He cocked an eyebrow. “Every last bit?”
“You can always check for yourself if you don’t trust me.”
He inclined his head a touch, relenting. “I’ll take your word for it.”
I pulled the boots off and rubbed my neck, letting my fingers knead deep into my muscles. I could hear a nice, warm bath, preferably with a fizzy lavender bomb and a glass of wine, calling my name. Closing my eyes, I released a long exhale. When I opened them again, Ty stared at me with a shuttered expression I couldn’t read.
Heat bloomed in my stomach, but I shoved that spark aside before it could catch fire. I dropped my hands, too aware of how my shirt clung to my sweaty chest and stomach. “Anything else today?”
“Nope, you’re good. You can even take tomorrow off.”
Gazing up at him, I scrutinized every line in his face. “Is this a trick? I’m not done out here.”
“What do you take me for, some kind of ogre? The bachelorette party’s tomorrow. I figured you’d want extra time to—” He waved his fingers in the air. “Get ready.”
“I could take offense at that. You think it takes me all day to look nice?”
Given the circumstances, he wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Still.
He opened his mouth but shut it again. If anything, his gaze darkened even more. “Most people would jump at a day off.”
“You really don’t need me?”
He looked torn, and I wished for the hundredth time he could just admit when he needed help. I knew he wasn’t used to relying on other people, but he wasn’t in any state to refuse help when it was offered, either.
“Aaron’s coming in for a couple of hours. Horses will be fine.”
I wouldn’t bother asking howhewould be. He didn’t seem to appreciate the question, and wouldn’t admit to needing anything anyway. “The next day, then?”
“Unless you’ve had enough.”
I just laughed. “I’ll see you then, Ty.”
TEN
june
As far asbachelorette parties went, this was the best one I’d been to. Yes, I’d planned it, but still, it worked out to be a pretty great evening.
Eden and her bridesmaids lounged on plush couches while our feet soaked in copper tubs of warm water dotted with rose petals. I cupped a mug of herbal tea in my hands, a soothing neck wrap warmed my shoulders, and the scent of lavender and roses wafted all around us. Nature sounds and birdsong drifted down from hidden speakers, sinking into our bodies and unwinding our tension. I could almost see the strain of the last two days on Ty’s ranch fading from my muscles.
“You have all the best ideas, June,” Eden’s middle sister, Harper, said. “So much better than a pole dancing lesson.” She shot their youngest sister a significant look.
“It would have beenfun,” Eliza said. “And it would have been a gift for Booker, too.” She bobbed her pale eyebrows, dancing in her seat in mock seduction.
“I would have died of shame.” Eden took my hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thanks for not putting me through that.”
“I think Eliza’s the only one who was on board with pole dancing,” I told her.
“It’s good cardio.” Eliza continued to wiggle, undeterred. “If it leads to more cardio, so much the better.”
“Do not make me think about my brother doingcardio,” Chloe said. “I’m trying to enjoy myself.”
Eden leaned back against the couch. “Mmm, cardio with Booker.”
Chloe tossed a rose petal at her. “You are disgusting,” she said, flashing Eden a saucy grin.
Chloe radiated Booker’s same confidence and charm, her ease making me feel we were old friends even though we’d only connected a few hours ago. She lived in Austin, too, but our paths had never crossed.
