Page 165 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
“We are not?—”
“?‘Wild Hearts Ranch, Where Everything’s Bigger,’?” he continues, grinning. “It writes itself.”
I’m laughing at Cash when I spot June leaning forward, sitting on his other side.
“Seriously, this is insane. I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen anything like this. They opened the standing room only section. That literally never happens.”
Belle, two seats down from June, nods enthusiastically. “Kitty from the café said she sold out of food at her booth in thirty minutes. She brought enough for the whole day, and it’s gone.”
“Wow,” I mutter, still surprised by how popular this event has turned out to be.
The sound system crackles to life, and a booming voice fills the arena. “Good evening, Thunder Creek! I’m Tom Garrison, owner of the arena and here to welcome you to the most important night in our arena’s history!”
The crowd roars in response.
“Are you ready to save Wild Hearts Ranch?”
The noise gets louder.
“Are you ready to witness Ridge Colter make rodeo history?”
The crowd is on its feet now, screaming.
“Then let’s get this started! Fifteen minutes to showtime, folks. Fifteen minutes until we make miracles happen!”
My stomach turns with anticipation. “I need to move,” I announce. “To walk or something or I’m going to?—”
“Sophia!”
That voice. That particular combination of Chicago accent and excitement that could only belong to one person.
I spin in my seat so fast my neck protests. There she is, Meredith, my best friend since college, pushing through the crowd with the determination of someone who’s navigated Michigan Avenue during the Christmas shopping season. Her blonde hair with fresh pink tips catches the arena lights, and she’s wearing her super skinny jeans, paired with a Western shirt that definitely came from some boutique’surban cowgirlcollection.
“Meredith!” I scramble over Walker’s lap, definitely kneeing him in the thigh accidentally in my haste, practically falling into the aisle.
“Girl, look at you,” she says, catching me in a hug that smells like expensive perfume and airplane. “You’re glowing. Is that what good dick does? Because I need to move to Montana immediately.”
“Could you not?” I chuckle, though my face burns while several people nearby clearly eavesdrop with interest.
She pulls back, mascara already smudging from tears. “I’ve been reading every post. Every. Single. One. The heat one? Girl, I had to take a cold shower, and I was at work.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” I ask, still halfway between shock and joy.
“Because surprising you is half the fun. The other half is meeting these cowboys you’ve been hiding.” She grins and peers over my shoulder. “Please tell me those are them, because if Montana has more where those came from, I’m never leaving.”
I roll my eyes as she waves flirtatiously at the guys.
“Oh,” she adds, tugging her bag up higher on her shoulder, “and before you ask, I brought a small bag. Just a few of your clothes, toiletries, the essentials. But in hindsight… I probably should’ve arranged to have my entire closet shipped here. Tragic oversight.” She laughs, completely unbothered.
I take her hand in mine and turn to my guys.
“Meredith, this is Cash and Walker,” I say as she practically prowls toward them, all confidence and sharp heels. “Cash is the one with the quick smile, impossible charm, and zero chill when it comes to competition.”
Cash tips his hat, grinning. “What can I say? I like to win.”
Meredith laughs, eyes sparkling as she sizes him up. “He’s a keeper.”
“Don’t encourage him,” I mutter, then gesture to Walker. “And this is Walker. He’s the one with a heart of gold and the ability to make actual edible meals. Basically a unicorn.”
