Page 80 of Cowboy

“It was worth it.” Gazing down at his hand, he squeezes it into a fist and back to sprawled fingers. “I’ll be okay.”

“Aren’t you Canyon Blaze?” We all look up at Glenn, the cameraman. “I’m a huge fan.”

“Thanks,” Canyon says as the two start a conversation about Canyon’s former career.

Finally, I risk a look up at Bull.

“What did you do?” he asks as if his emotions are hardly contained. Uncertain if he’s upset or just stunned, I rush to answer.

“I started investigating Redd after a few of the things you said about his family, their property, and his desire for that land. Lex finally got back to me the other night. That’s the text message you saw.”

Bull’s eyes widen. “Scarlett—”

Placing my hand on his chest, I stop him. “I just wanted to know the truth for you. Lex owed me this, and he sent Glenn and Robert to film everything.”

Bull looks over at the two men, but only Robert waves as Glenn is still starstruck by Canyon.

“What were you planning to do with what you recorded?” Bull’s cautious asking still hints at a vibration of doubt.

“That’s up to you. Insider is happy to air a retraction, explaining the facts behind the fiction created. I’m willing to report it myself.”

“But—”

“Or,” I cut him off. “We can keep the truth to ourselves, but just knowing the truth should feel better, right? I did this in hopes you’d have answers.”

I hold my breath as Bull could easily say I did this for myself. He didn’t ask for a retraction. He didn’t ask for the truth, but I wanted him to know that it was someone in his own backyard who tried to damage his family and their reputation. If he wants recourse, he has the means. If he wants a retraction, we have the confession.

“He isn’t worth it,” Blade speaks up beside his brother. “I think he’s had fair warning. One more slipup and he’s over.”

Bull nods, still looking at me. “You did this for me, didn’t you?”

“I did.”

“And you weren’t planning to take a new job?”

“No, Bull. I’m right where I belong.”

Bull scrubs a hand down his face, relief washing over him, but then something else fills his expression.

“Jesus, Scarlett. I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“I wanted to catch Redd and the truth. I’m a reporter. That’s what I strived to go after.”

“You’re a gossipmonger,” Blade interjects. “But damn, I’m glad you had the skills this time.”

I softly chuckle.

“Thanks, Scarlett.” Blade’s gratitude surprises me, and he steps forward to give me a hug. Canyon turns to me next.

“I need to get back in there, but I always knew I liked you, Scarlett.” He winks at me before turning back for the entrance, Glenn on his heels.

“We’ll send you all the footage,” Robert says next, stepping up to me.

“It’s your choice, Bull.” This time it’s up to him if we report on his family, making it right, or if what’s been done is good enough.

“I think you’ve done enough,” Bull says, his voice still edgy, and Robert steps away next.

“I’m sorry, Bull. I thought I was—” My words are cut off as I’m tugged to him and kissed hard and fast. His tongue comes forward, claiming my mouth, and I’m too stunned to respond at first.