Chapter 5

Bella Rose had insisted that Isobel's wardrobe wasn't fit for a western night out and dragged her along to find a proper outfit. Reluctantly, Isobel agreed to head back to Bella Rose's place.

As soon as they entered Rose's room, the fashion frenzy began. The walls were covered in posters of models and fashion icons, the closet overflowing with clothes of all styles and colors. Bella Rose eagerly pulled items from the rack, creating a chaotic pile on the bed.

"Bella Rose, you have way too many clothes," Isobel commented, watching her friend rummage through the assortment.

"Shh, fashion is not about practicality or quantity. It's about making a statement," Rose retorted. She paused, suddenly excited, and held up a dress for Isobel to see. "This is perfect! Here," she tossed the dress to Isobel.

Isobel caught the dress and held it up warily. "I don't think this will work, Rose. It barely covers my butt cheeks."

"Oh please, you're not going to a parent-teacher meeting. We're going dancing!"

"Exactly, dancing. Not advertising services."

Rose huffed and dove back into her closet. After a moment, she emerged with another dress, a satisfied grin on her face. "This one. It's perfect." She held it up for Isobel's inspection.

Isobel examined the dress and couldn't help but smile. "Now that's more like it. Perfect for a night out."

Ryder and Wren waited outside the club, anticipation building in their chests as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the girls. Wren checked his watch for the fifth time and broke the tense silence. "So, Bella Rose seems like a real hoot."

Ryder leaned back against the rough brick wall, his thumbs tucked into the pockets of his new designer jeans. "Yep, she sure does."

Wren shifted his weight, leaning his shoulder against the wall and crossing his arms. "And what do you think about Isobel?"

Ryder glanced at his friend, a small smile playing on his lips. "She seems nice. A bit reserved for my taste."

"Your taste? Since when do you have one?"

Ryder shot Wren a knowing look. "Since I grew up. Believe it or not, I'm not just looking for a pretty face to bring home anymore."

"I hope not. You went through a rough patch after your dad..." Wren's voice trailed off.

Ryder's jaw tensed and he turned away from Wren, focusing on the road ahead. "Let's not talk about that."

Wren raised his hands in surrender. "My bad, man. I didn't mean to bring up old wounds."

The two men fell into an uneasy silence, their backs pressed against the cool bricks of the building. Suddenly, the rumble of a diesel engine echoed through the parking lot of Midnight Rodeo. Ryder and Wren straightened up, walking out to meet Rose's truck.

As Isobel stepped out from behind the massive truck, Ryder's breath caught in his throat. She was a vision in her long burgundy dress adorned with intricate cow skulls and vibrant roses, the daring slit up to her thigh revealing her toned legs with each step. Her feet were clad in stylish brown cowgirl boots and a long turquoise necklace draped around her neck, adding a touch of bohemian flair to her look. Her usual bun or ponytail had been replaced by loose waves of rich brown hair cascading over her shoulder. Ryder's opinion of her was quickly evolving from just another pretty girl to something more intriguing and alluring.

He approached her and extended his arm. "You look amazing."

"Thank you," she said, slipping her arm into his. Her heart raced, and butterflies danced in her stomach at the simple touch. "You look very nice too, Ryder."

Ryder tipped his black felt hat to her. "Thank you." He wore a black plaid shirt with hints of red, white, and grey, brand-new Cinch jeans, and his best square-toed boots. His sleeves were rolled up, and Isobel noticed he had just shaved. The close proximity allowed her to catch a whiff of his cologne, making her feel weak in the knees. "Sorry, I'm not wearing my Wranglers tonight." Ryder winked and flashed a wry grin.

Isobel smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her. "You clean up pretty good, cowboy."

He chuckled. "I try. Let's head inside."

As they walked toward the club, Isobel felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. This night was already turning out to be more interesting than she had expected.

"What?" Isobel asked, suddenly realizing Ryder had heard Bella Rose's comment about Wrangler butts. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she quickly turned her head to hide it from Ryder.

Wren, sporting a blue plaid shirt, Wranglers, and a white straw cowboy hat, walked around the truck to meet Bella Rose. "Wow!" he exclaimed as she stepped down.

Bella Rose wore a little black lace dress that hit mid-thigh, paired with a brown leather belt, brown boots, and a chunky silver necklace with matching earrings.

"You look, wow. Just wow. That's a great dress," Wren said, his eyes wide with admiration.

"Why, thank you, Wren." She hooked her arm into his, and they followed Ryder and Isobel into the building.

The group found a table near the dance floor. The guys pulled out chairs for the ladies and carefully pushed them under as they sat.

"Chivalry ain't dead," Rose said, flashing a bright smile in Wren's direction.

"Not in our world, ma'am," Wren said, tipping his hat to her.

"There's that word again. Ma'am! Ugh!" Rose blurted out.

"She doesn't like being called ma'am," Ryder explained to Wren. "Makes her feel old."

"We were raised to be respectful, and that includes saying ma'am and sir," Wren said to Rose.

"Okay, okay," Rose said, throwing up her hands in surrender. "I need a drink. What about you, Isobel?"

"I could use one," Isobel replied.

"We'll get them," Ryder offered. "What would y'all like?"

"I would love a Bahama Mama," Rose answered.

"How about you, Isobel?" Ryder asked.

"I think I'll just have a strawberry daiquiri."

Ryder nodded, motioned for Wren to join him, and the men walked to the bar.

"Holy smokes, Isobel. Those are two very hot cowboys," Rose said as soon as the guys were out of earshot.

Isobel hadn't taken her eyes off Ryder, watching as he leaned against the bar, waiting for the bartender.

"Hello? Isobel?" Bella Rose waved her hand in front of her friend's face.

"What?" Isobel asked, snapping back to reality. "Oh, sorry."

"Wow, you are hooked," Rose said with a knowing grin.

"What? No, I'm not. I was just looking at... that couple over there. They're really cute together."

"Uh-huh, sure," Bella Rose teased. "I'm so glad you came out with me tonight."

"Me too," Isobel replied, taking a quick glance to ensure the guys were still at the bar. "I'm really struggling with him being a bull rider."

"Really? Why's that?" Bella Rose asked, her brow furrowing.

"It's so dangerous," Isobel said, her voice tinged with worry.

"So is driving a car to work, but you still do that," Bella Rose replied matter-of-factly.

"That's not the same."

"Look, Isobel, he's probably just some small-time rider who handles the easy bulls. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just enjoy the company and the evening. He seems very sweet and, I mean... look at him. Seriously." Bella Rose gave Isobel a knowing look.

Isobel sighed, her eyes drifting back to Ryder. "Yeah, he is something, isn't he?"

"Exactly," Bella Rose said with a grin. "Tonight's about having fun. Let's just enjoy it."

Isobel nodded, trying to push her worries aside. "Alright, you're right. Let's have a good time."

"That's the spirit!" Bella Rose cheered, just as Ryder and Wren returned with their drinks.

"Here you go, ladies," Ryder said, handing Isobel her strawberry daiquiri. "Hope you like it."

"Thank you," Isobel replied, taking the drink and giving Ryder a shy smile.

"To a fun night," Wren said, raising his glass.

"To a fun night," everyone echoed, clinking their glasses together.

As they settled back into their seats, Isobel couldn't help but feel a little thrill at Ryder's attention, her earlier worries melting away in the warm, inviting atmosphere of the club.