Page 10 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Think you’re something don’t you, New York? Playing pool in stupid high heels.”

“And winning.” Cheri stared at Jade defiantly.

“Be nice, Jade,” Cole said as he polished off his beer.

Jade leaned against her pool cue. “Do you know anything about New York, Cole?”

“She’s very nice as far as I can tell,” Cole said.

“I’m right here,” Cheri said as she studied the final three balls. Glancing up just in time to see Jade roll her eyes, Cheri decided beating this woman at her own game would be the best revenge. Pacing back and forth beside the table, she walked around it once more before determining the best angle. Noticing a small crowd had gathered, she did her best to block out everything but the game. She only had one ball left and Jade had two. She leaned over, guided her pool cue between her fingers to take her last shot, as someone heavy fell on top of her.

“Hey, watch it.” But it was too late. Her stick hit the black 8 ball. As if in slow motion, she winced as the ball eventually landed in the side pocket.

A drunken guy reached for the table to steady himself. “Sorry.” He tipped his big, black Stetson. “Hope I didn’t mess up your game, pretty lady.”

Chapter 10

Leaning against the pool table, Cheri couldn’t believe her bad luck.What are the odds that a drunk guy would fall on me and ruin my game?Her stomach sank as Jade cheered.

Cackling, Jade pumped both fists in the air. “Game’s over. I win.”

Frowning, Cheri said, “That guy fell on me. It wasn’t my fault.” She crossed her arms. “I was ahead.”

Cole put his arm around her shoulders and led her away. “Let’s get a table. You’re a really good player. You proved yourself. Don’t worry about it.” He had already picked up her purse as he attempted to lead Cheri away.

“But I would have won. I know I would have,” she protested.

“We could all see that. Especially Jade. She’s not used to women standing up to her. She was ready to spit nails. Want another drink or do you need to go home?”

“Are you kidding? I need a victory drink,” Cheri said.

“Another Cosmo?” Cole asked.

Cheri glanced at Jade who was on her second foamy beer.

“I’ll take a beer.”

“You surprise me every minute. Be right back.” Cole returned with two beers and straddled a seat across from her. “Tell me more about you.”

Cheri didn’t know how much to tell him. Cole seemed like a nice guy. A real gentleman. But he was a cowboy. He’d never understand her jet-setting life, her parents’ wealth, nor her massive trust fund. She never divulged much, especially to strangers. Usually, she was recognized everywhere but enjoyed the fact that people in these small towns didn’t know who she was and wanted to keep it that way.

It was hard to believe that last week she was at an invitation-only, red-carpet event for A-list celebrities in New York, and now she was at a remote, smoke-filled honky-tonk playing pool with a Harley-riding, tattooed woman and having drinks with a cowboy.And I love it.What a difference a day makes.

“Earth to New York,” Cole teased.

“Sorry. Just thinking about everything.”

“Want to dance? I know you’ve had a long day. If you’re too tired, that’s okay.” The band played “Aw Naw” by Chris Young and Cole swayed to the music.

Cheri sipped her beer. “I’m not the greatest dancer.”

“You also said that about pool, so I don’t believe you.”

She shrugged.

“Want to warm up with a slow dance?” Cole asked.

Cheri raised her eyebrows. “I’m afraid Harley girl will hit me with a pool cue.”

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