Page 36 of Peach Blossom Hollow

“No,” she breathed. “You didn’t!”

“I did. At a rodeo. She’s nice.” He grinned. “We exchanged autographs.”

Violet shook her head. This man lived in a completely different world than she did.

The more songs she played from her teenage years, the more memories Leo shared from his own.

“I used to listen to this song on the way to rodeos,” he said when she played Queen. Was there anything on her playlist that he didn’t like?

“I listened to it while I studied,” she replied.

“I guess it’s good for getting your head in the game. Did you study a lot?”

She nodded. “Is there any music you don’t listen to?”

He shrugged. “Did you like college?”

“Yeah. Do you wish you’d gone?”

He looked out the window instead of at her.

“You seem like the type who would have loved to go just for the thrill of learning something new.”

He remained silent.

“Would you go now?” she pressed.

“Oh, you know.” He flipped a hand off the steering wheel, a casual gesture. “Pretty busy.”

“True. At least your reason for not going isn’t the usual answer.”

“What’s that?”

“You got a gal pregnant and were busy being run out of town.”

He almost choked on a burst of laughter, brightening his entire expression.

They rode, not speaking for a few more minutes, while the warm feeling in Violet’s gut spread. She really enjoyed hanging out with Leo and she hoped they’d remain friends even after he found the Business Barbie of his dreams.

“Are you going to the gala next month?” he asked.

“The one Miranda was talking about in orientation?”

“Yeah, for the charity.”

Violet scrunched her nose and shook her head. Black tie. A room full of wealthy people? Tons of hockey hotties? She wouldn’t be able to make a peep all night.

“Why not? It’s for a good cause.”

“Daisy-Mae’s going.” The woman was head over heels for Maverick—a man so unattainable he’d declared his ranch a woman-free zone. Sure, she, Jenny and Daisy-Mae had been invited for Thanksgiving there, but that was because of his mother’s influence. Despite Maverick’s casual attitude, Violet had a feeling he was falling for Daisy-Mae as well. At least she hoped so.

“You can’t go if she is?”

“Of course I can. I’m just not.” Violet slumped in her seat.

Did she want to relive what it felt like to go to high school dances? No. She’d never been invited by a guy, and when she’d gone with friends—after sneaking out, of course because her mom thought dances would lead to trouble—she’d often sat alone because they were busy dancing. It had been awful,and she had a feeling the adult version wouldn’t be much different.

But to get all dressed up and feel like a princess for one night? She longed for that. Even though she knew it was frivolous. Even though she’d been raised to know that pennies were to be saved, not poured into an expensive gown she’d wear only once.

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