Page 98 of Dirty Cowboy

Emma smiles. "That’s the one."

Caroline’s eyes glint with something dangerous. "Funny, they didn’t mention an engagement when we spoke."

"My family doesn’t know yet," Emma says smoothly. "We’re planning asurpriseparty next week."

We are?

Caroline’s smirk sharpens, but before she can twist the knife, the sheriff’s voice booms over the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Lords Valley’s annual mechanical bull-riding competition. Thor is all greased up and ready to go. A special welcome toMiss Emma Silver, our reigning champion."

Cheers and applause erupt, but Caroline barely flinches. Instead, she flashes a knowing smile, pointing at the banner. "That title won’t be yours for much longer, sweetheart."

A bell chimes overhead.

"First challenger of the night," the sheriff announces. "Ms. Caroline Gnatz."

The energy in the room shifts. Apart from a few polite claps, the crowd stays silent as Caroline hoists herself over the barrier, sauntering toward the bull.

The second she settles into the saddle, the sheriff holds up a hand. "One moment. Technical difficulty."

I take the opportunity to lean into Emma. "What are you drinking?"

"Beer, please."

I press a kiss to her cheek. "Got it. Be right back."

Derek and Blake follow me toward the bar, the crowd tightening around the bull ring.

"Those three were whispering all afternoon at the barn," Blake murmurs. He nods toward Misty, Anabelle, and Emma, heads bent together, whispering. And my heart warms; she fits right in.

I raise a brow. "Anything interesting?"

"Misty looked spooked, so Annabelle gave her a taser."

I nearly choke. "Where the hell did my sister get ataser?"

"I gave it to her," Derek says flatly. "She was supposed to take it back to San Francisco."

"Were they talking about Huntz?"

Blake nods. "I think so. But Misty sayssomethingis bothering Annabelle back in San Francisco."

A muscle ticks in my jaw. "She never should’ve left Lords Valley."

Derek sighs. "She left because of Huntz."

I grip my beer tighter. "Makes me want to squeeze that bastard’s throat until I see his ghost."

The bartender slides our drinks over. Blake weaves through the crowd while Derek levels me with a look.

"When did you get engaged to Silver’s sister? I thought Caroline had your nuts in a bag."

"Fuck off," I mutter. "Emma’s different. She makes me want to clean up the mess Caroline left behind."

Truth is, I want Caroline to pack up her blackmail and disappear forever.

The sheriff’s voice cuts through the chatter. "The bull is ready!"

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