Page 114 of Wingwoman
“You have to stop buying me gifts then. Seriously. And the scarves and shoes and clothes… they’re all going back! Every last one of them!”
I slowed at the red light, smirking and looking over at her once more. “Hope, it’s fine—”
“It’snotfine!”
“My label gives me a style budget every year. I have to spend that money or I don’t get the same amount the following year. I’m using that budget on you.”
Her flushed cheeks paled slightly. “Oh.”
“Plus, you’ve worn them, so they can’t go back,” I added, grinning.
She nibbled her lip like I’d seen her do countless times before. The motion left the edge of her pearly white teeth exposed. My tongue ached to trace the little spot where her teeth sunk into her rosy lip. “Those horses are your family. They need you. They need you a hell of a lot more than I need an Hermès scarf.”
I eased my foot back onto the gas pedal as the light turned green. “They are family,” I repeated with a soft smile. “But if you return those items, the money goes right back into a clothing budget.” I shrugged. “So we’re still at square one… only without a beautiful scarf.”
“And you haven’t gone over your budget yet?” she asked.
“Not even close. I swear on my mother’s life, Hope. The gifts I’ve gotten you have no effect on this debt I owe to Owen. Now, can we enjoy our day and find you the perfect rodeo dress?”
Her guarded expression softened. “Okay.”
We drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence and I couldn’t help but feel relieved when I finally pulled into the parking lot, turning off the truck.
I climbed out and quickly made my way to the other side to help her down. “I’ve never heard of this brand,” she said, looking up at the little boutique sign that said Bonita’s in curly script.
“I can’t imagine you would. It’s a little locally-owned boutique.”
Bonnie poked her head out of the front door, wrinkles forming around her bright eyes as she grinned. Her white hair was piled on her head and secured with one of those claw clip things. “Joshie!”
She ran toward us and cupped my cheeks, pulling me down for a motherly kiss on the forehead. “It’s so good to see you. And this must be Hope!”
She turned toward Hope who shifted uncomfortably beside me. “Hope,” I said, “Meet Bonnie. My mom’s best friend… and business partner.”
“Business partner?” Hope asked, then looked again at the boutique sign.
“That’s right,” Bonnie said. “Bonita’s… Bonnie and Anita. Before she started her horse rescue, she would design the clothes and I would sew them.”
Hope blinked in shock and looked up at me, stunned. “Will there ever be a day I’m not surprised by you?”
Grinning, I kissed her nose. “I hope not.”
“Come on!” Bonnie said, linking her arm through Hope’s.
She started to lead her into the shop, but Hope paused looking back at me, still standing on the sidewalk beside my truck. “You’re not coming?”
“Nope. I figured outfit shopping for a big event is more of a girls’ day out sort of thing.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed. But that was only because she had no idea what else was waiting for her.
“Come on, sweetie,” Bonnie said. “The rest of your party is already inside.”
“The rest of my party?” Hope repeated, rightfully confused.
Right on cue, Hope’s best friends, Carrow and Max popped out of the front door.
“Surprise!”
Thirty-Two
