That night, Bailey can’t sleep, replaying her and Beau’s encounter on the Ferris wheel. She wonders if their fake engagement has actually worsened her reputation in town by giving her more visibility. She’s also restless because Beau dropped her off after the fair and hasn’t been home since.

Just before 2:00 am, Beau comes into Bailey’s room, holding her stuffed horse. He borrowed craft supplies from Willa to stitch up a hole in it. Moved, Bailey starts crying and hugs Beau. Finally, she demands to know why they only kiss in public. Beau tries to maintain control of his feelings, but he gives in and passionately kisses Bailey before saying goodnight.

Bailey goes to a local salon for a job interview. When the woman realizes her last name, she insists she isn’t hiring. Bailey knows she is lying and leaves. Wandering around town afterward, she reflects on her circumstances, unsure what to do. She stops at the local café, where she runs into Willa. She invites Bailey to join her, Summer, and Sloane for coffee. Bailey finds herself opening up to them about her circumstances in town. She admits that she wants to leave Chestnut Springs and start over. She realizes her mistake when she remembers they all think she and Beau are engaged, but none of the women questions her dreams of moving to the city and dating Beau long-distance. Summer even offers Bailey a job at her gym when she learns that Bailey needs more work to save for her exit from town.

Beau is tired when Bailey texts him asking how men like women’s pubic hair to look. Suddenly aroused, Beau wonders if he should join Bailey across the hall in the bathroom or ignore her explicit messages. He finds himself wandering into the bathroom. They share an intimate moment, Beau reaching into the water and stroking Bailey’s thighs. Finally, he offers to help her shave.

Bailey is glad that Beau hasn’t left the bathroom but tries to control her arousal. She sits on the edge of the tub and lets Beau shave her. Then he performs oral sex, and she orgasms. Afterward, he tells her she is perfect.

Beau immediately retreats to his room after his bathroom encounter with Bailey. He wakes up in the middle of the night, unsure how to rationalize his feelings for Bailey. Then she appears at his door, apologizing for not coming in before 2:11. The two lie in bed together and talk about Beau’s injuries and recovery. Beau also opens up about going missing in action and how the experience has changed him. Finally, he admits that he wants to be a fireman. The two cuddle and fall asleep.

The next morning, Bailey wakes up without Beau next to her. He messages her, saying he had to go to the ranch, but she feels bothered about his absence. She reports to the gym to meet Summer about the new job and is officially hired on the spot.

That evening, Beau returns home and announces that he’s taking Bailey to the city for a night out. Bailey is excited and surprised. On the way, she muses on her and Beau’s dynamic, realizing that “nothing about any of it feels fake” (276).

Beau and Bailey visit a bar owned by Willa’s brother Ford. They spend the night dancing. Beau is moved by how different Bailey is in this new setting and realizes she has to get out of Chestnut Springs to be herself. They share an intimate moment while dancing. Beau realizes he’d do anything to make Bailey happy.

Beau and Bailey brush their teeth together before retreating to Bailey’s room. They pull out Bailey’s sex toys and masturbate together. They kiss, too. Beau isn’t sure they should be going this far but is thrilled to be with Bailey. After they both orgasm, Beau admits that he is “hung up on” Bailey (305); she reciprocates the sentiment.

The next day, Beau goes to see Jasper. On the way, he replays the events of the night before, unsure what to do and hopeful Jasper can advise him on his and Bailey’s relationship. When the friends meet up, Beau admits that he has feelings for Bailey. Jasper urges him to tell Bailey the truth because he deserves to be happy. He compares Beau’s situation to his relationship with Sloane, insisting he would have regretted hiding his feelings if he had never professed his love.