Page 94 of Butter My Biscuit

I smile. “That’d better be a sign,” I say, pointing up to it, making my wish.

On the way to Boot Scooting, I try to get my plan together and walk through exactly how I think the night will go. If Grace is on a date, I have to avoid her at all costs.

I find a parking spot on the side of the building, check the time, and walk in early. Not to my surprise, Cash is sitting at the end of the bar, away from everyone. He gives me a wave, and I join him. It has the perfect view of the entire place, but also doesn’t draw too much attention.

“A round,” he tells the bartender, and we clink our shots together before taking them back.

I’m not watching the door, but as soon as I see Grace enter, wearing the cutest little dress, I can’t help but stare.

Cash looks at me, and then his eyes follow my gaze.

“Is that Grace? Y’all still besties?”

“Yes, but it’s complicated.”

“Mmm.” He lifts a brow, and then he sees Grace hug another guy. “Ah. That explains it.”

“No, it’s a lot more complicated than just that.” I point my empty shot glass in her direction with a laugh. “I can’t let her see me. She’ll think I showed up on purpose.”

“Did you?” He looks at me from head to toe. “Because I sure as hell didn’t change clothes to come up here.”

I chuckle. “A little birdie might’ve tipped me off. So, anyway, what about you? Got a girlfriend?”

“Nope,” he says. “Women are trouble. I’m letting the horses occupy my time.”

“Fuck yeah. I’ve been spending a lot of time at the barn lately. Been thinking about life. About stupid shit.”

Grace and the guy sit at a high bar top on the other side of the dance floor, but I have the perfect view of her profile. He pulls out her chair for her, and then she scoots in. He says something in her ear, and she nods. Then, he walks to the bar.

She’s sitting alone, looking at her phone. So, I pull out mine and type her a message.

Harrison

You look gorgeous.

I see her read it, and she smiles, then looks around.

Grace

Are you here?

I keep my head down, knowing she’ll never spot me with this hat on.

Cash shakes his head. “You’re both still playin’ games, I see.”

Just as I open my mouth to rebut him, Stephanie walks through the door.

“Shit,” he says. “Now, I remember why I missed being home. Small-town drama is like its own damn reality TV show.”

I burst into laughter. “It is. So, I guess that makes me the main character in the saga?”

“Better you than me. Not into thatother womandrama.”

Stephanie sees Grace and walks over to her. The two of them chat for a few minutes, and when Grace’s date returns with two drinks, Stephanie excuses herself.

She’s wearing a short skirt that shows off her long, toned legs. Step by step, she struts across the room, and then our eyes meet, and she smiles, picking up her pace. When she’s close, I stand, and she wraps her arms around my neck.

“Damn, you smell good.”

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