Page 7 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Hiya, boys. Who’s the pretty lady?”

Cheri hated being dismissed as though she weren’t there. She extended her hand. “Hi. I’m Cheri.”

“Cheri? Quaint.” The woman stared at Cheri from her head to her toes but didn’t offer her own name. Instead, she asked, “Do you like to play pool,Cheri?”

Cheri glanced at Cole who was regarding the motorcyclist suspiciously. “I’ve only played pool twice, but sure, I’m game.”

The woman smiled a wicked smile. “Good. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Cole lowered his voice and leaned toward Cheri. “This might not be the best idea. Are you sure you want to do this?”

The woman raised her eyebrows. “Are you with Wyatt or Cole?”

Cheri decided to keep her guessing. She had a guy vying for her attention, plus a female enemy, all in the matter of a couple of hours. Challenging the woman’s black, flashing eyes, she said, “Let’s go.” She loved a challenge and would enjoy nothing more than beating this gutsy woman at a game of pool. She peered at Cole and Wyatt. “Are you coming?”

“I wouldn’t miss this,” Cole said.

“Wish I could but I’ve got a hundred dairy cows to milk early tomorrow morning. Rain check.” Wyatt tipped his black cowboy hat toward Cheri. “Nice meeting you. Maybe I’ll see you around.”

“Same here.” She grinned at the second cowboy. “I hope so.”What’s wrong with me? I just met these people? My wealthy mother would think I’ve lost it.

The woman in black put both hands on her hips. “When you’re done fawning over the newcomer, hop in your truck. Last one to Lefty’s is a rotten egg.” She unhooked her helmet from her handlebars and slowly strapped it on while never taking her eyes off Cheri.

As he opened her door, Cole said, “Looks like someone feels threatened.”

Once they were inside Cole’s truck, Cheri said, “I take it you used to date Harley girl.”

“What gives you that idea?”

“Women know these things.”

He snorted. “Calling it dating might be a stretch. I suppose you could say we dated. Off and on. More off. Everything was all about her. Jade’s got a fiery temper. I got sick of it.”

“Is that her name? Quaint.”

Cole howled. “You’re quick. You’ll be able to handle Jade.”

“I hope so.” Fidgeting in her seat, Cheri continued, “So that’s all the info I’m going to get about you two?”

“Pretty much.” He winked. “I hope you’re a good pool player. She’s a shark.”

“Oh. Not really.” Cheri’s face fell, wondering what she had gotten herself into.

As he steadied the stack of mail between them,, Cole’s shirt brushed against Cheri’s bare leg. She shivered.

“Are you cold?”

“No.” Peering at Cole sideways, she studied his chiseled profile. His sandy blond hair touched the back of his collar and was short on the top and sides. It wasn’t a mullet by a long shot but rather a sexy, longer hairstyle. Just enough to hold on to.What’s wrong with me? I just met the guy.

Chapter 8

Leaning against the headrest, Cheri tried to relax.I need to calm myself before the pool match.As she freshened her lipstick, she asked, “How far away is Lefty’s?”

Before Cole could answer, she examined her clothes. Glad she had worn hot-pink stilettos, even if the heel was a bit wobbly after half-falling, she pulled her silky pink blouse out of her white denim skirt, unbuttoned the bottom buttons, and tied the shirt at her waist.

Hearing the commotion, Cole glanced at her and raised his eyebrows. “What are you doing?”

Cheri grinned and said, “Getting ready.”

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