Page 21 of Small Town Sash

"Guilty," Braden replied with a shrug, feeling the weight of everyone knowing his business.

"Small town, big drama," Charlie chuckled, clapping him on the back. "You'll need some guidance navigating those waters. It takes some getting used to."

"Feels more like whitewater rafting than navigating," Braden confessed, watching Dash sit attentively by his side.

"Come on," Charlie said, motioning for them to walk. "I've got something that might help."

They crossed the academy grounds, passing trainees who offered respectful nods, then made their way into the center of town. The library was a small brick building nestled between towering oaks, its windows filled with the soft glow of morning sunlight. Inside, Charlie's girlfriend, a librarian with an easy smile, waved them over.

"Braden, meet Taylor," Charlie introduced. "Sweetie, he could use some insider knowledge."

"Pageant politics?" she asked knowingly, her icy blue eyes gleaming with a wealth of hidden information.

"Among other things," Braden admitted. "Some dog handling books would also be helpful."

"Say no more," Taylor said, turning to scan the shelves. She returned with an armful of books, ranging from dog training manuals to a surprisingly thick volume titled "Small-Town Pageants: A Survival Guide."

"Study these," she instructed, her tone half-serious, half-amused. "Especially Chapter Seven: 'Sashes and Scandals.'"

"Scandals?" Braden raised an eyebrow, accepting the stack. "I think I pretty much know how to stay clear of those."

"Preparation is key," Taylor added with a grin. "And hey, if you need to practice evening gown commentary, I'm sure Hadley Wilder is more than willing to help."

"Thanks, but I'm more worried about the talent portion," Braden chuckled, balancing the books under one arm.

"Good luck," Taylor said, waving them off. "And remember, it's all about the smile and wave."

"Smile and wave," Braden repeated, mock saluting as they left the library.

"See? You're a natural already," Charlie laughed, slapping Braden's shoulder. "Now, let's get back to training that dog of yours."

"Right behind you," Braden said, his mind already flipping through pageant strategies and dog commands, wondering how on earth he'd juggle both.

Several hours later, Braden's fingers traced the spine of "Small-Town Pageants: A Survival Guide" as he sat on his bed at the B&B. His eyes darted between lines about poise and posture, but his mind was doing somersaults around Hadley—her laugh, her tenacity, the way her blue eyes sparkled under stage lights. He let out a sigh, books piling up like a fortress around him.

"Focus, Braden," he muttered to himself. The clock ticked away mockingly. He peeked at his watch; an hour had vanishedwith little progress. He decided it was time to switch to a dog training manual. His legs bounced with pent-up energy for another hour, still unable to concentrate properly. A workout—that's what he needed. Maybe he'd bump into Hadley, clear his head, and get back to studying with renewed vigor.

"Dash," he called out to his K9 partner, who looked up from his chew toy with a tilt of his head. "Gym time. Let's hope the treadmill is kinder to me than these pageant rules."

After putting Dash in his kennel, Braden made his way over to the gym. Braden spotted Hadley immediately, black hair tied in a high ponytail, earbuds in, punching away at a boxing bag with fierce jabs. Her peach-colored skin glistened with sweat, a testament to her resolve.

"Hey, heavyweight," he joked, approaching her with a smile.

Hadley paused, pulling out an earbud. "Braden, I didn't know you're one for sparring."

"Trying to diversify my talents," he teased, rolling his shoulders. "Mind if I join you?"

"Only if you can keep up," she teased, resuming her routine.

They fell into a rhythm, side by side; her punches were precise and powerful, his more measured, each learning the dance of the other's training. Between sets, they exchanged playful banter, their laughter echoing off the gym walls.

"Didn't peg you as the boxing type," Braden said, genuinely impressed by her stamina.

"Pageantry isn't all tiaras and sashes," Hadley shot back, wiping her brow. "Gotta be strong too, you know?"

"Strong and stunning," he replied, earning a roll of her eyes but also a smile that made his heart skip.

"Keep it up, and I might just let you go up against me," she chuckled, landing a solid right hook on the bag.

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