Page 82 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Narrowing her eyes, Cheri said, “What the hell are you doing here, Sebastian? You scared me to death. Ever heard of a freaking phone?”

The man poised his cell in mid-air. “I could ask you the same thing. I’ve tried calling you many times since I returned to the States. Apparently, they’ve never heard of cell towers in Hicksville.”

Staring from the man to Cheri and back again, Cole said, “I take it you know this guy.”

A forlorn Cheri nodded slowly. Finally finding words, she said, “This is—”

“Experiencing memory loss, Cheri?” The tall man bellowed in a screechy voice. “I’m Sebastian. Sebastian Pierce, also known as Cheri’s long-lost fiancé.” Crossing his arms, he glared at Cole. “But enough about me. Who the hell are you?”

Cheri never took her eyes off Cole’s brooding face and avoided Sebastian’s angry glare.I wonder how long it’ll take him to notice I’m not wearing my engagement ring. I’ve got to come clean to both of them.

Voice rising even higher, Sebastian shifted his hands to his hips. “Have you lost your senses? Why are you out here in the fucking woods? My God, you belong in the city not—” Sebastian waved his hand with a showman-like flair. “Definitely not here.” He added, “Anywhere but here.”

Suddenly finding the ground intensely intriguing, Cheri stole a quick glance toward Cole’s crestfallen face.

Forehead creased into deep lines, he turned to her. “Is this true? Are you engaged?” Cole reached for her bare left hand. “I don’t see a ring.”

“Good point, cowboy. Where is that five-carat diamond I bought you?”

Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “Five carats?”

Glancing absentmindedly at her ring finger, Cheri’s voice was barely a whisper. “It’s in my closet.”

Sebastian scowled. “This isn’t funny. I know I’m a bit of a workaholic and haven’t been available the past several months—okay two years—but you could have talked to me. They have phones in the Middle East.” His voice rose another notch. “Youshouldhave talked to me.”

“You’re right.” Eyes filled with tears, Cheri felt immense shame for not having the courage to break up with Sebastian, telling her parents, girlfriends, and especially, sweet Cole. “I should have talked to you. I should have had the courage to break up. You were so far away. I thought it could wait until you returned.” Her voice wobbled. “Don’t worry. The ring is in a safe place. I’ll get it back to you.”

Cheri couldn’t meet Sebastian’s eyes, nor Cole’s. In her mind, she had already called their engagement off. She just hadn’t bothered to tell anyone. Knowing she’d disappoint her high-society parents, Sebastian’s wealthy bloodline, and all of New York City, she had put off the weighty decision until it stared her in the face. Since Sebastian had been working in Dubai, it had been easier to simply push the engagement to the deepest recesses of her mind.Now I’m caught in my own web of deceit.

Cheri’s mind blurred with her escapades since arriving in Crystal City.I’ve betrayed Sebastian, Cole, my girlfriends, and my parents. I went on ridiculous Internet dates to see if there were any good men available. Now I’ve found a great guy and ruined any possibility of a relationship before it barely started.Her mouth went dry.I don’t want to marry Sebastian, plain and simple. I never did. I hate myself for being such a chicken.

Snapping back to attention, she forced herself to face Sebastian. “How did you find me—us?”

“Easy. Ever heard of a private investigator? Your dad uses one all of the time.” Grinning a wicked smile, Sebastian said, “Besides, your life is fairly routine, my dear. Finding you wasn’t that difficult.” Pointing toward Cole’s truck, he added, “And that decrepit thing sticks out like a flashing billboard.”

Cheri narrowed her eyes. “Nice of you to have me followed.”

Shrugging, Sebastian said, “Nice of you to go out on your fiancé.”

She exhaled. “We need to talk.”

“That’s a start.” Sebastian’s steely gaze unnerved her. “You owe me an explanation. We’re getting on a plane to New York tomorrow. You can explain this madness then.”

Cheri shook her head. “I’m not going back to New York with you.”

Reaching into his pocket, Sebastian waved documents in the air. “I’ve already booked our flight. First class, of course, since I couldn’t charter a private plane in this godforsaken place.” Glancing at his now-dirty shoes, he wrinkled his nose. “I just bought these Italian loafers. They’re fucking ruined.” Crossing his arms, he said, “I need a Bloody Mary pronto.” Scanning their camping site with darting eyes, he obviously noticed the empty wine bottle and Cole’s crushed beer can sticking out of the trash. “I see Happy Hour is all the rage in the woods.”

Cole visibly cringed. Ignoring Sebastian, he faced Cheri. “Didn’t you think the fact you were engaged might have come in handy? I’m not that kind of man.” Quietly, Cole folded the quilt and dusted off his jeans. He extended his hand to Sebastian. “Look, I’d never move in on another man’s girl. That’s not cool. If you’re engaged, forget I exist.” Gathering up small pieces of foil, he slammed them inside the plastic bag.

Cheri reached to pick up a fork that had fallen out. Cole shook his head. “No need. I’ve got this. Looks like you’ve got your own unfinished business to clean up.” After pulling the stakes out of the tent, he rolled the canvas into a ball and placed it near the picnic basket. Opening two bottles of water, he doused the fire, picked up his camping equipment, and headed toward his ancient pickup. As the driver’s door creaked open, Cole turned. Locking eyes with Cheri, he said, “I knew you were too good to be true.” Climbing inside, he sped off before Cheri could utter a word.

Chapter 75

Sebastian stepped toward Cheri. “Good riddance to that hick.”

“He’s not a hick. He’s a nice guy.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “A really nice guy.”

“Whatever. You don’t belong here.” Gesturing like a game show host, Sebastian said, “Look at you. Imagine the tabloid headlines if someone snuck a photo of you looking like this?” He pointed toward her casual clothes and tennis shoes. “Cheri Van Buren doesn’t belong in the woods. You’re a wealthy woman and a business owner. You need to act like it. Your parents would be mortified if they saw you right now.”

---