Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek, #3) (26)

“Why do you think we’re always tryna get out of it?” Waylon snickers.

Ruby stretches her arm out, gesturing toward him. “See? I bet I’m a better bartender than him!”

Their back and forth causes me to laugh mid-chew, but when I swallow, a piece of meat gets stuck in my throat. I try clearing it and even take a sip of water, but it doesn’t budge. I try not to panic as I stretch my neck and massage my esophagus. It moves slightly but not enough to go down.

“Are you okay?” Noah asks beside me.

Unable to speak, I shake my head and clutch my throat. I gag as the air is restricted from my lungs, and when I try to cough, nothing happens.

“Holy shit, she’s choking!” Noah smacks my back as commotion swirls around me.

Landen’s chair falls to the floor as he stands. Then he rushes around the table, pulls me to my feet, and wraps his arms around my waist.

I barely have time to process him giving me the Heimlich maneuver before the piece of meat flies out of my mouth, and I can finally suck in a deep breath.

“Oh my gosh, Ellie!” Magnolia stands next to me, rubbing a hand down my arm that’s covered in goose bumps. To which I won’t admit are from Landen touching me. “That was close.”

When he steadies me, he pats my shoulder like he’s testing my reaction to him touching me. “You good?”

“I think so.” I nod, unable to look at him while my pounding heart struggles to slow down.

“You saved her life, Landen.” Noah gushes, stepping closer to wrap her arm around me. “You’re not allowed to die on me. You have the NFR to win!”

That causes me to release a soft laugh. “I’ll try my best not to.”





After the lunch that nearly ended my life, I went back to Ranger’s stall to continue with our day. I didn’t get the chance to speak to Landen privately afterward, so when he walks into the stables before I leave for the day, I call out his name and run up to him.

“I just wanted to say, um…what you did at lunch for me…was a nice thing.”

Real smooth, Ellie.

He tilts his head like an amused Golden Retriever, shoves his hands in his front pockets, and then fucking smirks.

“I’m startin’ to think you dunno how to say the words thank you. Because I think that’s what you’re tryin’ to say in between those ramblings.”

I huff out a breath, hating that he’s right. Not about being able to say those words but not wanting to say them to him.

Instead of stepping into his trap of getting me to admit that, I square my shoulders and simply say, “Thank you.”

His brows pinch together. “For what?”

He’s going to make me say it. Asshole.

Sighing, I cross my arms and fight the urge to roll my eyes at his childish act. “For not lettin’ me choke to death.”

“Ahh, yes, that.” His lips tilt up, showing off his boyish grin. “I mean, technically speakin’, I couldn’t just watch and do nothin’. It’s against my oath.”

My eyes narrow in confusion. “You have an oath?”

Besides the one to make my life a living hell.

“I’m a certified lifeguard and volunteer fireman. I’ve done all the EMS trainin’. I’ve vowed to help anyone in need at any time.”

That’d explain why he was brave enough to run into his family’s barn when it was engulfed into flames three summers ago. He even pulled out one of the guys who set it on fire in the first place.

“You battle water and fire, huh?”

“A double threat.” He winks.

“So that’s the only reason you helped me? Your…oath?”

He shrugs. “Figured a death at the retreat would be bad for business, too.”

“Funny,” I deadpan. We have a momentary stare-off before I add, “Just so we’re clear, I still don’t like you.”

“Good.” He stands firm. “I’ve decided I don’t like you, either, Little Devil.” Then one corner of his lips curls up slowly and deviously before he adds, “Fits you even better now.”





Chapter Eight


LANDEN




Another night sitting at home doing laundry, watching New Girl reruns, and snacking on popcorn is sadly the highlight of my day.

Rocky was in a mood today, making my job extra stressful when I tried to put him on the breeding mount, and he nearly kicked me.

I’m already stacked with orders, which means I don’t have time for studs to act up or try to castrate me.

Antonio came for his last training session before the fair this weekend and he wouldn’t stop talking shit about how much Ellie ignored me while she was giving all her attention to him.

I knew she was doing it on purpose, but it didn’t hurt any less.

We agreed we didn’t like each other, and I vowed to never bother her again.

Doesn’t mean my heart got the memo.

Watching her race never gets old. The way she and Ranger work so perfectly together is so rare and beautiful that it’s impossible not to stare in awe. Doesn’t help that she’s flawless in everything she does, but she’s stunning, too. She makes winning look effortless, but I know firsthand how much work she puts into it.