Page 31 of No Place for Single Cowboys

That made his vision even redder. Chance didn’t need Quint confirming he was a goody-two-shoes. But he smiled through his anger. “Thanks, brother. Tell Rye I said bye. Enjoy your hot dogs.”

Holden muttered something as Chance grabbed his keys and walked out. Chance purposefully ignored whatever Dad was saying. Wasn’t going to be anything worth hearing, anyway.

The roar of the truck engine turning over was a balm to Chance’s ears. The sound of the jukebox playing sad old country songs when he walked into the Swing Inn was even better.

Chance smiled as the familiarity of the place washed over him. This was a much better place to be than that sad old kitchen with his gray father and bitter brother. Everyone here was ready to have fun. That was all he needed.

Irene Ulker was in her usual booth holding court, several of her friends fanned out around her. Excellent. He could always count on Irene to let loose. And it looked like there was someone new with her. A woman about his age, her hand wrapped around a drink, long brown hair brushing her bare shoulders, full breasts outlined by the dark green silk of her shirt, and a small, knowing smile on her face.

Chance smiled. He ought to go over and introduce himself. It was the neighborly thing to do.

Before he did, his gaze slid over to the bar. Something tight wound up in his chest as he searched out who was working.

When Chance saw it was Alan and not Cordy, the tight thing eased. He told himself he was relieved because she shouldn’t be on her feet working all hours. It wasn’t because he didn’t want her to watch him picking up another woman—that wasn’t how things were between them.

There was a pinch of disappointment, too. Since their class, Chance found himself thinking about her at odd moments when his mind went quiet. Cordy would slip in then like she was coming in through the back door.

He could text her to ask how things were going, but he figured that would get her back up. Cordy was independent as hell, which he appreciated—he really did—but he also worried about her.

Chance shook his head. What was he doing? Cordy was fine, probably fast asleep in the apartment upstairs, her noodle dog snoring on the couch.

He had some fun waiting for him. Starting with the group of ladies watching him from across the room.

An hour later, his one beer was sitting in front of him, only half drunk. The woman nestled under his arm—Pansy Lawler—hadn’t noticed, though. She was laughing, flushed, and having a great time. Chance had put all his efforts into making sure she was enjoying herself, thinking it would beat back some of his dark mood. It had always worked before.

It wasn’t working now. He kept the smile on his face and cracked another quick joke, not wanting anyone to know what was going on. The dark, sour mood had gotten its hooks in him but good. It wasn’t going anywhere.

“Oh my God,” Pansy gasped when she caught her breath. “I can’t stop laughing.” Her hand curled over his chest. “This has been great.”

Chance knew what that look of hers meant. She was ready to go home with him and taste everything he was promising her.This was when he ought to ask if she wanted to get out of there and go back to her room at the Charming Bed and Breakfast.

He’d done this dozens of times. It was automatic for him. He was already anticipating how easy it was going to be. Pansy didn’t even live here—he wouldn’t run into her again.

“Yeah,” he said. “Want me to walk you to your car?”

That wasn’t what Chance had meant to say. The night was supposed to go a certain way, the way his one-night stands always went. There was a script, the beats familiar, predictable. He’d spend the night with Pansy, and then his mean mood would be gone. Chance would be satisfied, free, and ready to keep being unencumbered in a family of men destroyed by love. Exactly like he wanted.

This wasn’t working, and he had no idea why not.

“Sure.” Pansy sounded disappointed, but she grabbed her purse. “I’m ready to call it a day. See you tomorrow, Irene.”

Irene waved to Pansy and then gave Chance a stern look.Don’t break my friend’s heart.

As if Chance had ever done that. He knew how to spot someone who would be happy with one night versus someone looking for more. He was careful.

And he wasn’t sleeping with Pansy tonight. He’d come here thinking he would, but he’d lost his appetite. He wasn’t even sure how.

“See you,” he said to Irene and the rest. He cupped Pansy’s elbow and made for the exit. Right before he ducked out the door, he glanced at the bar. The sight of Alan back there made his gut twist, like something wasn’t right.

Chance shook that off as they walked outside.

“I don’t have my car here,” Pansy confessed. “I walked over.”

The Charming Inn was only five minutes away, so it made sense. “I’ll walk you back,” Chance said. He kept his tone light, so she didn’t think he was inviting himself to her room.

“Thanks.” Her tone was husky, inviting. She was gorgeous, too, and only in town for a little while.

Chance ground his teeth. She was perfect, and he wasn’t in the mood. Instead, he felt almost worse than when he’d walked in. This night out was turning out to be totally useless.

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