Page 33 of Buckled in Barbwire

“Is it a winning lottery ticket? What’s with the delivery service?”

“Not sure, but the packaging is something else.” He throws the padded envelope at me.

I glance at the bold message stamped on both sides. “Secondhand sex toys?”

“Don’t ask me what you ordered.”

My eyes roll. “This is obviously a prank. Are you responsible?”

“Nope. I’ve quit the shenanigans.” Dad rocks backward,rubbing his palms together. “Open it and find out who has it out for you.”

I rip at the seal with a savage yank that exposes my rising temper. A cloud of glitter explodes outward from the rough treatment. My lack of amusement is doused in the evidence, which sticks to me and the surrounding area like glue. Real fucking clever. Once the sparkly dust clears, I reach inside for the contents.

“A Bag of Dicks,” I read the label aloud.

And that’s exactly what it is. The rainbow candy is shaped like tiny penises. My audience doubles over in laughter as I palm the sack of peens. Dad and Jimmy are howling like a pack of hyenas. Chance has tears in his eyes. Byron is the first to gather his composure.

His low whistle pairs well with a thorough inspection of my embellished attire. “What did you do to deserve all that?”

“Depends who you ask.” I tuck my chin and a river of glitter falls off the brim of my hat. “It seems someone wanted to brighten my day.”

“Is there a note?”

I glare at my cousin. “No.”

“Must be from someone really special.”

There’s only one possibility. It turns out my twinkly cowgirl likes to play dirty too. She’s proving herself to be a serious contender for the upper hand. I almost smile at the acknowledgement.

Dad claps me on the back, sending another gust of glitter into the air. “Things are progressing quite quickly. I’m impressed.”

My glare chastises his jolly grin. “This is your fault.”

He raises his hands. “I’m innocent.”

“You stuck us together with your constant repairs and mishaps at the farm.”

His weathered skin twitches when he grins. “All that was just a gentle shove in the right direction. Look where it’s led you.”

“Smells like a love connection is brewing to me,” Chance snickers.

“Maybe if you’re stoned and have the munchies,” I mutter in return.

This flirtation is fucking adorable, but it’s getting me nowhere. We’ve been dancing around each other for weeks and getting nowhere fast. Paisley doesn’t even know the extent of my proposal. Getting her to date me is challenging enough. But after this stunt? She’s practically begging for me to ditch what remains of my morals.

Between Paisley’s thoughtful gift and my sister’s attempt at dissuasion, I’m ready to tie the knot on this ruse. I need her as my wife—preferably before Bianca gets home. The rushed process is going to go over about as well as if I dragged her down the aisle kicking and screaming. I’ll have to make a grand gesture she can’t refuse. Or earn the title my sister just bestowed upon me. At this rate, I’m choosing the latter.

Me:Need you to do something for me.

Colton:Name it.

After wrapping the third and final barrel, I steer Echo straight for home. Her hooves pound into the dirt as the wind whips at my cheeks. She’s so fast, the ground blurs beneath us. Emotions rise when we gain more speed.

“We’re flying,” I murmur into the breeze.

My blood sings from the adrenaline rush of running on a horse. It’s a natural high and I’m addicted, chasing this sensation through each cloverleaf pattern. I surrender myself to the thrill thrumming through my veins.

But those fifteen seconds are over all too soon. I pull lightly on the reins after we cross the imaginary finish line. Echo slows and curves into a swift loop near the fence to complete our ride. My palm flattens on her neck, patting softly in gratitude. She ran with her whole heart and I’m grateful.

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