Page 35 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“We could deny it. But no one will believe us.”

“So we say nothing. Do our own thing and ignore the speculation. Let people draw their own conclusions.”

Sam’s protective arm around her was sensible. And nice. He smelled good. A woodsy scent that suited him. He was looking way too attractive. She wasn’t faking how his close proximity affected her. Oh boy, were they heading for trouble?

CHAPTER 8

A week later, Becky stood in the back of auditorium, waiting for the dress rehearsal to start. She sipped her morning coffee and soaked in the atmosphere. The actors were in costume, and it was like she’d traveled back in time to the ancient world. Connor stood out in the crowd. She’d recognize his distinctive Jesus costume from a mile away.

Sam had drunk his coffee fast. They’d needed his help backstage to fix something. She’d learned Sam’s farm mechanic skills were transferable to other things, including stage props and vintage cars. Dad would love to talk cars with Sam. During her family video call last week, she’d heard all about Dad’s latest vintage Jaguar purchase.

Sam had introduced her to Noah, who was playing one of the centurion roles. Noah’s costume was impressive, and he’d given her the scoop on the petting zoo. She hadn’t considered the logistics of donkeys performing in the play and where they’d be accommodated. A petting zoo would be set up near the auditorium as a tourist attraction for the kids. It sounded like a lot of fun.

Becky checked the time on her phone and snagged an apple spice muffin. Alice joined her by the table, black coffee in hand, her cheerful face marred by fatigue lines.

“How’s Leo doing?” Becky asked.

“He’s struggling on.” Alice sipped her coffee. “Very disappointed he had to pull out of the play.”

“I’m sorry.” Poor Leo had broken his leg in a horse-riding accident last weekend.

“He’s still at the farm. Mom said he’s a handful and not the best-behaved patient.”

She held back a snicker. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

“Yeah.” Alice sighed. “We might need to delay our wedding.”

“Oh, Alice. That’s not good news.”

She nodded. “It’s one reason why we’re not sharing the accident details. People hear broken leg and panic. We don’t want to postpone if we can avoid it.”

“That’s understandable.” Wedding planning was stressful enough without the added complication of broken bones.

“Have you met the new guy who’s playing Judas?” Alice asked.

“Not yet.”

“I’ve heard he’s good looking.”

“Same. He’s the hot conversation topic.” Miles Davies. The mystery man. He hadn’t attended any of the auditions yet had somehow scored a plum role.

Alice lifted her brows. “You know there’s more than one hot topic of conversation happening today.”

“Oh, really. This town talks too much.” She should be used to small-town gossip by now.

“You’re not wrong. They’re talking about you.”

Her mouth fell open. “What? Me? Who would care?”

“Mrs. Alleghany. She claims she caught you and Sam smooching on Main Street after the rehearsal last week.”

Her cheeks heated. “Mrs. Alleghany has misinterpreted the situation. I tripped over and Sam caught me. No big deal.”

Alice laughed. “If I didn’t have Leo, I wouldn’t mind being rescued by Sam. It sounds romantic, Becky.”

“It’s not. Really.”

“Honey, you keep on telling yourself that. Sam’s a good guy. Loyal. Reliable. A keeper. Think about it.” She finished her coffee. “I have to go. See you at lunch.”

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