Page 77 of The Brave and the Reckless

Adriana shrieked and my gaze snapped to the squash that had exploded at her feet. “Not my Grammy.”

“Grammy? I thought it represented a massive dick.”

“No, I decided it was a Grammy ten minutes ago,” she giggled. “Keep up.”

“Guess you do have to go back to making music, so you can win another one.”

“Meh.” She shrugged. “I can just buy another one in the veggie aisle. Ooh, we should go to the store. We can find you a vegetable, too. It can be an Oscar. Or a Tony. Or a Nobel— why are all the awards named after men? That’s so sexist.”

“I’m good,” I laughed. “And there’s the Emmy.”

“Okay. Yes.” She clapped her hands together, then turned and grabbed the cucumber off the counter. “The winner of the primetime Western Country Theme Park category is Esra Taner, for her breathtaking performance as Annie Lou.”

My balance wavered a little as I got up and accepted the cucumber with a gracious smile and a small nod. “Thank you. Thank you. I have to thank the Academy, and also my best friend Adriana. Adriana, if you’re watching this at home, it’s time for bed.”

“Watching this at home?” she scoffed. “I’m your plus one.”

“No, you’re not. If I’m going to the Emmys, I’m taking No— Nobody; I mean,someoneto have crazy ballgown bathroom sex with during the commercial break.” I wasnotgoing to worry about how Noah’s name had almost slipped from my tongue. I had definitelynotautomatically imagined him in a hot three-piece suit, walking the red carpet with me. Nope.

“Ugh. Fine. Commence your speech.” Adriana rolled her eyes at me but couldn’t keep down a big smile. “You were just about to tell the world what an awesome friend I am.”

I’d think about making a difference later.

Having fun was good enough for now.

Chapter Twenty-One

THE HAUNTED MINES

The gold mines around Bravetown have made many people their fortunes, but legend has it the mines demand payment in return. Every once in a while, miners disappear and only their screams remain within the deep tunnels. Are you brave enough to seek the treasure and the truth within the caves?

NOAH

With each passing day, it became harder to stay away from Esra, even if we might get spotted. I found myself wishing for more shows, just to have more of those heavenly seven minutes with her when we were out of everyone’s sight. I went to game night and dinner with the rest of the cast, things I usually sat out in favor of working on the ranch or with the horses, just to spend a bit more time with her under the safe cover of a group outing.

I even proposed that we film more videos with Lucas. Maybe I could sneak in a fanfiction in which Ace and Annie kissed. Just for the cameras, of course.

“Come with me.” I grabbed Esra’s wrist when she walked out of the saloon on Monday night. Sanny hadspecifically asked me to stay away from tonight’s dinner, give him and Esra some time to talk. He thought my presence would only provoke another fight.

I’d waited outside the saloon in the shadows like a goddamn stalker, watched Sanny leave fifteen minutes ago and stuck around for his little sister.

“What are you doing here?” Esra’s head whipped around but the only other person outside the saloon was an older guy smoking and scrolling his phone.

“I want to show you something. Come on.” I laced my fingers through hers and tugged her toward the park gates.

“I’m not hooking up with you in the park at night. I don’t need one of the security guards catching us. I’ve met them. I know them. Deacon’s wife makes sure to keep some Reese’s Minis back for me if they’re low on stock at Bart’s Mart. I could never go back if he caught me giving you head behind the popcorn cart.”

“God, you’re cute.” I shot a quick look around to make sure it was safe before I leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Everyone knows everyone here. There’s very few secrets in this town, and people still show their faces in public.”

“I’m serious,” she huffed but let herself be pulled through the gates. They clicked open without issue, thanks to our badges.

“I won’t ask you to give me head behind the popcorn cart,” I promised.

“Noah…” She squeezed my hand and blinked up at me, shadows circling beneath her eyes. “Sinan caught wind that Renee wants to replace me, and he’s not a fan of the videos and me putting my face out there like that. I’ve justsat through a very exhausting dinner. Can this wait until tomorrow?”

“I’m sorry.” I didn’t say more because we never talked about her brother, but I cupped her face in my hands and turned us, so anyone outside the gates would only see the silhouette of my shoulders from afar. Her lids fluttered shut and she leaned into my touch. I knew that if I could only kiss her, touch her, I could make her feel better in seconds, but we were still out in the open. “The thing I want to show you only happens once a year, but it might cheer you up.”

“Oh?” Her interest was piqued enough for her to look up again.

---