Page 24 of Forever To Me

“How old is she?”

“She’s fifteen. She’s away at a band competition,” I say softly as I watch her. “She’ll be back later tonight.”

“I bet she’s a great kid,” she says with a smile and plays another chord.

Surprisingly, it felt good to share that with her about Mack.

She resumes playing her guitar and struggles with a chord.

I reach out and reposition her fingers, and her eyes follow my hands as I move her fingers on the guitar strings. She gazes up at me, and our eyes collide as we stare at each other for a beat too long, neither of us saying anything. My calloused fingers on her warm fingers. It’s an intimate gesture, but I can’t help myself.

I lean back, and say, “Now try that.”

She looks over at me, surprised, and grins widely as she plays and hits the note. “Thanks, Cowboy. I didn’t know you knew how to play the guitar.”

I shrug. “I know a few songs.”

If only she knew.

After watching her play together, I clear my throat and ask hesitantly, “Why do you call me Cowboy? I told you I’m not a cowboy.”

“We didn’t exactly introduce ourselves,” she says sheepishly. “And you look like a cowboy in your hat. It’s sexy.”

Damn, she’s so beautiful. And she thinks I’m sexy. Hmmm.

“Just Walker,” I grunt. “What’s yours?”

“Violet Wilson, but I like it when you call me Red,” she admits with a grin.

I nod and glance around. “Now you’ve seen where I live. Not married, not an adulterer,” I muse. “Just a bar owner, living a normal life.”

She grimaces. “I still feel bad about that. I liked you, and I thought we’d had a special night. Then, when I thought you were married, I felt awful,” she says resolutely.

“Liked? You don’t like me anymore, Red?” I ask and wait for her response, trying not to hold my breath.

She ignores the question but grins. “You are so far from normal, Walker. What’s with this house? Your house is so big it should have its own zip code,” she muses as she looks around in awe.

I stare at her. “We did have a special night, Red. But there are so many reasons why we shouldn’t go there again.”

She cocks a brow and teases, “Like what? And also, can we not just be friends? We have Maggie in common. I’m sure she’d appreciate it if we were friends.”

Shit, I just challenged her. The few interactions that I’ve had with Red, I’ve learned that she doesn’t back down from a challenge. In fact, it seems to fuel her. And she’s not wrong. Maggie is a huge part of my life, which means she is now, too.

“For starters, I’m a lot older than you,” I insist from behind the rim of my coffee cup.

“How old are you?” she questions.

“Thirty-eight.”

“Well, I’m thirty, so you’re not that much older, and we’re both in our thirties. Next,” she commands.

“I have to put my kid first,” I warn.

“I like kids and want a house full of ‘em someday. And take that look of horror off your face, cowboy. You’re not in the running for the job. I’m talking about way in my future. Once I find a decent man and get my life together. Other people’s kids don’t bother me, either. Next.”

Jesus. She’s not letting me off the hook. What does she mean I’m not in the running? And a decent man? What’s wrong with me?

I scowl at her, finding I don’t quite like this imagined future of hers.

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