Page 5 of Bride ’N Boots

“Why not?”

“Because I have a boyfriend.”

Disappointment flashed across his face and he fell silent.

I immediately felt regret. It wasn’t a lie. I did have a boyfriend. But it was long distance and completely stagnant.

The air chilled between me and Stratton and it had nothing to do with the early spring weather.

We fell into silence as we continued our way to the barn. The scent of horses and hay hit me all at once and I breathed it in, hoping like hell Arden could make some magic happen despite the curve ball that had been thrown our way.

Even if we were able to deliver photos to our clients on time, there was no guarantee they’d be happy with the model switcheroo. We hadn’t told them about the fiasco in progress, and were praying they wouldn’t mind me and Stratton as a substitute.

“Clothes are hanging up in the free stall,” I said and gestured to the end stall that we’d turned into a dressing room since there was only a tiny bathroom in the barn.

“Better get to it then,” Stratton said, heading to the stall. He picked up a garment bag and unzipped it. “Not what I thought they’d be.”

“You thought tuxedo and bowtie?” I asked with a grin.

“You hear wedding, you think penguin.”

“Yes, but this is western-forward wedding wear. That’s the whole point of the photo shoot.”

He reached for his hat and took it off, setting it on the folding table. His hair was dark, nearly black; striking against his blue eyes.

“I’m about to get naked,” he said. “You’re welcome to watch. But I don’t think your boyfriend would approve.”

Still salty.

Cheeks burning, I turned and gave him my back.

“So, what happened to the other models?” he asked.

Metal clanked.

No doubt he was removing his belt.

And now I couldn’t stop thinking about him naked.

I peered up at the barn ceiling. “They got into a fight.”

“So Arden said. Do you know what they fought about?”

“The groom slept with someone else and the bride found out.”

“Ouch.”

“Double ouch—it was the bride’s mother.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was. We got the call this morning at three a.m. from the bride, who had no qualms about sharing her dirty laundry.”

“At least they gave you a heads-up.”

“Hmm. Yeah. I guess.”

My skin prickled with cold. The wedding dress had capped sleeves and a modest neckline, but it did nothing to keep me warm. While I’d been attempting to locate a makeshift groom, I hadn’t thought much about wearing a jacket. Adrenaline and panic had kept me warm.