Page 36 of Rust and Stardust

“I’m sorry,” I muttered, shaking my head. “I’m just… this is the first time that I’ve actually felt something real with another person. And now I have to betray him and then never see him again. It just… it fucking sucks…”

Logan's face softened, a mix of sympathy and concern in his eyes. “Look, I get it. I do. But you've gotta remember why we're here. This isn't just about me not wanting to live in rural Texas. It's about our careers, our futures. We can't throw all that away for... for what? A summer fling with a cowboy?”

I leaned against the car next to him, thehot metal burning through my shirt. “I know,” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I know you're right. It's just... there's something about him, Logan. Something real.”

Logan was quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. “I wish there was a way we could do this without completely screwing him over,” he said slowly. “I just can’t think of what that is. How do we keep everything and not hurt them all?”

“I don’t think it’s possible,” I sighed. “I think we’ll have to lose something one way or another.” I looked up at him, feeling my heart nearly tear in two. “I just wish it wasn’t him…”

Chapter 15

Beau

For the past two days I’d been spending the majority of my time out back of the house with my smoker. The steer we’d butchered for the competition turned out to be a good choice, the meat nice and naturally tender, which already gave me a leg up on my competition. I’d been practicing on smaller cuts of beef, making sure I got everything just right. Thankfully there was a massive pile of wood stacked just for such occasions. I had no doubt my father had it trucked in before he even told me about signing me up for the competition again. As irritating as he could be, at least he was prepared.

Usually, I savored those moments by myself, out at the smoker, just doing what I did best. But this year things were different. My mind was almost always on Lucas and my heart and body wanted to be near him, not stuck around a hunk of beef all day stinking of wood smoke.

I couldn’t help my mind wandering back to that night in the back of my rusty old pickup, just the two of us making love under the stars. God, it was a beautiful memory and one I wanted to repeat desperately. But between his work and my competition, we hadn’thad been able to find another private moment together. The fair was in full swing, and Lucas spent nearly every day with Logan, scouting it for people to join their company’s food festival.

That was something I’d been meaning to ask him about too, but Lucas was pretty shy about it. I had a feeling he didn’t want to get my hopes up, or his. If the food festival didn’t get approved or whatever, he might never have another reason to come back to Sagebrush. I was desperate to help him to make sure he did come back someday. But short of starting my own restaurant, there was little I could do but point him toward the best cooks I knew.

However, as luck would have it, Lucas had texted me earlier in the day. It seemed he wanted me to meet him at Dolly’s diner later that night for an impromptu date. I was a bit nervous about meeting some place so public, especially since I knew Dolly better than anyone else in Sagebrush. But I figured that wasn’t our destination. Dolly’s always closed early on Sundays. Most likely we’d be driving out into the country again. Either way, I didn’t care. I just wanted to spend more time with that beautiful smile and those gorgeous green eyes full of stardust.

I never thought I was the kind of man that could be so smitten. But there I was, unable to think of anything else other than Lucas and his perfectly kissable lips.

However, that sweet thought was torn away as I heard the unmistakable sound of tires crunching on gravel. Figuring it was Pa or Frank coming back from town, I headed around the corner of the house. But the moment my eyes fell on the candy apple red Cadillac my heart stopped dead in my chest.

Bouncing perfect blonde curls, fair skin, and a white dress stepped out of the car. Then, as if she had a sixth sense, Amber May turned, her piercing blue eyes landing on me instantly.

“Beaufort Matthew Turner,” she called, that bright white smile flashing my way. “Why aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”

“Hey Amber May,” I said, shifting uncomfortably on the spot.

She was literally the last person on the face of the planet I everwanted to see again. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her, she was a kind person. But she was also the kind of woman that didn’t take no for an answer. Whatever Amber May wanted, she got. And her sights, it seemed, were still set on me. It was intimidating to say the very least.

“How’re you doin’, darlin’?” she called, walking over in a pair of white heels that looked too clean to be allowed on our dusty ranch. “Haven’t seen you in a while.”

I swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. “I'm doin' just fine, Amber May. What brings you out this way?”

She sashayed closer, her hips swaying in that dress that seemed painted on. “Oh, you know me, Beau. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd stop by to see how my favorite cowboy was doing.”

I resisted the urge to take a step back as she approached, her flowery perfume overwhelming the scent of wood smoke that clung to my clothes. “That's mighty kind of you, but I'm actually pretty busy right now. Got a competition comin' up and?—”

“The barbecue contest?” Amber May's eyes lit up. “Why, I'd love to help you practice! You know I've always been your biggest fan.”

My stomach churned at the thought. “I appreciate the offer, but wouldn’t that be a conflict of interest? You know, since you’re judgin’ the contest and all.”

Her eyes glimmered devilishly. “I won’t tell no one if you don’t, darlin’.”

Then I actually did take a step back that time and stuff my hands in my pockets. “I wouldn’t be comfortable with that. I wanna win on my own merit.”

“Well,” she smiled. “You know who’ll be rootin’ for you.”

“Amber May!” a voice called from the house.

We both turned to see Mabel walking down the front porch steps, heading our way. I breathed a sigh of relief. The chances of Mabel rescuing me from Amber May were zero, but at least I wouldn’t be alone with her anymore. Ever since I turned down her proposal, I just couldn’t stand to be around her for long. It made me feel so… anxious. Like if I talked to her for too long, she’dfigure out why I turned her down in the first place and then my secret would be out. That was the last thing I wanted to happen.

Amber May's smile widened as she saw Mabel approaching. “Well, if it isn't Miss Mabel! How are you, darlin'?”

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