But even if he’d found the topic of conversation remotely interesting, he’d find it difficult to concentrate. He hadn’t stopped thinking about Penny all day. Or their life-altering kiss. In fact, he’d almost burned down Frank’s barn when he forgot to turn off the roasting machine. It had maxed out at six hundred degrees, completely scorching the entire roast, much to Frank’s annoyance.
Considering he’d fried the first batch of coffee he’d been allowed to roast by himself, Colt didn’t think he’d get to design his own blend anytime soon.
“Hey! Davis!” Jack waved his burly hand in front of Colt’s face, startling him to attention. “For someone who has zero interest in Penny Heart, you’re staring at her like she’s the last rib on the platter.”
Colt cleared his throat. “Yeah, well… I wouldn’t say I havezerointerest.”
“Gee, no kidding.” Jack rolled his eyes.
“Don’t tell me we’ve lost you, too.” Incredulous, Reed shook his head. “I thought you’d be the last bachelor standing. Now, it’s between me and Jack.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Jack laughed. “Colt had to fall for the one woman immune to his roguish charms.”
“Not completely immune,” Colt mumbled, his cheeks heated.
“What?” Luke cried in shock, spewing a mouthful of coffee into the grass. “Are you dating Penny? Cassie hasn’t mentioned anything to me about it.”
“We’re not datingexactly.” Colt shifted his feet, regretting the current topic of conversation. “I haven’t asked her out yet. Officially, that is. But I plan to. Soon.”
Luke frowned. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I do.” Colt held his brother’s gaze.
“I think it’s great,” Grant cut in with a warm vote of approval. “After what happened with that Lance guy, Penny deserves some happiness. And crazy as it sounds, I think you two bring out the best in each other.”
Colt immediately straightened. “What Lance guy?”
“Penny’s ex.” Grant blinked in surprise, repositioning his wire-frame glasses on the bridge of his nose. “I thought you knew about him.”
“No.” Gritting his teeth, Colt turned to Jack. “Is Lance the art dealer you told me about?”
“Maybe.” Jack shrugged. “I don’t remember his name.”
“Yeah, that’s the guy.” Grant snapped his fingers in recognition. “They dated a few years ago. I overheard Eliza telling Cassie about him the other night. But I didn’t get the impression it was a secret or anything.”
“Did Eliza say why they broke up?” Colt asked eagerly, in dire need to learn every last detail.
“Sorry, I don’t remember. I was teaching Ben to play chess while the girls talked in the kitchen. I didn’t hear everything. But it sounded like Penny got her heart broken pretty badly.”
Colt’s hands involuntarily coiled into fists at his sides.
“Listen, Colt,” Luke interjected, his tone kind but firm. “Promise me you won’t pursue Penny unless you’re serious about a future with her.”
“Done.” Colt extended his hand.
Luke hesitated a moment, eyeing his open palm warily. “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.”
And to his surprise, he actually meant it.
Chapter 20
Clutching her cup of tea, Penny stared wide-eyed as Colt strode across the lawn straight toward her. His intense, purposeful gaze sent a shiver down her spine, weakening her knees.
“Penny Heart…” He stood mere inches away, and she could see the nervous glint in his eyes as he asked, “Will you go out with me? On a proper date?”
Her lips parted, but no words escaped.
