Page 58 of A Cowboy's Heart

Now, as he sat on a hay bale against the wall, he kept his eyes on the door. It was nine-thirty, and she hadn’t shown up yet. His entire family was here, but he didn’t care. All he cared about was seeing Willa walk through that door.

By ten o’clock he was seething. Where the hell was she? Rocky was here, but Devin hadn’t had a chance to talk to him yet. Why did he even care? She’d made it abundantly clear how she felt. He just needed to get over it, though he wasn’t sure how he’d ever do that.

He was sure he’d never hurt like this before. He’d been thrown from bulls, kicked, stepped on, and tossed but nothing ever cut like this. Since day one, she’d thrown their age difference in his face, and she was letting it keep them apart.

When a group of familiar faces entered the barn, he smiled and jumped off the bale and walked toward them.

“Glad you all could make it,” he said.

“We never miss a chance to get out and dance,” Olivia Stone said as she smiled at him.

The woman was stunning, however she had the mouth of a sailor but her husband, Wyatt, adored her. He shook Wyatt’s hand then turnedto his brothers, Jake and Gabe, greeted them then hugged their wives, Becca and Emma. Jaxon stopped beside him and did the same. Then another group of friends entered the barn. He looked over to see Sam and Tessa Garrett, Trick and Kaylee Dillon, Ryder and Kelsey Wolfe, Brody and Madilyn Morgan, Riley and Katie Madison, Bonner Gentry with his fiancée, Stephanie Taylor, Preston Mitchell, Reece Maddox and his brother, Cord, along with Ash and Cassie Beckett.

“Where are the rest of the Beckett’s, Ash?” Jaxon asked.

“Brayden and Lissa are on the way. Gray’s not coming since he has to cover for one of his men on vacation. Gage and JD are out on the circuit.”

“Well, glad you’re all here. Enjoy yourselves,” Jaxon said with a big smile.

“We will, but we’re going to get some food first. I’m hungry,” Ash told him.

Devin grinned. “By all means, get yourselves something to eat and enjoy the band.”

Later, as he walked up to his driveway, he could hear Dolly barking from inside the house. He opened the door and let her out then he entered the kitchen and strode to the refrigerator. Taking out a beer, he twisted the cap off and took a long pull as he leaned back against the counter.

She’d be gone tomorrow, and he’d never see her again. Slamming the bottle down so hard that beer overflowed down over it, he swore as he tore a paper towel off the rack and wiped it up. After tossing the wet towel into the trash, heheaded for his bedroom. He’d take a shower and try to get some sleep. Shaking his head, he had a feeling that wasn’t going to happen. Why should tonight be any different?

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered as he entered his bedroom.

Sitting on his bed, he rested his arms on his thighs then hung his head. Love shouldn’t hurt like this. How was he going to live without her in his life?You should have stayed away from her. None of this would have happened if you had just stayed away from her.

“No shit,” he mumbled and shook his head. Damn, he hurt.

Two long weeks later, Devin entered the barn on Picasso leading the guests from the trail ride. He spotted Jaxon and nodded at him. Turning in the saddle, the leather creaking under him, he faced the other riders.

“You can dismount, and a ranch hand will take care of your horse.” Sighing, he dismounted.

“You look like shit,” Jaxon said looking at him.

“You’re my twin, what’s that say about you?”

“Hell, I’ve always been the better looking one.” Jaxon chuckled.

“Bullshit,” Devin muttered.

“Seriously, Devin, just go after her.”

“Why?”

“Because you love her and no matter what you think, she loves you.”

“Maybe, but not enough to get past the age difference and I’m tired of beating a dead horse.”

“So, you just plan on being miserable the restof your life? Christ, I don’t want to have to put up with that. If you don't go for you, go for me.”

“I put up with you,” Devin growled then felt like an ass at the look on Jaxon’s face. “I’m sorry, Jax, I didn’t mean that.”

“It’s all right. But I do know what it’s like to lose the woman you love, so go after her.”

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