“I can’t believe you invited her. Decker’ll have your head.”
“Decker needs her father’s vote at the council meeting.”
“Shit.”
“I tried to save you and leave her off, but Hayley overruled me. Apparently we’re the social event of the season, and it won’t do to alienate the locals.”
Cole shook his head. “This is how it starts, Danny. First they overrule you on the guest list. Next, they’re painting the bathroom pink and kicking your stuff out of the bedroom closet. Slippery slope. Might want to get out while you can.”
Daniel laughed as Salty delivered their burgers and fries with a clatter. He poured ketchup over his fries, popping one in his mouth. “Enough about me. How are things going with Jess?”
“Fine.” Cole took a bite of his burger, mostly to avoid saying anything further.
“You seeing much of her?”
“More than I thought we would. Makes me suspicious.”
“Of?” Daniel raised his eyebrows.
“Don’t play innocent. I’m sure you’re in on it, too.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Cole took a swallow of his beer. “Fine. Then it’s probably my imagination that Kyla’s doing everything in her power to make sure Jess and I keep running into each other.”
“Coincidence, I’m sure.” Daniel smiled, then shook his head. “Cole, you know these women. Once they get an idea in their heads—”
“I know. They’re rabid. I liked it a lot better when you were the target of their efforts.”
“Your fault for still being single.”
Cole growled. “Being single shouldn’t be a liability.”
“Right.” Daniel laughed out loud. “I’d think with all of the women you guys get staying at Whisper Creek, being single would be a distinct advantage.”
“Definitely. It’s really too bad you let yourself get snagged by Hayley. Could’ve been fun this summer.”
“I’m sure you can handle yourself without a wingman.”
Cole shook his head, taking another drink. Yeah, he could handle himself just fine. Just seemed like this summer, handling himself had involved more evasive maneuvers than anything else.
Ten years ago—hell, five years ago—he would have given anything to be in the position he was now, with a new batch of women rolling in every other Sunday hoping to be cowgirls by the time they left.
Or if not that, hoping to bag a cowboy or two while they were here.
But it had lost its appeal over the last year or so. Maybe things had started to go downhill the summer Jess, Hayley, and Kyla had come out for a vacation and ended up family of sorts. Maybe watching Decker and Kyla plan a future around each other had him spinning in a strange direction.
And now Danny was getting married. To Hayley, of all women. If he’d asked either of them a year ago whether they’d ever be pledging their happily-ever-afters to each other—or anyone, for that matter—they never would have believed it.
So his brother was married, his best friend was heading down the aisle in a matter of days, and that left Cole as the last single man standing. It shouldn’t bother him—wouldn’t have bothered him not long ago—but there was a feeling itching around in his gut that made him wonder why he was the last bachelor around.
He had a strong suspicion it was because he was still around…and maybe here wasn’t where he was meant to be, in the end.
When Decker had come back, Cole’d had his first spark of hope that maybe there were options for him beyond Whisper Creek’s borders. He’d spent ten years with the ranch firmly strapped to his back, but if his brother was home—and staying—maybe it was finally his chance to see what else might be out there for him.
And if he was feeling this itchy to get out of town, then it wasn’t fair to pretend otherwise with any woman, most especially Jess.
Daniel signaled for two more beers, then turned to lean back against the bar and survey the scene. Cole took the new bottle and turned as well. He took a swig, then almost choked on it when Daniel said, “So…you going to see if maybe there’s something there? Before she leaves again?”
Cole shook his head. “I need a little brother. Then you bunch of busybodies could worry about him instead of me.”
“Just want you to be happy, that’s all.”
“Hayley still holding out on you?”
Daniel put his bottle to his lips, not meeting Cole’s eyes. “Yup.”
“You are so whipped, buddy.”
“Yup again. And loving every minute of it.” He turned to Cole. “Listen, you’ve been lusting after that woman since you met her.