Page 84 of Dallas Rivals

If she knew what that does to me, she wouldn’t say it like that.

“I invited them,” I blurt.

“And?”

Through the phone, I can hear the birds in the field, the cows, the wind pushing against the mic.

My body aches to be there.

“They said yes. All three of them.”

My voice stays calm, but my chest is pure chaos.

“I told you, Oliver!” she shouts. I can hear her smile. She’s happy for me.

And that’s… new.

I’ve always been terrible at making connections, especially after what happened. But with her, it feels different.

“Yeah,” I whisper. “You did tell me.”

Thank you, I want to say.

Thank you for pushing me.

But my mouth stays shut, and my heart won’t stop racing.

When I get to the ranch, Eliza’s waiting for me in the kitchen, smiling, the mixer running while something that looks like whipped cream spins inside.

Astro jumps up, tail wagging, happy to see me, and I scratch behind his ears.

“Cala told me everything!” she says, almost giddy. “I’m so excited. I already have the menu planned. Do you think your brothers have any allergies?”

I drop my things on the counter—my phone, a few papers I’ll have to read later—and give her a half-smile.

“Who are you, and what have you done with Eliza?” I ask.

She walks over and hugs me. It’s the first time she’s ever done that, and for a second my body stiffens, but I let her. She barely reaches my chest, so I have to bend a little.

“I’m so happy for you,” she whispers. “And I like what Cala’s doing to you. I have big plans for you two.”

I pull back immediately.

“Plans?”

With her fingertip, she pushes my chest like I’m being ridiculous.

“Don’t play dumb with me. I see the way you look at her.”

“We’re… friends,” I say, tasting the word. It feels strange in my mouth.

Friends with benefits, maybe. Friends who touch each other and actually like it.

Nothing more.

Right?

The idea of a future with Cala feels terrifying, unprofessional, and exhilarating.