Page 28 of Roped in Rawhide

“Chance doesn’t care about my scars.” My whisper is hesitant as if I’m sharing a forbidden secret.

Bianca’s scoff isn’t impressed. “He better not.”

“Every other guy does.”

“Why is this the first I’m hearing about it?” My sister’s glare scans the bar, ready to defend my honor at any sign of upset.

“I don’t like to talk about it for obvious reasons.” My right palm automatically shifts to rest over an especially gnarly patch of ruined skin just above my left elbow.

All three women suddenly appear struck with guilt. They exchange concern in a quick glance. I have the urge to ease their worries, but I bite my tongue. In all honesty, the weight of my scars drags me down on the daily and it’s a relief to share the burden.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t notice sooner,” Paisley murmurs.

“Don’t pity me.”

She bites her bottom lip as unshed tears glisten in her eyes. “I don’t pity you. I think you’re incredibly strong. Much stronger than me.”

A half smile is what I muster. “Thanks, sis.”

Bianca lifts her chin, entering the battle zone. “And all those losers who can’t see past surface blemishes deserve erectile dysfunction.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but Chance is different.” There’s no denying him that praise.

“You’re totally gonna have his babies,” Shiloh gushes.

My recent sip of iced tea gets lodged in my throat and I start to cough. “Let’s not be delulu.”

Paisley winks. “It’s only a matter of time until that Benson boy gets his way.”

A sigh flutters my lips, acknowledging her claim. I grab my phone and open the one-sided text chain Chance has been adding to every morning, noon, and night. My thumb trembles as I finally give him a response.

Me: Thanks for the book. That was very thoughtful.

Seconds after I hit send, the three dots appear to reveal that he’s already replying. I shake my head while laughter bubbles from the ashes of my upset.

Heartbreaker: You got it! That’s great. I’ve been waiting and wondering…

Heartbreaker: Did you start reading it yet? I didn’t know you were into romance novels until I saw the shelves in your apartment.

Heartbreaker: You have quite the collection, Wildflower. I’m happy to add to it now and forever.

I cluck my tongue at his exuberance. “What happened to playing it cool and casual, huh?”

My sister guffaws. “There’s nothing cool or casual about the way that man feels about you.”

Bianca nods. “You just fed the beast, girlfriend.”

My wrist flicks at them. “It was a simple text to thank him for the book.”

Shiloh leans in, not one to be left out. “Might as well have been a marriage proposal. Prepare for the next phase of his relentless plans.”

Bianca hums. “You’re the one who told us that Chance Benson doesn’t do anything halfway.”

The butterflies taking flight in my belly need to hush, much like the chatter bugs surrounding me. “We’re just going to be friends and even that’s a stretch.”

They exchange another glance, this one much more conspiratorial.

Paisley’s mouth stretches into the type of grin I know from personal experience spells mischief. “How much are you willing to bet?”