My Cowboy Prince (*unedited)

Chapter 15

My ninth day at the ranch unfolds under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, where a light breeze rustles the leaves overhead. A laid-back lunch spread is set before us: hearty sandwiches, juicy fruit, and refreshing iced tea, all accompanied by the lively chatter of those gathered around.

Luke sits across from me, wedged between two stunning women who had arrived at the ranch two days ago. Their presence is magnetic and their laughter infectious. Today they seem determined to delve into Luke's personal life as evident by the playful banter directed squarely at him.

"Luke," one of the women says with a teasing smile. "we've been dying to know. Got a special someone or are you a free agent?"

Luke laughs, a sound that's more strained than genuine. He shifts in his seat, clearly uncomfortable under their scrutiny. "There's nothing to tell, really," he responds, his voice even, but his eyes betray him. They flicker around, avoiding direct contact with anyone, especially me. It's as if he's searching for an escape route that leads to a way out of this uncomfortable situation. "Just busy with work and stuff."

"Busy with work?" the other woman chimes in, leaning even closer with a mischievous grin. "Come on, you can't tell us you don't have anyone special you're keeping under wraps. Look at you- charming, handsome, and single? Not buying it!"

Luke chuckles awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. That's his universal sign for displaying his discomfort. I say nothing though and continue munching on my sandwich. "I promise, there's no big secret. Just focused on keeping things running smoothly around here."

"Well, if you're ever in need of a break from all that 'work,'" the first woman teases. "you know where to find us. We're always up for a little fun."

Their conversation continues with light-hearted jokes and laughter, but Luke's discomfort is palpable. He tries to join in but his responses are muted and his eyes keep glancing over to where I'm seated.

Beside me, Jack and Tommy are engaged in their own conversation and frankly own world.

"You should've seen that bull last week, Tommy!" Jack exclaims in a thick Southern drawl, his voice is full of excitement as he recounts a recent rodeo he attended. "Wyatt rode him like a pro. The bull was a monster, but Wyatt held on like a champ, made the full eight seconds and then some!"

Tommy grins, shaking his head in amazement. "Man, that sounds wild. Wish I could've been there to see it. Wyatt's got guts, no doubt about that."

Jack laughs, taking a swig of his iced tea. "Yeah, if we both got that day off, we'd be all over it. But next season we can give it a shot..."

Their conversation fades into the background, it's a steady hum that contrasts with the growing tension between Luke and myself. I glance across the table once more, catching Luke's eye. His blue eyes, usually warm and inviting, are clouded with something I can't quite place--- regret, guilt, or maybe something else entirely. It's unsettling.

I can't help but wonder what happened during his discussion with Grandma Bea and his father last night. Since then, he's been distant, almost cold. Even this morning, when I was filming him for his TikTok live audience, he seemed off. He answered questions mechanically, without the usual warmth and enthusiasm. He barely looked at me, and when he did, his gaze was fleeting, like he was avoiding me. It's not like him, and it worries me. I'll have to talk to him privately as soon as I get the chance so I can figure out what's going on.

Breaking our eye contact, I turn my attention back to my plate, but the feeling of unease lingers. The guests around us are oblivious to our tension, they are caught up in their own conversations and enjoying the sunny day. The couple continues to engage with Luke, their laughter punctuates the air, but I can tell his mind is elsewhere.