“Helen says you’ve been helping her with her horses.”
I scoffed. “Yeah, something like that.”
“I gotta tell ya,”—she took a step closer—“it was good to hear your voice again over that speaker. Brought back memories. So many memories.”
“Yeah, well…” I reached up and fixed the crown on her hat, leveling it out. “I’m kinda hard to forget.” I brushed a piece of her hair that had managed to get out of place over her shoulder.
“You are. I’ve been hoping I’d see you at more events.” She took another step, closing the inches between us. “But I’m just glad you’re here tonight. I can’t tell you how much I missed you.You’ve been on my mind since last year. And Wyatt…” She said my name breathlessly, her gaze dropping to my lips.
She leaned in, her eyes fluttering closed.
What…the…fuck?
“Whoa.” I grabbed her shoulders, stopping her. “What are you doing?”
“Kissing you.” She sighed as her hands began to trail up my chest. “I remember the way you tas—”
“I’m with Quinn,” I cut her off. “As in she’s my girlfriend, and I’m very much her boyfriend. I’m flattered, but no.”
“Girlfriend?” She slumped her shoulders and stepped back. “Wyatt Hartwell has a girlfriend?”
I nodded, “Yes, one that I’m madly in love with. You should have known that; she’s your coach's daughter.”
“She said it wasn’t very serious.” Kelly pouted, folding her arms across her chest.
“I was legit thinking about asking her to marry me before you came up.”
Kelly laughed. “You? Getting married? That’s funny.” She exhaled. “Well, fine then—maybe you are a little forgettable. See ya around, maybe.” She huffed before she turned, giving her hips a shake.
She passed me, bumping into my shoulder, and for a moment I stood stone still, trying to replay it all in my head.Did that really just happen? Did she really try to make a move on me? Was she expecting me to rise to the challenge and pretend like there was no one waiting for me?I could feel a knot form in my stomach, because yeah—once upon a time—I would have. But now I couldn’t even fathom the idea. I blinked and forced myself to laugh, taking it for what it was and how much I had actually changed. If only Abi could see me now.
Once I made it back to the trailer, I noticed Hook was already unsaddled and ready to go. I gave him a quick pat and lockedup. Quinn was in the driver’s seat, so I climbed in and leaned over to kiss her cheek, the entire last twenty minutes with Kelly disappearing once my lips touched her skin. This woman right here could make anything disappear. The knot faded, and the thrill began to creep back up again. I had so much I wanted to tell her, and I wasn’t sure where to start.
“God,” I said, finally breaking the silence of the truck, reaching out to touch her jawline. “Tonight was one for the books, don’t you think?”
“I think…” Her voice was heavy as she took a deep breath. “You need to get out of the truck.” She turned and looked at me, all life drained from her face as her eyes began to glaze over with tears.
I flinched.
“What? Why?” I asked, pulling my arm back.
“Get. Out.”
Thirty-Seven
Quinn
Iwasanidiot.
Words I probably weren’t meant to hear rang through my head.
Helping her helped me.
If I weren’t here with her, who would you call to fill in for Sam?
I’m kinda hard to forget…
After my ride, I had one person I wanted to see. I could watch the bulls from the announcer's stand, and I didn’t care how thenight ended just as long as I was with him. I couldn’t get to him fast enough. But of course, I got stopped by a reporter whom I talked to for a moment before graciously declining any more press. I got stopped by a few fans, throwing me for a loop when they asked for photos. And finally, I got stopped by my mother.
