Page 20 of Wild and Unruly
“Race ya!”
Then she and Moonshine take off, Moonshine digging his hooves into the ground as his speed increases, and I smile at the woman who has her hair flying behind her, whooping and hollering as the horse makes her fly through the field.
I shake my head, then kiss my horse before taking off after her.
The chase was definitely on.
8
bonnie
I couldn’t believehow lively this place was. When I originally researched this little town, it didn’t look like much on a map, but when you’re in the thick of it, you see how much this community comes together. Everyone treats each other like they’re either great friends or even family.
As I step into Bottle Grounds tonight after being invited out by Dani, I smile at the rowdy crowd that is all around the bar and dance floor, singing at the top of their lungs to some old country song.
I can’t help but laugh at the antics I see, and for a split second, I see Stetson and Logan, plus a few of the other people who work at the ranch, singing with their arms around each other. I wish I had my camera on me to capture the moment.
Making my way through the crowd, people politely move out of the way, giving me smiles and friendly waves even though I know none of these people. It was a one-eighty from how you’re treated in the middle of a big city.
Finally making it to the bar, I lean against it and get the attention of the tall girl in all black. She looks a little out of place in the setting, but she also gives off a confidence that frightens me a little. I clear my throat as she gets closer.
“What can I get you?” Her tone is casual, but she eyeballs me like she knows who I am and…doesn’t like me.
My mind goes blank. Like…white noise is playing in the forefront of my mind, and I lose the capacity to actually speak. “Oh. Uh.”
“Do you not want one?” she asks, raising a speculative eyebrow, and I get distracted by some sort of tattoo that goes around her forearm and disappears under her sleeve.
I swallow and mutter. “Beer.”
“Beer? Just…beer? Any particular kind you would like?”
I let out an awkward chuckle and sputter. “Sorry, no, can you make a paloma?”
She raises her brow and nods. “Any tequila preference?”
“Anything as long as it’s not mixed with Triple Sec.”
She smiles and says, “Good call.”
I nod, and she goes about making my drink. I see Thea come by and talk with her. Then it clicks for me as Thea looks over and nods at me with a smile. That must be her sister. They look so much alike.
The woman walks back over to me and sets down a pretty dark pink-colored drink, and I hand over cash before I take a sip of the drink. I hum in delight. “This is perfect, thanks!”
I take a bill and stuff it in her tip jar, fully intending to turn around and find a place to sit, but she stops me.
“You’re the reporter, right?” My startled look at her must give me away because she nods. “You’re Bo.”
“Um, I’m Bonnie.” The only person who has called me Bo is Stetson. Is he going around telling people that I’m here?
“Right, I’ve heard a lot about you.” She keeps her hands busy, wiping out glasses and stacking them somewhere I can’t see. Seamlessly, someone orders a drink, and she makes it without breaking eye contact.
“I’m not sure that’s a good thing,” I finally reply, taking another generous sip.
“So far, so good.” She gives a slight smile and inclines her head to the dance floor. When I peek over there, I see Stetson staring at me from his spot in the group and he raises his hand high in the air in greeting.
I smile and lift my glass at him, turning my attention back to the bartender.
“Stetson’s a good guy.” She pauses for a moment as if thinking carefully over her next words. “He doesn’t need to be jerked around, but if you show even the slightest interest, he’ll come after you.”
