Page 66 of Her Cowboy Blind Date

“That makes sense.”

He nodded. “I already have one failed long-distance relationship behind me. If we want a future together, we’ll soon be spending time apart. We need to believe we can trust each other.”

She folded her arms across her torso and looked away. “I can’t talk about this now.”

Back to shutdown mode, the loop she wasn’t willing to break. If they couldn’t talk now, how would they manage when they lived on opposite sides of the world?

He stepped toward her. “When can we talk?” His question hung between them in the light breeze.

She stepped back, looked past his shoulder. “At the ranch. There’s stuff I need to pray about and process first.”

His heart cracked around the edges, her words like a knife blade piercing the outer layer. He let it bleed, choosing not to rationalize or sugarcoat her words. Accepted the truth. Braced himself for rejection. His love might not be enough.

* * *

Becky strode into the auditorium lobby with Sam and they parted ways. A perfect metaphor that illustrated how she’d botched their after-dinner conversation. Sam had known about the fake news article for two days and said nothing.

The bigger problem was she’d said nothing.

As she joined a short line for the restroom, Zach’s words of warning lingered in her mind. She’d ignored her brother, believing she knew better. She’d make an idiot look smart. Jarrod’s appalling attack on her integrity would take time to process. She needed a clearer head before sharing her angst with Sam.

Sam deserved someone better than her. He’d been conned by Miley. Becky had been conned by Jarrod. The difference was in the details. Miley had moved on with the man she’d soon marry. Jarrod had cheated on Becky with multiple women, casual relationships that had nothing to do with commitment and marriage.

Jarrod’s role in the Logan news story had wounded her. The blatant lies and public slurs on her character had cut deep. Jarrod must love money and hate her in equal measure. He’d validated her decision to study in Kansas and escape from his world.

Her therapist had kept her file open, just in case the Jarrod situation blew up before Becky returned to Australia. She’d book an appointment next week, when the pressure and her stress levels were lower, and she’d had an opportunity to discuss the situation with Sam.

She used the restroom and checked the time. Sam needed her backstage in fifteen minutes. She could hide somewhere or be brave. Decisions.

“Becky.”

She recognized Logan’s voice and spun around. He wore a black scarf that covered his head and beard.

“Hey.”

“Are you okay?” Concern shone in his eyes.

“Not really. I’ve messed up everything with Sam.”

“He knows?”

She nodded. “But not from me.”

“Follow me. There’s an empty wardrobe storage room. We can talk there.”

“Okay.” She walked behind Logan, keeping five steps behind him as they wove around groups of people.

He stopped in front of a door. Opened it. Stepped inside, leaving it ajar.

She waited a couple of minutes and slipped through the door, closing it behind her.

He sat in a plastic chair beside an old clothing rail. “What’s happening?”

She sat opposite, appreciating the empathy in his eyes. “I’m gonna cry and mess up my makeup.”

“Waterproof mascara.”

She nodded and sniffed.

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