Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128313 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 513(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
I rocked on my feet. “Jasper, I didn’t see you there,” I said with a forced laugh. Jasper continued glaring at Canyon, arms crossed over his broad chest.
Jasper tipped up his chin. “Who’s your friend, Hallie?” Jasper’s deep and savage voice had my stomach clenching. It was so hot. With his dark hair, eyes, and stubbled cheeks, he looked menacing.
Taking hold of Canyon’s arm, I said, “This is Canyon. We grew up together as kids, until . . .” A wave of sadness immediately swept over me. When I looked up, Jasper’s hard stare had switched to one of concern, clearly sensing my change in mood. “Until I had to leave Texas for Florida.”
“Canyon Hayes,” Canyon said, and put out his hand for Jasper to shake, giving me time to gather myself from the flash of grief that had just wrapped around my heart.
Jasper shook Canyon’s hand, then tipping his head to the side, said, “Why do I know your name?”
Canyon hooked his thumb at me. “No doubt from Hals.” Canyon put his cowboy hat on his head and tipped the front at Jasper. “I remember hearing about you when Hals was growing up in Florida.”
“And we’ll stop there, thank you, Canny,” I said, my cheeks beginning to burn.
“No, I’m keen to hear those stories,” Jasper said, but then studied Canyon again. Recognition hit his eyes. “Canyon Hayes . . . as in Canyon Hayes, the natural horseman?”
Canyon wasn’t good with recognition or praise, so he just nodded his head. “At your service, sir.”
“I’ve read articles about you,” Jasper said, his jealousy dropping and a hint of awe lacing his voice. “You’re a horse whisperer.”
“None of those articles were sanctioned by me,” Canyon said about the press. “But yeah, horse whisperer is a good an explanation as any for what I do.” He faced me. “I’m down here working with a barrel horse and rider who were in a road accident. When I saw you were stopping here on the tour, I shifted some things around so I could see you.” Softness flashed over his stubbled face. “You were incredible out there, Hals.” Canyon used his index finger to gesture around us. “This ain’t my world, far fucking from it, but you kicked ass. Even a cowboy like me could see that.” I cuddled him again, smelling the soothing scent of Texas dust on his clothes. I would always associate Canyon with home. With the young, carefree Hallie before her world was destroyed.
“Canyon?!” Sage’s excited voice came from across the yard. “Canyon freakin’ Hayes, is that you?” When we looked up, Sage ran at Canyon and threw her arms around him. Suddenly, Atticus appeared next to Jasper, the same scowl on his face as Jasper had been wearing earlier. I rolled my eyes at these incredibly possessive Knighton men.
“Atticus,” I said, when Sage pulled back, “this is my childhood best friend, Canyon.” I nudged Canyon’s arm. “But he may as well be my brother. He’s a good friend of Sage’s too.”
Sage laid her hand on Canyon’s shoulder. “Canyon’s a true horseman, Atticus. You could learn a thing or two from him.”
Canyon looked at me in confusion, then stepped away from Sage. “Okay, whatever is between y’all has nothing to do with me. Sage, I know you too well to be lured into whatever rivalry you have going with Atticus here.”
Sage scowled at Canyon spoiling her fun. “Pussy.”
Canyon turned to me and under his breath said, “I see she hasn’t changed.”
I laughed. “What are you doing tonight? You don’t have to leave yet, do you?”
“Nah. I’ve got a hotel here for the night.” Excitement burrowed within me. “There’s a bar I know, just up from my hotel. Was gonna see if y’all fancied a night dancing.” Canyon winked at me. “It’s been a while since we two-stepped, Hallie-girl.”
“Yes,” Sage said, answering for us both. She rubbed her hands together. “Yes to dancing. I’ve missed a rugged cowboy bar; these pompous show jumpers don’t know how to get down and dirty. Sign me the fuck up.”
“Sage, you have the team competition tomorrow.” Leon joined our group, stopping Atticus from saying whatever was about to come out of his mouth. “You all do.” When I faced Leon, my heart sank. I knew he was right, but Canyon was my family, and I hadn’t seen him in far too long.
“What if we didn’t drink and were in bed by midnight?” Sage asked Leon, batting her lashes at him.
His hard expression was impossible to read, and even Sage, with her stunning good looks and sensual charm, couldn’t break him. Then Canyon said, “Y’all are welcome to come too. I promise, the bar is a good time, and if y’all like authentic Mexican street food, there’s food trucks outside that are amazing. We could go there first.” Canyon shrugged. “Y’all gotta eat, right? What’s a lil’ dancing on top of that?”