Page 10 of Timber's Line

Sal appears out of nowhere and claps his hands. “Is Timber ready?”

Ever nods, getting up. “I’ll go get her.”

“Dayton, go to cabin one and get Ty.” He looks me over to see if I react. I know he’s talking about Tyler Brooks. I don’t have a problem with him. He’s a quiet man. I wonder why he agreed to this.

I turn to head out, but something catches my eyes. Timber walks out, greeting Sal. I look away quickly when she glances up at me. I take it back—she’s beautiful.

I knock on cabin one, and Ty answers the door. “Dayton?”

“Yeah.”

“Man, I wondered what happened to you. What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing. Me? I’m working my way back into Sal’s good graces.”

“I don’t really know why I agreed to this. I guess since I’m taking a break, I needed something to do.” He closes the door, and we fall in step.

“Breaks are good, I guess.”

“Look, I know about Snow. I’m sorry, man.”

“It’s alright. My fault.”

“Sometimes we all mess up.” I don’t say anything, but I do nod.

“Do you know the girl?” he asks as I tell him where to stand. There is a screen in front of us so he can’t see the tree and Timber.

“I do.”

“Is she pretty?”

“Depends on what kind of girl you like,” I mutter.

“What is your date idea?” I ask him.

“Hot air ballooning with a picnic before.” He grins.

Ever the romantic. Honestly, he’s a good choice. He’s never running around with women, not like Memphis or London did in their early days.

“I’m sure she’ll love it.”

“Hope so,” he says as I wait for the signal.

I step out a bit to watch. Timber and Carlton, the host ofChicken Fried Love, are standing side by side. Something clenches in my chest as I watch her, and I don’t understand it.

CHAPTERSEVEN

TIMBER

“You’re on,” one of the hands says, and Carlton starts talking.

“Welcome back to another season ofChicken Fried Love. We like to keep things in the family, so to speak. Our bachelorette this season is Timber. Hometown sweetheart. Timber, how are you feeling?”

“A little nervous,” I say softly.

“I’m sure the guys are as well. We’re getting back to basics, and then again, this season will be different than the first. You’re meeting three of the twenty guys today. Each date will last two hours. Each day will be different, depending on the dates. At the end of the week, there will be an elimination ceremony. Are you ready to meet bachelor number one?”

I nod but don’t say anything. Then Tyler Brooks walks out. I’ve seen him in the ring when I’ve gone to fights with Ever to support Memphis. He’s calculated and quiet. He’s quite handsome.