Fire races through me.
I used to have a hell of a crush on this man before I married Chris.
Maybe even a lingering one through the years.
But after Ava died, most of the Baileys left town, and I lost touch with Eli.
He looks even better now with a few years on him.
My cheeks heat up. “Thank you. Where have you been? What brings you through?”
I should pull my arm away.
Except he holds me firmly. “Passing through. Rosalyn found a horse she insisted on buying, so I’m heading to pick it up.”
“She rides?” It’s still hard to think of her as grown.
When he nods, his piercing dark eyes stay fixed on me. “Very well. Maybe even better than Ava.” His voice trails off and finally releases me to straighten.
“I find that hard to believe. Wasn’t she some fancy champion?” I don’t think she did rodeos like Sophia.
Ava did the English shows and jumping. Complete with the short white pants and tall boots.
Eli’s mouth purses, revealing the dimple I used to dream about.
“Three times before she quit.” A cold tinge works into his gaze.
I know why she called it off, the same reason so many of us end our dreams.
A man.
And then Cade McCullough killed her.
Eli shakes his head, then forces a fresh smile. “I don’t have long, I’m trying to hit Missoula before nightfall. But I justhadto stop by after Rosalyn said you reached out. Tell me—” He leans his broad shoulders closer, propping one elbow on the bar. “—would you be available for dinner when I come back by?”
My heart races.
Sawyer has so much of my attention.
Eli is a fantasy.
But he’s right in front of me.
“I’m not sure,” I falter. There’s a part of me that drifts to the past.
Eli stood up for me once against Chris. It’s difficult to forget that.
“Are you single?” Eli’s brows raise as he watches me. “You aren’t wearing a ring.”
“Well—”
“No white picket fences and a pack of feral kids?” His smirk brings out a mischievous glint.
I can’t hold back a throaty laugh. “Oh, hell no.”
“For old time’s sake, then. I mean, you have to eat, right?” His bright grin is infectious. “I haven’t seen you in years, what’s one meal between friends?”
“That’s true.” I’ve never been able to say “no” to him. “Okay, I’ll be off on Monday.”
