Aftyn tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’mglad you stopped by. I can’t remember the last time I went out.”
Her heart fluttered at the thought, not just a night out, but one with Cole. She smoothed her blouse and tried to ignore the warmth spreading through her chest whenever he was near. She shouldn’t be thinking such things. But there was something about his broad shoulders and the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled. And beyond the good looks, she kept coming back to the memory of him helping with her car, making sure she had something to eat. She wondered how many others would have done that. Then again, Clifton kept surprising her.
“I had a long day and nothing appealing in the fridge,” he said. “Figured I’d grab a burger at the diner and maybe swing by Dewey’s for a cold beer.”
“Is it a nice place?” she asked, imagining a cozy wood-paneled room filled with laughter.
He chuckled. “It’s the only place in town, but yeah, it’s great. I don’t get there as often as I’d like. Hard to feel social after wrestling a horse all day. But it’s a good crowd and the band never disappoints.”
“Do you dance?” She bit her lower lip, watching his reaction.
“Slow only.” He shook his head. “You won’t catch me out there in a line dance.”
“Well, I might join a line dance, or two, if you don’t mind.” Her fingers fidgeted with a button on her blouse.
“Go for it.” His eyes lingered on hers. “You’re there to have fun.”
“I can’t wait,” she said, laughing.
When Cole turned into the dusty lot, the music was already spilling through the walls, each thump of the bass matching the flutter in her chest. Heeased into a slot and cut the engine.
“I can hear the band,” Aftyn said, unbuckling her seatbelt.
“Hope we find a couple of seats.” He swung his door open and stepped out. Aftyn hopped down, the late-evening air still hot against her skin.
He took her hand and led her across the lot to two massive wooden doors, their planks worn smooth by years of use. Cole cracked one open and nodded for her to go first.
Inside, the bar smelled of leather, whiskey, and sweat. Dim lights cast long shadows across scarred floorboards. Every man wore a cowboy hat tilted low, faded denim or a snug T-shirt, boots scuffing as they leaned into pool tables just beyond the stage. A four-piece band blasted a fast country number, dancers’ boots striking the floor in time to the relentless beat.
“Let’s see about those barstools.” Cole gave her hand a squeeze that sent a thrill to her toes.
They wove between clusters of laughing patrons until they reached the varnished bar, its front lined with a brass footrail. Cole slid two stools toward them and Aftyn perched on one.
A woman with red hair appeared behind the bar, polishing a pint glass, green eyes lighting up. “Cole! Haven’t seen you in a while.”
“Siobhan.” He leaned in. “Great to see you. Whatever you have on tap for me.”
He raised an eyebrow at Aftyn.
“White wine, please.”
“Coming right up.” Siobhan set down the glass and turned to pull his beer.
Aftyn watched her go. “She’s really pretty.”
“Married to a good friend.” Cole chuckled. “Liam’s probably on his way.”
Siobhan returned moments later with a slender glass of wine and a frothy amber pint, then came back with his change. Cole waved it off. “Let one of us know if you need anything.”
“Thanks. Oh, this is Aftyn Hutchins.”
Siobhan extended her hand. “Siobhan Flynn. Nice to meet you.”
“Lovely to meet you.” Aftyn shook it. “And what a beautiful name.”
Siobhan laughed. “Thanks. Same to you.”
“Is Liam here?” Cole asked.
