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A few weeks ago…
What are you doing, Lucy?I’m talking to myself again—a habit I’ve formed lately—as Ivie and I walk up to Sterling Brigg’s front door. I don’t dare open my mouth for fear I’ll reveal every secret I carry. My shoulders literally slump with the weight of them.Better buck up, buttercup.That’s what my dad, Steve, always used to say to me. I can’t slip up and let the truth fall out. It’s better kept hidden. The old sayingthe truth shall set you freeis a lie. All the truth’s done for me is rip my heart out and knock me off my feet, and not in a good way.
I glance at Ivie smiling happily as she raises her hand, balled in a fist to knock, but the door swings open quickly before she can. My heart warms at the sight of my best friend and her man. Despite all my own drama, I’m so happy she’s with Sterling. I always knew they had feelings for each other.
I follow them in, and he kisses her so passionately I feel myself blush. What I wouldn’t give to find that someday.Not likely.There I go again… talking to myself.
“Sterling, you remember my best friend, Lucy.” I snap back to the here and now as I hear my name. I start to smile and say hello, but my voice dies in my throat before I can make a sound as I glance over Sterling’s shoulder. I see the most handsome man I think I’ve ever laid eyes on walking toward us. He’s wearing faded jeans that hug his hips and muscular thighs in all the right places and a light blue button down with the sleeves rolled up to his tanned forearms. He has dark blond hair, like Sterling’s, and the bluest eyes. I’ve never seen eyes the color of his. Light and dark blues swirl like they’re waging a war. I could get lost in their depths, trying to find out which will win.
His hypnotic blue gaze holds mine for a moment before scanning the rest of my body and flicking back up to my face. I feel the urge to rub my chest in hopes of pushing down this feeling of—what exactly? I don’t know.
“Lucy, this is Tate Marks. He’s the brother I never knew I wanted but I’m glad I have.” This gorgeous man reaches for my hand, and I offer it freely. As soon as he touches me, I feel an electric shock shoot through my veins.Calm down girl, it’s just a handshake. I can’t turn away from his eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Lucy.” Oh, and the country accent. He may as well have lassoed my heart.
Instead of blurting out something stupid, I manage a calm reply and smile. “Likewise.”
After we all rode to town in Sterling’s truck, we ate dinner at The Silver Note. It was delicious and mostly filled with small talk. The Silver Note is a quaint little restaurant on the square. The food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is intimate. The lights are kept low and there are lit candles on each table. Soft music always plays from hidden speakers. The Silver Note is the best place to go on a date in Greendale Valley.
Now we’re at High Road Bar. It’s crowded since it’s Friday night. I sit with Ivie at a table and wait for Tate and Sterling to bring back drinks. They have their beers in tow as well as the Jamaican Cowboys we asked for. “You only need one, maybe two of these bad boys.” Ivie snickers.
“You got that right, honey,” I answer her, then I sip my drink through the straw.
We finish our first round then Sterling pulls Ivie to the dance floor, leaving me alone with Tate. I can feel his gaze scorching me. I force myself to watch Sterling spin Ivie around, moving in time to an old love song from the 1970’s playing in the background.
They make their way back to the table when the song ends and Sterling asks, “Why didn’t y’all come out on the dance floor?” Ivie’s smile is mischievous as she bounces her green stare between the two of us.
Tate suddenly chimes in, “I think you held it down pretty good without us.” My face heats.He doesn’t like you, Lucy. He’s here because of Sterling and Ivie. No one in their right mind would want anything to do with you if they knew what was good for them.My mind taunts me.
The notes of a popular pop song filter through the bar and Ivie drags me onto the dance floor. “Lucy, why do you look like you could freeze an entire ocean? You’re supposed to be having fun! Loosen up! When was the last time we went out like this?”
I dance with her, moving my body in time to the music. “It’s been years.” I return her playful smile.
“Exactly. Don’t waste it. One more thing, don’t let Tate get to you. I know he’s hot, but Sterling says he doesn’tdorelationships. Whatever that means. Even so, nothing says you can’t flirt and dance the night away with him.” Ivie laughs as she gets into the music. I think the drink has hit her too.
She’s right though, I need to loosen up. Tonight’s about having fun, no commitments, no responsibility, just dancing the night away with friends. Mybestfriend.Who is really—Stop Lucy, quit thinking things you could accidentally say out loud.
I feel someone watching me, and I search the bar, but I see nothing until my gaze lands on Tate. He’s already looking at me. I make myself turn away. Our song ends and another more erotic pop song takes its place. Sterling pulls Ivie into him. Watching them makes me smile.
I feel Tate close to me. He slides over and holds out his hand. “Want to dance?” I quickly answer him like a love-struck fool by taking his hand and simply nodding yes. He pulls me so close to him I can feel all his rock-hard muscles. My breath catches in my throat. I didn’t mean to let him affect me.Crap.I relax into him as we start to move like the song was made for the two of us, right here, right now, in this moment.
I can feel his heart beating in his chest as rapidly as mine. We search each other’s eyes for—what I’m not sure. I only know I’m mesmerized by this man with the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure how I’ll pull myself out of his arms now that they’re around me.
I stiffen my spine as Taylor comes into view. “Taylor,” I say, acknowledging him.
“Hey Lucy. What are you doing here? I thought you were busy,” he says in his menacing tone.
I step away from Tate.Apparently, that’s how I get out of his arms.Taylor-damn-Rich. “Iambusy. I’m here with friends,” I deadpan.
“I asked you out tonight, and you ditched me. Now you’re here with this asshole?” he says, working the muscle in his jaw.
“I don’t belong to you, Taylor. I can hang out with whoever I want to.” I’ve found my courage.
He starts to grab my arm and I freeze. Tate steps in front of me so he can’t. They’re toe to toe, and Tate is slightly taller. He inches his chin up a little, almost daring Taylor to take a swing.
“I think she said she was busy,” Tate says, clenching his teeth.
“Is there a problem?” Sterling’s voice sounds from beside me.
