Page 34 of Breaking the Cowboy's Rules

“Fine, show me how to have a good time and to live in the moment like I said earlier,” she said. “That’s what I want in return this week for gazing at you adoringly.”

“Adoringly?”

“Isn’t that what fiancées are supposed to do?”

She had no idea. In her world there were rings that cost what many people spent on a house, prenups and negotiations with a team of lawyers. There was no adoration, only financial and social calculation.

“Maybe you should practice.”

“You must have had a lot of adoration.”

“More than my fair share.”

“Modesty is a marvelous trait. One you utterly lack.”

“Is that a no then for the adoration practice looks?”

“Not tonight. I’ll work up to it. Tomorrow is the first official day.”

“And tonight is the first official night of falling in love during the Rodeo Bride Game, which officially started when you walked into the saloon like a movie star.”

“Look at us, so organized in planning our deceit.” She settled back against his chest, telling herself that it was because she was cold, and also that if they were going to look like they were enamored, they’d be touching often. The thrill that spun in her stomach proved her a liar. She cuddled up to him because he made her feel like he wanted her there, like she belonged, like she was a normal woman.

And she craved that.

How would she feel letting him go after the week?

She didn’t like that thought at all. She’d have to be careful not to get caught up in the game they were playing.

Why did she feel cuddling with a man made her normal? This was a game. She was a player along with Bodhi, and she’d agreed to this. She tilted her head back to look at the sky. What was a normal woman anyway? What would one do in this situation?

“Run off screaming into the woods or demand I drive them home,” Bodhi said. His breath warmed her ear, and then his finger stroked her cheek. “And, Nico, you’re a hell of a long way from normal, and I couldn’t feel luckier than any cowboy in Montana.”

“Did I say the normal comment out loud?” She who kept witnesses, colleagues, and opposing counsel at worst terrified and at best guessing.

“Yes.”

“Looking at stars now.” She caught her breath as she saw a streak of white and then another. “Oh,” she breathed. She’d never seen anything like it. “Amazing, and not the bandied aboutamazingthat people say in the same tone aspass the salt, but truly amazing, Bodhi. Thank you for bringing me here.”

“The show’s just getting started,” he said, and were his lips closer to hers? “And you need to make a wish.”

A wish. Nico snuggled in and stared up at the sky—all the brilliant diamonds in black velvet more beautiful than any diamond ever cut or worn for an evening out.

A wish. She watched star after star fall while in Bodhi’s arms.

I wish that this could be real.

Chapter Six

It was barelysunrise when Bodhi hit town and found the address Ashni had texted him. The fact that she was answering him and not Beck did not bode well.

“Hello, Bodhi, who’s your friend?” Bodhi stood outside the carriage house apartment Ashni was renting for the week while she taught an after-school art class at Harry’s House, holding the gigantic plush animal he’d won for her playing carnival games at the Panhandle Rodeo—had it only been yesterday? Nico had enjoyed cuddling with it in the truck, and he’d nearly offered it to her.

Usually when he saw Ashni, his heart would do a stupid flip, and so would his stomach. Stupid heart.

But today, nothing. He was still buzzing from his night with Nico. He’d dropped her off at the hotel shortly before dawn and had headed home to shower, check in at the ranch, and then race back to his breakfast date with Nico to plan their week. His cousins also had dates so the game was officially in play. Bodhi had no idea what Bowen was up to or who with, but he’d headed into town, which had made Bodhi’s heart soar, and his last vestige of guilt over the game had officially hit the dirt.

“That’s for you to decide.” He handed off the enormous plush rearing horse that improbably had a paintbrush in its mouth and a palette with felt colors on the end of one hoof. And a red beret.

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