Theo straightens up, giving Lacey one of his signature smirks that make the women go mad for him. “I knew I liked you, Lacey darling,” he says so smoothly, yet now that the initial shock of being in front of a legend like Theo is gone, his attempt at seduction has no effect on the woman.
Beau scoffs at Theo’s obvious flirting, making the rest of us laugh. “Looks like you lost your charm,” he mocks.
Theo shrugs his shoulders. “Maybe it’s the bourbon. Seems the alcohol’s gone to your brain, Ms. Lane.”
Lacey shakes her head, laughing. “Sorry to say, Theo, you’re just not my type.”
“I’m everyone’s type,” Theo pouts, causing the laughter to echo through the room.
“I’m more of a simple gal, really. Don’t need the flashy status or sultry southern charm. I prefer a more reserved gentleman. Someone who’s serious and determined. A family man since I have my Lainey to think about.”
“Sounds to me like you’re describing Beau,” Bailey says, and that causes all of us to turn our heads and look at Beau, whose expression gives nothing away.
“He’ll definitely need to let loose and have a little fun,” Lacey adds, raising her brow at the brooding man whose gaze is locked on hers.
“And yeah, never mind,” Bailey laughs. Beau isn’t the type to relax and have fun, but my half-brother seems to be unusually serious these days. Not to blame him, he’s got a lot to work through.
“And maybe Billie can even do her own performance at our tent. You know she loves some karaoke. Her singing at the CCC,” Bailey says, abbreviating the festival’s name the way locals do, “will be huge for her.”
Theo perks up suddenly, more invested in the conversation. “Since when is Billie Cole interested in pursuing a music career?” The question comes off a bit more serious than I’m sure he intended.
Bailey smiles, glad someone’s showing interest. “Since we’ve pushed her to follow her passion. She’s incredible, you know that, and I feel like she could do great if she believed in herself.”
Theo scoffs, “Why hasn’t she asked me for help? Did she suddenly forget who I am and the connections I can give her?”
Bailey rolls her eyes, though I don’t think Theo meant it in a way to show his ego.
“Maybe she wants to do it on her own,” Lacey chimes in. “I’d understand her. The number of people, men particularly, I’ve dealt with who think I don’t deserve any of this because my daddy gave it to me, would make you sick.”
Theo ignores Lacey’s reasoning. “She’s stupid if she tries to make it on her own when I’m right here. At least I can get her in contact with a producer. How is she going to snag a record deal without a demo?”
“Maybe you can bring her in on a song. A duet like the one you guys sang together on New Year’s Eve.” Theo’s brows furrow at the thought, and he’s quick to change the conversation. I was there that night, and the song they sang right before midnight, the one I slow danced to with Monroe, proved the amount of chemistry those two would have if they worked on a duet together.
I get a feeling Billie hasn’t reached out because she’s not his biggest fan, and something about Theo’s mood shift at the mention of her makes me think there’s something we’re not understanding about their dynamic.
Nash clears his throat from his spot leaning against the bar. One arm is around Bailey, the other holding his fourth glass of bourbon. “So tell me,” he says, swirling his glass. Any other man would be slurring his words by now, but not Nash. The man is made of steel.
“What makes Jameson King think he’s worthy of being with my little sister?”
The question comes off strong, but I know he’s just a brother protecting his sister, much like I tried to do when I realized he was interested in pursuing something with Bailey.
“Nash,” Bailey interjects, shoving him slightly, not like she’s angry but annoyed. “You said you wouldn’t.”
I don’t hesitate though, although he and my sister clearly spoke about not bringing the topic up. It’s essentially why we’re here, to prove to them there’s no one better for them. I want to say it’s the same thing that makes Nash Bishop think he’s worthy of being with my little sister, but that won’t solve anything. So, I chose the truth.
“Because I want to. And because she deserves someone who won’t walk away.”
Silence stretches for a beat, because yeah, I went there even though we’d agreed to move on. The Bishop brothers all left town, Nash included, and left Monroe to figure things out on her own. Sure, she had Monty and her best friend’s but it’s not the same as having your brothers to lean on.
Nash studies me, while Beau and Theo exchange a telling look, but it’s Monty’s grin that fades into something close to respect that I grasp onto. Even Lacey’s looking around nervously, pretending she isn’t too engrossed in the tension between the men in the room.
Finally, Nash smirks, not acknowledging my answer as he holds up his glass in a toast. “To some wicked bourbon.”
The room breaks out in laughter, and I can’t help but let out a sharp exhale. Glasses clink as each of the Bishops pat me on the back. “You fuck shit up, King,” Monty says, his grip on my shoulder tightening. “Good bourbon won’t be enough.”
It wasn’t a full surrender, or acceptance of us, but it’s a start and right now I’ll take what I can get. The more Bishops on my side, the better. Now if only I can convince them to help me with the next step—getting the woman to marry me.
Two hours later, and we’re still gathered around the bar, all engrossed in side conversations and munching on the finger foods I set out. Lacey and I have talked about our big plans for this collaboration, and I’ve even made a few suggestions I think will definitely help her establish her position within her company. Bailey’s joined us, and while she and Lacey make plans for a girls night, my eyes find Nash hanging by the bar, not as enthralled in the conversations of his brothers beside him. He looks like he has a lot on his mind, and I don’t blame him.
