Another casual sip with no response.
Noah stretches an arm between us, lifting his drink. “Course he knows.Hiswife tells him where she’s going.”
“Girlfriend. And she only tells me because she knows I’ll always find her.”
Least shewantsto be found—even if she pretends not to. Willow made it painfully clear she doesn’t want me coming for her. And that’s fine. I’m not about spying or keeping her from doing something she loves. But then I think of Rose’s first night on the town—and Ricky Callahan slipping his arm around her and offering her his smoked sausages.
And it doesn’t sit right with me. Leaving her to fend for herself in a town that works nothing like the one she’s from.
“Tell me where they are.” I say calmly, but there’s a bite in my undertone my brother wouldn’t miss.
He chuckles. “I would, but something tells me you’re about to change that thought toWillow who?”
Unlikely.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” A female voice comes over the microphone. “It is averyspecial night.”
I flick my eyes over to the vaguely familiar blonde on stage. “Just tell me.”
“You’re not married yet, now let it go.”
“Y’all know what I’m talking about,Dallas Thorneis getting married next week, folks. So my girls and I are here to give him something special.”
I clench my teeth. “I’m leaving.”
Two other women bounce up on stage with a mix of joy and sex appeal, working up the crowd—who cheer them on. Theme dancers—not strippers. All in matching fringe jeans, sports bras, boots, and cowgirl hats. The blonde one comes up to me and takes my hand, leading me to a chair—I’m too busy registering her face to resist.
“Laurie,” I say as I remember her. We had a minor stint right before I met Millie. Barely remember it or why we broke up. But .?.?. here she is. I move my head back, needing distance to take her in. “New gig?”
The dance isn’t erotic. It’s showier and meant to entertain.
Which is a relief.
She smirks, gripping my shoulders and sitting on my lap facing me, smelling like a sweet cocktail and perfume. “Special occasion.”
“Right.”
“Don’t worry.” She winks. “You can still catch me at the Blue Branch each night—except Saturdays.”
She doesn’t dance at the Blue Branch. Plays piano there, I think. Last time I was there, I got into a fight with Ricky Callahan. Our parents might’ve started the rivalry—but Ricky keeps it alive. Using anything and anyone he can to get to me.
Ever since he ripped two of our best cowboys from us this summer, Ricky’s been hanging out at the Branch instead of Bones—our usual spot.
Which is for the best—the less that evil man is around my family and crew, the better.
“Good to kn— Did you sayexcept Saturdays?”
“That’s right. You planning to visit me?”
I lift her off me and stand. “Thanks for the dance, Laurie. But I’ve got to run.”
She steps back. “You coming back?”
“Probably not.”
Wilder stops me halfway to the door, hand to my chest. “All right, all right. We pushed it with the dance. But it’s over now, will you come and finish that drink with me?”
“You let them go to the Branch? Really?”
