Page 36 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Alrighty then. Since no one wants to talk. Change of subject. Izzy, have you planned our family activity for next week?”

Ken shifted in his chair with a half grunt, half groan.

Izzy stared at her half-eaten plate. “There may not be any more family activities.”

Happy they had finally found a way to bond with various family outings, Suzy was puzzled by Izzy’s response. She studied her stepdaughter’s unreadable face. “I thought you enjoyed our adventures.” Suzy ticked off activities on her fingers. “Let’s see. We’ve gone bowling, to the movies, shopping, skating where you laughed a little too hard after I fell, and to a painting class where you showed definite artistic potential but Ken had little.” Thinking her tiny joke would lighten the somber mood, but didn’t, Suzy continued, voice rising. “Why in the world would we stop our fun excursions? We’re all enjoying them.” Glancing at Ken who stared at his almost-empty plate, sans one brussels sprout, she asked, “Will someone tell me what’s going on?”

Slamming her napkin on the table, Izzy said, “You tell her, Dad.” She stormed off to her teen hut, otherwise known as the bedroom of doom.

Wincing as she studied her husband’s solemn face, Suzy said, “I wish I could have wine. I have a feeling I could use some.”

“I definitely need another drink.” Ken headed toward their makeshift bar near the kitchen and poured himself a second, healthy scotch.

Once she spotted the too-full amber cocktail, Suzy’s eyebrows shot up. “This must be serious.”

“It is.” Ken gestured toward the couch. “Let’s get comfortable. I’ll help you clean up later.”

Chapter 34

Thrilled Cole had called, Cheri hummed and paced while she waited for him to arrive. Still a tad confused about her attraction to him, all that mattered was that she couldn’t wait to see him.I never thought I’d date a cowboy. These sweet, innocent guys are a refreshing change from the Wall Street types I’ve dated in the past.

As the doorbell rang, Cheri made herself schlep toward the foyer when she actually wanted to race like an Olympian.I’ve got to at least appear as though I’m not in a white-hot heat.After standing behind the front door a few seconds longer than necessary, she swung it open. “Hi, cowboy.”

“Hi, New York. It’s great to see you. I have something fun planned for today.”

“Is that right?” Butterflies danced in Cheri’s stomach.

Leaning against the doorjamb, he said, “Wanna go to a pool party?”

“A pool party?” Glancing at the blue sky, she said, “Sure. Sounds fun.”

Rubbing the side of his face, Cole chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“You’ll see soon enough. It’ll be unlike any pool party you’ve ever attended.” Cole winked. “Guaranteed.”

“Really? I’ve seen some crazy things in New York. You’d be hard pressed to top some of the stuff I’ve seen in the Village.”

His eyes twinkled. “Trust me on this one.”

“I’ll take that challenge.” Peering at her hot-pink toenails, Cheri was glad she had gotten a recent mani-pedi. “Where’s the party?”

“In my friend’s backyard. Got a bathin’ suit? I’ll wait out here.”

After disappearing inside her closet, she grabbed a black bikini. After cramming the swimsuit inside a tote, she changed into denim shorts, a black tee, and joined him on the porch. “Let’s go.”

“I hope you’re ready for this.” Reaching for her hand, Cole led her to his Chevy truck, started the ignition, and turned to a country station. As they drove away, they listened to “Sangria” by Blake Shelton. Turning to Cheri, Cole said, “I’d like to taste sangria on your lips.”

Licking her lips absentmindedly, she felt her cheeks flush. “We can arrange that, if your friend has any.”

“Sangria?” Cole laughed. “Doubtful, but he’ll have beer, beer, and more beer.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not really a beer person.”

“Got you covered.” Cole turned into the nearest convenience store. “What kind of wine do you want?”

“Surprise me.”

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