Page 55 of Heart & Hope

I chuckle at her and turn the glass on the table, rolling the stem between my fingers. The fresh pale pink nail polish I spent a solid twenty minutes on last night reflects the light.

“I gave Reed options. Helped him find one he loved, and we did up a business plan, projections, staggered progress development, and all that. Harry wasn’t impressed he wanted to veer from the traditional ranching route. But Lou loved the idea. I think we’ll have a win. She’s the captain, after all.”

“That she is. Harry always wants what’s best for his family. He probably got caught off guard after handing his son millions in property and putting in months of prep. Then some city girl waltzes in and shows him up. Babes, that will get you shot in these parts.”

She’s joking, I know. But I also know that ranching, this way of life, is cemented in traditions and generational family lines. But it shouldn’t mean Reed has to live a long life doing something to make Harry happy if it makes him miserable.

“I can handle Harry. I grew up with Richard, after all. Plus, it’s a smart option. The best of both worlds. Two, maybe three, income streams instead of one. It’s not personal against Harry. But it’s all I can do to help Reed.”

Addy is quiet, stirring her drink with the short, black straw through the clear liquid, the lime already used and discarded on her napkin. “You sure you and Reed aren’t more than friends?”

My heart beats, loud and heavy. And I can’t take my eyes from hers.

“I mean, I tried leaving, Rubes. It almost killed me.”

“But you and Huddo were . . .”

“And you and Reed aren’t?”

I drop my gaze to my Merlot. We’re not. Well, onerealkiss doesn’t say we are. I have rules. I have a plan. A timed trajectory to my own success. Robbinses don’t do distractions.

“We’re not anything, Adds. I can’t.”

“Alright, if that’s what you want. The career. Not that man.”

“You make it sound like I have to choose between one or the other.”

“Don’t you?”

“I—”

I slam my mouth shut.

Rule number fucking one. I don’t date.

Addy slides her hands across the table and plucks the wine from my grip. She encloses my hands with hers. “Babes, I know you work hard. You always have. But please don’t be afraid to be happy. To let someone in. Let someone love you, Ruby Robbins. You deserve that. And so, so much more.”

Tears burn the bridge of my nose, filling the bottom of my eyes. Reed’s words come flooding back in.

I like taking care of you.

The door to the bar swings open, hitting the wall. Two scantily clad women walk in, Americana hanging off every inch of them with boots shining with the flag, daisy dukes, white tops, and red sparkling cowgirl hats. Never in my life have I ever seen anything so ridiculous.

They make a ruckus strutting up to the bar. Oh great, some friends for Justin. I’m sure they’re his type. One chews gum, a brunette. The other flips her red hair, popping a hip and pushingher chest out as she leans on the bar, eyes hunting for the bartender.

“From out of town?” the big guy asks as he polishes a glass before placing in the rack with a dozen others.

“Great Falls. I’m Starr and this is Skye. Mother Nature’s gifts. We’re here to conquer theGreatReed Rawlins,” the brunette says.

I hear Addy swear under her breath behind me. I’m fully turned in my seat, watching this car crash of anti-feministic whore-mongering in action.

“Yeah, he kind of left us hanging the other night. We’re here to collect,” the redhead coos, twirling her hair through her fingers like a fucking child.

I rise from my seat and stride to the bar. The bartender offers me an exasperated smile. “Another?”

“Actually, two glasses of your most expensive red.”

The two women turn toward me, eyes running up and down my clothes. When they reach my heels, Skye’s mouth gapes, eyes contorting with something between disbelief and disgust. “Well, aren’t you fancy.”

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