Page 122 of Knot my First Rodeo

"Autumn's downstairs, and she wants to eat outside on the patio."

The bastard.

I grab my room key off the dresser.

"Don't start."

His laughter follows me down the hallway, and for the first time since the motel lobby, the knot in my chest eases.

The motel's little patio area is crowded with rodeo people eating takeout and drinking beer. I spot Clint and Autumn immediately.

Autumn's sitting between Clint and an empty chair at a table near the railing. A pizza box is open in front of them, and judging by the way Clint’s waving a breadstick around, he's in the middle of explaining something nobody asked him about.

Autumn laughs, and the sound hits me square in the chest.

I stand there for a second longer than necessary before heading over. Clint notices me first, but his expression doesn't change.

Yeah, he’s mad as hell at me.

Autumn looks up next, and the smile on her face fades just enough for me to notice before she reaches for another slice of pizza.

Yeah, I deserve that.

"Hey, Princess."

She takes a bite but doesn't answer me.

Tripp coughs, slapping me on the shoulder before sliding into the chair next to Autumn, which leaves me to take the one across from her.

Just fucking perfect.

Clint slides the pizza box slightly in my direction, and I grab a slice of pepperoni and take a bite.

Autumn reaches for a napkin. I hand her one before she can grab it, and her hand pauses briefly, then she takes it.

"Thanks." The word sounds reluctant.

"You're welcome."

She narrows her eyes slightly.

The attitude should annoy me. It doesn't. Instead, it makes me want to pull her into my lap and listen to her complain about me for the next hour.

Which is probably a sign I need professional help.

"So," Tripp says around a mouthful of pizza. "How's the room?"

I know exactly where this is going.

"Fine."

"Lonely?" He smirks.

"Tripp,” I grind out.

"What?"

"You know what."