Page 7 of Broncos and Ballads (Healing Springs Ranch #2)

“I hope it goes well.”

“You hope what goes well?” The voice belonged to Reed and was laced with irritation. In the next instant, he stepped into the clearing behind them.

A sudden burst of panic raced through her. What should she say to Reed? How could she ask him about the engagement without giving away her feelings? Or was it time to reveal them to him?

Brock straightened the lapels of his suit coat. “I’ll leave you to it.”

She wasn’t sure if he was talking to her or Reed, but as he took a step away, she grabbed his arm.

He halted abruptly, glancing first at her hands clutching him, then lifting his dark eyes to hers. They were filled with compassion and kindness, something she didn’t often see directed her way, particularly by a man.

“Do you want me to stay?” he whispered.

She’d always liked Brock for being such a decent guy. And he was proving himself to be more than decent. She was tempted to take up his offer, but she shook her head. “I’ll be all right.”

She forced herself to release his arm, but he held her gaze a moment longer, as though imparting strength to her. Then he walked away. As he passed by Reed, he nodded. Reed didn’t nod back and instead glared.

Once Brock was out of sight, Reed crossed toward her, his brows still drawn. “You can’t be serious about dating Brock.”

She wasn’t serious at all, but she didn’t like Reed’s condescending tone. “He’s a great guy—”

“He’s a player who can’t make a serious commitment to any woman.”

“I see you’ve been reading all the gossip about him and Ainsley Rose.”

“It’s hard to miss.”

“You know you can’t believe everything you hear.”

“I’m friends with Brock, and it’s more than hearsay. I’ve seen him in action, and I know how he is.”

“I’ve seen Brock too. He might be a flirt, but he also has a really genuine side.” She wasn’t sure why she was defending Brock, except that he’d been so nice about everything today. And maybe she was just a little mad at Reed and couldn’t hold back her frustration.

Reed’s suit coat strained against his body but in a different way than Brock’s had, probably because Reed was bigger and less fit.

In her two-inch heels, she was as tall as him, if not taller.

Even so, Reed Sawyer was a good-looking man.

She’d always thought so, right from the moment they’d met in their senior year of high school.

“Brock is a good friend,” Reed said. “But he’s not boyfriend material for you.”

Was this the jealousy speaking or concern in warning her away from a man that might have the potential to hurt her? Not that Brock could hurt her in a fake relationship. But still…

“What’s the real issue here, Reed? Because you’ve never been opposed to anyone else I’ve dated.”

“You haven’t dated anyone else.”

“Yes, I have.”

“You’ve gone out on dates, but you haven’t had a serious boyfriend.”

He was right, and she suddenly hated that he was. Had she been waiting for him all this time?

She gave a shake of her head. Of course not. Not all those years. Maybe for part of them, over the past few years since she’d realized how much her feelings for him had grown. But before that she’d just been busy with her career and hadn’t made time for a serious boyfriend.

Reed blew out an exasperated breath. “You’re my best friend, Venus,” he said more calmly. “And I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

There it was again. His declaration about them being best friends.

He wasn’t wrong about it. But lately, every time he brought it up, it seemed like an excuse to drive them apart romantically, and she wanted to stomp her foot in frustration.

But she couldn’t. She was too dignified and levelheaded and wouldn’t get carried away by her emotions like that.

“Thank you for your concern, Reed,” she started. “But you have nothing to worry about.” Now was her opportunity to tell him she would never care for another man the same way she did him. She had to do it, had to say something before this moment ended and he returned to Lexi.

“But I am worried.” He reached for her hands, his expression turning earnest. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot today…”

Her heart gave an extra thump. Maybe he’d profess his love first after all.

He took a deep breath.

She held herself motionless, eager to hear what he had to say next.

“Venus?”

“Yes?”

“I just want you to find someone who loves you as much as I love Lexi.”

She could only stare at him, an ache swelling inside.

“I love her more than anything.” His voice dropped a decibel. “She makes me happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

The ache pulsed higher, all the way into Venus’s throat. As she studied Reed’s face, she could see something that had never been present before. Was it love for Lexi? Was he truly sincere? If he was, how could Venus say anything about her feelings? Doing so would be selfish.

