Cortland
I watch Austin scurry around the ranch house, straightening picture frames and fluffing throw pillows. Lane shadows her, tending to assigned tasks. My jaw tightens as I contemplate the reason for this fussing.
Declan James descends upon our town.
The name sours my tongue. Austin's college friend, a tech genius collaborating on her saddle business. Her giddy chatter about his visit reveals their relationship transcends the professional realm.
I grip the oak railing, knuckles whitening. The image of Declan swaggering in, flashing his lauded smile, constricts my chest with envy. Austin insists they're platonic, but I know how "friends" can evolve, especially with a man like Declan in the equation.
"Cortland? Everything okay?" Austin pauses, brow furrowed at my stormy expression.
