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“You didn’t quit,” I say.

She shrugs like it’s nothing. “Wasn’t that bad.”

“You were ready to fight a chicken not that long ago.”

“They started it.”

That pulls a real laugh out of me, and she pauses, like she didn’t expect that.

I study her without meaning to, taking in the way she’s standing a little closer than before.

Something’s different. I can’t put my finger on it, but she’s not acting as pissed off and sassy as she had been since she got here.

Her scent shifts just enough to catch my attention, something under the surface that wasn’t there yesterday. Not strong or super obvious. Just… off.

I frown slightly.

“You feel alright?” I ask.

Her head snaps toward me. “Why?”

“You just seem—” I stop, not sure how to finish that without pushing too far. “Different.”

“I’m fine,” she says quickly.

I hold her gaze for a second longer, then nod.

“Alright.”

But I don’t fully believe it.

Chapter

Nine

Tripp

After lunch, we head out to the arena. The sun’s higher now, warming things up just enough to take the bite out of the morning chill. Dirt’s packed just right, not too dry, not too slick. Good footing. Good day to work.

Clint grabs the rope and heads toward the chute, broad shoulders rolling under his shirt. Briggs is already leaning on the fence, arms crossed, judging the ground itself. I grab my hat off the post and settle it on my head, rolling my shoulders loose. Feels like a normal day.

Until I see her.

Autumn’s standing off to the side, near the fence, arms crossed, trying to look like she just happened to wander out here, and not like she followed us. Her hoodie’s already streaked with dirt, leggings worse. They cling in a way that makes it hard not to notice, even if I probably shouldn’t. Her blonde hair is twisted up off her neck in a bun that looks rushed instead of styled, soft pieces slipping free around her cheeks every time she moves. The arena lights catch her gray eyes when she glances my way.

She doesn’t say anything, just watches.

I bite back a grin and glance at Clint. He’s already seen her, but doesn’t react. Briggs notices next, gives her a once-over, then goes right back to ignoring her like she’s not worth the energy.

Me?

I can’t help it. I straighten a little, adjust my stance like it matters, and grab my gloves.

“Gonna stand there all day or you comin’ closer?” I call out.

Her head snaps toward me like I caught her doing something she didn’t want noticed.

“I’m fine here,” she says, lifting her chin.