Page 4 of Broncos and Ballads (Healing Springs Ranch #2)

Heartthrob. She’d heard that word used to describe Brock McQuaid. And it was true. With his dark hair and eyes, his chiseled face, his brawny build, and his boy-next-door charm, he was easily America’s most eligible bachelor.

Even if a person didn’t like country music—which she’d learned to like to support Reed—Brock had a rugged, gritty singing voice that drew fans in droves. She could admit a few of Brock’s songs were on her favorites playlist. Okay, maybe more than a few.

There wasn’t anything about Brock she disliked. He’d always been friendly and sweet and kind to her whenever they’d crossed paths. He’d also been a steady friend for Reed, which was hard to come by in such a competitive industry, where many musicians climbed over each other to reach the top.

As Brock headed toward her, he had a relaxed air about him, like he didn’t have a care in the world.

She knew that wasn’t true. He’d had a slew of criticism yesterday and today about his breakup with Ainsley Rose.

Venus hadn’t heard much about the parting of ways, since she’d been in Rome for a fashion show until last night.

But apparently Ainsley Rose had posted something negative on social media about Brock, and now fans were lashing out at him.

Venus had never liked Ainsley Rose. As a pop singer, the young woman had a decent following with a couple of hits in the past year or two. But on a personal level, Ainsley Rose was a diva, and Brock had been a saint to put up her with her for as long as he had.

Brock entered the sitting room, crossed to one of the sofas, then plopped down. He stretched out his long legs, crossing them at the ankles. Then he extended both arms along the back of the sofa, seeming completely at ease with her.

Not many people could be around her and feel comfortable.

They were usually overwhelmed by her supermodel status, her appearance, or her intense aura.

She’d been described as intimidating, serious, fierce, strong, and even cold at times.

It was her image—what people expected when they saw her on the runway, on covers, and in ads.

Yes, she could admit she wasn’t a bubbly person. But underneath it all, she liked to think she had a softer side. Maybe it didn’t come out often, but it was still there.

“So…” Brock drummed his fingers on the back of the sofa.

She lowered herself to the chair across from him, perching on the edge. “I regret that I had to involve you in my drama, but if you hadn’t startled me, I wouldn’t have fallen—”

“Whoa now, darlin’.” His brown eyes were a mesmerizing shade of rich dark sable. “Even if I hadn’t come along, you would’ve fallen. There’s no way that trellis would have held you much longer.”

“Perhaps.” She loved his soothing accent. It wasn’t Southern, but it had a twang of country to it and suited him. “Regardless, I ended up in your arms, and it seemed only logical for Reed and Lexi to assume we were a couple.”

Brock’s famous crooked grin kicked up. “Yep, it was only logical since you actually told them we were considering the possibility of a more serious relationship .”

She frowned. She supposed she had led everyone to believe more existed between her and Brock. “Very well, I accept full responsibility for misleading them.”

Brock tapped the sofa again, shifting his gaze to the large picture window that overlooked the manicured gardens behind the inn. His grin faded, and his expression turned pensive.

“Listen,” she started. “I’m sorry for creating a sticky situation for you. But once I have the chance to talk to Reed—”

“He’s not going to give up Lexi for you.” Brock’s gaze swung back to her.

“I’m not expecting him to.”

“Yep, you are.”

That was what she was hoping for, wasn’t it? For Reed to give up Lexi and choose her instead. She’d be lying to deny it.

“I always thought that your whole ‘friend thing’”—Brock used air quotes around the words—“couldn’t be true, and I was right.”

She stood abruptly, fisted her hands on her hips, and glared down at Brock. “It is true.”

“It’s obvious you want more than friendship with Reed.”

Was it obvious? With the news of the possible engagement, had her carefully crafted walls cracked, allowing her real feelings to show?

It was her turn to stare out the window. She didn’t see anything because her head was filled with images of the way Reed and Lexi had kissed, as if they truly did love each other. But how was that possible?

Venus gave a curt shake of her head. Reed was supposed to fall in love with her. They were supposed to have a classic case of friendship to more, best friends to lovers.

Brock spoke again, his voice gentle. “I’m guessing Reed doesn’t know you care about him as more than friends?”

She shrugged one shoulder. She wanted to deny Brock’s conclusion, but what was the point? “I heard the staff saying that Reed is planning to propose to Lexi tonight.”

“So you were trying to listen in on their conversation to find out if it’s true?”

“Yes, and then after I fell and they came running, I didn’t want them to know I was there eavesdropping. I panicked and didn’t know how else to explain my presence except that I was with you.”

“Have you considered having an actual honest conversation with Reed about how you feel?”

She’d kept her feelings from Reed for so long that dumping them on him wouldn’t be fair. “I don’t want to ambush him.”

Brock’s brow quirked. “Ambush is better than deception, don’t you think?”

Was it? A part of her had always been afraid that if she was too honest with Reed, he’d push her away. Then not only would she lose him as the love of her life, but she’d also lose her best friend, and she wasn’t willing to make that kind of sacrifice.

“I’m planning to talk to him later.” She started to cross toward the door, needing plenty of time to get ready for that meeting.

She had to be stunning so that she could wow Reed and finally get him to take notice of her as a woman and not just a friend.

“I’ll do my best to clarify the situation and get you out of it. ”

She made it to the door before Brock spoke. “Don’t worry about me, darlin’. You just take care of yourself.”

She paused. None of this was his doing, and she couldn’t take her petty feelings out on him. Drawing in a steadying breath, she straightened her shoulders. “Thank you, Brock. You’re a nice guy.”

With that, she exited the room, leaving America’s heartthrob behind for some other woman to have—in pretense or otherwise.