I’ve got one shot to make my case.
I start talking faster, words spilling out as I hold up a hand to shoo away a customer trying to flag me for another drink. “It’s for a good cause. More tourism means more business, more jobs, a stronger Frosty Pines. The mountain thrives, the town thrives, everybody wins.”
He opens his mouth. “Quiet’s what brought me?—”
“Button your trap, Carson. I’m not done.” I shoot him a stern look. It’s just a playful warning. Bossing him around shouldn’t thrill me this much, but oddly enough, it does.
Before I can think twice, I lean across the bar and press my finger lightly against his lips. The second I touch him, heat zips through my veins, so sharp and sudden it steals my breath. His lips are warm, soft, and dangerous. My pulse skips, and I yank my hand away.
His grin deepens, but he shuts up.
“As I was saying,” I stammer, shaking off the spark. “The coal company’s been sniffing around here for the past couple of years, trying to buy up half the mountain. But if we bring in more business, more community events, we can keep them out. The hoedown could make a real difference.”
“I’d never?—”
Another look from me, sharper this time, and he clamps his mouth shut. Smart man.
“And it’s not just about Frosty Pines. It’s personal.” I add, lowering my voice even though the tavern’s noisy enough to drown out our conversation. “This could be my big break. The council asked me to design the signature cocktails. If I nail this, maybe I get noticed beyond Frosty Pines. Maybe I create drinksfor bigger events, bigger clients. This could be a big break for me.”
My words run out, leaving silence in their wake. My heart thuds painfully as I bounce on the balls of my feet, waiting. “Well?”
“Coco,” a customer calls, waving his empty glass.
I flick my eyes from the man at the end of the bar back to Beau who just sits there, staring at me, his expression unreadable. My stomach sinks. I bite my lip, already backing away.
“Never mind,” I mutter. “Worth a try.” I turn, reaching for a fresh glass.
Strong, calloused fingers wrap around mine, stopping me in my tracks. Beau’s eyes lock on mine.
“Okay.” His deep voice sends a shiver curling up my spine. “On one condition.”
4
BEAU
Her request takesme by surprise. Not the part about the hoedown—though she does make a compelling argument. It’s the arch of her brow and the earnest look in her eyes when she mentions her personal reasons.
That look could make a man forget how to breathe. Her lashes lower just enough to soften the fire in her eyes. Her lips curve stubbornly, and her cheeks flush a soft shade of pink like she’s ready to take me to task if I say no.
Not that I could if I tried. Despite my desire to blend into the scenery and keep a low profile around town, I can’t resist Coco’s passion, her spirit. Watching her work the bar, listening to her dish zingers with the locals—she’s a spitfire. Irresistible sweet poison to a man who’s gone without lovin’ a woman for far too long. She’s woken desire that’s lain dormant for years.
I realize I’ve stared too long when she turns away, mumbling under her breath. I react before thinking and reach for her. Her gaze flits to my hand. I’ve broken a cardinal rule—laying hands on a woman before asking permission.
But Coco doesn’t reprimand or call me out. She stares where my hand wraps around hers. Her skin is warm, soft, alive beneath my fingers.
“Okay,” I say, my voice rougher and strained. “On one condition.”
Her head snaps up, eyes wide and curious. “Condition?”
I hesitate. Every instinct I’ve got tells me to keep my distance. Don’t go lookin’ for trouble. But the stupid, reckless, bronc rider in me dares me to take the risk.
I release her hand and wrap my fingers around my glass. The ghost of her warmth tingles against my palm. “You really think a hoedown will help?”
Her chin lifts, her eyes full of stubborn certainty. “I know it will.”
And damn if her confidence isn’t sexy as hell. I’ve spent most of my life surrounded by noise—rodeo crowds, bright lights, people screaming my name. But Coco’s different. She doesn’t bat an eyelash or use her womanly charm to shake me. And that’s the real test because I’m already playing with fire wantin’ her.
“The coal company won’t stop until we all make a stand against them. If the town pulls together?—”
