Page 34 of Long Time Coming

“Come on. Let’s get you a beer and catch up.”

We find some vacant stools and sit before ordering two draft beers. They’re not so much as set down on the bar in front of us when the door opens. It draws the crowd’s attention because everyone wants to see who walks in.

There’s no denying who it is with her hair shining like silk free-falling over her shoulders, those eyes that remind me of sapphires, and a smile that just about knocks me on my ass because it’s so gorgeous. The fitted green tank top clings to her tits and is tucked into a pair of denims that had to be painted on. She’ll need the Jaws of Life to remove them later, or . . .my teeth could do the job.

I’m even privy to hearing her laugh from this distance. It’s music to my ears. Finding her incredibly tantalizing, I empty the pint glass because I’m already well aware that I’m totally fucked in this situation.Or will be if I’m lucky!

CHAPTER 12

Christine

Two hours prior. ..

“Let’s go out,”I say as soon as Lauralee answers my call of anguish to take my mind off Tagger Grange. Themostfrustrating man I’ve ever met and the best kisser.Damn him.

I just don’t know what to think about our relationship, though calling it a “relationship” might be getting about ten yards ahead of us still. “Okay, where? To Whiskey’s?”

“I don’t love that place, but it’s familiar, and we get half-price beers, so that’s a win.”

She laughs. “That’s because they’re desperate to get women through the door. You’ll have the pick of the litter in that place.”

“We’llhave the pick of the litter, Miss Peach Festival. Are you in for nine?”

“See you then.”

I arrive five minutes early and wait beside her burnt-orange Mustang convertible. In Austin, you can find other cars this color in honor of the University of Texas, her alma mater. But out here, she’s one in a million, so everyone knows it’s her when they see this car coming.

She comes out with a small bag hanging from her elbow, her phone in hand, and keys in the other. “You’re rarely on time. Anxious much?”

“Actually, I am.”

The car beeps when she unlocks it. “Get in, hot stuff, and let’s get to partying.”

She peels out in a flurry of gravel crunching under her tires, and then turns up the music. The top is up tonight, but we’ve had many good times cruising with it down and singing at the top of our lungs over the years in this car. Just being with her lifts my spirits. “I’m not hooking up with anyone.”

Glancing over at me, she asks, “You’ve already decided? Doesn’t matter if Chris Hemsworth walks into Whiskey’s, you’ll say no, sorry, I made my best friend a promise she hopes I don’t keep?”

How can I not laugh? “You’re ridiculous, you know that? Anyway, he’s married with a gaggle of kids. So no, I won’t be hooking up with Chris Hemsworth if he walks into Whiskey’s.”

“Ooh, what about Brad Pitt? He’s on the market.”

“How many kids does he have again?” I’m already talking myself out of him before counting. “Nah, he’s got that amazing face, but I’m looking to forget my troubles, not get into more with a celebrity.”

“I’d get into trouble with him.”

“You get first dibs then,” I say, wondering why we’re having to talk over the music. Turning the volume down, I add, “You’re free to do as you please. I’ll happily be your wingwoman.”

“You say that now, but I know you get lonely.” She smirks. “And horny. Not that I can blame you.” When her eyes return to the road, she asks, “What’s the latest with Tagger? He’s still in town, right?”

“He’s still here. He was back out at the ranch today filling in for Davey, but I only saw him from a distance.”

“On purpose or?”

Lauralee has known me too long and doesn’t let me get away with anything. “Do you have to see right through me every time?” Grinning, I laugh enough to be heard, but I can’t say it goes deep. It’s just all I can muster when thinking about Tag. His rejection still stings. “I wanted to go out to forget about him, quite honestly.”

“We can do that right after you fill me in.”

Here’s the thing with my friend—she doesn’t push to get the gossip. She keeps at it to make sure I’m okay. But getting into the weeds about what happened at the river doesn’t sound like a fun way to kick off a night on the town. I angle toward her and rest my head back. “I promise to share the details soon, but I don’t want to think about him at all tonight. Is that okay?”

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