Page 72 of Nate

“Are all the men in these towns good-looking?”

“I am not the person to ask.”

Markie laughed. “I suppose not.”

Nate grinned as he led her through the crowd. It was damn hot out, but he was having a good time.

They stopped at a food truck and ordered funnel cakes, then found a shady spot under a tree to sit.

“Oh, this is so good. I’m glad I don’t know how to make them. I’d be eating them all the time.”

“They are good.” Nate pulled a piece off and put it in his mouth. “I only eat them here.”

“It’s a good thing this is only once a year. Is it always this packed?”

“Yes. Everyone looks forward to this, and the horse race at the fair at the beginning of September. It used to be the end of the month, but it was starting to get too cold, so they moved the fair up.”

“Horse race?”

“Yeah, some local cowboys compete. It’s all for fun. No prize, just bragging rights.”

“Do you race?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because no one can beat Warren Coleman. That horse of his can fly.” Nate shook his head.

“No one?”

“No one has in years. Gage Beckett’s horse is fast and so is Trick Dillon’s, but they can never beat Warren.” Nate grinned. “The only way someone would beat him is if he didn’t race. I wish I could convince Rafe to race. I believe his horse would give Warren a run for his money.”

“Why doesn’t he compete?”

Nate shrugged. “He’s never seemed interested.”

“That’s too bad. I’d love to see the race.”

“We can go to it if you’d like. I enjoy watching it.”

“I think you should compete.”

“I’d be wasting my time.” Nate smiled.

“But you said it was fun, so why not?”

“I guess I could. Mystic is fast, but not as fast as Warren’s horse, Blaze.”

“Is Rafe’s horse faster than Mystic?”

“Yes. Rocket is damn fast. He could probably beat Warren’s horse.”

“Then you need to talk him into racing.”

“Why? So both can beat me?” He grinned.

“I’d just love to see you enter.”

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