I glance at Ethan and catch him already staring.“That’s Summer,” I say.“She opened the new coffee shop in town.”
He doesn’t look away. His gaze is fixed, softer than usual.“She single?”
I study him for a second, noting the spark in his eyes.
“I think so,” I say carefully.“But she’s got a little girl.”
Ethan finally turns his head toward me, jaw tightening.“So?” he fires back, defensive.
“So,” I tell him evenly,“if you’re not planning to be serious with that girl, you better back off.”
He doesn’t answer, but I can see the thought flicker behind his eyes.
Over by the booth, Penny laughs at something Summer says, that easy, open laugh that turns heads without trying. She tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, leaning in as she orders her drink, and I swear the whole room fades.
In the weeks since they’ve come to town, Summer and Mia have fit right in. Penny too, though she doesn’t seem to know it yet. But watching her there, light catching in her hair, that spark in her smile… I’m already gone.
That little tilt of her head, the way she moves… it’s enough to make my hands twitch to touch her. I have to remind myself:Take it slow. Patience. Let her feel safe. Let her trust me first.
Then I notice them, a couple of men sliding into seats directly in front of Penny, leaning in like they own the place. Jed and Carl. Known womanizers.
“Looks like they’re aiming for your girl,” Ethan says behind me, grinning.
I smack his head.“Fuckers don’t know what they’re stepping into.” My gut tightens, jealousy flaring hot and fast.
I push away from the bar. Shoulders steady, eyes fixed. Can’t make a scene, not yet.Just… keep it cool, Casper.
I walk over to her booth and rest a hand lightly on her shoulder.
“Hey, Sunset,” I say, voice low, smooth, casual.
Her head snaps up, cheeks pink, damn if I don’t love that blush. I wonder how far I could push it without scaring her off.
“Hey, Cowboy,” she dares, flirtation present but still shy, still a little awkward. The corner of my mouth twitches. I love her dorky side.
“Hi, Summer,” I greet, then glance at the men at the other table. My look says it all,she’s mine. They nod once and look away.
Ethan laughs at the bar, elbowing Dex.“Hawthorne hard fall, boys! Watch the eldest go dooooown.”
I ignore them, focusing on Penny. The rest of the world melts away, the music, the boots, the chatter, all irrelevant as I take in the way she looks at me now, flustered and laughing under the bar's lights.
“Girls’night?” I ask, keeping my voice low enough that only she can hear.
“Thursday beer and fun,” Penny replies, making Summer laugh out loud.“Is that what we’re calling this?”
She straightens, chin lifted, slowly showing her colors again.“It is,” she says.
I smile, letting the warmth spread through my chest. She’s opening up again, letting herself be seen, and it makes me want to do everything right by her.
“Well then, I’ll leave you to it, have fun, ladies,” I say, giving them my best smile before retreating back to my brothers, who are laughing and pointing at me.
“Fuckers are a pain in my ass,” I mutter, taking a slow sip of beer, feeling the bar’s warmth against my skin.
Dex leans back, thinking out loud.“What was it Dad always says? Oh, right.” He grins.“When Hawthorne men meet their one…”
They all chime in together, loud and proud,“They fall hard, deep, and fast!”
I growl, turning to watch Penny some more. She’s smiling at Summer, relaxed, letting herself enjoy the moment. I want to make her laugh like that every day, tease her, keep her on her toes.
