Page 32 of Sexting the Cowboy

“I’m thinking about quitting.”

“Liar.” She props her chin on her hand. “Come on, Annie. I’ve known you since forever. You only look that guilty when there’s a man involved.”

I roll my eyes. “It’s not what you think.”

“Oh, it’s exactly what I think.” Her grin widens. “You’re into someone.”

I pretend to check my clipboard. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Uh-huh.” She takes a slow sip of coffee, studying me. “Fine, I won’t pry. I’ll just tell you something embarrassing about me instead.”

“That’s new.”

“Don’t get used to it.” She leans back, smirking. “I have a crush.”

That gets my attention. “You? On who?”

She looks almost shy, which is terrifying. “A rider.”

I blink. “A cowboy?”

Her cheeks flush pink. “I know, it’s ridiculous.”

“Which one?”

“I’m not saying.” She laughs. “But they’re way too young for me. And way too charming. I’m disgusted with myself.”

“You’re never into that type. Your last boyfriend was a librarian.”

“Exactly. This is character growth.”

“Or regression.”

“Either way, it’s something new,” she says. “And I’ve needed that for a while now.”

“Sounds like a mess.”

“Completely.” She looks at me over the rim of her cup. “What about you? Anyone caught your eye?”

“Nope.”

“That was a quick lie.”

“It’s the truth.”

She grins. “You forget I know you, Annie.”

“I forget nothing.”

Mac hums, unconvinced, but lets it go. She starts talking about camera angles and lighting, her new editing software, all the little details that fill her brain. I nod along, grateful for thedistraction, but my mind drifts anyway—right back to Brick Wyatt.

I can’t stop thinking about him.

It’s infuriating. He’s older, cocky, and completely off-limits. My ex-boyfriend’s father. That should be the end of it. But every time I remember the sound of his voice, the way he said my name like he was tasting it, something in me trips a wire I didn’t know was still connected.

Mac catches me zoning out. “You’re not listening.”

“I am,” I lie.