Page 62 of Only With Me

“The one thing you should know about me is—I’m in my Reputation Era to some, Lover to others.”

“Two truths and a lie—I’m hot, funny, and mentally sane.”

“I’m looking for—nothing too serious, just the love of my life.”

I burst out laughing after each one and soon Natalie is too.

“Okay, these are funny,” I confess. “Though that cereal one is diabolical. Immediate block if you put in milk first.”

“Even ones like that could help you find your soulmate in no time.” She beams, and I can’t deny her puppy dog eyes pleading with me to try it.

“I’ll download it but…no promises.”

She squeals and does a little happy dance. “Yay! I can’t wait to hear about who you meet.”

Hopefully not a serial killer.

“Daddy, do you need anythin’ before I go?”

“No, sweetie. I’m fine, go ahead.” He waves me off like an annoying stray cat.

I chuckle. “Okay, love you.”

It’s been a week since his fall. He came home from the hospital on Christmas Eve and then we celebrated together as a family. I’ve been home every day since to keep a close eye onhim. With his concussion, I didn’t want to leave him home alone when Mom had to work.

But today she’s off, so I’m finally going to the ranch.

Since talking to Natalie last night, I’ve been thinking more about her suggestion about getting on that dating app. I’m not a hundred percent sold, but I’m considering it. It’d be nice to meet a nice guy.

Since it’s only forty-five degrees, I’m bundled up in my fleece jacket, riding boots, a hat, and gloves. Piper loves the cold, so after I lunge her, we’ll go on a short trail ride, and then I’ll have my lesson with Noah.

“Hey, sweet girl.”

Piper neighs when I approach. I rub her nose and then wrap my arms around her.

“I missed you.”

After I brush her and secure her lunging tack, I lead her out of the barn. It’s quiet on the ranch, which isn’t too surprising for this time of year. Most riders aren’t getting lessons during the holidays because they’re away or spending time with family. I’ve been cooped up in the house long enough and was ready to come back.

As we walk to the corral, I hear voices coming from the training center that isn’t Noah. That’s where she normally is, but this is a man’s voice.

“There ya go! You got it,” he shouts.

“Yeehaw! Now I’m a cowboy.” That excited voice sounds younger.

The older voice laughs.

It must be one of Noah’s brothers, so I walk Piper across the gravel and that’s when I see Waylon with a teenage boy roping with a steer dummy.

“Hey!” I grab their attention.

Waylon’s smile drops when he sees me, which makes me second-guess coming in here.

“Hi.” He nods.

“Who’s this?” I grin at the boy.

“I’m Bentley.”