“Looking like your dad doesn’t mean you’ll become him or repeat his mistakes. I’m proof of that,” Cooper said, not appearing surprised by his comments. “Mine’s a self-centered pompous ass and look what a great guy I am.”
“Nope, you didn’t get any of your old man’s arrogance,” Zane joked. But how much genetics could he overcome? What if he took a chance and screwed up? Ruining his life was one thing but destroying McKenna’s was unthinkable.
“You lived with your grandparents for years, too. What about what they taught you?”
He’d always focused on his parents’ mistakes, but had he learned anything positive about marriage from watching his grandparents? Unlike his parents, he never remembered his grandparents arguing. They talked a problem out to find a compromise. He envisioned them working together around the ranch, sitting in their rockers on the porch watching the sun set while talking about their plans for the future. They’d respected each other, and their love shined brightest in moments on the porch when they said nothing but sat holding hands.
If he focused on following their example rather than on avoiding his parents’ mistakes could there be hope for him?
“Zane, there you are.”
When he turned, McKenna’s sister stood behind him. She’d changed from her lounge pants into skin-tight jeans with enough rhinestones and miscellaneous bling to rival a disco ball and a tight pink T-shirt with the sayingBad Choices Make Great Stories. She’d knotted the shirt in front to reveal her midriff. Now here was a woman looking for a good time.
Again, he stared at McKenna’s beautiful, obviously rarin’-to-go sister and felt nothing.
“There wasn’t anything for dinner in the house. I figured rather than go to the grocery store, I’d join you.” Erin flashed him and Cooper a big, vibrant smile, batted her eyelashes, and plopped down beside Zane in McKenna’s chair.
Great. This would toss a wet horse blanket on McKenna’s night, but what could he do? Tell Erin to get lost, and if she refused, bodily remove her? Come on. As Zane tried to figure out a strategy, Erin turned to Coop and introduced herself. “Do you enjoy singing?”
His friend shook his head. “My fiancée, Cheyenne does. She’s on the stage now with McKenna.”
The announcement deflated Erin’s interest and her attention returned to Zane. She licked her lips and leaned toward him. “What’s the deal with you and my sister? Are you a thing or not?”
No way would he become the latest event in her sibling rivalry competition. Not when he’d looked forward to tonight all week. All he wanted was to lean back with a beer and listen to McKenna sing.
“Yes, we’re involved.”
To what extent and for how long, I don’t have a clue, but we’re definitely together.
“You and McKenna. Who’d have guessed? How serious are you?” She placed her hand on his forearm and squeezed.
In other words, are you exclusive?Great character. Making a play for her sister’s man.
Before he could set Erin straight, Cheyenne and McKenna finished singing and applause erupted from the crowd. When the noise died down, he said, “What’s between me and McKenna is none of your business, but so we’re clear, I’m not interested in you.”
When they returned to the table, McKenna introduced Cheyenne to Erin. Cooper kissed his fiancée on the cheek and held chair for her. “You two were amazing.”
Cheyenne laughed. “McKenna made me look good. Her voice is way better than mine. In fact, I think we should ask her to sing at our wedding.”
“No, no.” McKenna waved her arms back and forth and collapsed onto the chair Zane swiped from a nearby table. “I already have enough responsibilities at weddings. Singing is out. I’m limiting my appearances to karaoke night and the shower.”
“Unfortunately, my sister suffers from stage fright,” Erin said.
McKenna lifted her chin. “My recent performance on the stage says otherwise.”
That’s telling her, Mac.Zane resisted the urge to let out an Aggie whoop over her comeback. Instead, he slid his hand onto McKenna’s knee and squeezed. When she turned in his direction, he winked. “Were you having as much fun as you looked like you were?”
“I had more.”
“Then I’m glad I came. I’d hate to miss the fun,” Erin said.
“How long are you staying?” Cheyenne asked.
“Only long enough to make enough to get my car fixed. I’ve got a job waiting for me in Las Vegas. I’m moving there to get away from an ex. I had a protective order, but he still showed up at my work.”
“That’s awful. You shouldn’t be forced to leave your job and your home because of this guy,” Cheyenne said.
“I was ready for a change, anyway.” Erin flagged down their waitress, who this time not only stood nowhere near Zane, she failed to glance in his direction. After taking Erin’s order, she skittered away. “My boss was a giant pain in the ass. Wasn’t she, McKenna?”
