Barrel racer Becca, frustrated because COVID has shut down all rodeos, is annoyed when Nikki, the farrier's daughter, shows up in his stead. They spar over Nikki's competence and their different ideas of social distancing, yet eventually bond over their mutual love for horses. Since Becca doesn't have Nikki's number but wants to see her again, she resorts to requesting another farrier visit. Nikki sees through her ruse and retaliates by using the water hose on Becca, yet they still hang out. Their first real date threatens to fall through when Nikki's trailer has a flat and she shows up for their trail ride without a horse. Becca has brought both of hers, but, because of a bad experience that caused one of her horses to get hurt, never lets anyone else ride them. Falling for the idea of someone can happen in sixteen seconds. But can Becca find the courage to take her real life chances on Nikki?

Sixteen Seconds

Becca replied by sending Nikki her ok-emoji. She was humming under her breath as she combed out Dreamy’s mane when another text came in.


Tire won’t hold air. Guess, I won’t be riding today. Nikki’s message was accompanied by a sad-looking emoji.


Shit. Becca’s eyes welled up with tears. Ever since they’d made the plans she’d been looking forward to their ride together. Plus, not only did she have to convince both of her parents that she would be socially-distant and utterly responsible, she’d also made sandwiches and brought drinks and chips for them. Not to mention that she’d washed her hair last night and messed with it forever. She had even put lip gloss on, never mind that Nikki probably wasn’t even going to see it.


Her hand that held the brush had fallen to her side and Dreamy craned her neck toward Becca to see what was going on. Oh, and did she maybe have a treat?


Chapter 6