Page 13 of Loved By Tandy

“But we’re friends again?”

“Sure.” She takes a bite, staring at me the whole time.

Silence drags out as we eat our donuts.

“It was nice to see you at the barbecue. It’s fun watching all those young couples and their children.” I pull out a chair and motion for her to sit down.

Tandy takes a seat, then looks up at me. “I love watching people in love. It inspires my stories and my new project.”

“Can’t say I’ve read your books. Maybe I should pick one up.” I ease into the chair beside her.

She shakes her head. “Nope. I think that would be a bad idea. All the scummy guys are named Matthew.”

“Ouch.” I lean forward and study her face.

Her brown eyes still have that same fire that attracted me so long ago. Wrinkles frame her eyes and mouth, a reminder of the years that have passed.

“Tell me about your new project. Does it have anything to do with the renovations?”

“It does.” She shifts, like she’s excited. “I bought a ranch.”

“You what?” I’m not sure what I expected her to say, but this isn’t even close. “A ranch? Like with cows?”

“Yes. Well, eventually. I hired a young guy?—”

“The one you were having dinner with the other night?” I happened to see her at the barbecue place with a young guy, and I’ve been curious about him.

Her lips curl into a rather devious smile. “Matthew Gallagher, have you been following me?”

“I have not. But if you didn’t want the entire town to see you with your new fling, you shouldn’t have dined at the barbecue place where everyone eats.”

Those expressive brown eyes make it clear that she wants me eight feet under. She stands, leans in close, and whispers, “You sound jealous, Mr. Gallagher.” Then she walks away, her hips swaying from side to side.

Tandy really hasn’t changed that much. She’s still spunky.

CHAPTER 7

TANDY

After Matthew’s crack about my fling, I’ve been avoiding him. Not because I’m mad, but because I know he’s stewing about it. It’s fun watching him work for my attention. I pack two donuts into a small bag, then grab my purse. “Blake, I’m headed out. You have a key. Just lock up when y’all leave. And the cats can stay in the spare room with the door closed. I don’t want them getting into stuff.”

Blake brushes dust off his face as he walks out of the bedroom. “I’m leaving pretty soon, but Matthew’s staying. Should I give him the key or just have him wait here until you get home?” The twinkle in his eye makes the teasing unmistakable.

“Either works. Toodles.”

As I step off the porch, Matthew steps outside. “You going to meet your young fella?”

“Yep.” I flash a grin.

If Matthew is crazy enough to think that I’d date a guy who isn’t old enough to drink, I’ll let him live with his delusion. I have other things to do.

I don’t date men younger than me. Never have. Except once. Matthew. He’s two weeks younger. After him, I switched to older men, hoping they’d be wiser.

Maybe they were, but nothing worked out.

Colt pulls up to the curb, and I climb in. “Thanks for picking me up.”

“No problem. Why is that man on the porch staring at me like I’m sneaking you out after curfew?”

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