Page 99 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Alex’s lips curved into a smile.This is exactly the diversion I need.“Do you mean Cheri?”

“Yep. Have you seen her lately?”

“No, but I’ve been in New York.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Popular place.”

“Huh?” Alex studied him as she sipped her wine.

“Nothin.’ I’ve been hearin’ a lot about New York lately. Never been there and I’m already tired of it. Thanks anyway.” Nodding, he turned to walk away.

“Don’t leave. You just got here. Want a beer? I could use some company.”

The cowboy hesitated.

Alex patted a bar stool. “Don’t worry. I won’t bite.”

Sitting down, Cole said, “I won’t turn down a beer.”

Grinning, Alex said, “I didn’t say I was buying.”

“Thanks. I needed a laugh.” Waving Gus over, Cole ordered a Budweiser. As it arrived, Alex caught him staring at her ring finger.

Clearing his throat, he said, “I’m glad you’re not married.” Cole peered at a couple entwined in the corner and muttered, “I’d never move in on another man’s woman.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but I’ve never been married. Probably won’t be at this rate.” Eyeing the cowboy, Alex asked, “Have you ever been married?”

“No, ma’am.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Ma’am?”

Cole grinned. “Habit. Cheri didn’t like it when I said that either. We were having a picnic and I— Never mind. I won’t bore you.”

Shifting forward, Alex rested her chin on her hand. “Back up. You and Cheri went on a picnic together? I’m anything but bored. Go on.”

Cole shrugged. “Doesn’t matter.”

Cocking her head, Alex said, “You can’t start a story and not finish. Are you two dating?”

After a healthy gulp of beer, he said, “Not since I found out she’s engaged.”

Sucking in her breath, Alex’s mouth fell open. “Engaged? Cheri’sengaged?” She immediately thought of the massive diamond she found in Cheri’s closet. “She told you this?”

“Nope. Her fiancé did.”

Slack-jawed, Alex said, “I want to hear all about Cheri and her fiancé. I really wish Suzy and Hope were here. I guess Cheri isn’t who we thought she was. Too bad. I really like her.”

Cole took a long swig of beer. “I found out after we had a great day. I taught her how to skip rocks and search for arrowheads. We drank wine and enjoyed nature.” Grinning, he said, “I even made dinner.” He stared into his drink. “She’s somethin’ special, but . . . she isn’t available.”

Glancing around the darkened bar, Alex thought of how she, Suzy, and Hope had welcomed Cheri into their group. “That’s a helluva shocker. I’ll give you that. But none of us are perfect—especially me,” Alex said. She twirled her wine stem, lost in thought. “Cheri isn’t snooty at all. I think she’s a good person. I’m usually a great judge of character.” Pausing, she said, “Maybe there’s a reason she kept the engagement a secret.”

Appearing crestfallen, Cole held up his empty glass. When Gus brought another beer, Alex ordered a Diet Coke. Staring at the cowboy, she could tell he was disheartened. “She’s a sweet person. Maybe there’s more to this. Let’s hear her out.”

Placing his hat on the back of a chair, Cole asked, “What makes you think she’ll come back? What does this place have to offer a New Yorker?”

“Besides us?” Alex chuckled. “Actually, she seems to love it here. After her dumb string of Internet dates, you should be a refreshing change.”

“She dates strangers off the Internet too?” The cowboy stared at his boots, then shook his head. “I’m so stupid.”

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