“So lay off me then,” I say, smirk fixed firmly in place. “Work comes first. I’ll get to poker here soon.”
Lennox chooses that moment to walk up. Thank God. I don’t want to think about the reasons I’ve been skipping our poker games.
“Burger or brat?” I ask her.
“Brat. Easier to eat.” Her cheeks are pink and a happy smile rests on her face.
“Having fun?”
“Yeah. I was talking to Chase and Rylee, and Chase is going to help me out with a job at The Dusty Spur until I can find something full-time. Might even let me help with some marketing there.”
“That’s great.”
“Maybe it’ll give me some good experience.”
“I hope so.”
She darts back off to join the girls, and it makes me happy that they’re getting along. All of them have their heads together, talking about something.
I want Lennox to be a part of something. I wantthis—cookouts and family gatherings—to be our new normal. If only I could do it with Joey at my side.
I look at my friends, all shooting the shit, while I sip my beer.
I doubt I would still get this if I talked to Greg about dating his daughter. I can’t even imagine how that would go. He’d likely castrate me on the spot.
Until then, it’s going to be stolen nights and quick kisses in the kitchen so no one catches us.
I only pray that one day we’ll get a chance to be together.
For real.
Chapter Twenty-Six
SAM
Icould not be more excited for today. My first real day off in months. Not anI shifted my schedule around and have a few hours freebut a real day off.
No one to come calling and ask about guests or which trails they should take people out on.
Just me and a glass of bourbon on my back patio enjoying the sunshine. While waiting on Joey to get here.
Even though she works the late shift tonight, we’re able to steal a few hours together since Max is at school and her mom is picking him up.
It’s like my thoughts bring her to me as she walks around the house.
“There you are,” she says, her smile bright. “I was knocking and you didn’t answer.”
I hold a hand out to her as she closes the distance between the two of us. I pull her onto my lap and greet her with a kiss.
“Enjoying the days while I can.”
“You know what would be even better than this?” She wraps her arms around my neck.
“What’s that?”
“Curling up in front of your fireplace on a snowy day.”
“Mmm.” I drag my nose along her jaw. “That does sound pretty fucking good.”
