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But maybe it wouldn't be so bad to start over right back at home.
Could it be a certain rancher who's too good-looking for his own good is another reason Big Timber has become so much more attractive?
And, speak of the devil, JT chose that moment to saunter up to the bar with her brother Liam by his side. His jeans clung to his long thighs and the green in his plaid shirt did interesting things to his eyes.
She knew Liam had come out earlier to discuss doing some work for a project JT was putting together, but she was surprised that he'd stayed for the dance. He'd never been what you'd call a social butterfly, but ever since his divorce, Colleen didn't think he ever left the house other than for work, to visit their mother, or to have an occasional drink with friends.
"Take care of these folks first," JT said, gesturing to a handful of guests who were inching their way up to the bar.
She quickly served them and then got JT his customary microbrew and Liam a whiskey on ice.
JT took the beer, making sure his fingers brushed against hers as he did so. The jolt of heat that went up her arm and sizzled all through her body was a sharp reminder that it had been nearly a week since she'd spent the night at his place.
Five days, to be precise. Not that she was counting.
Between work and spending her evenings with Sarah while she was in town, there hadn't been time to see him other than while she was working in the bar. After the first couple of nights, her craving for him was like a constant insatiable itch. By now it was fast becoming a physical ache.
She tore her mind away from all the things she planned to do to him after Sarah went home and handed her brother the whiskey. "Liam, you remember Sarah, right?"
Sarah smiled and held out her hand. "Nice to see you again, Liam."
"Did we meet?" His rugged features pulled into a scowl. His eyes ran down the length of her, taking in her tight skinny jeans, fringed and rhinestone studded western style shirt, and, of course, the butterfly boots. He finally held out his hand.
Sarah's smile tightened around the corners as she gave it a quick shake. "Yes, briefly, I think our sophomore?" she looked to Colleen for confirmation, "year? I was visiting Colleen for the weekend."
"Yeah, I guess I don't remember," he said. Then, "Nice shirt," in a tone that said he thought anything but.
"Thanks. I got it in town yesterday, at that cute little shop on center street."
"Dolly Parton called. She wants her wardrobe back."
Sarah pulled her mouth tight and looked down at her front. "I was going for more of a Reba McIntire vibe, but whatever."
Colleen stifled a laugh as his eyebrows shot up in surprise. He turned to Colleen. "I sent this month's payment in, by the way."
"Thanks for doing that. I forgot to tell you, I have an appointment next week with Gregory and our lawyers to finally get the house stuff settled. Once I get that check, we will officially be done."
"Cheers to that!" Sarah said and clinked her cup against JT's bottle of beer. "If, for some reason, Gregory tries to weasel out of it, you know I can float you for as long as you need."
"Thanks, but we've got it," Liam snapped. "Besides, if Gregory tries to weasel out of it, I'll put his nuts in a sling myself."
"I'll be right there to help," JT said.
"My heroes," Colleen clutched her hands to her chest and batted her eyelashes.
The band moved into a fast-paced Rascal Flatts cover, and JT set his beer on the bar. "Sarah, do you know how to country swing?" he asked as he held out his hand.
"I'm a little rusty, but I think I can still manage a turn around the floor." She gave them a little wave as JT led her across the courtyard and through the double doors into the lodge.
"Well that was rude," Colleen said as Liam plunked his glass on the bar and motioned her for a refill. "How many of those have you already had?"
His green eyes narrowed. "Not enough."
"Aren't you driving?" she hesitated, holding the bottle over his glass.
He shrugged. "I'll crash on JT's couch if I need to. Unless I'd be cramping your style?"
Colleen shot him a glare and refilled his drink. "Why were you such a dick to Sarah? I know you remember meeting her."
