Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
My friend Bash would say this was because I was controlling and liked managing everything. Landry would make a snarky comment about me wanting to seduce the straight boy. Camille would suggest I needed a vacation that included fresh air and time in the great outdoors.
As I followed him out of the old building, I gave myself a stern lecture on the benefits of leaving Majestic as soon as possible. Waylon seemed just as willing as I was to end this marriage quickly and painlessly, so I needed to ensure things stayed exactly the way they were right now.
When we stepped into the late-spring sunshine, I closed my eyes and turned my face up to the warmth. The smooth felt of the cowboy hat dragged through my fingers as Way pulled it out of my grip. I opened my eyes to see him setting it on his head.
“Wouldn’t do to have anyone see you with this,” he muttered under his breath.
“I was hoping to keep that as a memento,” I said, only partially kidding.
Way winked at me, and it somehow sucked all the air out of my lungs, leaving me breathless and stupid.
“You’re wearing your memento,” he said, gesturing to my hand.
I looked down at the gold band and felt a wave of embarrassment. “It won’t come off. I’m going to have to see a jeweler when I get home and have it cut off or something.”
“Serves you right for talking an innocent man into—”
“Innocent?” I cut him off. “Talking you into it? Are you kidding? As I recall—”
Way held up his hands in surrender as his eyes crinkled with humor. “Woah, woah. I see we’re feeling a little sensitive about the situation. My bad.”
He was even more stunning when he smiled. I couldn’t help but stare. “You were there, too,” I said petulantly.
He stopped in front of an old Dodge truck I assumed was his and studied me, the smile still visible in his eyes. “I was. But I still can’t quite figure out how—Mr. Jenks! Nice to see you, sir.”
Way’s face transformed from teasing to an “aw-shucks” friendliness as he greeted an older man getting out of a truck that looked even worse than the Dodge.
“Mayor,” the man said, holding out his hand for a shake. “Just the man I was hoping to see.”
When they finished the shake, Way crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned a hip against his truck hood. “What can I help you with?”
“Georgie Pollner over near Fenton is looking for some trail-riding stock for a group she has coming in next month. I told her to give you a call.”
Way’s shoulders stiffened almost imperceptibly. “Alright. Appreciate the referral. I can probably find her something, depending on how many head.”
The man smiled and nodded. “I told her you’d fix her right up. Said you’re the one to come to for it.” His eyes flicked to me and back to Way curiously. “Well, I guess I’ll let you get on with your day. Tell Sheridan I’ve got new chicks hatching if she wants any.”
Way tilted his chin down. “Appreciate it. Tell Mrs. Jenks I said hi.”
Once the man had wandered off, Way turned to me. “It’s a bit of a walk to the cafe. You want to take my truck instead?”
I glanced at the vehicle behind him and low-key wondered if that parking spot might end up becoming its final resting place. “I’m up for a walk if you are. Drove my rental all the way from Billings and have to turn around and do it again after lunch. Would be good to stretch my legs.”
Way gestured down the main drag that I belatedly remembered was called Poke Street. We barely made it to the first in a row of shops before he was stopped again, this time by an attractive man in his late thirties or early forties. “Way, there you are. I tried calling Bernice, but it went to voicemail.”
“Hey, Jackson. I was just headed to lunch at the cafe.” This seemed to be Way’s version of attempting to dismiss the man, but it was too nice to work.
“I’ll walk with you. I wanted to ask about setting up a mini shop during the AdventureSmash exhibition. Something closer to the racers and spectators that offered basic equipment and local merch. Would that be allowed?”
Way pursed his lips in thought. “Depends on the location, I guess. The event team is coming in next week to finalize some of those details. Maybe I can get you in on that meeting since you’re a sponsor.”
The man’s face lit up. “That would be perfect. I’ll tell Lake. Thanks, man.” He clapped Way on the shoulder before splitting off from us. “Enjoy your lunch, and thanks again.”
We walked a little further down the street. “You’re a popular guy,” I said after a few more people called out greetings or shot Way a wave or smile.