“Uh no, not end of story. Kacey, why did you say no?” Her tone has changed, and she looks at me like I’m a puppy someone just kicked.
I hate that look and it’s part of the reason I don’t even try to date anymore. After Garrett stomped all over my heart, everyone treated me like I was made of glass for months. I’m not made of glass; I just have no interest in repeating that particular experience.
I sigh. “You know why. My situation hasn’t changed and I’m not going through that again.” And by situation, I mean the ranch. I’m grateful my dad owns the largest and most successful ranch in the state, but it makes dating and making friends difficult. It’s hard to know who likes me for me, and who likes me because of the fact that I stand to inherit all of this. Most people say I won’t be inheriting a ranch, I’ll be inheriting an empire.
Jessie looks straight ahead while we ride in silence for a few minutes. “You know I love you,” she says, breaking the silence. “When Garrett did what he did, I wanted to kill him. In fact, if I saw him crossing the street today, I would hit him with my car. But honey, you have to move on. Maybe this Knox guy is the perfect opportunity to get back in the game. He’s only in town for a few weeks, right? You’ll probably never see him again. What’s the harm in going out and having some fun? No pressure, no expectations, just get back out there and knock the rust off.Figuratively speaking. Or not . . . I wouldn’t blame you if you climbed that man like a tree.”
My eyes are watering, but I can’t help but laugh.
“I know you get lonely,” she continues, her words hitting me right in the chest. “You may be an introvert, but you’ve always wanted to find love. You, Kacey Hart, are not the woman who dies an old bachelorette with fifty cats. I won’t allow it. You want and deserve to find love. Maybe spending time with Knox will help you get back out there to find that.”
Jessie might be wild, but she can make people feel loved and understood like no one else I’ve ever met. And she’s right, I’ve always wanted that. True love, a partner, even kids someday. It wasn’t until Garrett that I gave up on that dream. Maybe I let him steal more than my trust, maybe he stole my hope.
“Thanks, Jessie. I think I needed to hear that. I’m not sure I’m ready to go all in, but maybe spending some time with Knox couldn’t hurt. That’s if he’s even interested.” Just because he’s flirted with me a couple times doesn’t mean he actually wants to spend time with me. He looks like a Greek god and he’s a professional bull rider—most women would walk across hot coals for a chance with him.
She smirks at me. “Oh, he’s interested, trust me. I’m also now invested and expect daily updates.”
“Ha, of course you do.”
“Oh, did you get his last name? Is he any good at riding bulls?”
“Yeah, about that.” I hesitate to tell her. It only helps her prove her point. My family has money, but from what I read, Knox doesn’t need it. He has a very successful career and huge sponsors.
“Do tell, do tell.”
“Oddly enough, Dad knew exactly who he was. I guess he sees him on TV all the time. I looked him up after I found out and he’ssixth in the world. He’s been to the finals like four times. So, safe to say he doesn’t suck.”
Jessie’s eyes go wide. “Wow . . . that just made him even hotter.”
I burst out laughing, because she’s not wrong.
When we get back from our ride, I see Knox putting Buck away like he’s done for the day.
I look at Jessie. “Hey, I’m gonna—”
“Yeah, yeah, ditch me for the world’s hottest cowboy. I’m going to stop by Gran’s on my way home anyway.” She dismounts and hands me Bear’s reins.
“Sounds good. Tell her I said hello.”
She heads for her SUV as I steer Hooch in Knox’s direction, bringing Bear along with me.
“Hey, want a tour of the ranch?” I ask and he looks at me like I’ve grown two heads. That’s fair, I haven’t exactly reciprocated his interest. In fact, I’ve avoided him the last few days.
“Yeah, that would be great.”
I figured now was as good a time as any to get to know him a little better. I’m always more comfortable on horseback and this way, I don’t have time to chicken out.
Knox rubs his palm down Bear’s neck, adjusts the stirrups and climbs on. “So, where to first, tour guide?”
“Let’s head for the working facility. I think Carson’s doctoring some cows.”
As we ride toward the working facility, you can see part of the broodmare and foal pasture.
“It seems like you handle a lot of the horses here,” he says.
“Yeah, I’ve always loved horses, and it came naturally. We’ve always had horses, but I started our breeding program ten years ago and typically keep thirty to thirty-five broodmares on the property. So, if you ever want more broodmares to trim, just let me know,” I say jokingly.
That makes him laugh. “Well thanks, if I start falling off and need entry fee money, I’ll give you a call.”
