face.

But something stops me and I turn back to look at her.

“Lindsay?”

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