Page 6 of Her Steamy Cowboy

I giggle. “You know what I mean. Someone who gets excited about your random facts about medieval literature and doesn’t mind that you name your houseplants after dead poets.”

“Emily Dickinson—the succulent—is thriving, thank you very much.”

“My point is,” I continue, grinning, “you need someone a little grumpy to balance out all your...” I wave my hand at her general essence, from her literature-themed tattoos to the pencil stuck through her messy bun. “Self.”

Rachel rolls her eyes. “Says the woman who’s about to spend five hours in a truck with her own personal Mr. Darcy in cowboy boots.” She grins. “Though I guess Jasmyn beat you to the whole ‘falling for a Clayton brother’ thing.”

“Don’t remind me,” I groan.

“At least someone in our group is getting their happy ending,” Rachel says, but her tone is affectionate. We both miss having Jasmyn around as much, but it’s hard to be bitter when she’s so obviously happy.

“And on that note—” I drain the last of my drink and grab my purse, “—I should head home. Five AM comes early.”

Rachel’s voice turns serious. “Please at least consider telling Jace the truth.”

I walk around the table and pull her into a tight hug. “I will,” I whisper. “Thanks for listening to all of my crazy ramblings.”

“That’s what friends are for,” she murmurs back. “Even if one of us abandons us for a hot cowboy.”

I laugh against her shoulder. “Poor Jasmyn never stood a chance.”

As I step out into the cold December night, my phone buzzes again. It’s Jace:

Jace: Hey. Sorry for being MIA all day. Wyatt called in a panic bc one of our pregnant heifers was having complications. Ended up having to help pull the calf.

Jace: Phone died somewhere between hour 2 and 3 in the barn

Me: No worries! Hope mama and baby are okay.

Jace: Both good. Pretty sure Wyatt owes me a new pair of boots tho

Me:

Jace: Shit

Me: What’s wrong

Jace: You’re mad

Me: No I’m not

Jace: That was the most “I’m annoyed but trying to play it cool” emoji if I’ve ever seen one

Jace: I get it tho

Me: It’s really not!

Jace: I’m sorry that I didn’t text you back sooner sweetheart.

Jace: I’ll grab breakfast burritos from Rosa’s tomorrow. Extra guac for you

Did he just call me sweetheart? My heart does a little flip in spite of myself.

Me: I’m really not mad. And you don’t have to drive me. I can just drive myself.

Jace: Your check engine light’s been on for two months.

Me: I can get a rental.

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