He glanced around, then reached into the inner pocket of his suit coat. “I’m planning to ask her to marry me tonight.” He pulled out a black velvet ring box.

Venus knew she needed to act happy and supportive the way a good friend would, but tears pricked the backs of her eyes instead.

“What?” His question was laced with anxiety. “You don’t think I should ask her?”

Here was another chance to tell him no, that she was the one for him instead of Lexi. But how could she say such a thing? Not after all he’d just revealed about being happy.

The bubbling of the fountain filled the silence.

“Say something.”

“Sorry. I’m just surprised.” She wasn’t entirely lying. She was surprised by Reed’s profession of how happy Lexi made him.

“No, I’m sorry. I should have told you sooner and let you know about my plans.” He flipped open the ring box and revealed an emerald-cut diamond ring. It was huge and had to be at least four, if not five, karats.

Seeing the ring made it all so real. Reed had chosen Lexi over her.

“What do you think?” His voice held uncertainty.

“It’s stunning.”

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “She doesn’t know anything about it.”

Venus doubted that. If the staff of the San Vicente Inn knew, then surely Lexi had some idea of what was happening tonight. But Venus forced herself to nod and smile. “She’ll love it.”

Reed stared at the ring a moment longer before closing the box and tucking it away in his pocket.

Venus fought against the emotion that was swelling in her chest. How had this happened? How had she ended up here, with the man she loved excited about marrying another woman?

Reed took a step back. “I’m sorry for getting frustrated about Brock. But I just want what’s best for you.”

“Of course.” If he wanted what was best for her, then why hadn’t he chosen her? What was wrong with her that he’d passed her over for someone else? Why didn’t he love her the same way she loved him?

“There’s one thing I know for certain. Brock McQuaid is not right for you. And I don’t want you to date him.”

Frustration rolled in to mingle with the hurt. Reed didn’t want her, so what right did he have to follow her out here and tell her who she could or couldn’t date?

“What would you say if I told you not to date Lexi?”

“You wouldn’t because there’s nothing wrong with Lexi.”

Nothing wrong? Venus forced herself not to snort. “I can think of some things that I don’t like—”

“You’re just saying that because of what I said about Brock.”

“She’s presumptuous and nosy and overbearing at times.”

“What?” Reed’s voice rose a notch. “That’s not true.”

“She posted that picture of me and Brock today even though Brock told her not to.”

“She was just excited.”

“She wanted to cause drama.”

“Fine.” Reed sighed. “She’s not perfect. I realize that. But neither am I.”

Venus arched her brow, knowing she’d made her point.

“The trouble is,” Reed continued in a calmer tone, “you’ve never been good at picking men to date.”

“I can pick guys just fine.”

“No, you can’t. That’s why nothing ever lasts.”

Nothing lasted because she’d always compared those guys to him. Had she been wrong to do so and not give them a fair chance?

He studied her face. “You always said you didn’t want to be like your mom. But from what I can tell, you’re doing the same thing she does.”

Her mom had been in and out of relationships as long as Venus could remember and had rejected perfectly great guys because she’d never been able to let go of Marco—Venus’s father—in order to love someone else.

Reed knew how difficult the subject was for Venus, how much she adored her mom but hated the instability.

“Don’t bring up my mom right now, Reed. That’s not fair. My dating life is nothing like hers.”

“You’re afraid of committing—”

“I’m committed to Brock.” Even as the words fell out, she wished she could take them back and tell Reed the truth. But she couldn’t. Not now. Not while he was with Lexi. She didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize his happiness.

Reed rolled his shoulders and then looked in the direction of the resort. “I’ve got to get back to the party, to Lexi.”

“Don’t let me keep you.”

He took another step away but hesitated. “I know I can’t tell you who you should or shouldn’t date. But just be careful, okay?”

“I’ll be fine.”

He waited another moment before turning and walking away.

He’d made it clear that his choice was Lexi. He’d also made it clear that she, Venus, needed to find someone of her own and that she was pathetic for considering Brock.

Maybe she was pathetic.

Only after he was gone did she sag onto one of the benches and bury her face in her hands and let the tears come.