Minho stares at us, tunned. There's no denying it now. We're caught.
"How could you betray me like this?"
"We're not betraying you, Minho—"
"It's 'we' now? How long has this been goin' on, (Y/N)?"
"Just since I came home."
"You've been lyin' to my face for weeks, and you're tellin' me it's not a betrayal? Rich words."
"Minho...I'm so sorry. I swear, we were gonna tell you! But you got hurt, and we didn't wanna risk your recovery..."
"The timin' doesn't matter a lick, Pip. It shouldn't have happened at all."
"I can't take it back, Minho. If you asked me to, I wouldn't. But I'm sorry you found out like this."
"You may be book-smart, Pip. But you still don't have a damned clue how the world really works."
"Hold on, now. (Y/N)'s proved time and time again how capable she is. You've told me yourself how proud you are. Don't disrespect her like this when it's me you're angry at." Jisung tells him.
"Don't you dare tell me how I get to talk to my own sister. She's family, Jisung. And dammit... I always thought you were, too. How could you do it? Not just whatever this is...how could you lie to me so long?"
"Minho, we never meant to lie to you. It just happened." I tell him.
"You don't get it. The only reason y'all are here is so we can save this ranch. But all this time, you've been wrapped up in each other."
"That ain't—" Jisung begins to answer.
"I don't want to hear it. You broke your promise. You betrayed me, (Y/N)...and you betrayed our family's legacy."
"Minho! "
My brother's words knock the breath from my lungs. I watch, open-mouthed, as he stomps off along the trail. Jisung lets out a long breath.
"Get your stuff. We'll take the ATV back."
We dress as quickly as we can, then ride back to the house. But by the time we arrive, Minho is already gone.
"He left? "
"He'll come back once he's cooled off, but...maybe we all need a little breathin' room."
"No, we need to figure out how we're gonna get past this."
"I just gotta clear my head, (Y/N). That went...even worse than I imagined."
Before I can come up with a good response, he's halfway across the paddock, making for the pasture on the other side.
Jisung might need his space, but I need someone to talk to. Someone who will understand me...I gotta call Mandy.
I head upstairs to my bedroom to make sure I'll have some privacy for the phone call. Mandy answers almost immediately.
"Perfect timing! I was just takin' a break from party planning."
I open my mouth to speak, but the only reply I can muster is a muffled sob.
"(Y/N)? Hey, now. What's goin' on?"
"It's Minho. He found out about me and Jisung. In pretty much the worst way possible."
"Oh, (Y/N)... How are you feelin', now that it's all out in the open?"
"I feel angry. I'm still steamin' over some of the things Minho said."
"You know what they say...hurt people hurt people."
"Minho did more than that. He accused me of betraying our parents, their memory, this ranch! After all I've done to save this place, he acted like I was sabotaging it. My intentions didn't matter."
As fresh tears spring to my eyes, I hear a tap at my bedroom window. Outside on the ledge is Ozzy. He seems to sense my sorrow. I thrust open the window and he hurries inside, perching on my shoulder and nuzzling into my neck. I pet him appreciatively.
"Thanks, buddy. That's helpin' more than you can imagine."
"Hoo."
"That's not even the worst of it. Minho drove off in a huff, and we don't know where he went. We're supposed to prep for a big horse auction tomorrow. The ranch depends on us closin' these deals."
"Why wait for Minho to come back so he can save the ranch? You can do this without him, (Y/N)!"
"Mandy, I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"Well, it sure as hell wasn't a good idea to storm off like a damned child the way Minho did, so this one'll have to do. If this auction's as big as you're sayin', he'll show up. If he doesn't...you will."
"You're right. I don't want to do this without him, but if that's what has to happen...then that's what I'll do."
"That's the (Y/N) I know. And for what it's worth, you can do this, (Y/N). I know it."
"Thanks, Mandy. I sure hope you're right."
I head outside in search of Jisung, but to my surprise, I find him on the porch, duffle bag in hand.
"You're leavin' too?"
"I can't stay under Minho's roof. He was right. What we did was a betrayal. I'm sorry, (Y/N)."
