Page 38 of Lasso Lovebirds

What if I stayed? What would happen then?

Usually in the storm off-seasons, I picked up a job wherever I could. Would work for a few months then move on.

But I was ready to put down roots.

I was ready to stop only chasing my dreams. I wanted something more.

I deserved something more.

But was thatmorehere? At Rainbow Ranch?

With Pris and Beau?

A shimmering ray of hope broke through my thoughts.Maybe.Just maybe, it was.

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beau

After a nosy dinnerwith our ranch family, I was ready to escape with Sky. We stepped out into the cool night, the front door slowly swinging shut. They went to the railing and leaned over it, looking up at the stars.

“We don’t have to go stargazing if you don’t want to,” I said. “But I do have the truck, and it’s beautiful out here.”

“I’d love to,” they said. “Do we need anything?”

“No, I already packed everything,” I said softly.

Sky turned to face me, their cheeks dimpling as they offered a shy smile. “So you already packed everything, but still gave me the opportunity to back out of it?”

I took a step closer. “I like being prepared,” I murmured. “And I wouldn’t want you to do anything you aren’t comfortable with. Ever.”

“Well, I want to go stargazing with you, Beau. Really.”

I smiled and offered them my hand. They slid theirs into mine, their palms smooth against my calluses. “Let’s go.”

“What about Pris?” they asked.

“Well, the agreement we came to is that we’ll spend time tonight together. Then maybe at some point the two of you can. And then maybe the three of us can . . .”

Their breath hitched as I led them down the porch steps to the gravel, leading them to the garage where my truck waited, all packed up.

“I like that,” they said, and then let out a soft chuckle. “Not one bed, but one truck, huh?”

I grinned. “Well, truthfully, I think this truck has seen the most action out of any of us. It’s just good to drive out. And nothing beats a clear spring night in Oklahoma.”

“I believe it,” they said.

My truck was my pride and joy, and far too big for its own good. I opened up the door for Sky, and before they could start climbing up, I lifted them into the front seat.

“Whoa,” they laughed, their hand curling into my shirt and tugging me forward.

Our lips met in a heated kiss. I melted against them on a soft moan.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” I whispered.

“I’ve been thinking about you, too,” they said.

The three of us were moving fast. Maybe a little too fast for a lot of people, but it felt right. And I was going to claim every moment I could with Sky, especially if they were going to leave.

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