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“They better The barrel racing was a good beginning—it didn’t costdoesn’t work, I’m screwed”

“Speaking of screwed, how is Luke?”

Vivi Ann laughed “I never said I was screwing him”

“You never said you weren’t But really, Vivi, I saw you guys at the Outlaw last night You looked pretty lovey-dovey”

“Everyone is lovey-dovey at the Outlaw It’s the tequila”

Aurora sat down on the table beside her and looked up “Are you in love with him?”

Vivi Ann knew that she and Luke were a constant topic of conversation in town Everyone accepted that he was in love with her On their regular weekend night at the Outlaw Tavern, he told everyone ould listen that she’d stolen his heart over a bowl of ice cream “One look and I just knew,” he always said

She had no idea what to say to that, hoas supposed to make her feel She really liked Luke They had a lot of fun together and lots in common

But love?

Hoould she know? All she knew for sure was that they’d been together for nearly three months and he still acted nervous around her, still touched her cautiously, as if he were afraid that passion would break her Last night, when he’d kissed her goodnight, she’d found herself wanting ood man that you needed him to be a little bad?

“You’re not answering me,” Aurora said

“I don’t kno”

Aurora gave her a look “You just did”

Vivi Ann changed the subject before it plunged into murkier waters “Where’s Winona? She’s been sort of distant the past feeeks Have you noticed?”

Aurora got up and began rearranging the floral centerpiece “What do you mean?”