Page 93 of Riding the High

“He gets better looking by the year, doesn’t he?” Avery says to us. “I mean, Haden’s no Jacob, but he’s sure got that whole rugged cowboy thing going on.”

I look over at their table to eye Haden up. He’s worked on the ranch for a few years now, and has grown close with all the guys during that time. He’s definitely good-looking: dark blond hair, scruff along his wide jaw, that enticing kind of cowboy mustache and a tattered old cowboy hat perched atop his head. He’s got the whole if-Charlie-Hunnam-was-a-cowboy thing going on.

He’s certainly using that cowboy draw to his advantage tonight as some buckle bunny sits on his lap and whispers into his ear. It’s clearly working for her.

“Looks like ladies’ night brings out all kinds.” Liv grins,nodding to Brent Wilson in the other corner of the room as he drinks in the women on the dance floor.

“I trust that man as much as I trust a dog with my plate of steak,” I say, and CeCe, Liv and Avery laugh as I gulp down my sangria.

“Of all the people for Cole to get stuck working with,” Liv says, tapping her nails on the table, “hopefully he can make it through his term without pummeling him.”

“Cole will keep him in line,” I say confidently.

“Okay, so I’m going to just bring up the giant elephant in the room here,” CeCe starts. “Now that I’m a happily married woman, I have a little more time on my hands. Which means I can help with what we’ve been ignoring all summer.”

She flashes her massive diamond ring and matching band at us.

“That thing is blinding,” Liv says with a laugh.

“The elephant being the fact something is clearly going on with Cole and Ginger?” Avery says with a grin. Her long, chocolate brown hair shines in the bar lights.

“The very one,” CeCe agrees. “You two were stuck together like glue all night at the wedding.”

I tuck a rogue curl behind my ear and shrug, not knowing how to explain what Cole and I are and feeling protective over what is going on between us.

“It’s something that appears to be serious if Ginger Danforth is speechless …” Liv comments.

“You guys want what I can’t give you right now. I have no explanation for y’all other than the fact things are oddly easy between us and I’m … happy,” I say.

CeCe smiles at me across the table. “Some part of me knew this was going to happen with you two living in the same house. Though I can’t say I’m not worried.”

“I get it. But I’ve got this,” I say, hoping I’m right but also feeling a little defensive.

Thankfully, one of our favorite Shania Twain songs, “I’m Gonna Getcha Good,” comes on the sound system, giving me a much-needed break from their scrutiny.

CeCe jumps up and looks at us all expectantly. Of course, we all gulp down the rest of our drinks and follow her out onto the dance floor. One is simply not allowed to turn down dancing to Shania.

We get through the song and another good one starts. Typical Sunday night. The Horse and Barrel DJ knows how to keep us and every other woman in this place dancing.

We spend the next hour on and off the dance floor until I’m sweaty and a little tipsy but having the best time with my girls. I needed a night to not think about Cole, my father, or the fact I’m going back to work soon. A little girl-time to gain some perspective.

CeCe, Avery and Liv move off the dance floor to the restroom, so I take a moment to head back to our table and chug some water before I start on another sangria. When I get there, I see my phone light up. It’s my dad. So much for a night off.

WARDEN

I need help going door to door on Tuesday.

I can come.

WARDEN

Good. There’s a team of us to canvas. I’ll have Kate contact you.

Kate’s his administrator.

Can’t wait.

WARDEN

---