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“Because she’s cute and obviously interested.”
“So?”
“So? Jesus, Payton. We can’t both stay single for the rest of our lives. At least you’re gettin’ hits. I don’t think a man has blinked in my direction in two years.”
He shrugs. “Then you call her. I’m good.”
“She’s gorgeous. Obviously has her shit together. Professional. And she has a nice ass.”
“Didn’t notice. The last thing I need to do is hook up with someone from out of town. My luck, she’d be a psycho. I’d knock her up, and she’d want to move to the city or some basic shit, and everything I love about my life would change. No thanks.”
His rough confession has me snorting. “I honestly wish some rando would stay at the B&B and knock me up. Then he can go back to wherever he came from. A dream come true.”
He chuckles. “Probably need a vacuum cleaner for those cobwebs.”
“It hasn’t been that long since I’ve had sex!” I throw my biscuit at him, but he catches it and takes a huge bite before setting it back down on my plate.
“If your cousin sees you wastin’ food like that, she’ll have your head.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.” I shrug just as Maize brings out more food.
He looks over his shoulder. “Better behave yourself.”
“I know. She’s already in a mood about some imported vanilla she spilled or some shit. Don’t need to give her a reason to blow a gasket.”
“There are three people on this ranch whose bad sides I hope to never get on. She’s one of them,” he admits.
“And the others?”
“Your grandma.”
I chuckle. “And who else?”
“You. Actually, you’re at the top of the list.”
For some reason, that statement brings me joy. “Well, you know what I always say—don’t start no shit, won’t be no shit.”
“No truer words have ever been spoken.”
CHAPTER TWO
PAYTON
I sit in the back of the little white chapel on Main Street with the rest of Eldorado to watch Kane Bishop marry the woman of his dreams—Ivy Callaway. The ceremony is perfect, but it’s also a reminder of what’s still missing in my life.
As far as I’m concerned, relationships aren’t in my future. I’ve lived in Eldorado for over seven years, and I’ve been single ever since. Though there have been a few interested girls I’ve hooked up with, it was never serious.
As Kane and Ivy exchange their handwritten vows, I glance at my best friend standing next to Ivy. Kaitlyn may be wearing a smile, but she also has tearstained cheeks. Ninety percent of the time, she keeps herself guarded with a hard shell on the surface, but she’s soft on the inside.
She’s been vocal about being the only single adult Bishop left. She’s her own worst enemy at times. Hell, so am I.
After Kane and Ivy seal their marriage with a kiss, they exit and are followed by the wedding party. As they go outside to take photos, Diesel comes up to me. “Where’re ya headin’?”
“To the reception.”
“Nah, you’re coming with us. We need a lookout.” He leads me to where Riley and Ethan are standing in the back of the church. They’re holding two large boxes of condoms and window paint.
“We’ve gotta be quick,” Ethan explains, taking the cap off the marker. “Let us know if anyone is comin’.”
