Page 21 of Timber's Line

“Sometimes we take journeys and need to figure things out as we go.”

“I think you’ve been around this family too long,” I mutter, earning a laugh from him.

“Took me a long time to find my one, but I wouldn’t change anything about my journey to find her.”

“Was it love at first sight?”

“Hell no. She hated me at first. I had a reputation for being a playboy. But between you and me, I was a virgin until her. I did go out on a lot of dates but never took a girl home. So, I guess for me, it was love at first sight, but she ran every chance she got. By the time we graduated college, I finally put a ring on her finger.”

“That sounds romantic.”

“It was ugly and sometimes we still fight, but all couples do. Even Ever and Memphis fight.” He gestures toward where they looked to be in a heated conversation.

“Sometimes I want to believe in fairy tales, but that’s stupid, isn’t it?”

“It’s not. I think my fairy tale came true. Only you will know when it’s right because you’ll feel it in your heart.”

“Thank you.”

“I’d love to introduce you to my wife and kids.”

“I’d love that.”

“They’re coming up for a visit, and so we can look to build somewhere up here.”

“You’re moving here?”

“Yeah. Since the show is popular, I think I’ll be around for a while. You, Ever, or Skye could give my kids riding lessons.”

“I’d love to. Just let me know when.”

“Thank you, Timber.”

“Thank you for telling me your story.” I kiss his cheek, and when I right myself, I see amber eyes glaring at Carlton. And me. I look away, but when I look back, Dayton isn’t glaring at me anymore. Maybe it was the sun.

“Action,” Sal calls.

“This is day two of Timber’s dates. She will have four dates today. Timber, are you ready to meet date number one.”

“Yes, I am,” I say with more conviction.

The guy who steps out isn’t one I’ve seen before.

“Timber, this is Noah. Noah, Timber.”

“Nice to meet you.” He takes my hand and caresses it.

“I think you two are off to breakfast by the lake.” Carlton smiles at me as Noah leads me to a table that has been set up by the pond.

“I figured you’d want to stay close,” he tells me.

“Thank you.”

“And to be honest, I’m not familiar with the area and wouldn’t know where to go. Maybe you can change that.”

“Maybe,” I tell him as I take a sip of orange juice. “What do you do?”

“I’m up and coming on the circuit. And while I’m working toward that, I promote fights.”