Page 24 of Wrangled Love

Literally five minutes ago, if we’re being technical.

Birdie: Apparently, Julie told Ethel, who shared it with Gladys from the walking club, and now all of Bluebell knows you’re watching Caleb in the afternoons.

Wren: Sometimes I forget how quickly gossip spreads in a small town.

The four of us have been best friends since kindergarten and were inseparable through high school. I figured we’d all stay in Bluebell forever until Wren dropped the bombshell that she was moving to Florida with Cole, her boyfriend. I’ve never been a fan of his, but after they had their daughter, Lottie, I knew she wasn’t coming back. At least our group chat keeps her in the loop on all the town gossip.

Charlie: The rumor mill has one thing right.

Wren: What’s that?

Charlie: Jensen is hot AND single.

I hate it when she’s right.

Birdie: Did you forget he’s eight years older?

Charlie: Older men = more experience.

Charlie: Picture this. Having sex with a guy who treats minute five like a warm-up.

Charlie: Mind. Blown.

Most of the guys I’ve been with are my age, but she might be onto something. Having a man who knows how to take charge and has experience pleasing a woman is a tempting upgrade.

Birdie: I think I missed a chapter because when did you hook up with an older guy??

Charlie: It was field research. No one from town.

Birdie: Yet you kept it a secret. You know I have to live vicariously through you. *unamused face emoji

Wren: Do I have to book a flight to Bluebell so I can referee you two?

Charlie: Yes, you do. We might dissolve into total chaos without you.

Wren: Now you sound like Lottie when she’s trying to talk me into letting her have a second cupcake before dinner.

Charlie: You should let her. Cupcakes are practically a food group.

Charlie: Sugar Pine Bakery’s new red velvet ones are sinful. I had one yesterday.

Birdie: Didn’t the doctor say you should cut back on sugar?

Charlie: Yes, Mom.

I chuckle. That girl lives by her own rules.

Briar: As entertaining as this is, duty calls.

Charlie: Try not to swoon too hard over Mr. Tall, Dark, and Daddy.

I let out an ungraceful snort, followed by a burst of laughter.

“What’s so funny?”

I snap my head up, meeting Jensen’s curious glance from the passenger seat. My face flushes, warmth spreading over my cheeks when I realize he’s been waiting for me to get out of the Jeep.

“Oh, nothing. Just something my friend Charlie said.” I really hope he didn’t catch a glimpse of my group chat, particularly not the last message. “We should go inside.”

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