Page 64 of Sunrise & Serenity

I force myself to look away. It’s better if they don’t know I’m here. On a busy night like this, there is a decent chance they won’t spot me standing in the shadows. But at least I can keep an eye on them for a little while and make sure Taryn isn’t getting Sage into any crazy trouble. Or the other way around.

Unfortunately, my plan doesn’t quite work out that way.

“Holden McBride,” a warm, feminine voice says. “What a lovely surprise.”

I set my glass down. “Gemma. It’s nice to see you.” The nod I give her is polite, but I make sure my expression isn’t too inviting.

Gemma’s nice enough. I’ve known her all my life; the two of us went to school together. But a few years ago, during one of my rare visits to the ranch, I made the mistake of sleeping with her.

I made it crystal clear before we spent the night together that it was a one-time thing, and she’d been quick to agree. But the following evening she turned up at my door. And again the next night. I was polite the first time, firmer the second, and she didn’t come back after that. I left for the circuit a couple of days later. In the intervening years, I’ve caught glimpses of her during my short visits, but this is the first time we’ve spoken.

Sliding into the gap beside me, she sets her drink on the bar. “I thought we’d see you out more now that you’re back.”

I force a smile, not all that interested in explaining myself.

“Oh, don’t give me that look.” She laughs. “I’m not going to stalk you this time. I’ve learned my lesson, believe me.”

I will the muscles of my face to relax. That’s a relief. I’m not interested in repeating the past, but that doesn’t mean I have to be an asshole about it. “Just as long as you know nothing’s changed on my end.”

“Of course.” She dips her chin. “Last time I’d just gone through a bad breakup and was feeling a little needy. It’s no excuse for ignoring what we agreed on, but I just wanted to, you know…”

Her shrug is self-conscious enough to make me feel like an asshole. Thinking back, I probably should have been more considerate. I could have at least asked about what was going on in her life before falling into bed with her.

I was so busy making sure she’d keep her distance that I didn’t bother to consider whether I should have kept mine.

I clear my throat. “It’s fine. I could have handled things better.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “Water under the bridge.”

It feels like a dick move to send her on her way right after that, so I nod at her almost-empty glass. “Would you like another one?”

She bites her lip, and I half hope she’ll say no. We may have cleared the air, but the plan I made to justify my presence here tonight is rapidly going out the window.

“Thanks, that would be nice.”

I catch Allie’s eye and nod at Gemma.

“Another one?” she asks Gemma as she approaches.

“Yes, please.”

“You good?” Allie asks me.

I hold up my beer to show it’s still half full.

As she pours another drink, I can’t stop myself from glancing over at Sage. And as if the universe is out to spite me, she looks in my direction at the same time, her eyes widening and her pretty lips parting in surprise. She gives me a hesitant wave, and I raise my hand in acknowledgment.

Gemma follows my line of sight. “Are those your brothers?” she asks. “And Taryn?”

Sage quickly turns away, tipping her head toward my sister, and a moment later, Taryn’s eyes are locked on me. Then she’s on her feet and marching over. Internally, I groan. Then I brace myself for Taryn the tornado.

“Seriously? You turned us down when we invited you out with us tonight, then you slink on in here and hide in the corner anyway? What the hell?”

“Didn’t slink.” The lie is a bad one, considering the way I’m lurking in the shadows.

“Hi,” Gemma pipes up.

My sister gives her a brief smile. “Sorry to interrupt, Gemma. But I’m going to have to steal my brother.”