Page 118 of Bucked Hard

We finish gathering things, including her phone in the grass, and my hat, then mount up. And for the first time, I understand why all the Westerns end with a ride into the sunset.

ChapterSeven

Mary Beth

“What?” My brother’s voice comes through the phone. “You didwhat?”

As different as we are, we are still best friends, and we tell each other almost everything. He’s the sister I never had.

He called to see how I was doing. We talk almost every day, but I’ve been so obsessed with myself and my own hormones since I got here to the ranch, I didn’t even think to call him yesterday.

“Don’t judge me,” I spit back with our standard banter. “Benjamin, he’s sohot.He makes mefeelthings.”

“Uh huh.” His flat tone tells me he’s not riding the same ride as me. “I’m sure he makes lots of the women that come therefeelthings. Trust me, I’m a guy, I know.”

“He’s not like that.”

“Based on what? Based on knowing him from a distance for two days, then up close and way too personal for a couple of hours?Mary Beth.” He’s scolding now. “Don’t get caught up. You’re waiting for your golden ticket. Look at me. I love Malory, but raising a baby alone will put a big damper on the dreams you’ve had since we were little.”

“It’s fine. I can handle it.”

“I wasn’t hearing ‘I can handle it’ when you were telling me what happened out under that big Montana sky today.”

“Well, you might just have to trust me.”

Outside the cabin, there’s theclang clang clangof the dinner bell, and right on cue, my stomach growls.

“I gotta go. Dinner time and I’m starving.”

“Fine.” I hear three-year-old Malory start screaming in the background. “Oh shit.” Benjamin’s tone turns to concern.

“She okay?” I ask.

“Yeah, just having a meltdown. The dog dared to take his squeaky toy back from her.” I hear him take a deep breath. “Sis, please, just be careful. I’m a guy, and I know most guys. This has tears written all over it if you don’t watch yourself.”

“Okay.” I try to sound as though I understand, and we sign off.

I take one quick look in the mirror before heading out the door. I’m wearing the sexiest thing I brought: a low-cut black tank top with spaghetti straps and a short blue jean skirt paired with my boots. I debated bra or no bra and decided to throw caution to the wind and see how crazy I can make Garrett while we eat dinner.

I half skip down the dirt trail toward the dining area. It’s nice out tonight so we will eat outside again. I hear the hum of low voices ahead, and my heart beats faster knowing I’m getting close.

They have a cocktail hour before dinner but I’m not much of a drinker, and I needed a good shower, so I took my time. There’s some new arrivals today as well. You can spend an entire week here but there’s also an option for a weekend stint, and that’s brought in about six new folks. They were getting out of the shuttle when I made my way back to the cabin.

Two women looked very much like they were a couple. Judging by the way they were with each other, I’d say it was a fairly new relationship. Then there were two guys who had city written all over them, eager and out of their depth. And two more women. Thirty-somethings, blond, boobs, pretty.

So, dinner will be more crowded tonight.

As I come out of the trail, looks like everyone else is already here. One of the guys I saw earlier today spins around and takes an uncomfortably long look at me as I approach, and I’m immediately rethinking my no bra decision.

“Howdy.” His voice is thick, and I notice what looks like a glass of whiskey in one hand as his glazed eyes rake down my body. “Guess the eye candy has arrived.”

I scowl and look around, but Garrett isn’t here yet. When I look up, I see Harriet glaring at them, and she motions for me to come toward her, which is my plan. I ignore the new arrivals and continue walking, but the leach reaches out and grabs my arm.

“Where you going? Just wanted to introduce myself.” I can smell the sweet, sour scent of the whiskey on his breath.

“Hey!” Harriet is up on her feet, but I motion to her that I’ve got this. She looks wary but stays put, serving other guests at the buffet line.

“Let go of my arm or I’m going to shove it up your ass.” One thing traveling alone has taught me is you can’t give an inch. Set your boundaries and stick to them, even if you end up pissing someone off.

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