Page 32 of Ever's Last

“I know what you’re planning with Ever and I’m on board. But you have to get rid of Skye. She is a miserable woman.”

“I was just thinking the same thing. And thank you.”

“You have your work cut out for you. I don’t know all the details, but from what I gather, you really messed up.”

“Yeah, but I think she’s coming around.”

Natalie smiles as we turn into the homestead. Time to kick it up a notch and really make Ever mine.

“Natalie, could you get the girls?”

“Yeah, may I ask for what?”

“A competition,” I reply. She stares at me. I guess I should tell her since she’s been a good sport.

“Barrel racing.”

“None of us . . . ”

“Exactly. Skye used to race, she was never any good. She only went to practices to pick on Ever. I have to thin the herd. But you can fake a sprained ankle. Just trip when you get out of the van.”

She giggles and plays along. She stumbles out of the van and I rush over, asking for the medic.

The commotion gets the girls out of the tents and up to the house to see what’s wrong. While Natalie is being set up and looked over on the porch, I tell the rest of them to get on some jeans and good shoes.

“Memphis, what are you doing?” Sal questions me.

“Finding my true love.” I wink at him. He shakes his head and laughs. “Took you long enough.”

“Ever.” I grab her attention.

She comes over and I want to kiss her, but I wait. I’m still not sure where we stand.

“What’s up?”

“Can you demonstrate barrel racing?” She looks nervous.

“I haven’t done it in a while.”

“I’m sure it’s like riding a bike.” She snorts at that. She made that comment to me after my fall in the barn.

“I’ll go saddle up one of the gentler horses.” Linc follows her to the barn.

“You sure about this?”

“Yeah, she’s it. It should have been her after that night, but I didn’t have the balls back then.”

“I’m glad you finally grew some. Oh, how many are you eliminating?”

“Not sure. They have to beat Ever’s time.”

Sal doubles over with laughter. “No one will.”

“I know.” I chuckle. “I’ll keep at least five.”

“Good, because the last challenge for the show before the finale will see you in action in the ring.”

“You got me a fight?” I stop dead in my tracks.