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“Maybe ten years ago, sweet cheeks,” I giggled. “She’s in college. I know you spent your late twenties playing an eighteen-year-old debutante, but... you aren’t twenty-eight anymore.”

She glared. “Nor are you. Get out of here with your perky nips and judgement!”

“Oh, fuck!”

A male voice rang out from the side gate. I looked over, mortified, and made eye contact with a frightened Cole Hayward.

“Oh, fuck!” I echoed, scrambling to find my bikini top.

“Just flip over,” Lanie handed it over.

“I’m really, really sorry, Cole. You said you’d be out and we were sunbathing so…”

“I’m so sorry,” Cole said. “I’m not… I didn’t. I… shit.”

I shoved the top under my breasts, still on my stomach, tied it around the back, and flipped.

“It’s not on you,” I said. “I am totally mortified.”

“You really shouldn’t be,” he winced, finally opening his eyes again.

Was he hitting on me now?

“I just.. I just mean it’s your house and I told you that Piper and I would be gone all day. I didn’t realize your company was already here.”

Excellent deflection, Cole!

“They got in last night. You were up super early so there wasn’t a time to make introductions. Cole, this is⁠—”

I pointed to Lanie.

“Lanie Day,” Cole said. “I recognize you from that show about the American women. My daughter loves it. I try not to watch it with her because it gets awkward, but she says the books are good. Sorry, am I making it weird?”

“No, not at all,” Lanie brimmed. “Thanks for that. How old is your daughter?”

“Fifteen,” Cole said. “Sixteen in October. Going on twenty-five I think.”

She smiled. “Just call me Lanie.”

Cole turned nervously to the pool. “My daughter is going to ask you a million questions. She should be here soon. I will try to keep her out of your hair.”

“No, that’s fine,” I said. “She can join us if she wants to swim. You all are welcome to use the pool.”

“For sure.” Lanie was objectifying him. I could tell just by her tone. And I didn’t blame her. Between the white t-shirt that always clung to his pecks and the jeans that seemed cut just for him, I couldn’t deny the appeal. Lanie and I were too deep in the cowboy lore romance to deny his resemblance to a cowboy hero.

“I’m good. I’ve been riding all day, so I'm jumping in the shower. Can you just tell Piper the door is open? Her mom backed out of their plans and she’s in a mood. I’m trying to soften the blow with dinner.”

“There’s a party later just up the road at my parents’ place,” I said, “I meant to invite you both. If you don’t want to go out and would like to share in some food⁠—”

“While also fighting the toddlers,” Lanie added.

“Yes, that, too. There are going to be about twelve little ones there,” I said. “All of their siblings plus my brother's. So, lots of people. It might be a bit much.”

“Too much tonight,” Cole agreed. “Thank you for the invite, but I want a quiet meal with her. She’s upset.”

“Not a problem,” I said. “I hope it’s good. We’ll direct her to you.”

He ducked into the carriage house. “Thanks.”