Page 47 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“I hear there’s lots of dancing. I like to dance so maybe we can have each other’s hands on one another for a few slow ones.”
“I’d be happy to oblige.”
“See you later, handsome.” She gave him a flirty wave at the door.
He hopped out of bed and went to his dresser, pulled open the top drawer, and took out the velvet case that held his ma’s wedding ring. His pa had given it to him years back as a keepsake.
Lately, he’d been thinking a lot about marriage. Settling down. Maybe even have a few kids of his own.
His mind wandered to CaDee. He’d never been much of a romantic, but he found himself wanting to show her that she deserved so much more than she’d received in the past.
His pa once told Sharp, “When you know, you know… and then never let go. Show her every day what she means to you.”
He placed the ring back in his drawer and took off for a shower.
Chapter Eighteen
Sharp stood outside of the dancers talking to his buddies that he’d grown up with. It wasn’t quite the same without Ely. He guessed it never would be. The pain of losing someone never went away.
He barely listened to Liam, Kiever, and Heath discussing potential issues with the infrastructure of the town’s aging water pipes.
Sharp on the other hand had his attention on CaDee who stood near the food table talking to Ursula. CaDee looked amazing. He wanted to believe that what they shared earlier had something to do with the glow in her cheeks, but he also knew she was slowly finding herself again—the part lost in the relationship with her ex. She seemed more confident, relaxed, and open to talking to all the townsfolk who were interested in meeting her.
He wasn’t sure if she knew that he was watching her, admiring her from a distance. As much as he wanted to go up to her and wrap his arms around her, he had to respect her wish—to pretend they were only friends. A part of him understood. She was a mother who needed to protect Carsen, but also, Sharp felt a bit…what was a good word for it? Used. Nah. She wasn’t the type to use him.
“What are your thoughts, Sharp?” Kiever asked.
“Thoughts?” Sharp had missed the question.
“About the water pipes?”
“I’d have to do some research to give my honest opinion,” Sharp said.
“Do you think we should make a veteran’s memorial at the park?” Liam asked. “Isn’t that important too?”
“If there’s a private donor, sure. I think the water lines should be the committee’s main concern first if they’re in bad shape.”
“You’re a veteran, Sharp,” Liam scoffed.“You don’t see the importance of memorializing our comrades who served and gave their lives?”
Sharp took a long swallow of his beer from the plastic cup, feeling disgruntled.“Are you running for mayor?”
Liam’s eyes widened and he shook his head.“I wouldn’t want that job.”
“Then don’t get your panties in a bunch over things.” Then Sharp walked away. He never liked to hear anyone whine about so many goddamn things all at once.
He threaded through the dancers and was nearly to CaDee when Emily Maines grabbed his elbow and pressed close.
“Hello, Cowboy. Long time no see,” she said with a friendly smile.
“Hello, Emily.”
His high school girlfriend looked just as beautiful as ever. She’d changed her hair from blonde to brunette, and age had been good to her.
“I heard you’d be here tonight.” Her smile widened, showing off a row of even, white teeth. In school she wore braces for five years so it was good to see they paid off.
“I somehow got roped into coming.” He checked over his shoulder and he met CaDee’s gaze. She quickly turned away.
“I baked a pie,” she said, winking.
