Page 66 of Sin With Me
Regardless, I'm looking forward to the break. Jonah's working under Ayden—the stables manager— and with the rest of the ranch hands that are staying behind, including Mallory and her boyfriend, Antonio.
This past summer, she begged Dad to let him work with her on the ranch after school and on the weekends. Originally he said no, but after some begging and crying that he needed to save money to buy his own horse for his future rodeo career, he caved.
Mallory’s been learning how to barrel race so now she’s on the ranch side more than normal and loves getting on my nerves.
After Landen began volunteering at the local 4-H Club two years ago, he started training Antonio on riding and roping skills and has since been practicing for when he can focus on it full-time after he graduates high school.
Which means the two of them arealwaysaround—touching and kissing—and grossing me out.
Admittedly, I don't like the little shithead. Haven't since I found them making out in the barn two years ago. When I saw his hand cupping acertainarea, I pinned his ass to the wall and threatened his balls if he ever touched her again. I was ready to knock him out until Landen and Tripp showed up, demanding I let him go.
Mallory didn't speak to me for a month after that. She's never been afraid to express her opinions, and her anger toward me is no exception. Knowing how hotheaded she can be, I mightfind a little joy knowing Jonah's stuck there with them because I'm pretty sure she tolerates him less than I do.
Ruby, one of Noah's ranch hands, is already in Vegas with her husband, Levi, who's competing in the pro team roping events. The NFR takes place over ten days but since we couldn't take that much time off, we're arriving on day eight and will hopefully witness Ellie win the barrel racing championship on the final day.
"You only brought one bag?" Magnolia asks when I lift it onto the scale.
"Yeah? We're only going for a few days. How many did you bring?"
Tripp snorts. "Three. And one's just for shoes."
"Your boots are in there, too!" She swats his chest. "Plus, I needed clothes for the rodeo and some for the evenings when we go out."
"Oh yeah, me too," I mimic in a high-pitched voice. "My day shirts and my night shirts."
"Oh shut up." Magnolia laughs. "I'd be surprised if you remembered a change of underwear."
I snap my fingers. "Dammit, that's what I forgot."
Once we get through security, my palms sweat even more as we walk toward our gate. The moment I spot Delilah sitting next to her mom, my heart rate spikes.
"Hey! I'm so excited y'all are comin' too!" Magnolia wraps her arms around Delilah when she stands.
"Me too. Never been to Vegas before," Delilah says, avoiding my gaze.
"Oh my God, you're gonna love it. Last year was a blast. Watchin' Ellie win was an adrenaline rush I haven't felt since that day."
Delilah giggles. "Can't wait."
Magnolia drops her carry-on next to Tripp's seat. "Time to hit the bar."
"Dude, it's like eight in the mornin'," I mutter, wanting a moment with Delilah before she's pulled away.
"We're on airport time, which means it's never too early," Magnolia says over her shoulder.
"C'mon, Mom," Delilah tells her and she goes too.
"And y'all said I was bad." I snort.
The girls link arms, practically skipping away.
I sit next to Tripp and pull out my phone to check my messages.
Sixfrom Mallory.
Mallory
This guy is a bonehead.
