Page 135 of Sawyer

“You’re gross,” Sawyer says.

“He’s not wrong,” I say.

Duke just keeps smirking. “Y’all have fun.”

“Who do you think he’s meeting?” I ask when Sawyer and I are in the car on the way to the arena at the Wallace Ranch. I have to smile at howhugemy boyfriend looks in my little Subaru, the top of his hat hitting the ceiling. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him talk about anyone before.”

Sawyer, who insisted on driving my car, shrugs. “No clue. He and Ryder have always been wild cards when it comes to girls. Duke’s been mooning at Mollie’s friend Wheeler since they met…”

“Wheeler. Huh. I can actually see them together. They’re both firecrackers. Lots of personality.”

“She’s gotta have the same sense of wanderlust that Duke does if that’s ever gonna work. He likes cowboyin’ just fine, but I can tell he wants more.”

“She’ll love that about him.”

Sawyer lifts his fingers off the wheel. “Maybe. Whatever the case, I hope Wheeler knows what she’s getting into.”

I grin. “I think Duke’s the one who should be worried.”

“Why’s that?”

“She’s a lot of fun. I hope he can keep up.”

“Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” Sawyer reaches across the console to put his hand on my thigh. “Bet I’ll be able to keep up with you tonight. I only been ridin’ since before I could walk.”

“But you haven’t been racing. There’s a difference.”

“You think I can’t win?”

I dig my hands into the hair that curls out from underneath his hat. “Honey, you did win. You got me.”

He laughs, a big, booming sound that fills the car and makes my core light up in the most delicious way. “Luckiest son of a bitch in these parts, no doubt.”

Sally is waiting for us in the arena. Because she’s awesome, she already has the horses tacked up and the barrels ready to go.

“I love that y’all are doing this for date night,” she says. “Wyatt and I really enjoy riding together. Sawyer, prepare to get your ass kicked. Ava is a tough coach.”

“Don’t I know it?” Sawyer’s eyes twinkle when they meet mine. “She’s always riding me hard.”

“You and Wyatt with the dirty jokes.” Sally shakes her head. “You need to get your filthy minds out of the gutter.”

“I don’t hate it,” I say.

Sally smiles. “To be honest, neither do I. You guys need anything else before I head home? Wyatt’s making dinner, so I should get out of here.”

“No shit,” Sawyer says. “Wyatt’s cooking again?”

Sally hands him the reins of a massive Friesian named Bumblebee. “Can you believe it? He’s one hundred percent domesticated now. Except when he’s not.”

“That sounds fun,” I say, grabbing my horse.

Sally’s cheeks are pink when she replies, “It is. Will we see y’all this weekend?”

I watch Sawyer smoothly mount his horse, his thighs straining against his chaps as he settles into the saddle.

“Yeah.” I lick my lips. “Sure. If I can tear myself away from?—”

“Work,” Sawyer says. “We have lots and lots of work to do, don’t we, pretty girl?”

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