So, what’s new with you?” Wes drove down the ranch’s winding driveway like the tailpipe of his truck was on fire.
She’d forgotten how much fun it was to ride with him. Jane braced her hands against the dash and tried to think of something new with her. She and Wes talked every few months, and he always had so many stories to tell about his close calls in the arena. Usually, she did a whole lot more listening than talking.
Hmmm. There had to be something new she could tell him. And yet nothing came to her. “I took on teaching that extra class last semester. Intro to literary studies.” Which was a level above the classes she’d taught previously, so that was something.
“That’s not new.” Wes hit the brakes and turned to face her. “Come on. There’s gotta be something else going on in your life. Haven’t you been going out at all? Dating?”
His obvious disappointment at her lack of a social life raised her defenses. “There was a fund-raiser for the university—” She stopped herself right there. “Fine. I have no social life outside of work. I admit it.” She turned to look out the window. Why was that a problem? Why did everyone else always seem to care so much about her dating habits? She was fine on her own, thank you very much.
“Seriously?” Her brother nudged her shoulder. “When’s the last time you went on a date, Janie?”
“There’ve been a few.” She hiked up her shoulders, grasping at pride. “I was seeing a colleague from the math department recently.” If six months ago counted as recent.
“The math department? Yikes,” her brother muttered. But at least he started to drive again.
“He was nice.” Just…she didn’t know. Boring? Truthfully no man could hold a candle to the ones she made up in her head. Of course, she hadn’t really made up her last hero completely out of the blue…
“Anyway, I don’t have time for dating or going out. I’m trying to build a career.” She let him think she was talking about becoming a professor. The last thing she needed was for her brother to read her innermost thoughts and emotions. Besides, she’d still likely have to go back to teach. After she finished rewriting this book, she’d start looking to pick up a few classes. In the meantime, she’d saved plenty to live on for the next several months. “What about you? Who’s the lucky lady of the hour?” She’d discovered turning the questions back on him usually led to a long, drawn-out response.
“Oh, you know. There’ve been a few.” Wes had mastered the noncommittal, playing-the-field tone.
“Right. A few.” Over the years, she’d enjoyed giving him a hard time too. She knew for a fact there’d been more than a few women he’d connected with out on the circuit.
“Can’t settle down when you’re always on the go.” Her brother slowed the truck as they turned onto Main Street with its squared brick buildings and the old west signs that showed traces of the town’s mining history. It was rustic and practical—not showy like the bigger resorts in Vail or Aspen. The people here liked to say the town had character, its own sort of personality embodied in the tough, hardy people who’d lived here since the town had been founded.
After driving around the corner of the bank, her brother pulled into the parking lot of a new building that was set back off the street. It had a more modern appearance with clean lines and a lot of glass. The brewery equipment was visible through the windows.
Toby was visible too. He stood outside the main doors playing the part of the alluring cowboy. He wasn’t wearing his hat, but he didn’t need it to look rugged and outdoorsy. His tanned skin, weathered jeans, and well-built frame worked just fine. An electrical current bolted clear to her toes before Jane could lock down her emotions. The man was a smoking hot cowboy. She was simply reacting to him like every other woman would.
“I’m real glad you came.” Her brother lurched the truck into a parking spot. “You need to get out more, sis. Live life to the fullest. You never know how much time you have. You should live it up while you can.”
And that was where their philosophies diverged. Their father’s accident had made Jane realize how fragile life was, how easily it could be taken away. She’d begged him not to go on that kayaking trip. She always worried when he went on one of his adventure trips. But he’d gone anyway. He’d hugged her and told her not to worry and then he’d gotten into his truck and driven off.
She turned to her brother. “So, by live it up you mean risking life and limb every time you go to work?” She didn’t know why she even tried anymore. They’d had this conversation so many times. Since their dad died, Wes had taken every risk he could. She suspected he had fears of his own, fears that kept him in constant motion, not that he ever wanted to talk about that.
Sure enough, her brother pulled the keys out of the ignition. “All I’m saying is you’ve gotta make the most out of your time here.”
Jane turned to him. “I do live life to the fullest.” She dreamed up whole worlds and orchestrated adventures and scandals and red-hot romantic fantasies. And she didn’t have to take one risk to do any of that. “You know, maybe you should settle down some.” If he could pick on her lifestyle, she could just as well pick on his.
Wes blinked at her. “Yeah, I have no idea what you’re talking about.” He opened the door and bailed on the conversation before she could get in another word.
For a few seconds, she watched Toby and Wes from the window. She was surprised to see Toby had changed his clothes. He wore dark jeans and a plaid short-sleeved button-down shirt. It sure looked like he’d made an effort. A distinct stirring sensation rustled through her heart and she shooed it away. He didn’t dress nicer for her. Toby had always put effort into his appearance.
