Page 115 of Rough Ride

Eventually, my feet were too sore to keep dancing. The four of us found a quieter spot in the corner of the bar where we could hear each other over the music.

“Got any plans for all that prize money?” Sawyer asked Johnny.

“That’s right!” I said. “Bull Riding has the biggest purse, right?”

“A million bucks!” Eli exclaimed. “Hell, I’m happy winning a hundred grand for comin’ in third. Can’t imagine what I’d do with seven figures.”

“A million dollars on paper,” Johnny clarified. “I have to split it with my ranch, who sponsored me. Then there’s taxes. By the time all is said and done, I’ll only have three hundred grand.”

“Oh, that’s all,” Eli said, winking at me. “Onlythree hundred grand.”

“If I win a few more events at Houston, maybe I’ll be able to afford a ranch of my own,” Johnny said wistfully. “Don’t want to count my cattle before they’re raised, though.”

“I’ll throw my cash into the pot,” Eli said. “It ain’t much, but I’d help you start your own ranch.”

“You’re drunk,” Johnny said.

“Well, yeah!” Eli replied with a grin. “Don’t know what that has to do with anything.”

“I appreciate your offer, but we’re nowhere close to affording even the most run-down of ranches,” Johnny said.

“Even if you win all the events at Houston in a few weeks?” I asked.

Johnny shook his head. “I’d have to win all the events at Houston, then a few more at Denver and Fort Worth next year. Real estate hasn’t exactly gotten cheaper in the past few years.”

“Well, I think we’d make a good team. If we can share a woman, we can share a ranch.” His wink was sloppier than usual, but it still made me smile.

“Was thinking about that,” Sawyer said slowly. He gestured with his glass of whiskey. “The hell are the four of us supposed to do?”

“About what?” Johnny asked.

Sawyer’s gaze settled on me. “About Sophie. Seems that we all like her. A lot.”

Johnny nodded. “Your assumption is correct.”

I swallowed the bile that was stinging the back of my throat. I had been avoiding this subject, but now it was here. And I had no idea what to say to them. If they made me choose between them…

“I don’t see why we have to do anythin’,” Eli said. “We all like her. She likes us. What’s the problem?”

“That’s a short-term mindset,” Sawyer rumbled. “What about a week from now? A month?”

“Since when did the infamous Sawyer Easton start planning ahead so much?” Johnny asked.

Sawyer stared at me. “It’s a recent development. But now I very much care about the future.”

I felt my stomach tighten happily. He wanted to be withme.

“Y’all are plannin’ too much,” Eli cut in. “Let’s just see how things shake out. We’ll worry about the long-term stuff when we come to it. I’ve got far more pressing matters occupyin’ my mind right now.”

“Houston?” I asked.

Eli shook his head. “I’m still wonderin’ about the size of Sawyer’srope and tackle.”

Sawyer snorted.

“I’m bein’ serious!” Eli insisted. “Johnny and I’ve seen each other’s junk. It’s only fair that we know what you’re workin’ with. Otherwise I’m gonna feel inadequate.”

“Seems like you don’t need my help to feel inadequate,” Sawyer teased.

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