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We both laugh. I know we’re picturing him saying exactly that with a dramatic eye roll. Dean was rarely serious. He always loved to laugh or make everyone else laugh. Probably a result of growing up in the home he grew up in . . . if you could even call it that. With a dad in prison by the time he was four, and a mom in and out of his life, he practically raised himself.
“You have dinner yet?” I ask, and he shakes his head no. “Want to grab something in town?”
“Sounds good. Meet you at The Place?”
“See you there.”
We both walk back to our cars and make the short drive over to our diner in town.
* * *
“Five years already?”Ranger shakes his head as he reaches for a few more French fries. “Congrats, Doll, you’ve done so much these last few years.”
“Thanks.” I blush a little. “It’s crazy how quickly time is flying by. How are things going at the ranch and brewery?”
Ranger is one of the many Slade boys. Their fathers currently own the second-largest brewery in North America, and one of the fastest-growing whiskey distilleries. They’ve also recently launched a wine division. His cousin Trent is the CEO, but Ranger prefers to work at Slade Ranch along with a few of his other cousins. He basically co-runs it with Tyler, Trent’s older brother.
“Busy. Dad wants to retire this year, so he’s been eyeing Decker or me to take his seat on the board,” he says, referring to his twin brother who also works at the ranch with him.
“Oh, wow, how do you feel about that? I know you’ve always preferred to stay out of the boardroom.”
“Still prefer that, but I also understand the responsibilities that come with being a Slade. Seeing Tyler step up and be more active on the board shows me that it can be done, but I’m not sure if Decker would prefer to be the one. It’s something he and I need to discuss further.”
“Can I get you guys anything else?” Our waitress interrupts us, her eyes focused solely on Ranger as she bats her lashes and cocks her hip to one side. I could be sitting here in full clown makeup and I’m 99% sure she wouldn’t even notice.
“I’m good, darlin’, but thanks.” He winks at her, nodding toward me.
“I’m good, too, thank you.” I smile as her eyes briefly look at me then bounce back to Ranger.
“Okay, just holler at me if you change your mind.” She drags her hand over his shoulder as she slowly walks away from the table.
“Seriously?”
“What?” he asks coyly, and I can’t help but roll my eyes.
“I might as well not exist to her, and the woman at the bar has been eyeing you the entire time as well.”
He turns his head around slowly, and the woman at the bar lifts her hand to wave at him.
“Shit,” he mutters, dragging his hand over his heavy five o’clock shadow.
“Anyone in here youhaven’tbanged?” I laugh, unease curling in my stomach at the thought. I’m not naive when it comes to Ranger Slade. He’s had a reputation of being a ladies’ man since he was 15 years old, but I won’t pretend it doesn’t make me jealous. Just once I wish he’d want me in that way.
“Jesus,” he mutters, “I’m a gentleman, Dolly. I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Oh, please, I grew up with you, sogentlemanisn’t exactly the word that comes to mind.”
“I’m a changed man,” he says earnestly, but I don’t buy it.
“Changed how?”
“Meaning now I don’t kiss and tell, like I said.”
“How have you not been through everyone in town yet? You having to head over the border to Wyoming to find fresh meat?”
He shakes his head again in exasperation, reaching for his beer. It’s a look I’ve seen dozens of times from Ranger over the years. Sometimes I wonder if he truly likes me or merely puts up with me because I was married to his best friend.
“I don’t really have the time to date right now. What about you? Any new dates?”
