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Cooper had proposed on Katie’s birthday in March. Avery loved that he’d talked it over with Gavin first. It had been clear to all of them where Cooper and Katie’s relationship was headed, and Gavin, who’d dated Katie first, had graciously given his blessing.
Cooper gave Katie’s hand a squeeze. “When you know, you know.”
“That’s right. I can’t wait.” Katie leaned into Cooper.
The couple gazed into each other’s eyes as if they were the only ones in the room. Big changes awaited these two. Since Katie owned her home, Cooper was moving in with her. The thought of her brother living in that feminine yellow house made Avery’s lips twitch. Her brother was totally smitten.
“So... ,” Rick said to Avery after a long moment. “How ’bout them Braves?”
“You know, I don’t really follow the MLB, but I admire your attempt to fill the awkward silence.”
Katie chuckled. “Sorry, you two. We’ll behave.”
“Speak for yourself.”
Katie gave Cooper a nudge. “Avery’s my maid of honor, Rick. Wait’ll you see her in that dress. The sage green looks fabulous on her.”
“Does it match her amazing eyes?”
“To a tee.” Katie grinned.
Avery gave her friend a pointed look. “No one will even notice me when you enter the room. That gown is stunning on you.”
Katie covered her fiancé’s ears. “Shush. Cooper knows nothing.”
“I know nothing.”
The microphone gave a loud squeal as Lonnie Purdy, the restaurant’s owner, gave the band an introduction. After enthusiastic applause, the Silver Spurs kicked into their first song, making conversation almost impossible.
They listened to several songs before the server delivered their food. The brisket was divine but there was so much of it, she passed her leftovers to Rick, who was on his way to consuming his weight in beef. Soon after they finished their meal, the band segued to a slow song, and Cooper led Katie to the dance floor.
“Would you like to dance?” Rick asked.
She loved dancing but didn’t necessarily want to encourage him.
“Come on. Just one dance. You have to give me a chance to show off my moves.”
She had no doubt he had them. Avery dropped her napkin on the table. “All right. You talked me into it.”
Chapter12
Wes could hear the loud bass thumping a block away from the Trailhead Bar and Grill. He’d nearly ordered pizza and stayed in, but a long evening alone held no appeal. Even though he knew virtually no one in town, he’d rather be surrounded by people tonight. And he remembered Avery mentioning a local pool hall.
Apparently there was a popular band on tap tonight. When he reached the entry, he opened the door to a sea of people. The bar was also packed with diners, sitting shoulder to shoulder. He should just run across the street and order a pizza. But the savory smells emanating from the kitchen convinced him the wait would be worth it.
He would order a drink and head for the poolroom, which was just off the main dining area, next to the restrooms. After he played a game or two, he’d check for space at the bar. If that didn’twork out, he’d order carryout. He made his way toward the bar and waited for service.
Ten minutes later, drink in hand, he made his way through the restaurant toward the poolroom. The band was playing a slow country song, and the dance floor was packed with couples, swaying to the—
His gaze stopped on a familiar face. His footsteps slowed. He almost hadn’t recognized Avery in the dim lighting. Her brown hair tumbled over her shoulders, and the form-fitting dress did something for her figure that no lab coat could ever do.
As he progressed toward the poolroom, he glanced back at the couple. The man held Avery close, his hand at the small of her back. His smile seemed a little slick for Wes’s liking.
Of course men were interested in her. She was an intelligent, successful, and beautiful woman. For all Wes knew, that man could be her boyfriend. He’d never even asked if she was in a relationship.
The heavy weight in his gut unsettled him. He had no claims on Avery and certainly no future with her. It was just a harmless flirtation. A way of passing time while he was in Riverbend Gap. Then why the disturbing feeling?
The poolroom walls bore all the token decorations you’d expect: old license plates and neon signs. A handful of spectators gathered around two tables, both in use. He leaned against the doorjamb and watched the action at the first table, where a twentysomething man played an older guy. Wes’s ears perked up when the younger man called his opponent Stewie. Wes’s attention sharpened on the pool shark Avery had warned him about.