"Jisung...please don't do this. If you leave now, it'll only show Minho he was right about us. He's never seen what we can accomplish when we're united. We have to show him how unshakeable we are."
Jisung watches me with an agonized expression. I want nothing more than to wrap him in my arms.
"I can't, (Y/N). Minho's my best friend. I can't risk hurtin' him more than we already have."
We stare at each other, pain written on both our faces. I can't remember who makes the first move, but soon we're entangled in a desperate embrace. My lips meet Jisung's with unbridled passion. My kiss says 'don't go'.
"(Y/N)..."
Just when I think I've gotten through to him, he pulls away, breathing hard.
"Fine. Clearly, I'm not going to change your mind. But don't throw the ranch's future out the window in your rush to get outta hear."
"What are you talkin' about?"
"I need you to come to that auction with me. I'd be goin' in worse than blind. I need someone in my corner. If you still feel the same way after that, then you can go. But do this for me first. Please?"
Jisung sighs as he mulls it over. After a moment of thought, his shoulders sag in defeat."
"If Minho isn't back in time, I'll go with you. But if he does turn up—and I'm hopin' he will—then you gotta accept my decision to leave. Can you do that?"
"We'll see."
The next morning, I awaken with a start, body tight with anxiety from the minute I open my eyes. I hurry to get ready for the day.
The auction's in just a few hours. Everything is ridin' on this. Makin' a good impression will help me land our deal, I know it.
I pull on my outfit, then examine my reflection in the mirror.
"Now everyone will know I mean business. Time to show 'em what I'm made of."
Downstairs, Jisung's sitting alone at the kitchen table. For the first time since coming home, there's no breakfast spread in sight.
"Mornin'."
"I wasn't sure you'd be here."
"I made a promise. But I think you might not need my help. You look like a million buck."
"Too bad we can't trade on my good looks, huh?"
Jisung eyes me over the rim of his coffee mug. The steam rising from its surface can't begin to rival what's brewing between us
"In that get-up, you could easily get away with chargin' extra. Maybe you should."
My gaze lands on Minho's empty chair, and I feel a pang of guilt.
"I guess this means Minho isn't home?"
"Nope. Haven't been able to get ahold of him, either. Look like it's just you and me today."
"That's probably better. As much as I want him back, I don't think he's in a place to arrange any deals."
"You got a point there. I'm gonna feed the horses real quick and get the bronco into his trailer. Why don't you get us some breakfast for the road?"
"Shouldn't you be the one fixin' breakfast? Play to our strong suits and all?"
"Or our long suits. If I got behind the stove, we'd be here another—"
Jisung stops short, shaking his head as he realizes us two have fallen into our easy rhythm so naturally.
"Anyway...I'll be in the truck in a few."
Soon enough, the two of us have hitched the branco's trailer to the truck. I head out on the highway.
"We should probably have a plan goin' in, right? It's important that we come home with that stallion you scouted from the amateur circuit."
"I can use my rodeo connections to get us an audience with the folks sellin' him. And my record'll get folks interested in our bronco, too. But you'll need to close the deals. You're the one with the business sense, after all."
"I think I can handle that. This is all I've dreamed of doin' since comin' home. Honestly... I'm kinda excited."
"You should be, you're gonna nail it. Hell, it's about time everyone saw what you can do."
Out of habit, I reach across the cab to squeeze Jisung's knee. I watch his smile fade as he lifts my hand away.
"Right. If we both use our skills, we can bring this chapter to a close."
Before I know it, Jisung is pulling off at our exit. When he turns to face me, his expression is solemn.
"Let's do this thing. For the ranch...and for Minho."
Jisung and I head into the fairgrounds where the auction is being held.
"We need to sell the bronco first, and I know a fella who's buyin'. Name's Charlie Rogers."
Jisung points discreetly at a man very closely assessing a large stallion.
"What's his story?"
"Charlie buys all the horses for the circuit. I know we'll win him over with the bronco's quality. But Charlie can be...touchy. He likes the formalities, handshakes and all that. Thinks it shows respect."
"Got it. So we go into this all business."
As Jisung and I make our way over, Charlie's face lights up with a smile.
