Page 31

“Hot flashes,” we echo simultaneously, knowing from firsthand experience with our mother.

Laughter erupts from the corner, where a group of younger women are sitting in a round booth. I glance over to see if I recognize any of them, but they must be students.

Be honest, Easton. You were looking for one woman in particular, weren’t you?

“So, did you get another chance to talk to Donovan about Florida?” Owen asks, pulling me back to the reason we decided to meet up here tonight.

After my request was blown off, I knew I needed another brain to figure out a way to convince my boss that I’ve paid my dues with working on the road.

“Not yet. And they want us to leave next week to relieve the crews out in Florida, so I only have a few more days, Owen.” I drain my beer, sliding the empty glass across the bar.

“One more?” Tally asks, since I’m normally a two-beer kind of guy. But tonight, I’m thinking a third is necessary.

“Yes, please, Tally. Thank you.”

She nods and then goes back to work, sliding my fresh beer to me.

“I think it’s bullshit that you’re basically being punished because you don’t have a wife and kids.” Owen takes another drink of his beer. “Who wants that life anyway?”

“Uh, once upon a time, you did, Owen. Don’t think that I—or the entire town—have forgotten about that.”

He glares at me. “That was a long time ago and I know better now. Besides, the ranch and being mayor keeps me plenty busy. I don’t have time to be the type of man a woman deserves.”

I arch a brow at him. “Oh really? So if Sloane walked through that door and—”

“I told you not to mention her around me.” My brother’s jaw clenches at the mention of his high school sweetheart, so I lean back in my chair and shrug.

Crazy how it’s been nearly fourteen years since they were together, but Owen’s reaction to the mention of her would make you think she left him yesterday.

I know all too well how the heart can hold on to people, no matter how far removed they are from our lives.

“Just saying. People are allowed to change their minds. I mean, you could too, you know. But that would mean you’d actually have to be open to dating someone seriously.” I fan my hand out to the crowd around us. “Lord knows you could have your pick of any of the eligible women in this establishment, Mr. Mayor.”

Not only was he the star quarterback of the football team when he was in high school, but after he graduated, he took over our mom’s ranch and grew it into the bustling business that it is now. Once that became boring, our old mayor convinced him to take over his job, which he won the election for almost unanimously. So now, Owen Buckley is the face of our beloved town but still refuses to look for love after all these years.

“Women are trouble,” my brother grumbles. “And you can’t ever tell what they’re thinking. Managing Mom is enough. I don’t need anyone else to steal my focus from growing the ranch.”

“I’m just saying, maybe it’s time that we both move on. Or maybe I could help you on the ranch so I’m too busy to worry about women too.”

Owen brings his glass to his lips. “Don’t tease me. I can always use more help.”

“And I need your help to figure out how to handle my boss.”

“Are mail-order brides still a thing?” Owen jokes. “We could have you married within a week, I bet.”

I flash him a deadpan stare.

“Hey, Lennon!”

My head spins in the direction of Ginny, who calls out toward the front door to the restaurant where, sure enough, Lennon Riley is standing.

Lennon waves slowly, trudging over to her like she’s wearing weights on her feet. As I study her more closely, she looks like she’s not feeling well.

My spine straightens in my seat, and of course, my brother catches it.

“Yeah, tell me how you’re supposed to move on again when you react like that every time she walks into a room,” he mumbles around the rim of his glass.

Ironically though, it’s been months since I’ve seen her in person.