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“The Inn.”
That night. Three years ago.
“Why do you look sad? You just got a free drink.” Carter Hayes asks as I settle into an empty barstool. I smile, welcoming the friendly face I know from college. We both graduated earlier this year. He’s tall with dirty blonde hair—and it’s honestly some of the sexiest hair I’d ever seen. Always had the urge to ruffle it.
I’d just ordered a glass of merlot from Aiden Reeves, Noah’s dad and owner of Hideaway Springs Inn. He tossed me a wink and held up a hand to stop me when I tried to pay him.
I’ve always liked him. All the Reeves men are likable in their own way. Yes, even Chase, who was always too cocky and dry for my liking.
“I’m not sad. More like frustrated.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Carter offers.
I lift my wine glass and wink so he doesn’t think I’m blowing him off. “This’ll help.”
He nods and takes a swig of his beer. We both swirl in our chairs, taking in the growing crowd. The Denver Kings game is on and I’d completely forgotten about it. Noah never comes to the Inn when the game is on. He hates big crowds.
It works for us because I don’t typically hang out around town without him. I’m not very popular, except by association as Noah’s girlfriend. But nearly everyone who’s anyone is at the Inn tonight, drinking like Chase Reeves already won for the team.
Two glasses of wine later, I’m suddenly really into the game.
Carter leans in. “We’ll make a hockey fan out of you yet.”
“I’m just rooting for my boyfriend’s brother.” I shrug.
He frowns. “Where is Noah anyway?”
Probably wondering how to break up with me gently since he’s clearly never going to sleep with me.
I finish off the glass and set it down. That’s it. No more for me.
“You guys okay?” he asks.
“Of course.” My shoulders drop with a groan. “I don’t know. I honestly don’t think I’m—” I stop before I say 'his type'.
“Well, I’m glad you came out. Especially since I never had the chance to get to you before Noah did.”
I twist my neck slightly, finding his kind, shy eyes. “What?”
“Come on, Charlie, you’re a knockout. The only reason no one’s asked you out in the past few years is because you were tied at the hip with Noah.”
Is he for real? I laugh him off. “I was not.”
“Were too. Even before you started dating.”
“How do you know that?” I ask with genuine curiosity.
He shakes his head like I’m totally clueless. Then holds up his glass. “To finally getting some one-on-one time with you.”
I frown, feeling slightly awkward. “Am I supposed to drink to that?”
He cranks his neck. “I sure am.”
I smile, feeling…appreciated. Wanted.
My phone vibrates minutes later and I’m debating on getting a third before I find a text from Noah.
Noah: Can we talk?
