Page 33 of Knot Your Problem, Cowboy
June gasps so dramatically that you’d think I’d just proposed marriage. “Wait. Was that a date offer? Did I just witness an actual date invitation from the elusive Miss Big City to one of our very own ranch cowboys?”
My eyes go wide. “What? No! I meant like… you know, showing me around town, checking out the sights… not a date.”
Walker raises a brow, clearly enjoying this way too much.
June fans herself with mock flair. “Oh, girl, it’s about damn time someone realized what a catch he is. He can cook, fix engines, ride like a dream, and once I caught him bottle-feeding a litter of abandoned piglets while humming a lullaby. A lullaby, Sophia.”
Walker groans. “You promised you’d never bring that up.”
“And you promised you wouldn’t ghost me at karaoke night, but here we are.”
“I had the flu, and you won with Cash stepping in for me!”
“I’ll give you that.” June winks. “Sure did. And for the record, I fully endorse that dinner idea. I mean, if you don’t snatch him up, someone else will.”
“I didn’t mean it like that,” I say, heat blooming in my cheeks. “I meant dinner in a… town orientation sense. Oh God, I’m making it worse.”
June links her arm through mine like she’s won a trophy. “Too late, sweetheart. You flirted. It’s canon now.”
I shoot a helpless glance at Walker, who’s clearly trying not to smirk. Traitor.
But my brain short-circuits somewhere between “dinner idea” and “snatch him up.” And the karaoke thing. And the piglets. And—wait. I untangle myself from June.
“Were you two… like, together or…?” The words tumble out before I can stop them, mortifying and loud.
Walker chokes on a laugh.
June blinks at me, then throws her head back with a cackle. “Oh, hell no. Don’t get me wrong, he’s easy on the eyes, but Walker’s like a brother to me. Always has been. I’ve known him since the three of them moved into Rose’s place.”
She nudges me with a sly grin. “And trust me, I’vegot no room for men in my life right now. Things are… a little complicated.”
The look she gives me is dry, a touch wry, and it’s clear there’s a story behind it.
June leans in conspiratorially. “Anyway, I’d better go hunt down the rest of your trouble trio.”
“They should still be in the dining hall,” Walker states.
She sighs. “Perfect. Wish me luck. If Ridge is in a mood, I’m bribing him with pie.”
June starts to leave, then spins back with a grin. “Oh, Sophia? Just a heads-up, I’ve heard the book club can get a little… enthusiastic. It’s my first night joining, but I’ve almost finished the book for discussion. I’ll give you the full report over dinner. I’ve heard about Loretta, who runs the events, though. She once read a steamy scene out loud with full sound effects. Be prepared.”
She’s gone before I can fully process that image, practically bouncing away with the same whirlwind energy she arrived with.
“Is she always like that?” I ask, watching her disappear around the corner toward the barn.
Walker chuckles. “Pretty much. I’ve only known her a little over four years, but she came in hot and never slowed down. One of the most genuine people I’ve met. Always has a dozen ideas and twice as many opinions.” He pauses for a beat. “But… things with her family are a little rough. Not many people know. And I won’t speak for her.”
I nod. “Of course. If she ever wants to talk, I’ll be around. But I’m not one to pry.”
Even if I’m absolutely dying to know.
“Come on,” Walker says, tipping his head toward the barn. “Got that something to show you if you’re still interested?”
“You bet!”
We walk in comfortable silence for a few minutes, leaving the main cluster of buildings behind. The path winds through a grove of cottonwoods, their leaves whispering in the morning breeze. Walker guides me with the lightest touch on my lower back when the trail narrows, barely there, but somehow I feel it everywhere. Heat flares from that single point of contact, blooming outward like a spark in dry grass.
Then there’s his scent.
