Page 51 of Sugar
“Jesus,” I groan, hiding my face behind my hand.
Spurs is crowded tonight with a mix of tired cowboys, beautiful women, college-aged troublemakers, and even a rogue table of bikers in the far corner who stare down anyone who gets too close. It’s busy as hell—the vibe so much different than the lower, grumpier energy we get at Wild Coyote. I usually try to avoid places like this, but tonight I’m soaking in the pulsing vitality, hoping it’s enough to distract me from the torment a certain wild-mouthed brunette is wreaking on my mind.
I’m marrying him because he’s the best man I know.
Because he’s honest and he’s steady and he’s careful with my heart.
I’m marrying him, sir, because I love him.
It was real. I could tell from the look on her face that Ava wasn’t lying when she said the words that nearly buckled me in that office. It was like shooting out of a fucking chute in a championship rodeo. I’ve replayed them over and over again, wrestling with myself over the urge to try to talk to her about it.
I’ve been working so hard to keep myself safe from the feelings I still hold, but I’ll be damned—I think Ava might have let ’em all loose at that moment.
The guys drop a shot and a beer in front of me. I immediately throw back the shot.
Rhett frowns. “Dude, couldn’t even wait for the cheers?”
Wells laughs across the table.
I shrug. “Sorry. Needed it.”
Rhett’s eyes narrow.
“That’s okay,” Colt says, “we have plenty more.” He unceremoniously drops another shot in front of me.
“To the groom!” Rhett cheers.
“To the groom!” Wells and Colt echo.
I lift the drink, chest still squeezed tight. “To Ava,” I say before tipping it back.
Colt slaps a hand over my shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. “Heard you have it bad for this one, Kase.”
My eyes snap to Rhett, who snickers as he sits down next to Wells.
“Well, I mean, wearegetting married.”
Colt doesn’t know that my upcoming nuptials are anything but real. I don’t trust anyone other than my family with truths that could hurt us or Ava. “Never thought I’d see the day you got wifed up.” He turns his gaze to Rhett. “Also never thought I’d seehim with a girl at all. Must be something in the water y’all are drinking.” He shudders. “Keep it the hell away from me.”
“You should try it,” Rhett says over the music.
“Fuck no.” Colt frowns.
“Olivia told me Ava’s got a dress,” Rhett says, looking at me.
My throat constricts. “Yeah?”
“You didn’t know?”
“I don’t really keep tabs on what she’s doing,” I say defensively.
“I’m with Colt—I can’t believe you’re getting married,” Wells says, tipping beer into his mouth.
Rhett snorts. “Me either.”
“It’s not that big of a deal,” I say.
They both look at me with growing amusement.
