Page 32 of One Reckless Moment

I glanced back at him.

“Go change.”

I scrunched my brows in confusion.

“We’re going out. Go put on something you’re comfortable in and meet me down here.”

I nodded and went upstairs. Whatever plan he was concocting, I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t a little excited to spend some one-on-one time with him—away from prying eyes. Away front he ranch. Away from Buck and Tweety. Away from reality.

I quickly searched through my suitcase and found a simple white sundress with blue flowers on it. I threw on my brown cowgirl boots and let down my hair.

When I walked down the stairs, Cash was standing at the kitchen island looking like a cowboy dream. He changed into a pair of dark wash jeans and a simple white tee with black boots—his hat firmly on his head.

This was the Cash I knew and tolerated.

“Wow,” he said when he noticed me.

“Do I look okay?” I did a little twirl, making the dress fan out around me.

“You look amazing, Paige.”

My heart melted at his tone, but I snapped myself out of it. Cash wasn’t hanging out with me because he wanted to, he was only trying to make my night better. Just because he was a natural-born protector didn’t mean he liked me as more than Walker’s little sister. I couldn’t let one nice gesture and a damn hat steal my heart and make me stupid.

Even if it was just this once.

15

A SHOT FOR A MEMORY

CASH

The moment I received Paige’s text, my heart sank. I knew something bad must have happened because I would never be at the top of the list of people in this group she would call. She hadn’t told me the story yet, but I knew she would. The sight of her in tears on the ground was enough to make me want to set the entire city on fire.

No one fucked with my girl.

Paige and I walked down to the lobby in a comfortable silence. She was quiet, timid—which was not how I would ever describe Paige Brooks. The girl was always full of smiles and wit. She was outspoken in the hottest way possible, and I didn’t like whatever was running through her mind to make her a shell of usual herself.

I called us a ride to a bar I knew she would love. I could turn this night around.

We pulled up to Bootleggers and I got out first before reaching my hand in to help Paige out of the car.

“What is this place?” She smiled up at me.

“I came out here a few years ago with the guys and we ended up here. You’re going to love it.”

I laced our fingers together and pulled her through the front doors. Immediately, the sounds of country music and stale beer smell reminded me of home. I guided Paige to the bar and we snagged two seats with a great view of the dance floor.

I flagged down the bartender. “Four tequila shots and two drafts.” He nodded as Paige burst into laughter.

When the drinks were placed in front of me, I handed him my card and turned to Paige.

“One shot, then you tell me what happened.” Using my knuckle, I pushed one shot across the wooden bar.

She took a deep breath and threw the shot back like it was nothing before slamming the shot glass down.

I cocked my brow at her, waiting.

“I was on the dance floor alone and a guy got really handsy. He tried to drag me away, and I couldn’t find my sister or any of the girls so I panicked and ran.”