Page 23 of Spur of the Moment
She righted herself, pushing my hand away. I reluctantly let go of her. “I’m fine.”
She continued out of the restaurant and I followed, concern flowing through me. Whatever that was in there didn’t seem like just a small stumble.
She stood on the sidewalk out front of the doors, taking a deep breath. “Just hot in there.”
I didn’t buy it, but I wouldn’t push her. It’d only cause her to retaliate, and I didn’t want to piss her off on our trip.
She turned to face me, a devious smile on her lips. “Want to go to the bar?”
“We’ve got a big day-”
She interrupted me. “Oh, c’mon, Bailey, we’re supposed to be having fun. Trouble, remember?”
I did say that, didn’t I? I guess there was no harm in a drink or two. The auction didn’t start until the afternoon, anyway.
“Sure, but only for an hour.” If Lettie had it her way, we’d be out all damn night.
“Rules? That’s not the Bailey I know.”
I rolled my eyes as she aimed for the dive bar next door. Once again, I followed. I was a lost puppy with Lettie, hopelessly wishing she’d throw me a bone.
At some point, I’d get around to getting answers out of her. Answers as to what made her go radio silent with me for five years before all of a sudden deciding to come back. But for now, I’d enjoy her being here, with me. I had five years to make up for. I’d better make it count.
***
Three shots and two beers later, I was pretty fucking buzzed, and not just off the alcohol. I was drunk off Lettie’s laugh, her smile, her eyes. I couldn't keep my eyes off her ass every time she wandered to the jukebox, queuing up yet another Zach Bryan song. The woman was obsessed, but I wasn’t holding it against her. The guy knew how to write a damn good song.
She made her way back to our table full of glasses, sliding into her chair and taking a long pull from her beer before speaking. “So, Bailey, tell me what I missed.”
“Over the last five years?”
She nodded. “Mmhm.”
“Well, your dad adopted out around eighty horses in the last two years. I lost track of the number before then. Callan’s been getting good business as more people sign up for lessons. Beck has no problem staying on broncs for longer than eight-”
“No,” she interrupted.
I cocked my head. “No?”
“I don’t want to hear aboutthem. I meanyou. What have I missed with you?”
I rolled my lips together after I took a sip of beer. “You haven’t missed much.”
She grabbed the edge of the table, leaning forward. “Oh, c’mon! Give me something.”
“I’ve just been doing what I’ve always done. Balancing the workload on my parents’ ranch and helping out with the rescue.”
“You’re telling menothinghas changed with you since I left?”
I reached up to shove my cowboy hat lower, angling the brim down. The axis in which my world sat stopped spinning the moment Lettie crossed the county line.
I shrugged. “I help out where I can. I’m content.”
She reached across the table and grabbed my hat, pulling it off and setting it on her own head. I frowned as she adjusted it.
“Stop covering those eyes,” she said.
A smile pulled at the corners of my mouth. “Why?”
