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She said she isn’t dating anyone, but is this why she came back home, to hook up with a Walker brother?
Sadie does her best to keep me company, but not even her brother Wade and his girlfriend Ari can improve my mood.
I went on a sort of date with Ari a week ago, before she’d started dating the high school principal. We learned quickly it was her mother’s trickery that brought us both to meet at the Beet & Barrel Café, otherwise sitting across from her right now would be more awkward than it already is—and that’s only because she and Wade seem to be competing on who can deliver the most PDA.
I’d obviously rather watch Juliet.
Still, I do what I can to help Sadie not regret bringing “the most boring person on the planet” as her date. But by the end of the meal, I’m spent.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly when the toasts start. Listening to praise after praise of the mayor and all he has done for the town has me constantly checking my eye rolls and grumbles.
The speeches aren’t wrong. He’s done everything for this town from the moment he was a rookie to right now, sitting at his table beside his daughter.
But what would people say if I got up and told them how the mayor arrested me for driving five over the speed limit? Or how he threatened to take my business license away because he thought I lied to obtain it?
Knowing this group, they’d still defend the illustrious Mr. Mayor—who wouldn’t hesitate to reveal all of my wrongdoings.
“Do you know Mr. Kade had to establish his own stables because no one would hire him due to his police record?”
That one is only partially true.
Still, it’s an ex-rodeo star’s word against a beloved sheriff and mayor, so I stay quiet, occupying my mind by counting the bubbles in my sparkling water until finally, the last of the speeches are delivered and dessert is prepped.
Sadie leaves to help oversee the cheesecake, so I’m left to make small talk with the others at my table. Ari and Wade are still laughing at their ridiculous actions, and I observe them for a minute before Juliet arrests my attention. She stands, then makes her rounds about the room, laughing, talking, and shaking hands with each individual.
Her handshake with me outside of her smoking car now makes sense. Yet another sign I somehow overlooked of her being the mayor’s daughter.
Little by little, she draws closer. Will she come to my table? Her date remains at theirs, speaking with the Mayor. Maybe they’ll keep talking so I can speak with Juliet.
I feel like a kid waiting for my turn to speak with Santa, only this bestower is more along the lines of an angel granting gorgeous smiles instead of presents.
I run my fingers through my hair. I should probably leave before my logic unravels, but she’s at my table now. She stands right behind Sadie’s empty seat, her elegant fingers on the back of it. I’d have to lean too far back in my chair to see her, so I keep my gaze on the yellow flower centerpiece.
“Are you all having a good time?” she asks.
Everyone responds in the affirmative, but I don’t say a word.
She answers a few questions from those near me, speaking with them by name before she moves to step away. The buzz of excitement I felt in anticipation of speaking with her makes my disappointment all the more potent.
Until her hand rests on my shoulder. Though my jacket and shirt provide a barrier, heat still flushes through my arm.
“Nice to see you again, Archer,” she says softly.
I finally lean back to look up at her. Her eyes shine a stunning, cool blue in contrast with her warm-colored dress, the wingtips of her eyeliner causing a striking eye shape.
“You, too,” I manage to get out.
I expect her to leave then, but she lingers. Her expression tells me she’s enjoying being taller than me, so I fight the urge to stand. How did I miss this vibe from her? It’s something all politicians and their families have—like their confidence owns the space they walk in.
“Did you enjoy the food?” she asks next.
The others around the table are speaking to each other again, so it’s just the two of us.
“Yup.” A filet mignon is a ridiculously expensive cut for an event with this many people. I guess there’s no expenses spared when you’re as popular as the mayor. But I don’t need to mention that.
“Mind if I sit for a minute?” she asks. “I won’t take your date’s seat for long.”
She noticed Sadie, did she?
