Page 29 of Christmas at Hart's Ridge

That came to an end when Max lifted his empty glass, requesting a refill on the IPA he had finished. I sighed, knowing I couldn’t ignore them any longer.

“The same?” I asked. Max nodded and I took his glass.

“That was interesting,” Eli remarked as I pulled the tap.

“Yeah. Alison Hall is a saint for putting up with him.” I shook my head, playing dumb. “Thirty years of marriage, and I don’t think he’s learned a damn thing in any of them.”

“Huh.” Eli turned to Max. “Do you think the state of Gabe Hall’s marriage is interesting?”

“Nope.” Max took the beer I placed in front of him, nodded his thanks, and took a sip. “Couldn’t care less.”

Eli nodded thoughtfully. “Now what if I told you that Luke Buchanan, small town himbo and man-whore extraordinaire, is forfeiting his Saturday morning, when he would normally be curled up with a ski bunny after a long night of sexual exploits, to drive his little brother’s best friend to her ballet recital, where he will spend a couple hours painting scenery. Would you saythat’sinteresting?”

Max grinned. “I do believe I would.”

“Andwhyis that interesting, Max?”

“Because it’s out of character.”

“That’s right, Max!” Eli announced like Max had won something on a game show. “It’s out of character.”

I rolled my eyes. Assholes, the both of them. “I renovated this bar with my own two hands, you know. It’s not like I don’t have the skills to patch up a few set pieces. And it’s for the kids. Are you saying I’m some kind of Grinch who would ruin Christmas for a bunch of kids?”

Eli smirked. “Is it about the kids, Max?”

“It’s not about the kids,” Max said. “It’s about the girl.”

Oh, lord.

“You caught me.” I braced my palms on the bar top and arched an eyebrow at Eli. “I’m dragging my ass out of bed before noon on a Saturday just so I can spend a couple hours with Emma. We’re having a secret affair.”

There. The mention of Eli’s girlfriend wiped the smirk right off his face. Max burst out laughing.

“Dude,” Eli protested. “Don’t even joke about that. I love you like a brother, but that’s not funny.”

“It’s funny tome.” I turned to Max, because two could play this game. “Is it funny, Max?”

“It’s a little funny,” Max admitted.

Eli shot him a lethal glare.

“As fun as this has been, some of us actually have to work on Friday nights, so…” My voice trailed off and I took a step back.

Behind them I saw Bethany throw back her head and laugh at something the moron she was serving a drink to said. It took everything in me not to jump the counter and toss him out on his ass. Not that he was harassing her or anything like that. I just didn’t like him. My jaw clenched.

“Yup.” Eli smirked over his beer. “It’s definitely about the girl.”

Chapter 11

Bethany

Lukerangthedoorbellfifteen minutes early, which meant I was at the kitchen table drinking my coffee instead of waiting on the porch for him like I had intended. I jumped to my feet, but Mom was already at the door, inviting him in for coffee before I could stop her.

“We should get going,” I protested.

“No, it’s fine. I’m early. I’d love a cup of coffee, Mrs. Albright, if you have enough to share.” Luke grinned easily, removing his baseball cap like a gentleman as he stepped through the doorway.

Much to my disgust, I nearly swooned at the simple gesture of manners. Ugh. The man was too good-looking for my self-respect.

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