“I was wondering if you’ve managed to get Ellie to go on a date with you,” Cooper said as he was making his sandwich.”
Becket took a sip from his beer.“Tried.Got shot down.”
“Really?That was not the vibe I got from her.”
“What do you mean?”
Cooper grinned.“Nah, not saying any more.You’re used to women falling all over themselves to get to you.For Ellie, you’ll have to work harder.”
“So, what do I do?”
“Look, I’m the last one who should be giving out relationship advice, I know; I’m not interested in ever getting married…”
“Neither am I.I like women…”
Cooper chuckled.“I think everyone in town knows that.”
“But I’m not interested in anything more, either.”
“So, what do you want with Ellie?She’s not the type of woman you date a few times and then ghost; surely you know that?”
Fed up, Becket looked at his brother.He knew that, damn it.It didn’t seem to keep her from being constantly on his mind.“You have a thing for Ellie?”
Cooper shrugged.“I like her, sure, but not in the way you’re suggesting.She’s been hurt and she’s wary of men.My advice is, if you’re not thinking long term, stay away.”
“You heard what she said.She’s only here temporarily, remember?”
When they had finished their sandwiches and beer, Cooper got up.“I know what she said.What I can tell you is that she could be persuaded to stay, but she’d need a good reason.”
“Another beer?Or coffee?”Becket asked.“A good reason like…?”
“Yes to coffee, thanks.A good reason like someone who would make herwantto stay.Someone who would love her the way she needs to be loved.”
Frowning, Becket turned away to make the coffee while Cooper cleaned the table.Love?Nobody was talking about love, why was Coop raising it?
When Becket turned around with the mugs, Cooper was standing at his desk, one of the illustrations Becket had finished earlier in his hands.With his heart in his throat, Becket waited.
Cooper looked at him.“These are good.”
“Thanks.”
“They’re not about the dogs.”
“The dogs are there.”
“But it’s notaboutthem,” Cooper said, picking up another sketch.“These are all about a blonde.The cartoon figure is unmistakably Ellie, isn’t it?.Are you going to put them up on Instagram?”
Becket chuckled.“I didn’t even know you knew about Instagram.”
“Just because I’m not on social media, doesn’t mean I don’t know about it.Willow mentioned in passing that was where you’re posting your sketches, so I had to check it out.Why don’t you talk about it?”
Becket shrugged.“It’s no big deal.”
“It is a big deal, bro.You should tell Hayden.And use your own name.You should be so proud of what you’re doing.”He put the sketches down.“And maybe you should rethink your ideas on getting married.”
For a moment Becket considered telling his brother that the guilt he felt about Walker’s death would never allow him to be happy, but then he grinned, because they’d become way too serious for his piece of mind.“With so many pretty girls around?”
Shaking his head, Cooper headed for the front door.“For a moment there, I had a conversation with the real Becket Weston.See you tomorrow at lunch.Willow’s driving, if you want a lift to Mom’s.”
