Page 18 of Legacy of Lies
“Since when? You can have the pick of the litter any day.” Sara gave a small gesture to the sets of eyes that followed Izzy’s every move.
She shrugged and shook her head. “So were his jeans tight?”
Sara dropped her voice and put her hand to her mouth. “Are you serious?”
“As a heart attack. I need details.” She sipped on her beer. “Come on, spill.”
And now Sara’s heart went pitter-patter. Great. “Um, well, maybe a little tight. I mean, I wasn’t really looking ...”
Izzy grinned. “Your denial is hilarious. Garrison’s hot. Don’t you think so?”
Sara spun on the stool to face her friend. “Holy mother of God, of course he’s hot. But I’m not interested in anyone right now.”
“I thought you weren’t Catholic anymore.”
“I’m recovering. It’s still a crutch for cursing.”
“Got it. So not interested in anyone because of Hank?”
Sara said nothing as a blob of unhappiness spread out from her chest until her whole body ached. It wasn’t only because of Hank, but that epic fail hadn’t helped. She had to choose: successful career, loan repayment, and her professional future versus dating in this small town. She’d already wasted years before going to college; well, she’d been kind of a bum, heaven help her patient and kind aunt and uncle, and God rest their souls. She’d had no direction, no plans, but at least she’d kept out of trouble for those lost years.
With college behind her, she wanted to get on with creating a normal life. As eagerly as her biological clock encouraged her to find a good man and settle down, reality dictated that she avoid making any more missteps with her reputation. Which meant extreme caution with any relationship.
Besides, she had a plan for her future success. And that plan did not involve Copper River. A plan that would take her far away from this place and to teach in an upscale suburb of Atlanta with a friend from college. She just needed to finish her obligations to Copper River, and then Sara could follow the path she’d mapped for herself. Any entanglements here would only derail her goals.
Izzy squeezed her hand. “My brother’s such a dope.”
“You’ve already mentioned that.”
“It bears repeating.” She removed her hand and tapped her chin. “Fine. Let’s say you weren’t gun-shy from Hank. Would you date Garrison Taggart?”
“Shush! People will hear you.” Sara absently touched her lips, then shoved her hand in her lap. “Maybe. But he’s not interested in me, and besides, I don’t want to date anyone right now.”
“How could he not be interested in you? You’re super cute.”
At least her friend was supportive. Sara played with the coaster edge. Enough. No thinking about activities with a certain rancher that would never happen.
Besides, if a rugged rancher wanted a partner, he didn’t need to look further than Izzy. Even now, all of the male attention in the establishment focused on those unfairly long legs, glossy blonde hair, and other assorted assets.
Sara waved her hand. “Doesn’t matter. He’s pissed off at me from the unpleasant parent-teacher conference.”
“Why?”
“Can’t share that info, protected. Let’s just say he stormed out of the meeting.”
“Ouch. Maybe the next meeting will be better.”
“Couldn’t be worse.”
“True.” She spun her stool away from the bar. “Want to dance? Those guys are getting frisky.” Izzy tossed her blonde hair over a shoulder and smiled. One of the men tipped his hat and pushed away from a booth, his dark eyes locked on her.
“You go right ahead. Looks like you’re about to have some options for your evening. I’m headed home. Work tomorrow.”
“You know what? You’re right. And I should get home, too. I’ll walk out with you.” She pulled out her phone and typed.
“Sure you should drive?”
“No way. I texted Wyatt, and he’ll be by in a little while after he closes the hardware store.”