"Is that Han Jisung? Wondered if I might see you here. I don't think I've met your friend, though."
"Charlie, this is Lee (Y/N) of Lee Ranch, out in Thunder Valley."
"That where you've been workin' all these months, Jisung? Must be quite the operation to get you away from the circuit."
"We like to think so. And it sure is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rogers." I tell Charlie as I take his hand in mine and shake it firmly. He nods, impressed.
"That's quite a grip you've got. But then, all the best deal-makers know a good deal starts with a solid handshake."
"My dad always taught me, you can tell everything you need to know about someone by their handshake."
"Trust me, Charlie. Lee Ranch breeds good stock, and they deal with folks fairly." Jisung informs him.
"If that's the case...why don't you show me this horse of yours. Ms. Lee?"
As we make our way through the crowd, I lean in to Jisung, whispering in his ear.
"Any tips on how to talk this guy up? "
"Bronco-riding might look wild, but Charlie actually needs very well-trained animals."
I nod and move away as we approach the trailer. Charlie looks at the animal critically.
"Fine lookin' animal. But that's just one piece of it, of course. He'll have to be able to perform in the ring."
"He will! Our bronco is well-trained. We've all seen Jisung compete. He brought the same discipline he has in the ring to trainin' our bronco."
"I can't lie. Knowin' Han Jisung had a hand in breakin' in this horse definitely piques my interest."
"Trust me, it'll be more than piqued when you see our bronco in action."
Charlie takes another walk around the animal, examining its hooves, muscles, teeth...
"Let's say I'm interested. How much would you want?"
Behind Charlie's back, Jisung mouths to me.
"Give him a hard number."
"I'd say we want the number I'm writin' down."
I pull a notepad out of my pocket and scribble down the number Jisung and I had discussed on the ride up. Charlie nods slowly.
"That's a bit pricier than I was expectin', but..."
"I think we both know the animal's worth that extra thousand on there, don't we?"
Charlie looks me up and down, a wry smile on his face.
"Is that Han Jisung's trainin' fee, or your sharp business sense?"
"I might have trained him, but (Y/N) knows his worth better than anyone." Jisung smiles.
"Let's keep in mind the ranch's breeding stock and our reputation, too. Makes our bronco a bargain...even at the elevated price."
Charlie taps his chin in thought, then extends his hand for me to shake.
"You have yourself a deal. How soon can we arrange a transfer?"
"If you have the cash on hand, he's yours today."
Charlie pulls the thickest wad of cash I've ever seen. I can't help but grin as I write him a sale slip.
"Pleasure doin' business with y'all."
I say my goodbyes to the horse Jisung reared, and then hand him off to Charlie. Once they're out of sight, Jisung and I embrace, elated.
"We did it!"
Jisung's hand cradles the back of my head. For a moment, we sway together in his arms.
"(Y/N)..."
Just that small touch is enough to ignite a spark. My blood races as Jisung's hold on me tightens, goosebumps blooming across my body.
"Oh, Jisung..."
I lean closer, until my lips are just a breath apart...then Jisung clears his throat, pulling himself away with obvious effort.
"That one big step accomplished. But we still gotta get the stallion. Follow me, I think I spotted him before."
Jisung and I make our way into a larger livestock tent. A couple nearby are talking in low voices.
"I dunno, George. All these big-brand operations sniffin' around, snatchin' everything up...it ain't right."
"I know, Maggie. But who else could we sell to? Not many nice couples like us runnin' ranches these days."
"If there were, I'd sell in a heartbeat. Even at a lower price."
Jisung pulls me aside, until we're out of earshot, then nods toward the older couple's horse.
"That's the one."
"You're kidding. The owners just said they're lookin' to see to a couple! At a discount."
"Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?"
"If we play up our relationship, we could purchase the horse Minho's so keen on at an incredible price. We should fake it till we make it."
I loop my arm through Jisung's, then steer him toward their booth, only speaking once you know they'll be able to hear you.
"Oh, Jisung! Wouldn't this horse be such a perfect addition to our ranch?"
Jisung plasters on a smile so bright, it almost hurts to look at. I haven't seen him wear it since Minho caught us.
