“Rhett.” I repeat his name almost to sear it in my mind. “Rugged name.”
Miranda leans in. “Rugged man.”
I swallow.
“From what I hear, he used to be one of the top rodeo stars in the country,” she says.
“I know nothing about rodeos.”
“Neither did I until I moved out here,” Miranda says. “Trust me, it’s like a religion down here.”
“Got it.”
“So he’s the one…” Her grin is so wide, it practically takes over her face.
A tall, dark, and handsome man coming our way catches my attention. “There you are, sweetie.” Hunter plants a kiss on Miranda’s cheek. “Carina.” He nods.
“Hunter.” I nod back.
“It goes without saying my fiancée is the hottest girl out here tonight, but you’re a close second.” He winks. “You look stunning.”
I beam with pride. “Thank you.”
“Doesn’t she?” Miranda arches a brow.
“I hate to pull you away, sweetie, but Riley is having a dessert crisis.”
Miranda glances up at her fiancé. “I thought April was on it. Didn’t Riley ask April to stop by the shop on her way to the ranch to grab the remainder of the cherry and apple pies her pastry chefs prepared for tonight?”
“Riley is having a meltdown because she’s afraid there won’t be enough for everyone,” Hunter says. “She’s wrong, but youknow Riley. Jake and Allison are barbecuing up a storm, so that leaves you to talk some sense into her.”
“Okay,” Miranda says.
“I can help?—”
“Sorry, Carina.” Hunter shakes his head. “I have a strict order from your boss. She doesn’t want to see you in the kitchen.”
I frown. “Why not?”
“You are to party and mingle. Something about you getting lucky and wrangling a ranch hand… or was it something about you knocking boots with a ranch hand.” He snaps his fingers. “Now, I remember. It was about you being tied up to a ranch hand’s bed.”
Miranda laughs.
Hunter joins her.
I’m not sure if I should join them or cry.
I feel so exposed.
“I’m exaggerating.” He gives me a onceover. “However, she did mention it would be a crime if you didn’t snag someone tonight in that dress.”
Miranda takes a step closer. “Sometimes, six feet of rugged sexiness is a sure way to get wrangled.” She points to someone with her chin. I don’t have to turn around to know who’s she’s referring to.
Hunter follows her gaze. “She’s got her eyes on one of the new guys.”
“She does.”
My cheeks burst into flames.
