Free Cupcakes and Cowboys (Sunset Plains Romance Book 1) by Lindzee Armstrong Page A

the first time in his life, he was the person he wanted to be?
    But could he be that person while still being an actor, too? Was it acting he hated, or the Hollywood lifestyle? Did he have to give up one to have the other? And was he allowing his feelings for Cassidy to blind him to the choice he should make?
    Jase went through his morning chores with bleary eyes and slow motions. Jase took extra care with Cupcake, wishing he had three more months with Cassidy, like he’d originally planned, instead of three days. He’d only scratched the surface of ranch life, and he wanted to keep digging—spend his days riding the range and his evenings kissing Cassidy.
    Maybe he could have both and live in Oklahoma in between roles.
    He spent every free moment with Cassidy over the next three days. On his last day at the ranch, he and Mason ended the day in the barn. As Jase brushed the horses, he thought of not riding Brownie tomorrow and felt a physical pang.
    “I think we’re done here,” Mason said.
    Jase pulled out his phone and glanced at the time. “Already? It’s only four o’clock.” In the four weeks he’d been there, they’d never stopped working before five.
    “It’s a slow day, and I’m sure you’ve got packing to finish up.” Mason held out his hand. “It was a pleasure working with you, Jase. I hope the movie goes well.”
    Jase gave him a firm handshake. “Thanks for everything, Mason.”
    Jase left the barn, eager to take a shower and spend the rest of the evening with Cassidy. The emptiness he felt when they were apart gnawed at his chest like a hole that only she could patch. After a quick shower, he headed back outside. He froze when he saw a tall man leaning against his car in expensive jeans and a v-neck shirt.
    Drew.
    Jase stared, trying to figure out why Drew was there.
    Drew looked up and smiled at Jase. “Hey, man.” He held out a hand and brought Jase in, clapping him on the back.
    Jase pulled away, shoving his hands in his pockets. He’d never liked Drew, but he’d never been outright hostile toward him either. You won’t latch onto me again, you filthy parasite. Jase dreaded working with him again. He wouldn’t be so civil this time around.
    Falling for Cassidy had solidified his opinion of Drew. Anyone who could treat her so cruelly had to be an awful human being.
    “What are you doing here?” Jase asked.
    “I was in Tulsa visiting family when I heard you were at my old stomping grounds. Thought I’d drop by, for old time’s sake. Your mother booked us on the same flight. I offered to make sure you were on it.”
    “My mother should mind her own business. I’ve already finished packing.” Jase folded his arms, fury burning hot within him. “Does Cassidy know you’re here?”
    Drew raised an eyebrow. “She told you?”
    “Cassidy and I have grown close over the last few weeks.”
    A cruel grin pulled at the corners of Drew’s mouth. “Be careful with that one—she’ll do anything to keep you in a relationship once it starts.”
    Jase curled his hands into fists. “That’s not how I hear it.”
    “Well, women always do try and spin things in their favor.”
    “You didn’t answer my question—does she know you’re here?”
    “Of course not. I haven’t talked to her in a year—this week, in fact.” He smirked. “Wow, I’d forgotten.”
    Jase grabbed Drew by his shirt and dragged him toward the bunkhouse.
    Drew swore, yanking himself free. “What are you doing?”
    “Getting you inside, where Cassidy won’t see you.” He knew she could handle herself, but he didn’t want to subject her to the pain of seeing Drew. Not until he could explain. She should still be at the bakery, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He opened the bunkhouse door and threw Drew inside. Luckily, the room was empty. Jase glanced at the clock on the wall. He had about twenty minutes to make Drew disappear before cowboys started trickling in. Then he would finally do what he