Maybe seeing Zach finally so happy with Evie and seeing just how in love Helene and Ignacio were had something to do with it. He’d been working so hard, he’d pushed his own emotions to the side so he could focus on the emotional needs of the characters he was playing, but clearly his heart was ready to take priority again. He was ready for a boo to call his own. It didn’t have to be Amanda McQueen. It couldn’t be. She didn’t fucking like him. But he had to start opening himself up soon. Maybe ask some people he trusted if they could set him up. He wanted a certain kind of happiness.

Sam dismounted as the barn came into view. He had a call after lunch, but for the most part he’d cleared his day. His brothers and Lilah were working, and Corie and his grandmother were busy helping Evie plan for her and Zach’s wedding. He could go back into the city, but after weeks and weeks of award show–related engagements, press, meetings, a wedding, and more press and meetings, he felt like he hadn’t had any time to rest at all. Maybe if Amanda didn’t come out he’d take advantage of the ranch’s amenities himself.

He took his time letting Majesty cool down before he watered her and removed her tack. He heard Zach’s voice as his brother came around the side of the barn.

“’Sup, man. Chris told me you were out here.”

“Taking an early break?” It was barely nine thirty.

“Yeah. Jesse just found out one of the vendors is owned by a casual white supremacist so we’re terminating the contract. It’s been—” Zach sighed before he took off his Stetson and scrubbed his hand over his face. “It’s been a fucking morning. I just wanted to come out here and commune with Steve and Bam Bam for a moment.” Sam smiled at the way Zach treated his and Evie’s horses like they were their children. He could relate as he gently ran his palm down Majesty’s side. “What’s going on with you? You have a good ride?”

“Ehhh,” Sam said, shrugging. “I think I’m ready to start dating again though.”

“Does this have anything to do with this VIP package I may or may not be comping this weekend? Miss Leona said you were making eyes at some pretty, curvaceous young thang all through Helene’s wedding.”

“Yes and no and yes. Amanda is the one I’ve invited this weekend and she was the one I was making eyes at at the wedding, but she told me she just wanted to be friends. Actually no, she just told me she didn’t want to date me.”

“So you’re letting that go by inviting her to Big Rock for an all-expenses-paid vacay. That’s not suspect at all.”