We all glance over at him in unison, and just as we do, he looks over at us again, tipping the front of his hat toward us. I think my ovaries just exploded, and I’ve always hated that term. Now I knowexactlyhow it feels. It’s also pretty damned obvious we’re talking about him, too.
“Oh, Bails.” JB actually cradles her forehead in her palm.
“I know,” Sadie agrees. “I don’t know what we’re going to do with her.”
And here I was thinking I was doing the right thing. So much for bestie solidarity.
CHAPTER 4
Brett
I try not to scarf down my burger, especially while I know Bailey and her friends are looking over here, but she wasn’t kidding; it’s the best burger I’ve ever had in my entire life. Holy cow.
Since I don’t know anyone around here, aside from my buddy Jed—he’s the one who suggested I come here for an extended stay—it’s sure nice to talk to Miss Cowboy Boots Bailey.
At first I wasn’t sure about Jed’s suggestion of coming here for an extended stay, but I’m glad I’m here. Alpine Falls might just be what the doctor ordered.
Despite what some may say about me back home, I’m not a man about town. Well, maybe back in my heyday, but that was so long ago I can barely remember. These days? I’m a one woman at a time kinda guy, though there hasn’t been any women for the last year.
Straightening out my bonfire of a life has taken me a long time. You could say Alpine Falls is like sweet therapy for me. I’m not used to anybody giving a shit. I love it.
I’ve never been able to sit in a bar and watch the game by myself, enjoy a beer and a meal for… well, never. Nobody bothers me here. Nobody cares. I could seriously get used to this.
I take another long pull on my beer, glancing across the room again. To my disappointment, Bailey’s table is vacant. Damn it. That fine woman did a number on me with that sure as shit attitude and sexy boots to match. I palm the back of my head. It’s just as well. Having another relationship, even a year on, am I even ready for that? I always pictured my life being different at thirty-eight. I thought I’d be settled. Married. Maybe a couple of kids. A dog, maybe a goat, and some ducks.Fuck.I really am pathetic. I may have a big ol’ house back in Nashville and a fancy car or two, but I’ve never been much into materialistic shit. The perks of having money are nice, but the old saying about it not buying you happiness has never been more true.
Jed had to work late, hence why I’m here alone, but I’ll catch up with him tomorrow on the farm. This is only day two, and though this isn’t a large town, there’s a shit ton to do.
The warmer weather is well on its way, not that I mind the cooler months either. Wyoming is hardcore in the winter, according to Jed. This town can be snowed in for a week when a storm brews, not that that’s gonna happen in March.
“So, my friends insisted I say thank you on their behalf,” I hear from behind me. I turn just as my heart leaps in my chest. It’s Bailey, her eyes slightly guarded, but there’s amusement on her face, her mouth soft and not as pouty as before.
A shit-eating grin spreads across my face.Well, well.
“Oh? And where did they disappear to?”
“Apparently three’s a crowd, and four is… heck, I don’t know,” she sighs, sitting down on the stool next to me. “And you really should try the cherry pie before you leave town.”
I try not to glance at her cherry colored lips and wonder how they taste.Cool it, bozo. Don’t scare off the only person you know aside from your buddy.
I don’t know if it’s her way of asking if I’m staying in town, or if I’m only blowing in, but I answer honestly. “I’m here for an extended period. I don’t know how long that will be.”
“So, what brings you all the way out to Alpine Falls for anextended period?”
I don’t want to be dishonest, but I also value my privacy. Not that she knows who I am, clearly. I think the beard and growing my hair longer certainly helped with that. “I needed a change of scenery. ‘Blow the stink off,’ as we say back home. Plus, it’s quiet here, I have no quiet in my life back home. Figurin’ stuff out is better when you’re out of the situation.”
Back home. Should I even be calling it that?
“So you’re here to work things out? I get that. Was it a bad breakup?”
Wow, this chick is really forward, and I don’t mind it one bit. I wouldn’t say I’m an open book, not to people I don’t know, but I feel strangely comfortable with her.
I rub my chin with one hand, my lips fighting a smile. “Nope,” I pop the ‘p’, something I seem to be doing on the regular around her. “I just had a lot of life stuff go wrong. Luckily, an ex wasn’t one of those things.”
“Huh.”
I think she’s trying to figure me out, and that is kinda cute. “Does that surprise you?”
“That you haven’t left a trail of heartbroken women in your wake?” She shrugs. “Sure.”
