Page 18 of Bronco
It’s Bree’s turn to interrupt me. “Absolutely not! You should go spend time with Bronco. Dalton and I have everything under control here.”
I stare at her, the kind of stare you give your best friend when you’re planning on murdering her later.
She just smiles sweetly. “Do you have a bag packed?”
I match her too sweet smile. “I could use some help with that.”
Bree follows me into my apartment.
“What was that?” I demand the moment we’re alone.
She gives me a worried look. “Elaine told me.”
I hesitate, my stomach dropping to my shoes. I bet she hates me now. “How much do you know?”
“Enough to know that none of this is your fault,” she answers, compassion shining in her eyes. This is the problem with having a best friend who is also the sweetest person in the world. It’s impossible to stay mad at her.
“It’s all my fault, but thank you. That means a lot to me.”
“You should go. Hang out with Bronco for three days. Try to forget about all of this. Dalton and I can keep the place running. All of the usual staff will still be here. Well, except for that security guard.” She wrinkles her nose in distaste. “Thank God that Ryan is always hanging around.”
I think again of his expression in the lobby. Something keeps him here despite the long hours. “We have a great crew. I can’t let the place go under.”
“I know it’s hard right now, but things will get better. You’ll see.” She leans forward and pulls me into a warm hug.
I squeeze my eyes tight and inhale deeply, storing her scent in my memory. I’ve never had a friend like Bree, one who is always cheering me on and believing the best in me. “Love you.”
“Love you,” she whispers back and steps away to give me a teasing grin. “Now, let me help you pack.”
It only takes me a few minutes to pack enough clothes for three days, but I stop her when she tries to put something lacy in my suitcase. “What is that?”
“A little gift for you and maybe Bronco if you decide to share it with him.”
I roll my eyes. “I’m not doing that!”
“Well, just keep it in here so that an old, married lady can live vicariously through you.”
“You’re not old, and you definitely don’t need to live vicariously through me,” I point out, remembering too many of her giggles floating through her office doors. If anything, I’m the one who should be jealous.
I wish I had that kind of relationship with Bronco. But it’s never going to happen. No matter how much he teases me about being alone together for three nights and three days. No, I just need to keep my head on straight and remember these days are about saving the community center.
Chapter 7
Lauren
“See, you’re not so bad on your feet,” Joyce insists as she spins into Bronco’s arms, her skirt twirling around her. She moves with the skill and grace of someone who has been dancing her whole life.
She took it up five years ago when she arrived, and she hasn’t stopped since. But I’m not the only one staring at Bronco and Joyce. Their impromptu tango has caught the eye of Mr. Dunn. He’s staring at her with the appreciation of a male, and I make a mental note to encourage that connection later.
Bronco looks up then, as if he sensed my presence. “Are you ready to spend the week alone together?”
Everyone is watching us. I roll my eyes and stalk toward the door, throwing over my shoulder, “Let’s get this over with.”
“Foreplay already, I love it,” Bronco answers to the crowd before hurrying after me. He follows me to his truck. I manage to get inside of it without his help, feeling mildly miffed at him.
“You could have just asked me,” I sulk from my seat. Also, he’s never been flirty with me. But that’s the way he was acting at the center. I want to ask him about that. I’m just too much of a coward and the words stick in my throat.
“I would have come,” I admit, not liking the vulnerable note that creeps into my voice.
