Page 20 of Dashing for Love

“Why not? I have nothing to lose. And you seem pretty happy.”

“This isn’t a big deal, Matty. It’s a dating app. Why don’t you want to tell Willa again?” Reid asks.

I shrug. “I don’t know. I just…don’t. I’m invoking bro code. You two have to keep it to yourselves—even if you sign up, Ox.”

“Bro code?Nowwho’s the twelve-year-old?”

Ox shrugs. “Doesn’t bother me any, but for the record, I think it’s weird you’re being secretive about it.”

“Fine,” Reid agrees. “It’s nice to see you getting out there. Though, I gotta admit, I thought you and Goldie had a thing when I first got here.”

I nearly choke. “Goldie? And me?” He’s far too close to the desire I’ll never let myself fully explore. Because something about it feels…notwrong, exactly, but…forbidden? She’s beautiful—stunning, if we’re being honest. Long, sun-kissed blond hair and a smile that is tailor-made to get her whatever she wants. She makes me feel like a troll in comparison. But we grew up together, and she’s my best friend’s little sister. And again: far too adventurous and fun to be interested in a boring guy like me.

“Yep. Something about you two. But maybe I was seeing things.”

“Nah. There’s something,” Ox states.

“What? No there isn’t.”

Reid puts his hands up. “Whatever you say, Matty.”

I shake my head. “You two are buying my lunch after all this. I gotta get back to work.”

Laughing, Reid and Ox head back inside. I hop in my truck and start the engine, but don’t leave until I respond to Dawn.

Chapter 8

Goldie

IN A SHOCKING turn of events, I somehow convince my sister to join me at Hall’s Balls on Friday for drinks and greasy food that she didn’t cook. We arrive together, having shared an Uber from my cottage.

“I always forget about this place,” Willa says as we walk in, looking around.

“Seriously? It’s the best of all the worlds. Classic arcade and pinball games over there, a dozen pool tables over there, and a full bar to go with it. How could you not love it?”

She raises a shoulder. “Since when have I been the type of person to spend her time somewhere like this?”

I snort. “Fair. Come on—the bar awaits.”

Ox’s oldest brother, Anthony, is the owner and bartender, and I force a bright smile his way as we sit down. He’s massive: bigger than his younger brothers and has much more of a gruff exterior. Where Ox is all goofy muscle and his twin is polished muscle, Anthony is more like…terrifying muscle. Despite my ability to charm just about anyone, Anthony has never been one of those, and he’s a little intimidating.

The fact that he rarely smiles most definitely has something to do with it.

“Drinks.”

I keep my own smile in place to answer what I presume was his version of a question. “Hi, Anthony!”

He grunts.

“What are we drinking, sis?” Willa asks.

“Let’s get…the Pink Thing,” I decide, figuring if it’s on the board behind Anthony, he won’t be mad about making it.

He grunts again and turns, plucking the bottle of vodka off the shelf behind him as he goes.

“What’s in it?” Willa whispers.

“Don’t know,” I whisper back. “I was trying to pick something that would keep Anthony from growling at me, but I don’t think it worked.”

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