Page 32 of Blame It On Midnight

“Hell yeah.”

“Okay, so are we not going to talk about the fact that the biggest model in the world is working behind your bar?” Ryland grinned and sat back in his chair. He nudged Mille Sue, then looked around the table, clearly pleased with himself.

Millie Sue chuckled. “I’m still not sure, but from what I hear, Jo is happy with things.”

“Maybe she likes the scenery,” Ryland quipped.

“Maybe I do,” Collins replied, with a wink. Ryland’s face darkened, and he grabbed the soda, downing it in one big gulp.

“You seem to have some kind of an effect on the Bridgestone men,” Colton said.

“The only one I care about doesn’t seem to think so.”

“Oh, he cares.” Colton grinned. “Right about now, he wants to put his fist through my face.”

Benton’s gaze was hooded, but it was focused on her, and that gave her hope. Colton drifted back to the other side of the table.

“So, how do you like Big Bend?” Millie Sue asked.

“It’s nice here. A lot different than the city. I like the slow pace, and everyone I’ve met seems so lovely.” She glanced at Benton and tried not to smile. “For the most part.”

“You’re at Duffer’s?” That question came from Millie Sue’s husband, Cal.

“I am. She’s a sweet lady. Tells the best stories and makes the most amazing breakfast I’ve ever had.”

“She comes from good people.” Cal nodded, then leaned toward his wife. “I don’t know about you, darlin’, but I need my bed.”

“Since when did you turn into an old man?” Ryland chuckled.

“Wait until you have a son who likes to wake up before the birds know it’s time to sing.”

“No, thank you,” Ry replied. “Not interested.”

“That’s because you’re still a wet-behind-the-ears kid who can’t even order a legal drink yet.” Cal got up and grabbed his youngest brother. He hugged him quickly, the way men tend to do, then turned to his wife. “You ready?”

Collins watched them leave. His hand was at her lower back, the touch intimate and soft and sexy as hell. What was it about a man who was not ashamed to touch his woman in public? So many guys her age were afraid to commit. Heck, playing the field was the norm, using women like they were items to consume and throw away. Settling for one woman wasn’t deemed cool or progressive. There was an entire generation of women her age who were single, and it wasn’t because they wanted to be. It was because finding an emotionally available, mature man who was comfortable with his masculinity without acting like a Neanderthal was harder than searching for Bigfoot.

It was the topic of conversation whenever she got together with her prep school pals.

Once Millie Sue and Cal left, their friends followed suit. Ryland got to his feet and yawned. “I’m whipped. Riding for two days just about did me in.”

“Pussy,” Colton teased.

The youngest Bridgestone ignored the barb. “I’ll be out back when you two are ready.” He flashed a smile at Collins, grabbed his phone, and left.

“I used to ride.” Collins set down her wine glass. She’d had two sips, but her stomach was too nervous for the stuff.

“Yeah?” Colton prompted.

She nodded. “My father likes to dabble in a lot of things. Horse racing is one of them. He’s a part owner of Sweet Way Stables out in Kentucky.” She saw the surprise on their faces.

“Sweet Way?” Benton angled his head. “That’s quite the operation.” He got to his feet and stood beside his cousin.

“It’s an amazing place. When I was a little girl, it was the most magical spot on earth. I would have moved in and lived with the Sheltons if I could have.”

“They run the place?” Colton asked.

“Yes.” A lot of memories were tied up with that outfit. Some good. Most bittersweet. She turned to Benton and found his gaze settled on her.

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