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Wells steps beside me. That grin of his is a charmer. “Best ice cream you’ve ever had.” My stomach growls, a reminder of my lost dinner.

Expression doting, Ezra ruffles his daughter’s wild curls. “Maybe she has plans, Bugs.”

“Adults have too many plans,” she pouts.

“Do you?” I glance over at Cole’s rumbling voice. “Have plans?” He watches me with eyes the color of the sky.

My face heats. “Hot date,” I tease, and he goes unbelievably tense. Muscles, neck, body coiled tightly.

Evangeline tugs on my hand. “Please?”

I look at Cole. “I’ll go if you go.”

I remember what he said that day in the Creek House about being back for only six months. But it looks like he’s been on an island when it comes to his family. Like he doesn’t know how to fit back in.

Maybe this broody cowboy has secrets too.

Cole inspects my face, something flashing behind his dark gaze. “Ice cream it is.” Squeals and giggles erupt from Evangeline.

Butterflies erupt in my stomach as I follow Cole and the Westons down the block.

13 Cole

Crammed in a picnic table, I wipe the sweat from my brow and watch Delilah’s ice cream cone melt. She sits on top of the table, a bag of dog kibble beside her, white sneakers propped on the bench. Today, the ends of her honey-blond hair are dyed a mint green. Her tongue gives the chocolate swirl a long, slow lick, and my dick flexes.

Fuck.

I look away.

Already I regret coming along. I heard the dare in Delilah’s soft voice asking me to go. I couldn’t refuse her.

There’s something addictive about her that makes me want to stay, to open up. She isn’t afraid of me. Speaks her mind. Our conversation from that night has run through my brain more times than I can count. Which is why I’ve kept my distance.

The girl’s trouble.

I need to stay away from her, let the summer end, have the fucking launch party, then make her go.

“Well?” Wells asks, twisting to look at her. Our family takes up two picnic tables in the old drive-up ice cream parlor. “Best ice cream you ever had?”

“The best.” She looks almost as happy as Evangeline. “It tastes just like a chocolate malt.”

“We’ve been comin’ here since we were kids.” Ezra gives me a shit-eating grin. “Cole’s favorite has always been the chocolate malt.”

“Could be anyone’s favorite.” I rub a palm along my jaw, hating my brother right now.

Delilah’s gaze drops to mine. “Want a taste, cowboy?”

She hovers the cone in front of me. “Temptin’ me won’t work, darlin’.”

Those long, dark lashes flutter. “It’s just ice cream.”

Not with this girl.

I’m defenseless against her gaze, and that fact scares me to death.

I turn on the seat, attention snagging on my brothers, who talk in low tones. “What’s goin’ on with the launch?” Anything to get my mind off this girl in front of me. Because she sits there, eating that ice cream cone, so goddamn gorgeous I can hardly stand it.

“Not planning it anymore. Remember?” Ezra gives me a smirk like he knows what I’m trying to do. “Ask Delilah.”