Page 3 of Roped in Rawhide

This is the way it has to be for my best friend’s sake.

Chance is late. I drum my freshly painted nails on the table and avoid the curious glances drifting in my direction. It’s almost seven-thirty now. At this point, I can assume he’s not coming.

Word that Donna Benson left her family spread through town like toxic fumes. Chance hasn’t responded to any of my calls or texts. I imagine he’s in a dark place, but I want him to know he can rely on me for support. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him.

Just as I’m about to go find him, the door opens and two people walk in. I squint against the sunlight streaming in through the windows. It’s Chance and—

No. Not her.

But there’s no mistaking Marie Phillip’s bottle blonde hair. She sticks out like a cold sore. My teeth gnash in her direction on instinct. That brat has made my life hell since I beat her in our first junior rodeo finals.

Once the initial fury fades, I remember that she’s here with Chance. My best friend has my enemy clinging onto him like they’re dating. I honestly can’t believe my eyes.

But then it gets worse. As if stabbing a knife into my heart, Marie rises onto the balls of her feet to nuzzle against Chance’s cheek. He doesn’t lean in, but he doesn’t push her away either.

My stomach churns and I choke on bile. The sting of his betrayal leaks from the corner of my eye, scorching a path down my face. I swipe at the evidence of my upset before anyone can see it. How could he do this to me?

Chance could’ve chosen to let me comfort him, but instead he’s finding warmth in her suffocating embrace. The weight of it crushes me under the sole of his cowboy boot.

I silently beg him to look at me and fix it. To tell me this is a joke. That he loves me.

Instead, Chance leads Marie to a booth on the opposite side of the restaurant. They sit on the same side, sharing the bench seat like I usually do with him.

That’s my spot she’s taking. We’re supposed to be together. Tonight was supposed to change everything.

But I guess it has. Just not in the way I expected. Rather than ask me to be more than friends, he’s ripping us apart as if the last five years meant nothing. The fact he chose Marie is especially cruel.

I’ve always known Chance has a ruthless streak. That’s what makes him such a strong competitor in the rodeo arena. But I’ve never had his wrath aimed at me.

A sob strains my chest and I rip my gaze off the disaster across the room. As it turns out, there is something I won’t do for him. I refuse to sit here and watch him destroy us.

If Chance wants to apologize tomorrow, I might be willing to listen. For now, I sneak out of my own booth and force this friendship demolition to stay behind.

Almost seven years later…

My skin is itchy. It’s that uncontrollable kind that won’t quit. I try to smile at the customer in front of me, but I’m sure my expression is more of a grimace. This wouldn’t be an issue if he wasn’t here.

The brick wall I built around my heart quakes. He’s become more persistent, almost to the point of stalking. My job isn’t a safe space anymore. I ignore him and the tremble in my fingers while I finish scanning the items.

“That’ll be forty-two eighty,” I tell the older woman at the counter.

She hands me the exact amount. “Less than the Walmart near my house. Better service too.”

My grin finds a backbone and stays put. “Thanks for shopping local.”

“Of course, dear.” She pats my hand. “I support small businesses whenever I’m able.”

“And we appreciate that very much. Have a glorious day.” My expression lifts higher as I pass over her bags.

“You do the same.” But rather than leave, the lady leans in and drops her voice. “Not to alarm you, but that young man seems very interested in having a word with you. These old eyes barely see straight, but there’s no missing his desperation.”

“Uh…”

“Do you need help? I can whack him with my umbrella.”

Laughter bubbles up my throat. “Oh, that won’t be necessary. I’ll get rid of him on my own.”

“Okay, dear. Take care.” After turning around, she sends my unwanted admirer a look so scathing that it makes me flinch.