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“Sit around and stew? Yeah, well, I’m sure, but sorry, you’re not getting your way tonight. You’ve gotten it enough over the past week.”
“Oh, have I now?” Colt braced his elbow on his pitchfork and scrubbed his hand over his sweaty face. “Funny, I thought I was keeping my head down and working.”
“You’ve been in hiding, and don’t try to deny it.”
Colt dropped his hand. “Hiding from what?”
“Don’t play dumb either. It suits you a little too well, especially after the past few days.” Drake shook his head. “You really want to stand by while Paige starts dating someone else?”
Colt’s expression didn’t change, except for the slightest tightening around his eyes. If Drake hadn’t known his face as well as his own, he never would’ve seen it. “If she does, good for her. It’s none of my business.”
“Is that so? That really how you feel?”
“Yes.” Clenching his jaw, he finally reached for his lemonade. The glass was slick with condensation and he nearly lost his hold on it before tipping the liquid into his mouth. Some splashed out, bouncing off his chest.
Drake shifted behind some of the hay bales. Christ. There was no helping his dick now. He’d be better off sticking the thing in Colt’s icy cold drink.
“You’re sure?” Drake draped his arms over the hay and thanked God he’d worn baggy shorts today. “You’re not interested in her in any way and have no concern who she dates or when?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Paige can do what she likes, and I wish her well.”
“Okay, have it your way.”
Colt drank more lemonade. In seconds, he’d drained the glass. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means if you’re not fixing to spend more time with Paige, I am. I’d like to ask her out tonight.”
Colt’s jaw clenched yet again. “On your own, you mean. Just the two of you.”
“You got any other solutions? You just said you weren’t interested.”
“You know damn well why I’m not.”
“Because people talked some this week. Because it was awkward with your brother and your ex-wife.” He made sure to emphasize ex. “Because you don’t want to hurt her when it’s time to move on,” he added softly, holding Colt’s gaze as it shifted his way.
“That about sums it up.”
“Seems like a whole lot of worrying without much behind it. So people talk. Th
ey always do. We didn’t do anything wrong. We enjoyed ourselves and so did she. If we want to keep that streak going, no one gets a say in that matter but us—unless you give them that power.”
“Char gave Paige a hard time.”
Drake scoffed. “Come on, man, I talked to Paige and she said no such thing. Having a conversation ain’t the same as a hard time. Besides, I’m pretty sure they compared notes on your dick, so I guarantee some laughter was involved.”
Colt didn’t smile. “You think this is a game? It’s not a fucking game, Drake. She’s not for you to play with.”
“Or for you to play with. You’re afraid she’s not like the others and won’t move on so easy if we have a few repeats.”
“She’s a good woman. She deserves someone who will be there for her. One someone, not two half-assed cowboys who want to get their rocks off.”
“Was that all Saturday was about for you? If so, no wonder you’re backing away now.”
Colt rubbed his forearm over his glistening forehead. “No, damn you, it wasn’t just about sex for me. I like her. She makes me laugh. So I’m steering clear.”
“Fine. As you wish. But I’m not.” Drake stepped away and grabbed the Stetson he’d dropped on the ground. He set it on his head, glad for a momentary respite from the relentless sun. “You have yourself a good evening. I’m heading down to see Paige at Pitchers.”
“She’s there?”
