Page 48 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
“You did? Congrats,” he replied, glancing around for CaDee who’d disappeared in the crowd.
“You’ll bid, right?” Emily asked.
He shook his head. “Bid? On what?”
“The pie. Haven’t you been to a barn dance lately?” She leaned on one hip.
“It’s been a while.”
“Each pie is auctioned off, and the winner gets both the pie and a date with the baker.” Her eyes sparkled as she squeezed his elbow.
“I hate to disappoint but I doubt I’ll be participating.” He searched the other section of the barn and that’s when he found CaDee talking to Gage Campbell. He liked to show off the fact that he had more money than he knew what to do with. Whatever they were discussing made her smile. Sharp felt a tinge of jealousy. He’d never felt anything like it before and didn’t like it one bit.
“You should rethink that. I made your favorite. Pecan. It’s still your favorite, right?” Before he could answer dancers bumped into him. He stepped out of their way.“I hate to break up this chat, but this song is calling my name. Hope you’ll save me a dance, handsome.” She smoothed the tip over her tongue over her top lip and she took off, filing into the line of dancers.
“Someone still has a crush on you,” Ursula said.“Something tells me she really wants you to eat her pie.”
“Were you eavesdropping?” he accused his cousin.
“Of course I was. How else do I find out anything about your life if I don’t observe? Just like I noticed a little exchange of heated glances between you and Fin’s Creek new resident.” She wagged her brows.
“Don’t do that.”
“Don’t do what?” she pleaded innocence.
“Play matchmaker,” he groaned. He stepped over and poured himself another beer and Ursula stayed with him like Velcro.
“Cuz, it looks like it’s all organic.” She laughed.“I recognize the subtle glances. The expressions.”
“She’s a single mom focused on her kid.” He downed half the beer. He had to tread carefully because Ursula had always been good at seeing straight through him.
“Hogwash.” She snorted.“Single moms deserve love and relationships as much as anyone. We’re not desolate with dried up lady parts.”
He wrinkled his nose.“Don’t talk about that stuff with me.”
“That’s why I used the words lady parts, to protect your delicate sensibilities.” she said stiffly.“Now confess. Do you have a crush?”
“Crushes are for kids.” He rolled his eyes. He looked around hoping to find someone who could save him from his cousin’s interrogation and that was when he saw a long table laden with pies. He strolled over. His Velcro-buddy stayed near him.
“Are you looking for a particular one?” she said in a melodic voice.
“Just looking.”
Ursula cleared her throat to get his attention. She pointed at one pie in particular.“Here is CaDee’s. Just sayin’.”
“Did you have something to do with her making a pie?”
“Maybe. I’ll never tell.”
“Does she even have a clue that she’s being auctioned off for a date?”
“Maybe. Maybe not.” Ursula flipped the ends of her long hair over one shoulder.“I think it’s best you win that pie.”
“I’m not her type.”
“Honey, tall dark and handsome is every woman’s type unless she roots for the opposing team.” She winked.“I don’tknow a lot, but I saw the way CaDee checked you out when you weren’t looking, until Emily caught you in her snares.”
“Lay off Emily. This is no longer high school.”
