Or more like I choose to live in denial that I could very easily love her.
Instead of saying any of that, I focus on the second part what he said.
“A goat?”
“Don’t ask.”
I grin. “Well, she thinks the rodeo will help put us back on the right track and it’ll give the town a boost too.”
“She’s right about that. All anyone who comes into the clinic talks about is how great it’s going to be. I think you might have single-handedly saved the pizza parlor too by having them supply the food.”
At least I can feel good about that, I guess.
We have two major food vendors—the pizzeria and the bar, which will be offering barbeque options.
Hazel will also be there with coffee and baked goods.
All in all, it’ll be good for my friends as well.
“I know I’m a transplant Ember Falls resident, but I do love this town and I’m glad they’re all excited.”
He claps me on the back. “You’re a good man, Killian Thorn.”
“I appreciate that.”
“Before I forget, Violet asked if you and Tessa wanted to come over for dinner.”
I pause, absorbing that. “I can ask her, but we’re not together. You know that, right?”
“Sure you’re not.”
“We’re not.”
Maybe if I say it enough, I’ll actually believe it.
“So, you just took her to Marge’s for…what?” Everett asks.
I took her for a date because she deserved to have one. I have no idea when she goes back to New York if she’ll meet someone or stay single. Giving her that night was what I needed to do.
I had to know that, at least once, a man put her above his own selfish wants.
“Dinner.”
He laughs as he brings the bottle to his mouth. “Sure. Whatever you say. Just like Lachlan wasn’t in love with Ainsley and their relationship wasn’t serious. Then there’s Miles and Penelope who absolutely weren’t together, it was just friendship. Or take me and Violet. We had no plans of being anything, since she was going through her divorce. That didn’t pan out—thank God.”
All of those situations were different. Lachlan had feelings for Ainsley, whether he ever wanted to admit it or not. Penelope had a lot of baggage and was just scared, but she always knew she and Miles had something. Everett had been in love with Violet since they were kids. Of course they were full of shit.
Tessa and I don’t have that.
We had a one-night stand, discovered we have incredible chemistry, and now we’re…casual, even if I think about her all the fucking time.
“We’re different. Tessa lives in New York. I’m going back to Boston soon because I can’t afford to lose two businesses. I took her to dinner because we have to eat.”
Everett shakes his head. “All right. I believe you.”
He doesn’t.
He takes out his phone and starts to type, then my phone buzzes.
