Page 22 of Always Her Cowboy

“I love that for you. What’s it about?”

Mrs. Caldwell looks around and leans in. “It’s a romance.” She grins, and I giggle.

“I want to be the first to read it.”

“I’ll hold you to that. I’ll need a beta reader who’s honest and has a sharp eye.” Straightening, she clears her throat. “I’ll take two of the cinnamon rolls, dear.”

“Coming right up.” Grabbing the tongs, I place the drool-worthy buns into the white sleeves with Pie in the Sky written across them and hand them to Fey, who’s working the register.

“Ms. Daphne.” I glance over the counter and smile at Braxton. The slender blonde beside him with overly plump lips and a thin frame flashes me a feline smile. The bright white slash of her perfect teeth contrasts the dark red makeup on her mouth.

“Well, the hometown hero has returned,” She purrs. “Must be a big change after calling all the shots for your own empire.”

“Sometimes the best thing to do is slow down and enjoy a slower pace.”

“Right?” She rolls the R, and my eye twitches. “If that makes you feel better.” She shrugs. “You always wanted to get out of this town and be somebody. Everyone rejoiced when you achieved national success. Then we had to watch that painful fall from grace.”

“Mom, what are you talking about?” Brax asks.

“Just a little girl talk, baby. You wouldn’t understand.” She ruffles his hair, and he scowls.

“I didn’t hear what you were doing these days, Laurel. Catch me up.”

The smug smile fades, and her eyes narrow tightly. “I’m a homemaker.”

“How lovely. I believe that was your dream, wasn’t it?”

“Having the man I love commit and care for me, absolutely.” The phrase hits below the belt.

“What can we get you?” Fey asks, coming to stand beside me.

“Oh. Just a cinnamon streusel muffin for me.” She glances down. “Brax?”

“Can I have A cheese kettle?”

“You sure can.” I smile at him as I pick the biggest one.”

“I have to run to meet Chaze for our lunch. You don’t mind letting Brax hang out here until New arrives, do you?” She asks Fey.

“Not at all. Want to learn the ropes for the fall festival?” Fey asks.

“Yes,” he speaks with a mouth full of food. “As long as I can finish this first.” The three of us laugh as he continues to mow down the sweet treat.

“You’re a lifesaver, Fey. Daphne, it was nice seeing you. I’m sure you and your old partner in crime have tons to catch up on.” She wriggles her finger and puts an extra sway into her hips as she turns, showing us her bedazzled denim rear. Which is perfectly shaped like an apple. I hide my scowl with a smile for Brax’s sake as he walks around the table to join us. I inhale the scent of freshly baked goods being made in the trailer behind us and smother the fires of discord threatening to ignite.

Catching the familiar dark-haired man striding toward us does little to cool my ire. Walking up to the booth, he glances from left to right.

“Where’s Laurel?” I peer over my shoulder to make sure Brax is out of hearing distance.

“You just missed that ray of Sunshine,” I mutter.

His eyebrows draw close together as his jaw turns to granite. His blue eyes turn stormy as he leans in. “What did Laurel say to you?” his gravelly voice raises the goosebumps on my skin.

“She has such a sparkling personality, it’s hard to pick just one comment.”

“I’ll talk to her.”

“What?” I look up, shocked. “No. Don’t do that.”

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