I look up to see a group of guys heading toward us. They kind of look like Hunter and his brothers, just different. Less intimidating perhaps.
Hunter lifts a hand in greeting. “Boys.”
One of them claps Hunter on the shoulder before glancing at me. “Well damn,” he says with a grin. “This must be the wife.”
My cheeks warm instantly as Hunter’s arm wraps around my waist.
“Sure is. Meet Lola Sterling,” Hunter says, and I can hear the possessiveness in his tone.
It’s hot.
They all tip their hats slightly in greeting.
“Name’s Danny,” one says.
“Travis.”
“Jace.”
I’m sure I’ve seen at least one of their faces on the ranch.
I try to remember them all, but my brain is already spinning from the noise and movement around us. “Nice to meet you,” I say, hoping I don’t look as overwhelmed as I feel.
Danny chuckles. “Don’t worry, ma’am. First rodeo’s always a shock to the system.”
I laugh nervously. “That obvious?”
Hunter squeezes my hip.
“Little bit,” he teases.
My gaze drifts past them toward the chutes just as someone else approaches.
And suddenly, Violet appears beside me, which means she survived the ride in the truck with Colten.
“OH MY GOD,” she squeals.
I nearly jump.
She grabs my arm, her eyes locked on the arena like she’s just seen a celebrity. “Lola. Lola. I did not realize how big of a deal Ace is here.”
I blink. “Well… yeah.”
Hunter’s brother is standing near the gates, rolling his shoulders while another cowboy helps adjust the rope around his glove.
Even from here, he looks intense. Gone is the wild cowboy who dives headfirst into bounce houses.
Violet grips my arm tighter. “That man is the hottest thing I have ever seen in my entire life.”
I choke on a laugh. “You met him already, V. Remember?”
She shakes her head. “I met the annoying little brother that day, who couldn’t pack my shoes properly. This guy? This is a sexy version.”
This is not good for anyone. I take it Violet has made up her mind about Luke.
“Please act normal,” I whisper.
“I am acting normal.”