Page 8 of Better Together

“So, what’s not to like?”

What was she doing? Why couldn’t she stop her stupid mouth from talking?

“Are you saying I should ask her out?”

Remi’s chest tightened. “Why not?”

“No, thanks. I tried that with a woman I work with once. It didn’t go so well.”

Remi pointed a finger at Colt and mustered her best serious voice. “That didn’t happen.”

“Pretty sure it did, though you do a really good job of reminding me that it didn’t.”

Some things were impossible to forget, no matter how much she wanted to erase the memories. The time Colt had asked her out on a date was pretty close to the top of the list.

He’d been at the ranch for two days before he made his move. She’d delivered a hard no along with a stern warning to let it go and move on.

Colt had taken her advice, somewhat. He’d given up on the date, but he hadn’t left her alone entirely. Somehow, they’d become friends, and she couldn’t even explain how it happened. He’d worked his way into her life in small, unnoticeable ways until he’d attained the title of best friend. She’d meant to keep him and all other men at a distance, but Colt hadn’t given up.

He never brought up the time he’d asked her out. Why tonight?

Change the subject. Change the subject.“It might not be the same with Hadley.” Heat covered Remi’s arms and neck, as soon as the words were out of her mouth.

Colt turned in his chair and faced Remi. “It’s fine. I’m not interested in dating her.”

Remi narrowed her eyes and assessed him. Something was up. He wasn’t interested in Hadley, he brought up the time that shall not be named, and he seemed a lot sadder than usual.

Colt mirrored her appraising look. “What are you doing?”

“Wondering why you’re not interested in Hadley.”

“I’m just not. Okay?” He turned back to his pizza and stuffed a huge bite into his mouth.

No, not okay. Curiosity killed the cat, and Remi wasn’t satisfied with his non-answer. “Is it because she’s younger?”

“No.”

“Is it because she’s a brunette?”

“No.”

“Is it because–”

“There’s not a reason,” Colt said. “I’m not talking about my female interests with you.”

“You talk to the guys about your female interests,” Remi pointed out.

Colt glanced at her, then looked down at his plate. “You’re not the guys.”

“So?”

Why did it matter if he saw her as “one of the guys?”

“So, I just don’t want to talk about it. Hadley’s nice and all, but she’s probably not ready to settle down and have a family. That’s where I am right now, and I don’t feel like wasting my time dating her just because she’s pretty.”

Oh no. Their time was coming to an end quicker than she’d realized. She knew he wanted those things, but she didn’t know he wanted them right now.

Remi cleared her throat and looked around. “So, did you happen to record the Cardinals game?”

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