"I reckon so. Has an air about him that just seems to fit us."
"Sorry, which ranch are you two with?" Maggie asks.
"Lee Ranch, ma'am. I'm Han Jisung."
"And I'm Lee (Y/N)."
"Must be a pretty top-notch operation. You look like a million bucks, if you don't mind me sayin'." George says.
"Don't see why should would. I said the same thing just this mornin'."
"What can I say? He knows how much I love a compliment...especially when I deserve it. Between you and me, I'm the one who calls the shots in this relationship."
I throw them a wink, which the wife quickly returns.
"So do I, dear." Maggie giggles.
"Wouldn't have it any other way. She keeps me in line." George states.
"Same here. In business...and in the bedroom." Jisung throws out there.
"How long have y'all been together?" George asks.
"We're childhood sweethearts, actually. It's why I let her get away with so much. Like that nickname."
"I thought you liked my name for you!"
"I do. Even if it is a little over the top."
"Can I ask what you call him?" Maggie asks with a smile.
"Oh, uh..."
Jisung grins slyly, raising an eyebrow at me.
"Go on, hun, you can tell 'em."
"To me, he'll always be my Bunnykins."
Jisung wrinkles up his nose and I fight back a laugh.
"You see why I think it's a bit much..."
"Aww, but it's sweet. I didn't think couples your age used pet names anymore."
"Hers is peanut. She's got a bad habit of feedin' them to the horses."
"Only the ones I like!"
"Oh? How many peanuts did this fella get?" I ask with a giggle.
"Too many, I'll admit. I'm sweet on him."
"We're sad to see him go, but it's part of the business. We just hope he finds a good home." George tells us with a sad but happy smile.
"We just sold our bronco, so we know the feelin'. It's all about makin' the right match." Jisung tells him.
"How long have y'all been in the business together?" George asks.
"Jisung actually started out by pitchin' in around my parents' ranch."
"It was just an excuse to get closer to (Y/N). I'd always had a thing for her. Her smarts, her spirit."
"Jisung proves himself to me by showin' up for my family. He's loyal to a fault." I smile.
"We both always meant to work ranches. It just seemed natural after we made things official that we'd do it together."
"Young love. There really ain't nothin' like it, is there George?"
Her smile grows nostalgic as she glances at our linked arms.
This is my chance to really play up our connection.
I place a hand on Jisung's cheek to guide him into a gentle kiss. But once his lips hit mine, the spark between us flares...
"Dammit, (Y/N)...I can't seem to control myself with you..."
He wraps his arms around me, pulling me against his body, deepening the kiss, tongue slipping past my lips to explore my mouth.
"Oh! Aren't you two...passionate." George says.
"Jealous, dear?" Maggie asks her husband with a grin.
"Course not. I'm just...from a different time's all."
"But passion's important, in business and in love. I'm guessin' it still feels like the first time for y'all?"
"Sure does..." I reply.
"That's how you know you've found the one." George tells us.
"But we're wastin' your time. You're here to sell that animal. And he's a damned fine one, from what I can tell."
"He really does seem like the perfect fit for us. Sometimes you just have a feelin', you know?"
"You seem pretty keen on him. Any particular reason?" Maggie asks.
"Truth be told, we're following our hearts. After all, when have they ever steered us wrong?"
"Not once. Why, listenin' to mine has made me the happiest man there is." Jisung answers me.
"I could say the same. I don't know where I'd be without you, Jisung. You're my guiding light."
"Oh, (Y/N)..."
I beam at the older couple as I rest my head against Jisung's shoulder. He turns to kiss my forehead.
"Doesn't this feel a bit like fate? I can't help but think this fella's meant to be with us."
"He already feels like family. We'd love to make it official by bringin' him home."
I turn to catch Jisung's eye. The look of utter adoration he gives me is enough to steal my breath away.
"Oh, George, aren't they just the sweetest?"
"I'd argue that's us, but they certainly come in a close second."
I'm just about to propose a deal when Colt Monroe swaggers over, cash in hand.
"I hate to break up your little love fest, but I've come to make the couple an offer they can't refuse."
