Page 29 of Hard To Fall
Sierra: Love you more
CHAPTER 11
COLT
The problemwith small towns is that they notice everything, and the bigger problem is that they love to talk about it.
After Lily and I had pillow talk, as she calls it, and an amazing half hour in the shower together, I left her at the Brambles and Bloom, and headed back to the ranch.
First problem? I pull in just after noon, which is very unlike me. And everyone noticed. With my truck still smelling like rain and my mind still on our hot and heavy kiss, I’m shocked at how alive the ranch is.
Levi’s truck is there, Dad’s tractor is running, and Mom is serving lunch to what looks like a couple of our old sponsors. Plus, there are a bunch of kids from the NextGen Bull Riding group practicing in the corral.
Great, a full fucking house.
I climb out and barely make it three steps before Levi’s voice hits me.
“Well, well, well.”
I close my eyes and slowly turn around. He’s leaning against the barn door with his arms crossed and a grin that could only mean one thing.
He knows something.
“How was your night, big brother?” he asks sweetly.
“I got all the cattle in with no help from you,” I say flatly.
“You did all that by yourself?"
“Levi.”
“Your truck didn’t come home,” he replies. “Which means either you slept in it out in the field or–”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” I warn him.
“You slept with Lily.”
I hold his stare, and his grin explodes.
“Oh my God.” He laughs. “You did. You absolutely did.”
I rub my face. “You’re dead.”
“I knew it!” He points at me. “I called it! I literally called it!” He claps his hands, and I step into his space. “I told you what would happen if you’re nice.”
“Lower your voice,” I grind out.
“Oh, no,” he says louder. “We’re announcing this.”
“No, we’re not.”
He cups his hands around his mouth. “MOM?—”
I lunge for him, and he dodges me.Stealthy motherfucker.We look like idiots as we chase each other around, side-stepping one another and taking swings into the air.
“That sunshine sure is hot!!” he yells.
Mom steps away from the small patio where the men are eating and walks toward me, hands on her hips, and her lips rolled in, one eyebrow raised. That look of “I told you so” written across her face.
