“Hot man in uniform?” she asks with her brows raised.
“Oh! Didn’t Jade tell you? She and Sheriff Donovan are getting down together, if you catch my drift,” Mrs. Ira tells her, waggling her brows over her glasses.
The table of ladies lets out a chorus of “awes” and “about times” and I fiddle with the edge of my apron, wishing the floor would swallow me whole.
Sarah pins me with a look and crosses her arms. “Hmm. No, Mrs. Ira. She must have forgotten to mention it.”
I shrink under her glare and continue on with my bucket of water when Sarah follows me to the back.
“All right, spill. Please, for the love of all things, tell me you got laid last night.”
“Sarah.” I flush, looking around even though I know no one can hear us.
“Well? Was it good? Is he big?” she asks, jumping onto the counter and swinging her legs. “Those arms of his are huge. I can only imagine he’s packing some serious heat. And I’m not talking about his gun.” She giggles, and my face feels like it’s on fire.
“He only came over for dinner last night, that was it. And then he came back this morning to give me a ride into town. That’s all. Nothing happened,” I relay.
“Okay. So, how was dinner then? What did you guys do?”
“We just ordered some pizza and sat out on the patio. It was nice.”
“Soo, are you going to see him again? Any plans to get down with it, as Mrs. Ira would say?” She lets out a cackle, and I just shake my head. “I think this is really great. I know that Mason, or whatever his name was, really messed you up back in college. Not that you’ve ever actually shared those details,” she says, taking a break to glare at me. “But I’m glad you’re giving West a chance.”
The last time I had a boyfriend didn’t really go well. In fact, any time I’ve had a boyfriend it hasn’t ended well. Maybe I’m cursed. Mason was the first person I got close enough with to try being intimate with after my attack, and he told me my scars were a turn off. I broke up with him and haven’t dated or let anyone get close since. I can’t take that kind of criticism again. My scars are permanent and a part of me. There’s nothing I can do about them. Some days, it’s still hard to look in the mirror.
“Sarah, we literally just started talking. Slow down and give it time. I’m really enjoying getting to know him, so I’m not opposed to seeing where things go, but let’s not rush or have any expectations. But, to answer your question, yes. We actually have plans to go to the fair together next weekend,” I tell her, glad I can at least give her something.
“Oh. That’s exciting! Speaking of Donovan’s, guess who I had the unfortunate fate of running into this morning at The Tack while I was getting stuff for my grandpa.”
“Hmm. It couldn’t have been a certain young cowboy, now could it?” I tease her, jumping up onto the counter next to her.
“More like a cocky pain in the ass, cowboy,” she sneers. “I want to throttle that man. He acts like women will just fall at his feet, has no regard for personal space, and he’s always in the goddamn way. His ego is also revolting.”
“Anything else?” I ask, trying to hide a grin.
“He still has his black eyes, so that made it a little better.” She laughs.
I think of the story West told me this morning and decide to ask her about it.
“Speaking of Hayes,” I start, watching her carefully. “I heard a story about you two.”
Her eyes slit, and her lips purse. “And what story would that be?”
“That you’ve been arrested.” I giggle, and her eyes pop.
“That was a long time ago! I was just a kid. Besides, who told you about that anyways?” she asks, crossing her arms.
“West may have told me this morning.” I smile, making her eyes roll.
“Nothing stays quiet or buried in this damn town, I swear,” she grumbles.
“He also mentioned that Hayes said that was the night he fell in love with you,” I add softly.
“Can we please not talk about Hayes anymore. It’s in the past.”
“I don’t know, Sarah. I’m just trying to understand. I’m not sure why you rag on him so much. I get that he broke your heart, but that was what? Ten years ago? Don’t you think it’s time to let it go?” I ask cautiously. “Oh, I know! I’ll give you some advice that you would probably give me if rolls were reversed. Why don’t you try sleeping with him?” I stick my tongue out at her. “Maybe you just need to get it out of your system. A good hate bang.” I laugh, bumping her shoulder.
“I’m appalled you would even suggest that. Although, if it was anyone other than Hayes, I would take a good hate bang into consideration. That could be fun.” She giggles, tossing her long locks over her shoulder.
