He’d kept the conversation light, had asked her a lot of questions about Sweet Water Ranch, and then they’d gone their separate ways. Though he’d promised to stop by the beer stand after his ride, she’d told him he shouldn’t feel obligated. She’d had mixed feelings all day about whether she wanted him to stop by or not. Life would be emptier if he didn’t, more complicated if he did. She hadn’t expected to lament the decision she’d made last night. After all, she’d taken the high road, as it were. But in the parking lot after breakfast, when she watched him walk away, she’d never felt more alone. Regret over what she’d missed wore on her all day. At the arena, she’d listened to every word as Adam Greene, the announcer, said Clay’s name and called the ride. Her heart had been in her throat, the old fear gripping her tight as she listened to the commentary and tried to decipher the sounds of the crowd. When the thunderous roar had drowned out Adam’s voiceover, she’d known something good had happened.
