Page 29 of Close to Heaven

“Thanks.” She’d changed from her sweater dress into dark jeans, a button-down plaid shirt, and her only pair of cowboy boots.

“Stop harassing my friend,” Dakota scolded. Then she slipped her arm through Avery’s and led her into the bar while the brothers trailed after them.

It sounded like Jax and Cody were arguing, but Avery couldn’t hear their exact words over the music pouring out of the bar.

Once inside, a hostess led them to a battered wooden table with a tin bucket of peanuts in the center. The tables ringed a scuffed-up dance floor, where a few couples were spinning around to a slow country song. Between the music, the chattering, and the clinking of cutlery, the noise was almost deafening, but it was just what the doctor ordered.

Avery looked forward to drinking, dancing, and leaving her troubles behind for a while, even if her chauffeur disagreed.

After they’d gotten settled, a waitress came over. “What can I get you all to drink?”

They’d already decided on a pitcher of beer and an appetizer platter, and Jax placed the order for them.

After the waitress left, Cody took a handful of peanuts from the bucket and started cracking open the shells. “Man, this place is thumpin’.”

“Are you going to join us for line dancing?” Dakota asked Jax.

Avery was seated directly across from him, and she studied his expression while trying not to stare too hard. He’d also changed after Mary’s party and was wearing a short-sleeved black T-shirt that showcased his well-defined arms. When he crossed them in front of his broad chest, his muscles flexed, and she swallowed hard.

“You know I don’t dance,” he replied.

Avery spoke without thinking. “Don’t or won’t?”

He narrowed his eyes at her, and she realized it might have sounded like a challenge.

“Not that it matters. To each his own,” she said, hoping to smooth things over.

Cody laughed. “Way to suck up to the boss.”

“It’s after hours. I’m not her boss right now,” Jax said evenly.

“Jax isn’t known for cutting loose,” Dakota said, shooting her oldest brother an apologetic smile.

“That’s true. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you dance,” Cody mused while cracking open another peanut.

Jax tipped the bucket toward himself. “You gonna save any for us?”

“Help yourself,” Cody said.

“Maybe he’ll dance at Madison’s wedding,” Dakota said.

Cody glared at her. “Why’d you have to bring that up?”

“Who’s Madison?” Avery looked from one sibling to the other.

“She’s the one who got away, right, Cody?” Jax said.

“Shut up.”

The waitress came over and set down a pitcher of beer and four glasses. “Your appetizers should be out shortly.”

“Thank you,” Jax said.

The waitress, an attractive older woman (older than them, anyway), smiled at him before she walked away. Avery watched the interaction with interest, wondering if Jax was aware of the charisma he exuded. Cody seemed like the more overtly sexual one, but Jax had that silent, mysterious vibe going on. While that might dissuade some women, Avery was intrigued, and she wanted to learn more about him.

“Cody had a huge crush on Madison in high school, but she dated his best friend and now they’re engaged,” Dakota said.

Suddenly Avery felt bad for Cody, who, despite his carefree demeanor, looked pained. “That’s so sad. So you never got to tell her how you felt?”