Page 60 of Breaking the Cowboy's Rules

“I used to be a whiskey-straight-up-only man,” Ben said. “But, Shane, your combinations are going to get more than one old cowboy out of their very deep ruts.”

“If you bring those ornery old cowboys into my bar.” Shane smiled at him. “The hotel bought the chess, cribbage and backgammon boards you suggested. They came in today.”

“Good news.”

“We’re going to add the information to our website and advertise. You still thinking Monday night?”

“That’s the slowest night here, right?” Ben said. “Game Night at the Graff. Shane came up with that,” Ben said to Bodhi and Nico. Nico was surprised to hear Ben and Shane discuss marketing. Ben didn’t sound like a man considering selling up and leaving town, but Bodhi didn’t seem like a man prone to misinterpret or misunderstand.

“You’re the one with all the suggestions,” Shane said, working on a new order of cocktails.

“I like to leave a place better than I found it,” Ben said. “This hotel has been good for the town. Cormac Sheenan’s done well. I want to do my part to keep the community thriving long after I’ve gone.”

Shane shot him a confused look, and Nico’s radar zinged. “Don’t try to weasel out of leaving your recliner to help me organize game night. I expect to see you in here most Mondays.” Shane shook her cocktail mixer at him. “With your friends.”

Bodhi stared at his granddad.

“I’ll be here when I can,” he said. “Been thinking about moving closer to my girls, spending more time with them.”

The shaker popped out of Shane’s hand, but she managed to catch it, lid still on.

“You’ve upgraded the espresso machine in here,” Ben noted placidly, ignoring Shane’s shock.

“Also one of your suggestions since you’ve become so enamored of the ‘fancy coffees,’” Shane air quoted. “At the Java. Our after-dinner drinks and coffee business has definitely picked up, and I’ve done a lot of research on cocktail coffees, but, Ben—”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’ll be in to try one or two before I go, don’t you fret. Surprise us tonight with one of your fancy coffees. Bodhi’s paying for dinner and the cocktails too, so no expense spared.”

He really was thinking of leaving his ranch. Nico held the cocktail to her lips but had to force herself to swallow. Bodhi looked so upset, nearly bouncing out of his skin.

A server came to lead the group to their table, and Nico waved wanly at Shane, who still seemed rattled.

“Isn’t that Bowen?” Ben pointed to a tall, rangy man in the ballroom talking to a petite blonde with a short pixie cut that framed her heart-shaped features and large eyes. Nico missed a step so she could catch a glimpse. The pretty, young woman held a massive floral arrangement while Bowen held another. The woman looked like she was talking fast, and Bowen was smiling. It was the same blonde she’d met briefly this morning. Langston. That was it.

The game’s afoot.

“Looks like,” Bodhi mumbled, barely looking as they followed the server into the restaurant.

Several long tables were elegantly set with candles, flowers, and what looked like party favors. Their table was in a different part of the restaurant in a small alcove that overlooked the garden.

“He was talking with Langston Carr,” Ben said. “I heard she was back in town working at the Graff for a year. Good for her. She belongs in Marietta.”

“So do you,” Bodhi said tightly, holding out the chair for Nico.

Bodhi’s knuckles were white. Impulsively, she kissed his knuckles and smiled up at him, willing him to get back in the game and the moment.

“Bowen cleans up good,” Ben noted, approval in his voice. “Good to see him get out of the house. I always had a soft spot for Langston. Tried to help her out when I could. Jonas, her granddad, was such a hard man. Bitter. Still, he tried.” Ben reached for the basket of bread and tore off the end of a roll. “What was that name you used to call her? You made up a nickname for her when she was little. She hated it.”

“Dandelion,” Bodhi admitted. “But Bowen came up with the name. I just ran with it.”

“Yes,” Ben said, sipping his cocktail and looking at his grandson with amusement. “You’ve always run with it, whateverithappened to be at the time. Now—” he picked up the menu “—what’s good and expensive?”

*

Bodhi didn’t wantthe evening to end, despite the dismaying part when his granddad had all but announced he was moving. Not if Bodhi had any say. At least Bowen was fully engaged in the game. Good for him. And Langston was a good touch. Granddad clearly approved.

Bowen’s not really dating Dandelion.

Worry niggled his conscience, but he tried to shove it away. Beck was still struggling, dammit.

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