“Things are pretty busy at the ranch.”
“Excuses, excuses.”
Sly took his shot and missed. He swore softly. “I missed that because I’m half starved to death.”
“As soon as I sink the eight ball, I’ll let you buy me that burger.” The remaining solid-color balls disappeared into the pockets. Dani eyeballed the table. “Eight ball, corner pocket.” After lining up the cue, she executed the shot perfectly. Her fists shot into the air. “Hot damn—I won!”
“You sure did, but I’ll beat you next time. I keep meaning to ask—how’s that guy you’re dating?”
“You mean Cal?” Her smile faded. “We broke up on Sunday.”
“Can’t say I’m sorry.” His sister seemed to gravitate toward men who treated her poorly. “You want me to punch him for you?” He was kidding, but if she wanted him to, he would.
“Absolutely not.” She made a face. “I’m a big girl, Sly. I can take care of myself. I just wish I could meet a guy and have something that lasted more than a couple of months.”
Sly hoped she found what she wanted. So far, she hadn’t had much luck. “You and I are alike that way—both of us suck at relationships.”
“Sad but true.” She gave him a somber look. “The difference between us is that I want to find someone, get married and have kids. You don’t.”
He shrugged. “I’m happy the way I am.”
“Well, I’m tired of going home to my apartment and cooking for one. It gets lonely.”
Another voice cut in—a lowlife named Paul. “Hey, Dani. Sly.”
He gave Dani a blatantly sexual look that made Sly see red. He managed a terse nod.
His sister perked up. “Down, big brother,” she murmured for his ears only. “Remember, I can take care of myself. Besides, I happen to have a little crush on that cowboy.” She tossed Paul a flirty smile. “Hi. What are you up to?”
“Lookin’ for you. Can I buy you a beer?”
Sly’s sister glanced at him “Rain check on that burger?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Not really. Hey, why don’t you come to Big Mama’s for lunch on Saturday, my treat.” She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek.
“But you won the game. I’m supposed to treat you.”
“Not when I’m standing you up for Paul. Leave me a big tip on Saturday and we’ll call it even.”
“If that’s how you want it.” Sly resisted the urge to tug on her ponytail again. “You want me to wait around and give you a ride home?”
“I’ll do that,” Paul said, giving her a winning smile.
“I’d appreciate it.” She took his arm and winked over her shoulder at Sly. “I’ll see you Saturday.”
Saturday morning, Lana and Sophie sat in a booth by the window in Big Mama’s Cafe. Locals and tourists loved the busy restaurant, which served great food and was always packed on weekends.
Big Mama’s Sinfully Satisfying Frittata, a favorite of Lana’s created by Big Mama herself, sat on the table in front of her, slowly growing cold. Having been up since dawn without eating a thing, she should’ve been famished. Instead, her stomach felt queasy. Nerves, and they showed. Usually, she had no problem meeting new people and making decent conversation, but sitting here with Sophie, she couldn’t come up with a single thing to say.
If only she were as calm as the girl, who was devouring her cheese-and-bacon omelet as if she hadn’t eaten in days. She looked just like her profile picture, and was on the thin side, with a lean, boyish shape...until you saw her slightly rounded belly. A snug pink Taylor Swift the Eras Tour T-shirt hugged her torso and emphasized her condition. At four months along, she definitely looked pregnant.
She stopped eating to shoot Lana a quizzical glance. “What are you smiling at?”
“When my sister was pregnant, she ate like you—as if she had hollow legs.”
“I’ve always eaten a lot, only I wasn’t fat before.”
