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Thatch nudged her. Usually Lyric was so buoyant, so light and carefree. But ever since he’d picked her up today, she’d been off. “You say that like cowboys are a bad thing.” He couldn’t help but tease her, bring that real smile out of the shadows.
“Sorry.” A half smile flashed, giving him a glimpse of the woman hiding behind the curtain today. “I guess I think of you a little differently. You weren’t born and bred a cowboy.”
“Nah. I’ve always been more of a farm boy.” And then when Jace had died, Thatch’s life had taken a turn. He’d found himself building a life in the mountains. “But I’ve met some pretty stellar cowboys through all my training. So they’re not all bad.”
“No.” Her eyes went downcast. “I guess they’re not.”
She didn’t seem convinced, but he would gladly show her. He would show her how a man should treat a woman—with respect and reverence. Hell, he’d put her on a pedestal. If she’d ever let him.
“Hey, Hearst, you ready to ride?”
Thatch hadn’t even seen Kirby sneak up on them from the other side of the stacked barrels.
“Just about.” He walked to meet one of the best cowboys he knew. “First, I want you to meet Lyric. She’s my yoga instructor. She’s going to watch the ride and thentell me everything I did wrong.” That statement earned another smile out of her.
“You’re going to have your work cut out for you,” Kirby informed her.
Lyric laughed. “Don’t I know it?” She sidled up closer to Thatch. “I’m also his girlfriend, by the way. In case he hasn’t told you.”
Sometime soon, he would have to stop flinching when she introduced herself that way. It shouldn’t be so jarring. He knew their arrangement. Yet this stirring sensation inside him took him by surprise every time.
The old man’s gaze gave him a good chastising. “You ain’t never said nothing about a girlfriend.”
“I don’t advertise my love life.” Because things had been pretty quiet in that department since his engagement had fallen apart. There’d never been much to talk about. Not commitment-wise anyway. And he and Kirby didn’t exactly have heart-to-hearts when he was training.
“Well, it’s nice to meet ya.” The man shook her hand. “Lyric, you said? Hoping you can work a miracle with this fella. Otherwise, we’re about out of options.” He gave Thatch a surprisingly strong clap on the shoulder. “Lemme know when you’re ready to ride. I’ll have Rich put Notorious in the chute today.”
“You can go ahead and get everything ready.” Thatch checked his watch. “I invited a kid who’s working with me to come and watch too. So we’ll wait a few more minutes to see if he shows.”
“Great,” Kirby mumbled. “It’s a party. You’d better step it up today so you don’t disappoint your fans.” He walked away, his left leg dragging a little.
“Why’d you tell him you’re my girlfriend?” Thatchasked Lyric when they were out of earshot. Now Kirby was one more person he’d have to keep this lie straight with.
“I didn’t want him to say something in front of Elina and Franco.” Lyric spoke in a hushed whisper. “It’ll be less confusing ifeveryonebelieves we’re dating.”
Less confusing for who? He didn’t have a chance to ask before Franco wandered in through the open doorway. A young girl—presumably Elina—followed behind him but stopped abruptly when she saw Lyric.
“What isshedoing here?” The girl nodded in Lyric’s direction with a clear frown.
Franco shrugged. “Watching Thatch ride, I guess. Same as us.”
“Great.” Elina folded her arms. She rolled her eyes and cocked one hip at the exact same time. Thatch had seen the same stance from his younger cousins when they’d been in their teens. It appeared Elina wasn’t one of Lyric’s biggest fans.
“Hey.” He stuck out a hand in her direction. “I’m Thatch. You must be Elina. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Franco had two favorite subjects while they were working: rodeo and his girlfriend.
“Yeah, I’ve heard a lot about you too,” Elina muttered, still glaring at Lyric.
Yikes.The girl had quite the cutting stare.
“Hey, man. Can I see the bronc?” Franco asked, already heading toward the chute.
“Sure.” Thatch followed him. It would likely be a good idea for Lyric and Elina to have a minute alone anyway. He was getting chilly from the ice in the girl’s stare, and it wasn’t even directed at him.
“So this is Notorious.” He gestured to the animal standing behind the fence.
“Damn.” Franco walked the length of the chute. “He looks mean.”
“They’re not mean.” Thatch had thought the same thing until he’d spent time around the animals. “They’re strong and competitive. They love the thrill of the arena. They’re athletes just like the riders.”