"I'm sorry, young man, but you're too late. We've already found the perfect home for our horse." George tells him.
Colts eyes me skeptically. I fight the urge to smirk.
"What? These two? They may be joined at the hip, but they can't pay what I can. We all know money talks, right? So why don't you let these lovebirds walk?"
"Actually, why don't you run along, son? My husband told you, we've already accepted an offer." Maggie informs him.
"What? But...did you see how much money I'm offerin?"
"There are things more important than a few extra dollars. You'd do well to learn that." George glares at him.
Colt stomps off, swearing under his breath. I turn to the couple, hardly daring to hope...
"Did I hear you right? The horse is ours?" I ask in surprise.
"Absolutely. And we won't make you pay what that fella was offerin'. Honestly, rhinestone cowboys like him make my blood boil."
"We prefer sellin' to folks who know what they're about. Folks who want to carry on this business the way we always have." George smiles at us.
"I promise you, that's us." Jisung says.
"There's nothin' more important to us than keepin' our family ranch alive."
"Unless it's each other, ain't that right?"
"Oh, uh..."
"That's right..." I reply for Jisung.
"Alright, enough chatter. We came here to sell this fella, now I wanna finish up and get home in time for dinner." George says smiling.
"Don't worry, dear, I got the chili goin' in the slow cooker before we left this mornin'..."
They quickly draw up the bill of sale, and before I know it, George is holding out his hand. I shake it heartily.
"Pleasure doin' business with you."
"You too. You can't possibly know how much this mean to us."
I wave goodbye. When we're finally out of sight, I turn to Jisung, still a little stunned by the success.
"I can't believe that worked. You were incredible." Jisung praises.
"We were incredible. They like us so much, we still have money to spare!"
Exhilarated from our win, I throw my arms around Jisung and pull him in for a passionate kiss. I pause to catch my breath, my lips a whisper away from his. Jisung smiles as he stares into my eyes, then peppers my cheeks, eyelids, and chin with feather-light kisses.
"That felt..." he begins.
"So good?"
"So right."
When he reaches my mouth, he claims it with a gentle kiss. As his lips press to mine, I feel myself melting into his embrace.
"Mmmm..."
He moans against my mouth just as I part his lips with my tongue.
"Jisung...
The sound of his name startles him back to reality. We pull apart, panting.
"I'm sorry, that was—" I begin to apologize
"No, I—"
I clear my throat, then nod in the direction of our trailer.
"I suppose we should load up our stallion and head home."
"Yeah. Good thinkin'. I'll bring him over, Pip. Why don't you just wait in the truck?
It's been so long since he called me that...
I sigh. I won the horse I wanted, at a better price than I ever dreamed, but there's still one things I'm missing.
Day turns to night on our silent drive back. The closer we get to home, the bigger the lump in my throat. I know our time together is ticking away... Jisung pulls up outside the house, leaving the engine running. The dim light of the dashboard illuminates his features. His lips struggle to form the words.
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). It's over."
"Don't say that... The only thing that matters is how we feel. Everything else...we can get through it. Get past it."
"I wish I believed it were that simple, (Y/N), but I don't. If there's any chance of me savin' my friendship with Minho, I have to prove he can trust me. Which means this has to end."
As if to punctuate the moment, the front door swings open. Minho's silhouette is unmistakable.
"Then I suppose I should tell him the good news. Alone."
Jisung nods, face frozen in anguish. I disappear into the house as Jisung pulls away, wiping away my tears before they fall. Minho plops down onto the couch as I enter, looking sheepish.
"Where were you?"
I visited a buddy in Amarillo. We got to drinkin'... By the time I woke up, it was too late to make the auction. But there will be others! Maybe Jisung's friends will spot another up-and-comer. Or...I dunno, somethin' else could come through...
"We got your horse. And sold the bronco. Jisung and I both knew how important this was, we weren't gonna let it slip away."
"Oh, I uh...I didn't realize y'all worked so well together. Or that Jisung had it in him, frankly."
"We've been trying to tell you, Minho, things have changed. But it's for the better. If you just give this a chance—"
"No. Not happening. Until I can make peace with what he did, Jisung's not settin' foot on this ranch."