Page 5 of Hard Candy Christmas

“Knock, knock.”

I lifted my head from the box I was going through on my mom’s counter. I got tasked with decorating my mom’s house for the holiday as well.

“Bo!” I squealed, watching as he took his hat off as he stepped into the living room. I ran towards him, surprised when he easily picked me up and swung me, giving me the tightest hug.

“How are you, Cowgirl?”

“God, I haven’t heard that in ages. But I’m fine, what about you? How’s the big ol’ town of Westover treating you these days?”

“Better than what the rodeo circuit did, that’s for sure. I was in Cheyenne when I fell off my horse. Busted up my hip bone. I can ride, but not on the circuit. So, now I help my dad in the store.”

"That's a shame! I know how you loved the riding and the freedom the circuit gave you."

"True. But you remember the curse of Westover. Anyone who tries to leave always comes back. That's what I did. I'm guessing that's what you are doing too?"

I sat down, running my fingers over the fluffy Santa in my hand. I never wanted to leave though, not like Bo did. And I was back. No place ever felt as right to me as Westover did.

"Yeah, I am. Tahoe was pretty, but it always felt off. It was a quick fix to a bad situation. And I found all I needed to out there."

"And the ex-husband? You finally kicked him to the curb."

"Something like that."

"I never liked the way he treated you, Cowgirl," he said, giving me a pointed look at then one at the scar.

"You made it very known when you were screaming at him to unhand me. But sometimes, things just happen, and we're forced to roll with the punches."

"Don't I know that. I had to deal with it daily while in high school."

I tilted my head as I watched him. What in the world could he possibly be talking about? What issues did he have in high school? Sure, we weren't the best of friends like him, and Chase was. But since I was constantly with Chase, I was constantly with Bo. And I couldn’t recall anything.

"I don't understand. What was going on with you?"

"My best friend got to the girl I had my eye on, and I lost my chance to date her."

I ducked my head and felt the heat rise on my cheeks. Bo was a good-looking guy, and a great man. Strong, considerate, funny, but throughout all our years of friendship, I never looked at him like that.

“Bo, that was ages ago.”

“And? I can still feel a certain way about it, Cowgirl. How about you give me a chance now? Can I take you out?”

It was on the tip of my tongue to say no, but I didn’t. I had to give myself a moment to think about this.

After the brief encounter earlier, I had to believe that anything Chase and I felt was done. At least on his end. So why not try to find happiness someplace else?

Bo was a great guy with a decent job. And it’s not like I didn’t know him to be uncomfortable. Why not give it a shot? And I had no doubt that if it tanked, Bo would still be a good friend because he wasn’t the type to let things like that get him down.

“Sure, I’d love to, Bo.”

“Perfect. Make sure your boots are dusted off because I know just the spot to take you this Friday night.” He stood up and settled his hat on his head.

I looked at him, brow raised, hand on my hip, and shook my head.

“Are you taking me to Merle’s for a drink and some dancing? Isn’t there anything better in Westover?”

“It’s been a while since you set foot in this town, B, but it hasn’t changed.” With that, he leaned over and brushed his lips against my cheek before smiling as he walked out. And goodness, I wanted to feel something, anything. But that honestly felt just like a friend kissing a friend.

No spark.

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