Page 42 of Saltwater Cowboy

Charlie looked over with a grin. “Maybe you can keep Wells from ruining the decorations this time. He thinks ‘more is better’—he’s already plotting his next disaster.”

I rolled my eyes. “Literally anything else.”

Charlie’s eyes scanned the yard. “I think we’re done.”

As if on cue, Wells re-appeared at my side, his presence undeniable. “What’s up, Sunshine?” His grin was wide, teasing, and I could already feel my patience wearing thin. But I forced a fake smile.

“Just making sure you don’t ruin Wren’s party.” I shot back, my voice laced with just enough sarcasm to get under his skin.

“Out of all the things on my to do list today, ruining this party is not on it.”

HERE COMES THE SUN

Rose had managed to avoid me for most of the afternoon, seamlessly weaving through Blythe’s friends while throwing the occasional death glare my way.

If looks could kill…

I had no clue what I’d done to deserve such loathing—whatever happened on that plane must have been catastrophic in her mind. Sure, she moved here fresh off a breakup, but all I did was try to be nice.

Lesson learned: next time, I’ll just be an asshole and let the girl sitting next to me cry.

I turned my attention back to Marjorie, Charlie’s mom, who is basically my second mother. She followed where my gaze was.

“Have you had a chance to meet Rose yet? She’s a delight!”

I hooked a finger over my shoulder. “That girl? The blonde?”

“Yes!” Marjorie cupped her hands together. “Bee’s best friend. She was a real hoot at the wedding. She also made me a mean dirty chai latte the other day.”

“I’ve had the real pleasure of meeting her.”

She bumped my shoulder, “You should go talk with her. She’s single.”

“I’m good in that department.”

“You like being out on that farm of yours all alone too much. Your mom wanted you to take it over, she didn’t want it to take over your life.” She cocked a brow. “You’re not getting any younger. Just sayin’!”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence.”

“Go on, go talk to her.” Marjorie pushed me over to the bench Rose was sitting on.

I lifted my hands up as I walked over to her.

Rose’s lip curled in disgust. “What?”

“Only over here because Marjorie told me I needed to talk to you.” I lowered my hands. “You don’t even have to look in my direction. I’m just here so she doesn’t yell at me.”

“Scared of a five-foot-tall woman, are we?”

“More scared of the five-foot-seven one sitting in front of me.” I answered honestly.

Rose looked past me. “How long are you obligated to be over here?”

“Best guess?” I lifted a shoulder. “Five minutes.”

She lowered her sunglasses onto her face. “That’s a long time.”

“You have no idea.” I shoved my hands in my front pockets.