Page 54 of Wildest Dreams

“Drink?”

She eyes the table and sees that we're all drinking beer.

“I'll have whatever you guys are having,” her voice is soft and I give her a gentle nod.

“Beers all round then?” I ask the table and they all chime a yes. Walking across the floor, my boots feel heavy as I rest against the wrap around bar.

“Same again?” Tabitha asks.

“Same again,” I smile, “just add one more on,” and I look over at the table, everyone talking and laughing like our lives haven't been completely turned upside down in the last few weeks. And then I see her.

The girl that broke my heart ten years ago, and somehow, it feels like she belongs here. Like she has always been here.

“There we go darlin',” Tabitha says as she passes me the tray.

“Thanks, just pop it on the tab,” I give her a wink.

“Riggs'?”

“You know it,” I snort a laugh as I walk back to the table and place the tray down.

Everyone reaches for one, and Dixie looks like a deer in head lights.

“You okay?” I say softly as I sit down, my head dipped slightly.

“I think so,” and I watch, the dimples digging into her cheeks.

“What made you change your mind?” I fall into easy chatter with her whilst the rest of the table slip into their own conversations.

“Your mom,” she tilts her head, eyes volleying between mine.

“So, my mom could get you to come out with us, but I couldn't,” I place my hand over my heart and act wounded which causes her to shove me away playfully in the arm.

“It's nothing personal,” she licks her full lips, and my eyes drop as I watch.

“Kind of feels that way,” I whisper.

“Hey, Tripp,” Conrad shouts across the table. Annoyance grates inside me as I turn to face him.

“Yup?”

“Stop hogging her,” he smirks, and I want to throat punch him.

Harlow whistles and Pacey chuckles low.

“How are you feeling after today?” Riggs asks, arm firmly wrapped around Aspen's shoulders.

“It was good, I’m tired but that's good, or so I have been told…”

“It is for me, sleep hasn't been great and being back on my horse, back in the saddle... well, I’m going to sleep like a damn baby tonight,” Pacey says before swallowing a mouthful of his beer down.

“You done good, kid,” Riggs tips his head towards me. Conrad is staring at Dixie, and I watch as her cheeks blush under his gaze.

“Stop staring at her man,” I grab a cardboard coaster from the table and flick it in his direction.

“I can't,” he lifts one shoulder, he does not give a fuck. Ballsy bastard.

“Do you want him to stop staring?” I can't hide the smile as I ask her, there are no hard feelings between me and Conrad, but still.

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