Her laugh rings out like silver bells, each peal sending a shot of dopamine through me. It’s a high I feel oddly eager to chase.
A quick round of applause snatches our attention away and I realise a few of the singles were watching me make Cherry’s drink, now clapping to appreciate the entertainment, even if the show wasn’t meant for them. It makes me remember where we are. That this is a speed dating event basically created for Cherry to find someone.
I push out a quick smile of gratitude to the people who clapped, then shove Cherry’s drink in front of her, adding on, ‘Enjoy the rest of your dates, Baby Hensley.’
Maybe I was the one to put that light back in her eyes, but I’ve also stamped it out just as quickly.
I’ve relegated myself to my office to do God knows what, but anything other than watching Cherry on her dates. After sending her off with her drink to mingle with the others – exactly what she should have been doing, as opposed to hiding out at the bar with me – Cherry’s expression dropped and stayed like that as she sat downfor her next round of dates. If I thought she looked bored before, well … I wouldn’t want to be the guy sat opposite her now.
I’ve just about tidied everything up in here that I can, the monotonous activity of cleaning and sorting out my office helping to calm my thoughts. Given that I’ve left Jeb behind the bar alone for a while, I should probably head back out to give him some company. Flickering neon signs greet me as I head back out, and once I reach the bar, I chance a glance at Cherry’s table where she’s now on a date with a guy that I used to play football with at high school – Reid Wells, who’s also the son of Cherry’s family doctor. He’s a good man – probably one of the only people Wyatt knows in Willow Ridge who he’d be okay with dating his little sister. Though, if Cherry’s attitude to any of her other dates is anything to go off, she’s likely just as bored with this one.
Except … she’s not.
She’s laughing. Full on giggling like a schoolgirl as she talks with Reid. She’s even biting her goddamn lip. I’ve only ever seen her do that around me.
I grip the edge of the bar tight, counting down the remaining minutes as I watch them, noticing how Cherry hasn’t glanced away once. Every bit of her attention is focused on Reid, wonder sparking in her eyes like it was when she watched me.
The ring of the bell is fucking music to my ears.
Reid brushes his hand over Cherry’s as they say goodbye, my jaw immediately tightening at the sight. Jesus, I need to get a grip.
Opportunity pings in my mind though when I see thenext person to sit down with Cherry is Flynn – Wyatt’s ranch hand. I’ve barely even considered the idea before my legs are whisking me over to their table.
‘Hey, man.’ I place my hand on Flynn’s shoulder, and he turns, shooting me a smile. ‘I’m afraid I have strict instructions from Wyatt to make sure none of his ranchers go on a date with Cherry, so how do you fancy swapping? Jeb will teach you how to throw some drinks about.’
It’s a long shot, given that I didn’t intervene when Cherry sat down with Josh for her first date, but Flynn doesn’t even consider that, his face lighting up as soon as I said the wordthrow. He’s up and out of his seat with ahell yeah,racing over to the bar. I watch as he explains the situation to Jeb, who just rolls his eyes at me, but humours the kid, grabbing some shakers.
‘What are you doing?’ Cherry rears back in her seat as I settle into mine, trying to ignore the countless glances that have been thrown our way.
‘Giving you a break. You looked a bit fed up. Can’t I help a friend out?’
She sucks her teeth, eyes narrowing at me. Then, she announces, particularly loudly, as if to make sure Reid hears from the other table, ‘I actually really enjoyed my last date.’
‘That’s good,’ I grit out, a long silence following.
Cherry crosses her arms. ‘Well, if you’re going to interrupt one of my dates, you can at least make conversation. Dale Callaway might have insulted me, but hetriedto talk to me.’
My bottom lip drops at her sudden attitude – a side of her I’m not used to. ‘I can do that.’
‘It’ll probably require more than four words.’
‘Wow.’ I smother my laugh, rubbing my hand across my stubble. ‘Clearly ticking these items off your bucket list has done wonders for your confidence already.’
I relish how hard she tries to bite back her emerging smile –bingo, that’s what I’m here for. Within seconds, her straight shoulders have relaxed, and she leans towards me on the table. ‘I think it’s going to take a lot more than doing a few things to feel stronger, but … well, I did do a pole dancing class with Montana this week and that made me feel pretty good. So maybe it’s helping a bit.’
Fuck. Ireallydid not need to know that.
Wyatt’s little sister, I remind myself over and over in my head, closing my eyes for a second to push any images out of my mind. I just nod, unsure if I can string any words together.
Oblivious to the effect that has had on me, Cherry continues, ‘But it hasn’t translated into dating yet. Like I said, I’m terrible with guys. I never know what to say or if I do talk I just babble. You know me.’
It makes no sense to me – because how hasn’t she had guys throwing themselves at her when she looks the way she does with those dark, enchanting eyes and cherry-red, heart-shaped lips? When her laugh is a melody I’d happily listen to on repeat?
I furrow my brow. ‘You talk easily to me.’
‘Yeah, well …’ A faint blush rises into Cherry’s cheeks, as she glances down at the table. The silence that hovers between us when her eyes flick back up to catch mine is electrified. Her tongue darts out to wet her lips beforeshe admits, ‘This is by far the best date I’ve had all night, anyway. It’s … easy.’
My mouth opens to reply,this isn’t a date, on the tip of my tongue, but nothing comes out. Not when she’s looking at me with hope glistening so intensely in her eyes—
