Page 49 of Sunrise & Serenity

Holden watches us go as his sister drags me away, that line back between his brows.

“How about we grab a burger?” Taryn says. “Then I could really do with a new bridle.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Vendor tents line one side of the grounds, selling feed and supplies, while the enticing scent of grilling burgers cuts through the smell of animals.

Kids run around laughing while groups of older ranchers sit in folding chairs and gossip. It seems like this is just as much a networking spot as it is an auction.

As we make our way through the crowd, I take the opportunity to snap more photos: weather-worn wood, scuffed boots and spurred heels, dogs with tongues hanging out.

My camera is warm in my hands, my heart light. This is far from the New York City scene, and the photos I’m taking would never make it onto one of Graham’s gallery walls—they won’t even be used for Wild Ember’s marketing. That knowledge is kind of… freeing.

It takes me back to when I first picked up a camera and started taking photos of pretty or intriguing things just to hang them on my bedroom walls.

Mom and Dad didn’t like it. The photos didn’t match the rest of the house’s carefully curated aesthetic, but as long as I kept my hobby to my bedroom, they let me do it.

Right now, as I capture the details around me—moments in time that will be forgotten by everyone else—I feel more like the giddy teenager I was than I have in years.

A short while later, burger in hand, I follow Taryn as she browses stalls selling saddles, bridles, and other horse-related equipment. I swallow the last bite and lick the grease off my fingers while she haggles with one of the vendors.

A hand holding a plastic cup of lemonade extends into my view. “You look like you could use this. It’s hot out here.”

Holden’s eyes are fixed on me, his expression as unreadable as ever, but I can’t ignore the flutter in my chest that shouldn’t be there.

Smiling, I take the cup. “If you’re not careful, I might get used to you bringing me beverages.”

This is the first time I’ve brought up the fact that he still brings me coffee every morning. It seems easier to just thank him when he casually hands it to me on my porch and pretend it doesn’t give me a warm glow.

“Can’t have you getting dehydrated and passing out on me, City.”

With a roll of my eyes, I take a sip. The drink is cool and tart, instantly refreshing.

I let out a sigh of appreciation, and his lips curve up. What would those lips feel like brushing against mine? I quickly take another sip. God, why does he have to be so damn attractive?

“Holden? Holden McBride?” A woman makes a beeline for us. “I heard you were back. I’ve been hoping to see you around.”

I take her in. Long, golden blond hair. Big blue eyes. She’s gorgeous, and by the way she’s batting her lashes at Holden, she knows it.

“Looks like you found me.”

His tone isn’t rude, but it’s not overly welcoming either. From the set of his shoulders, he’s clearly not thrilled with the attention.

“I was so sorry to hear about your accident, but I’m glad to see you looking so…” Her gaze travels slowly over him. “Healthy.” To emphasize her point, she reaches up and squeezes his bicep. “When are we going to see you on the back of a bull again?”

This time, there’s no mistaking how he stiffens. Though the woman doesn’t seem to notice, too busy smiling up at him expectantly.

Can’t she see he doesn’t want to talk about his career, no matter how pretty the woman asking is?

I have absolutely no doubt that Holden is capable of taking care of himself. He’s spent years as a rodeo star, so he must have dealt with fans of all kinds. Yet the way he angles his head down, the brim of his hat shadowing his eyes, makes me feel almost… protective.

Stepping forward, I plant myself directly between them. “We should head back, Holden. The auction will start soon. We wouldn’t want to miss it.”

The woman and Holden both turn their attention to me, her with a frown and him with his brows raised.

I tilt my head, giving him my best slightly ditzy smile. “You know I’m going to need you to explain it all to me.”

His brows pull together for just a second before the corners of his lips twitch up. “Excuse us, ma’am,” he says to the woman before dipping his head down to me. “Let’s go.”