Outside, Toby and Wes started to laugh about something. Jane climbed out of the truck and walked over to the sidewalk to meet them.
“Ready for some cornhole and wings?” Toby asked her with a tempting raise of his eyebrows.
“Can’t wait.” She gave the place a scrutinizing once-over. It actually looked inviting and chic.
“We were just talking about how she needs to get out more.” Wes held open the door for them, and Jane shot him a look on her way in.
“What?” Her brother rested a patronizing hand on her shoulder. “Once in a while you need to let your hair down, have a little fun. Don’t you think, Tobster?”
“Definitely.” The man nodded. “Luckily, fun is my specialty. I’m here to help.”
“I don’t need help.” Especially from him.
Jane scooted past them both and stepped into the main dining area. Even she had to admit it looked like a fun place. The concrete floors were polished and shiny, the walls were covered in corrugated metal, and the space was big enough to have lawn games spread around the interior. Cornhole, of course. But also ladder ball and a giant-sized Connect 4, and bowling pins.
“Great find.” Wes led the way to the bar in the center of the room.
“I don’t see anyone we know here.” At the café this morning, she’d vaguely recognized pretty much everyone in the room.
“That’s the nice part about this place.” Toby ushered her in front of him as they maneuvered around tables. “It’s new. You know how a lot of the old-timers around here don’t trust new places.”
Oh, yes. She knew. Back in the day, most new establishments were out of business within six months.
“So far most of the customers are river rats and hikers and thrill seekers who are staying in the area. It’s a great place to come and relax,” Toby said, the last part dropped to a whisper only she could hear.
Right. Like she’d ever be able to relax being this close to Toby. Something about him felt so unpredictable, so hard to nail down. He was a total show-off, and yet he still drove the same truck he’d had in high school. He clearly liked to be the center of attention, but at the café earlier that morning, he’d downplayed Beth and Ethan’s gratitude for helping renovate their restaurant.
“We’ll take three of your best beers,” Wes said to the bartender.
“Oh, not for me, thanks,” Jane called politely. “I don’t drink much—”
“Hair down, sis.” Her brother held up three fingers to the bartender with a definitive nod.
“Fine. One beer.” God knew she couldn’t have more than that—especially at this altitude.
“Three Once in a Blue Spruces,” the bartender said, sliding over their glasses. “It’s one of our most popular—traditional Belgian-style spiced with bitters and sweet orange peel.” Jane had no idea what any of that meant, but she took her glass and thanked the man.
“Should we get a table?” Toby scanned the restaurant.
“Actually, you two find a table.” Wes had locked his gaze on a group of women playing pool in the opposite corner. “I’ll join you in a few.”
A few hours or minutes? Jane didn’t have to ask. This was her brother after all. He’d been successfully hitting on women since seventh grade. It had always been a big joke in their family, but now she could’ve killed him. He’d practically begged her to come here so they could spend time together and he was already ditching her. Worse yet, he was ditching her with Toby. And beer. Lethal combination.
“How about this one?” Toby led her to a quiet table near the windows with a view of the mountains.
“Sure.” Jane wished her body could take a hint from her calm tone of voice and chill the heck out. Geez, her knees had softened, and her palms had gotten clammy, and warmth seemed to be creeping up her neck.
Toby sat against the wall, leaving the chair across from him for her. She settled into it, nearly spilling her beer, and corralled a nervous smile. “This is a nice place.” If she did go out on a regular basis, she might come to some low-key neighborhood joint like this. With friends like Beth. Not with a dangerous cowboy.
“I’m glad you like it.” Toby took a drink of his beer and then set down his glass, his gaze intensifying. “I meant what I said earlier. I would’ve asked you to that winter dance if I would’ve thought you’d say yes.”
Jane gazed across the table at him, all but shaking her head as she sipped her beer. Maybe her seventeen-year-old self would’ve been tempted, but he didn’t need to know that. “Well, you were right. I would’ve said no.”
Toby’s head titled like he was trying to figure her out. “Wes made it sound like you were upset.”
“Oh, I was upset all right.” Jane propped her chin on her hand and continued staring at him, the beer bringing a surge of boldness. “I was upset that I let you add me to the lengthy list of girls you kissed.” Jane sipped more beer. “But like I said, it was years ago. I’m over it.” Surprisingly as she looked across the table at Toby, she realized it was true. She was over it. Sure, it had been a surprise to see him again, but she wasn’t awkward and insecure anymore. She didn’t need any validation from him.
The longer he stared at her, the more his slow smile spread until it fully reached the corners of his eyes. “Well, if you were upset…if I hurt your feelings, I’m sorry.”
Damn those eyes. So convincing. But she wasn’t falling for it.
“I did kiss a lot of girls.” He said it like a confession. “But only one of them stuck with me.”
