Page 43 of A Family With the Cowboy

“Glad that’s done,” Willow was saying as Hayden joined his siblings again. “So, what are you doing tonight?”

He shrugged. “Luke and I will probably watch a movie and—”

“Luke is spending the night with his friend Jonas, remember?” Willow interrupted him. “Why don’t you join Coop, Becket, and me for a pizza at Rocco’s after you’ve dropped Luke and Jessie off? Although nobody in this family seems to be dating at the moment, we can still have a meal in town now and again. It also gives Isabella a free night.”

It was on the tip of his tongue to refuse when Willow mentioned Isabella.

Shaking his head, he put an arm around his sister’s shoulders. “You know just how to get your way, don’t you?”

Having pizza with his siblings in town sounded infinitely better than staring at the walls of his bedroom, thinking about Laura.

*

There were quitea few cars in front of Rocco’s when Laura and Tanner arrived at the restaurant. As they neared the front door, Laura noticed Cooper’s truck out of the corner of his eye. Her heart lurched and her breath hitched. Trying to ignore the silly signs, she smiled at Tanner as he opened the door and waited for her to step inside. Cooper’s truck parked here didn’t also mean Hayden would be here.

Rocco, or whoever had been responsible for the interior of the place, had obviously gone all out to replicate an Italian feel. The walls were covered with paintings of Tuscan landscapes, fountains, and statues. On the ceiling was a trellis with wines and oversized red grapes. All the tables were covered with red-and-white-checkered tablecloths. A red candle in an empty Chianti bottle was the final touch to help create a warm and charming atmosphere.

As they followed the waiter to their table, they were both greeted from all sides. She recognized several people, but thank goodness, there was no sign of the Westons. Tanner was obviously well-liked, and he smiled and nodded. They had to stop several times when someone got up to talk to him. It took a while before they reached their table.

He pulled out her chair. “Sorry about that. You’ve probably discovered everyone knows everyone in this town. And, by tomorrow, they will all be wondering about us.”

She looked up quickly. “Tanner…this is…I mean…”

Smiling, he sat down. “Don’t worry. Everyone in town knows you don’t date anyone more than once.”

Stunned, she stared at him. “Seriously? People are talking about my dating?”

“Of course. They talk about everyone. So, what can I get you to drink?”

Tanner was sweet and considerate, one of the good guys. He asked about her background and she asked him about his work. They were having a great time when something made her turn her head, and she locked gazes with Hayden Weston. Her heart shuddered to a halt.

The Westons sat at a table on the opposite side of the restaurant. That was why she hadn’t seen them as they’d entered. Exhaling slowly, she put her hand on her tummy where the butterflies had woken up and were frolicking exuberantly, leaving her breathless.

Fortunately, at that point the waiter arrived with their food and blocked Hayden from her view. Catching her breath, she thanked the waiter and smiled at Tanner as they began to eat. The food looked great, but she didn’t taste a thing. Her whole being was on high alert, aware of every single movement Hayden made, even though he was sitting at another table.

It had been three weeks since he’d last kissed her, but she could still recall every single sensation she’d experienced in his arms. Seriously, how long was this feeling going to last?

Tanner probably noticed she was staring at someone. He also turned his head. “Have you met Arlene’s kids?” he asked.

She nodded. “Luke is in my class. We’ve met.”

“Becket and I went to school together, so I’ve been on their ranch a few times. They’re good people. I’ve heard Tim Higgins wanted to set their barn on fire and nearly killed his little boy, but instead of pressing charges, Hayden offered to help him.”

Her eyes widened. The speed at which news spread in this town was astounding. “So everyone in town knows about it?”

Grinning, Tanner nodded. “Oh, yes. Carol Bingley and her friend, Betty, who works at the police dispatch, made sure of that.”

Laura swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat. Hayden was so exactly the kind of man she could fall for—sexy and nice—making it all the harder to forget about him.

*

“So, Becket andCoop,” Willow said. “How come you two aren’t dating?”

As he struggled to keep breathing, Hayden tried to focus on the conversation. It was difficult. His gaze kept straying toward the table where Laura sat with Tanner Olsen. She looked beautiful. In a soft yellow top, her hair taken up, leaving her long neck bare, she was simply gorgeous.

It was clear she was having a great time. She hadn’t stopped smiling at her date. He knew Tanner Olsen. A nice guy. He should be happy for Laura. Tanner would treat her well.

Cooper shrugged. “Having dinner with someone who doesn’t really eat, who takes pictures of everything to post on social media, and who can’t talk about anything other than herself, is exhausting. I prefer to stay at home with the animals. They’re much more fun.”

---