“Thanks,” I murmur, though my pulse jumps.
I can feel eyes on me, a quiet pull that makes my chest tighten. When I glance toward the bar, I spot the Hawthorne brothers already there.
Ethan catches my gaze first. His black button-up shirt stretches across his chest, sleeves rolled up, forearms dusted with stubble and muscle. His green eyes, sharp, knowing, lock on mine. His black Stetson frames his face perfectly, the shadow making him look both dangerous and amused.
When he smirks, it’s slow, deliberate, like he knows exactly what he’s doing.
We settle into our seats, but I can feel his gaze long before he moves.
Then he’s there, standing beside our table.
“Hello, ladies.”
“Hey, big bro, you ready to sing a song tonight?” Grace teases, grinning.
“I have the perfect song for you,” she adds, wiggling her eyebrows.
Ethan groans.“Please don’t.” Then he turns to me.
“You look beautiful tonight, Summer.” His eyes drift down, then back up, deliberate, appreciative.
My throat tightens.“Thanks,” I say, my voice coming out hoarse.
A sudden“Yeehaw!” cuts through the noise, and all heads turn toward the door.
Jace strides in like he owns the place, two girls trailing behind him.
“Jace?” Cas laughs, shaking his head. Ethan’s groan is more of a smile.
“What are you doing here?” Ethan asks as they exchange back-slapping hugs.
“Had some days off. Decided to see what y’all were up to.” Jace grins, swagger in every step.
He spots our table.“Baby sister!” He pulls Grace into a hug before his eyes land on Cassie, and for a split second, he freezes. His expression flickers, surprise quickly masked by that trademark smirk.
“Cassandra! You clean up well.”
Cassie’s cheeks flare pink, but she stands tall.“Hello, Jace.”
“That blush for me?” he teases, grinning wider when she looks away.
“Ah, my future sister-in-law!” Jace turns to Penny, taking her hand and bowing dramatically to kiss it.
“Hands off,” Cas growls, but laughter follows behind it.
Jace only grins wider before turning to me.“Summer?” His eyes narrow with recognition.“You the gorgeous lady I saw at my parents ranch at thanksgiving, the one that made those delicious scones?”
I nod, smiling.“That would be me.”
He steps closer, takes my hand, and presses a kiss to it.“I love that dress on you.”
Before I can answer, Ethan grips his shoulder and practically yanks him back.
“Tone it down, Casanova.”
Jace looks between us, smirk deepening.“Ooooh, now I see it.”
He grins at me.“Summer, I’d love to dance with you later.”