What a line. Jane sat back and crossed her arms, letting her body language speak for her.
“I’m serious.” His eyes went all puppy dog again. “There was always something about you. You were…” He paused as though he couldn’t find the right word.
What was this? Toby Garrett was struggling to flirt? Jane watched his eyes shift.
“You were special,” he finally finished. “My friends gave me hell after you said you didn’t like me. So, I moved on. But I should’ve talked to you. I knew the whole kiss thing embarrassed you and I should’ve made sure you were okay. I’m sorry.”
Jane lifted her beer for another sip. She couldn’t decide what was crazier—that Toby Garrett was sitting here apologizing to her or that she was actually starting to believe him.
“Anyway, I get why you don’t like me, but I hope you’ll let me make it up to you,” the man finished while Jane sucked down the last sip of her beer.
Oops. Had she really drained the whole glass? “Toby…” Tingles spread up her back, settling in over her shoulders. “You don’t have to make it up to me. In fact, I’d really appreciate it if we could forget the whole thing ever happened.” It would be a huge plus if she could forget how his lips had felt against hers, warm and firm, and…whew, it was hot in here.
“Okay. I just wanted you to know I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Toby said. He looked at her empty glass and then back at her. “How’d you like the beer?”
“It was really good.” For the life of her she couldn’t remember why she rarely drank. It made reality seem much softer, lighter. It made sitting across from this man easier. “In fact, I think I’ll get another one.”
“I can get it for you.” Before she could move, Toby pushed to his feet. She watched him walk away, her head turning to follow him. Oh, no. No, no, no. She swung her head back to stare straight ahead. Straight. Ahead. Rule number one: do not look at his butt in those jeans.
The noise around her seemed to pick up some as the place got more crowded. Toby came back with her beer and set it in front of her. “Sorry that took so long. There was a big rush.”
“No problem.” There were no problems. All was right in the world. A comforting warmth swirled low in her stomach bringing contentment along with it. Her brother was still over on the other side of the room, making new friends, but who cared? He’d be proud of her. She shook her hair until it fell back over her shoulders. Yes, letting her hair down. It actually felt kind of nice.
Toby sat back down across from her. He looked nice. Smelled nice too. Now that they had that awkward conversation out of the way, they could move on.
“What?” He tilted his head and glanced around as though trying to figure out what she was looking at.
She shouldn’t be looking at him so closely. She shouldn’t be looking at him at all. They should do less looking and less touching. They should get up and away from this table. “You know something…I’ve never actually played cornhole.”
The confession widened his eyes. “Never? You’re serious?”
“I’m serious,” she whispered then lifted her glass. Somehow the beer was already half gone.
“You want to try it?” He stood as though he’d been as antsy to get up from the table as she had. “I could teach you.”
“Okay.” Hands pressed into the tabletop, she stood, her knees a tad wobbly. Making sure to look steadier than she felt, she started to walk away.
“Don’t forget your beer.” Toby brought the glass along, holding his beer in the other hand.
“Right.” Jane took the glass from him and dodged tables all the way to one of the cornhole setups.
“Okay.” Toby set his beer on a nearby table before grabbing a few beanbags. “Basically, you want to throw the bag and try to get it through that hole.” He pointed to the wooden platform about ten feet away.
“Got it.” Jane took the beanbag from him and set down her beer. For a second, she tried to judge the distance from the platform, but the slight blur in her vision made it tricky. “Hmm. Okay.” She closed one eye, then the other.
“Are you trying to calculate the distance in that big brain of yours or something?” Toby teased next to her. “Sometimes it’s best just to go for it. Don’t overthink it.”
“Right.” Go for it. She wound up and chucked the beanbag at the wooden platform. Surprisingly it hit the surface and slid up, eventually falling through the hole in the middle.
“Nice shot.” Toby held up his hand for a high five. She made a move to slap his hand, but her foot caught on a chair leg and sent her stumbling.
The cowboy caught her in his arms and righted her footing. Jane turned and suddenly his face came so close, those amazing lips stopping mere inches from hers. A breath sliced through her lungs and some wild instinct gave her a push. Don’t overthink it.
“Excuse me,” someone interrupted before she pressed her lips to his. Jane turned her head toward the voice.
A woman about her age stood a foot away from them. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but aren’t you Toby Garrett?”
It took him a good five seconds to answer. “Uh. Yeah.”
Jane backed herself out of his arms, embarrassment heating her cheeks.
“I thought that was you! We’re huge rodeo fans.” The woman frantically waved some of her friends over. “We were hoping we could get a picture with you. Oh! And could you sign our drink coasters?”
Toby’s distracted gaze drifted back to Jane. “I’m not sure now is a good time—”
“It’s a great time.” Jane smiled at the group of women encircling Toby. In fact, their timing couldn’t have been better.