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Chapter Three

EVERLY

It’s me; the cowboy's talking about me. My pulse hammers so loud the whole county must hear it. The crowd erupts in whistles and catcalls, but those calm, dark eyes hold my focus.

Shock fades. Anger simmers in my chest. Who the hell does he think he is, betting on me like some carnival prize?

Like I don't get a say in this ridiculous arrangement?

I should march down there and tell him exactly what I think.

Or leave; my shift's done. Instead, I plant myself in the arena audience, torn between outrage and the most intense attraction I've ever experienced.

Barrel racing begins, and despite my fury, I can't look away. Bruno is magnificent. He and Ranger flow around the barrels with liquid grace. Despite my nerves at being so close to the horses, his riding mesmerizes me; the way he communicates through touch, the trust between them is almost tangible.

He isn't just good. He's incredible.

Drake Morris has talent, too. Young, cute, cocky, with the kind of reckless confidence that comes from never failing at anything important.

But watching him ride only highlights his differences from Bruno.

Where Drake's flashy, Bruno's controlled.

Where Drake seeks attention, Bruno commands it without effort.

Magnus Huckle surprises me most. The older man moves with precision earned over the course of decades. There’s something aristocratic in how he handles his horse. Elegant. But I can’t stop watching Bruno.

Elena materializes beside me.

“He's claiming you publicly.” Approval colors her voice.

“He's what now?” I whip around, indignation sharpening my tone. “Elena, did you hear what he just did? He announced to the entire county that I'm some kind of trophy he's going to win!”

“Men like Bruno Castelli don't make grand gestures lightly. He's telling everyone you belong to him.”

“I don't belong to anyone!” My temper finally breaks free. “I'm not a carnival game prize. I have the right to make my own damn choices!”

Elena's smile mocks me. “Tell that to your rosy cheeks and racing pulse, dear.”

“That's not the point.” But we both know she's right.

“The question is, Everly: what will you do about it?”

Barrel racing concludes with Bruno first, Magnus second, and Drake third. Four riders eliminated, leaving six for tomorrow's pole bending. The crowd disperses. I should go home and forget this insanity.

Instead, I march toward the arena, temper leading the charge.

Bruno is talking to his horse. When he spots me approaching, his face lights with a gorgeous smile that should melt my knees. Right now, it just stokes my anger.

“Everly! You stayed to watch.”

“I stayed to tell you exactly what I think of your little stunt.” I cross my arms, keeping a careful distance from the two huge beasts in front of me. “What the hell was that, Bruno?”

His smile falters. “Well, lil' darlin', that was me winning barrel racing.”

“Don't play the fool, cowboy. The bet. The announcement. Declaring me your prize like I'm some object you can win at ring toss.”

Bruno's expression turns serious. He hands Ranger's reins to a hovering young man. “Can we discuss this somewhere more private?”

“We can discuss it right here. In front of everyone, since you love making public declarations about my life.”

“You're angry.”

“I'm freaking furious!” I correct. “You don't get to decide my future based on your riding skills. I'm not a prize, Bruno. I'm a person.”

“I agree.” His quiet admission deflates some of my rage.

“Then why…”

“Because I've been watching you for a while, wanting your attention.”

“So you chose caveman tactics?”

A rueful smile tugs his lips. “Wasn't the intention.”

“What was the intention, exactly?”

Bruno pulls off his hat. His fingers rake through his thick, dark hair, leaving it disheveled. “To show you I'm serious. That I'll risk something that matters for the chance to spend time with you.”

“Your cabin.”

“My cabin. Hundred acres of prime mountain land that's been my sanctuary ten years.”

“Which someone else gets if you lose.”

“Actually, I may have embellished that part for dramatic effect. There's a cap on prize funds. Magnus and I agreed; if I lose, the property goes to Bakersville Animal Rescue. They need land to expand their sanctuary.”

Despite myself, I'm impressed. “So you're risking your home for charity?”

“I'm risking my home for you. The charity part just shows I'm serious. If I win, I’ll make a considerable donation, including the money I win at the trials.”

We stare at each other. People lean forward in the stands, straining to hear our conversation. I want to stay angry, hold onto my righteous indignation. But it melts under Bruno's intense gaze.

“You reckon I'm just going to go along with this? Play the part of your prize if you win?”

Bruno steps closer. “I think you'll give me a chance to prove this isn't about winning a prize. It's about winning your heart.”

My pulse speeds when he gets closer. “Those are some sweet words. But I'm still not a trophy.”

“No, you're not. And if I'm lucky enough to win tomorrow, maybe you'll choose me as your prize.”

“And if you lose?”

“Then I'll find another way to convince you to have dinner with me.”

Despite everything, I smile. “Dinner?”

“Tonight. Win or lose tomorrow, I want to take you to dinner. I want to sit across from you and learn about your dreams, your fears, what makes you laugh. And convince you this crazy attraction between us is worth exploring.”

“You're assuming there's attraction.”

Bruno's smile widens. “Oh, darlin', we both know there's attraction. Question is whether you're brave enough to do something about it?”

The challenge in his voice straightens my spine. “I'm brave enough.”

“Then have dinner with me.”

I should say no. Every rational brain cell screams to walk away from this beautiful, intense, overwhelming man. But when I look into those dark eyes, what’s there makes my heart skip.

Hope.

I take a breath. “Dinner. But I'm choosing the restaurant.”

“Deal.”