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Heartbreaker: Okay, I can take a hint. You’re still on the fence.

Heartbreaker: I’ll watch some porn to prepare. Just in case. :)

Chance blew up my phone like a kid with zero filter and a major crush. Once I finish his one-sided purge of nonsense, the smile stretching my mouth is wide enough to hurt. It would be cruel to deny him a simple response at this point.

Me: You’re a horny mess. Mama June is nosey. I need to finish my shift without distractions.

It comes as no shock that he’s replying the instant my text is delivered.

Heartbreaker: So… no dick pics?

A burst of laughter spews from me, drawing the attention of anyone within twenty feet of me. My parents raise their brows in question. I shrug sheepishly. Who can blame me when I’m left to deal with this goofball?

My fingers fly over the screen to get my message across.

Me: If you get me fired, sex is definitely off the table. Zip it or you’ll stay a virgin.

Dust billows behind the unmistakable red pickup that just pulled into my gravel driveway. My heart gallops faster with each bump and wishful thought that brings Gemma closer to me. I step fully out of the barn and into the afternoon sun, revealing my exact location. If that’s not enough, my broad grin acts as a beacon that can be spotted from miles away.

Her old truck sputters to a stop a safe distance away from me. I stare at her through the dirty windshield, watching as she takes a moment to prepare for whatever this is. Her door creaks open and then she’s walking my way.

It seems to take hours for her to reach me. I’m ready to run to her, but she’s choosing to make this move.

The brim of my cowboy hat provides adequate shade, but I still squint. “Are my eyes deceiving me? Or did you really come to me for a change?”

Gemma’s smile is almost shy. “Hey, Bronc.”

“Hey, yourself. This is an extremely pleasant surprise.”

“Yeah…” She rocks on the soles of her boots, not quite meeting my gaze. “Figured it was my turn to show up unannounced.”

“You’ll never hear me complain.” I bite the inside of my cheek while admiring the glow of her natural blonde hair. “To what do I owe this visit?”

Her fingers knot tight enough to whiten her knuckles. “Umm, I’m still deciding.”

“About why you’re here?”

She bobs her head quickly. Too quickly. “Yep. That’s right.”

Which gives me pause. My former best friend is squirming under my scrutiny, which makes zero sense. “Gem, what’s going on? You’re not acting like yourself.”

Her shoulders sag with a thick exhale. “I know. This is… weird.”

“What is?”

She’s acting nervous, but I can’t imagine why. “Talking to you about… doing stuff.”

My eyebrows fly to my hairline so fast, they might shoot right off my face. “Is that what we’re talking about?”

“Trying, but clearly failing.” She bites her bottom lip hard enough to draw blood, and I can’t have that.

“Hey,” I coo gently. My thumb lifts to free the tortured flesh from between her teeth. With that done, I hook my index finger around hers to stop her fidgeting and offer a symbolic squeeze. “It’s me. There’s no reason to be so jittery. You can tell me anything.”

“I used to believe that.” Her truth is painful to hear, but that’s my burden to bear.

“It’s my fault that you lost faith in me. I’ll do everything in my power to earn it back. That is, if you allow it.” I gulp at the possibility that she’ll shut me out. “But you can trust me with whatever you have to say. Nothing’s changed in my devotion to you, even when I stupidly pushed you away and made you hate me.”

Gemma sighs loudly again. “For my sake, huh?”