Page 3 of Could Have Been Us
“Because the options out there are anything to get excited over?”
Winnie raises one brow. “Do you even look? When was the last time you went on a date?”
“I don’t remember.”
She shakes her head, the disapproval layered in her reply. “Which is the damn problem. Seriously, you’re a gorgeous heiress who refuses to be in any kind of relationship. It’s like you refuse to even date.”
I date. Kind of.
I’ve known Winnie since we were five years old, and while she’s normally content not to talk about this, when it does come up, she’s relentless.
“Because I am an heiress, that’s why I don’t date.” It’s not entirely true, but it’s close enough. Grayson and I run the flagship inn here in Willow Creek Valley and our brothers are scattered to various locations, but our father still holds the reins. Just my last name alone attracts a lot of . . . money-seeking men.
“You could be a little nicer. Maybe that would land you a boyfriend.”
I roll my eyes. “None of these guys are worth it, and I’m not going to waste my time.”
Because the only man I have ever loved pretends I don’t exist past being his best friend’s little sister even though we have a child together.
“I just want you to be happy.”
I push the clothes on the rack and sigh. “Well, same goes for you, Win.”
“Difference is that I’m willing to date, you’re not.”
The sad part is that I’ve tried. I’ve found men—ones I thought were good—and not one of them stood up against Jack.
It’s the most pathetic thing in the world. Why I can’t seem to get over Jack O’Donnell, I’ll never understand.
One glorious night was all I was meant to have with that man, and it ruined me. Absolutely took every damn chance away for another man. Because no matter how great a guy is, what he does or thinks, he’s never going to be as wonderful as Jack.
“Then we’ll both die alone.” I grab an outfit, pulling it to my chest. “What do you think?”
“I think you’re in need of Jess’s shrink.”
I grin. “You might be right there.”
Jessica is Winnie’s older sister, and she’s been through a lot. She came back to Willow Creek Valley not too long ago and has been getting help to heal. I always loved Jess and, I’m really hoping she and Grayson straighten their shit out. They’re destined to be together and just need to stop being so stubborn.
Winnie tilts her head, looking over the outfit, and then scrunches her nose. Well, that’s a no.
“Will you at least go on a double date with me once I get a date set?”
I groan and put the garment back where I took it. “Why do you do this to me? I’m happy, Winnie. I love my job. I have a great home. I have a crazy but fantastic family if you ignore my asshole parents. I’ve got you and Delia and Jess now that she’s back in town. My life isfine. Why do you think I need to date?”
“Because you’re my best friend, and part of what we love about each other is the torment we inflict?”
She’s a damn mess. “Fine, but tell this guy to tell his friend I’m a bitch.”
“Oh, don’t worry, there’s not a man around here who doesn’t hear your name and shudder.”
“I’m like Mufasa.”
She does the shiver from the movie, and we both start laughing.
“I love you, Win.”
“I love you too. I only ride you because I know the truth.”
