Page 25 of Crossed Lines

He chuckles. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“Alright, I’ll be nice.” I’d never be an asshole to a woman, but I will also make it clear that I’m not looking for anything.

“That’s all I’m asking for.”

By the time we finish our first round of beers, Hailey and her three friends appear at our table. The problem with small towns is that everyone knows everyone. Sawyer and I went to school with Hailey, but I think she was a year behind us, so I didn’t know her well. Sawyer has had an on-and-off thing with her since she got divorced a few years ago. I recognize two of her friends, so the third must be semi-new to town. Or at least new enough that I haven’t seen or heard of her. Brooks and I attempt to make small talk with Hailey’s friends. Brooks has no stake in the game since everyone knows he’s taken, so he acts as a wingman, hyping me up to women I’m not interested in. Sawyer jumps in occasionally, but he spends most of his time making heart eyes at Hailey.

I switch to water after my second beer because I’m too old now to be slinging back beers like I used to. Brooks does the same, so I don’t feel too lame.

Eventually, the ladies get tired of talking, and they want to go dance. I’ve never been huge on line dancing, but I know enough to get by. I keep my movements small to keep to myself as much as possible. Sawyer, on the other hand, has his hands all over Hailey the entire time. I’m happy for my friend, but it makes one of the other women glance in my direction. I think she said her name was Caroline. She looks at my hands and then smiles at me. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a beautiful woman. In any other circumstance, I would potentially be interested in her. But it feels wrong to lead her on when I know my head is somewhere else, even if it shouldn’t be.

After a few dances, I make my way back to where Brooks is at our table. Sawyer stays on the dance floor.

“Having fun?” Brooks asks me once I sit next to him.

“I think I’m getting too old for this.”

He chuckles. “You’re only thirty-three.”

“Feels like I’m fifty.”

“I know the feeling,” he says.

Brooks and I finish one more water before Sawyer heads in our direction. “Hey, I’m gonna head out with Hailey. You good to get home?”

I chuckle because I’ve had way less to drink than he has. “Are you good to get home? Neither one of you is sober.” I know Hailey had multiple drinks when she was at our table.

“Yeah, yeah. One of her friends is the DD. She’s gonna drop us at Hailey’s place.”

“Alright. Be safe, man.”

He nods and claps Brooks on the shoulder before disappearing into the crowd again.

“You ready to head out?” I ask Brooks. I’ve got a quiet house and bed calling my name.

“Let’s do it. I know Aspen is waiting up for me anyway.”

“You’ve got yourself a good one with her,” I tell him.

“Don’t I know it. You’ll find the right woman for you one day, Beck.”

“I’m not in any rush.” It’s the truth, but I think it might be because I haven’t found the right person. But maybe if I do… I don’t know. Things might change.

We pay our tabs, and I pick up Sawyer’s drinks. It’s the least I can do since I’ve been lusting after his sister.

I was excited to get home while I was out, but once I’m here, surrounded by the silence, I’m not as excited. What I wouldn’t do to come home to a dance party with my two favorite girls right about now.

CHAPTER 11

Willow

Beck has been unusually distant this past week. At first, I thought it was probably a good thing. We came way too close to crossing a line last week. A line that could change everything. But I can’t help but miss him.

Which is insane. I see him every day, but it feels like something is missing. He doesn’t have coffee waiting for me in the mornings. There are very few check-in texts throughout the day, if any. I’ll occasionally send him pictures of whatever Jade and I do that day, and he’ll reply by simply liking the picture, where before he would make cute comments. When he gets home at the end of the day, he’s not playful. He’s never rude, but it’s clear he’s ready for me to leave. Which is fine. I can take a hint.

I may be overanalyzing the situation. It wouldn’t be the first time, that’s for sure. Beck and I have always gotten along so well. But since I’ve been back, things have been different. I hope I’m not making up the tension between us.

This morning, he mentioned he had to work later than usual. It’s Friday, and a lot of guests are checking in at the ranch, so they’re doing a few later rides. Obviously, it’s no problem for me. I don’t have any plans other than hanging out with Sawyer, which might need to change because I think I’m starting to cramp his style a bit. He’s spent a few nights away recently. I can’t imagine how it must be for him to live on his own for three years and then all of a sudden someone is there every single day. I’m sure he misses his privacy.