Page 14

“I did.” And then I lift an invisible microphone to my mouth while preparing to belt out the lyrics. “He was working through college…”

The opening line sets off an eruption of excitement, fueling my purpose.

“On my grandpa’s farm. I was thirsting for knowledge, and he had a car,” I croon.

There’s a threat of bodily harm in her baby blues, but that doesn’t stop me.

“Yeahhhhhhh, I was caught somewhere between a woman and a child.” That gets a laugh, even from the resistant blonde who captivates me.

When the chorus of “Strawberry Wine” hits, the entire bar is serenading Gemma. Her blush is fierce, much like my obsession. It highlights the freckles on her cheeks like a trail I want to kiss my way across. I pour every ounce of that desire into the words until the final chord strikes. Hoots and hollers applaud my efforts. It’s deafening, but all I want to hear is her voice.

“You’re in so much trouble,” she scolds once the noise dies down to a dull roar.

“More than before?”

Her nod seals my fate. “Gonna need a backhoe to dig you out.”

“But you love that song.”

“Loved,” she corrects. “Past tense, back when we were friends. It’s almost funny that we’ve been enemies for even longer.”

I’m definitely not laughing. My inhale is sharp and painful. “You’re not my enemy.”

“Well, I’m certainly not your future wife. Are you trying to embarrass me beyond redemption?”

“Damn, Wildflower. That’s harsh.”

“The truth hurts. Everyone is probably judging me while congratulating you. Tell me your plan so I can get on with my evening,” Gemma states flatly.

“Can I sit first?” I nod at Wyatt’s vacant seat.

“Do I have a choice?”

My nod is instant. “I’ll leave if that makes you more comfortable.”

“Okay,” she chirps.

“Okay…?”

“You should leave,” she clarifies.

I go still. Despite all my faults, I foolishly thought she’d let me spend an hour or two next to her. The ache in my chest grows until it consumes me entirely.

“Gosh, you’re dramatic. It’s like I kicked your kitten.” She perks up suddenly. “Do you still have Doug?”

“Yes, and he misses you.” My barn cat is somewhat of a wanderer, but he might stick around if Gemma comes for a visit.

“Such a good boy.” There’s a blinding smile in her voice. “You could learn a thing or two from him.”

“I’m teachable.”

To prove that point, I flag down the nearest bartender. It’s a woman we went to high school with. There’s a fifty-fifty chance she hates my guts.

“Can you please get this gorgeous bombshell an espresso martini with extra chocolate drizzles and a basket of mini tacos?”

The brunette blinks at me. “Don’t you have floozies to entertain?”

Definitely hates me.