When I drive my cart outside the gate, it takes me back to Wednesday, when Wilder took me out for breakfast when he thought I was going to pass out from malnutrition.
I’m not angry at him for leaving last night. I’m just mortified. He’s got a ranch to run. A family business to keep from crumbling. A brother who’s still grieving. And I’m here acting like a girl with a crush.
Stupid.
My first stop is the bookstore. I pick up three books. Two thrillers by authors I recognize, and one romance by an author who is new to me.
At the checkout, I set the romance book aside when I notice it’s about a small-town cowboy. Nope, not going there. “Just these two actually.”
The checkout girl smirks. “Cowboys not your thing?”
I smile back. “I prefer serial killers. At least you know their next move.”
Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t say anything.
Thirty minutes later, I’m at the street fair, looking at a pairof beige cowgirl boots that would go with nearly every outfit I brought with me.
My phone pings with a text. I take a quick peek before strongly considering shutting the damn thing off for the day.
My brother.
Wesley:Where are you?
Rose:Just stopped by a warehouse to trade an organ for a pair of boots. Why?
Wesley:Which organ?
I debate on sending back,Mybrain,sinceyoudon’tthinkIhaveone.
Wesley:I’ll double whatever they’re offering.
I laugh and slide my phone away just as I hear a familiar sweet voice.
“Who’s got you laughing?”
I look up, my eyes brightening at the friendly face. “Ginger.” I hug her and she pats my back gently. “Took your advice and hitting up everything there is to see in one day.”
“That’s a mighty long day. Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
A deep voice comes from behind her. “Well then, you can come have lunch with us.”
I look up at the man whose features are strangely familiar.“Hello,” I greet him tentatively, my gaze flicking to Ginger.
He extends a hand. “Connor Thorne.”
“Thorne? You’re Wilder’s dad.”
He nods, pulling up his belt buckle. “That’s one of ’em.”
I smile. “I’m Rose.”
He nods like he knows everything that goes on at his ranch. “Wesley’s sister. You’re helping out for the summer. My boy giving you any trouble?”
“I think I’m giving him trouble. He just hasn’t fired me yet.”
He laughs. “Oh, this should be good. Come to lunch with us, want to hear all about it.” The man glances at the item I’m holding in my hands and moves in front of me to pay for the boots.
