Page 43 of Nashville Cowboy
A few minutes later, everyone dispersed to other tasks. Hank thanked her and went off to do something else, but Lincoln pulled Eve aside.
“I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
“For not ringing my fool brother’s neck. I don’t like the way he spoke to you, and I should have stopped it.” He tipped his hat. “It’s just that…it seems like Jackson wanted to get something off his chest. I figured he’d be better after that.”
“Well, thank you.” Eve shoved her hands in the back pockets of her Wranglers. She didn’t like the idea of coming between the two brothers who’d always been so close. “But this is between me and Jackson.”
“And how are things between you?” He cocked his head, appearing honestly interested.
She didn’t know why she was surprised. Lincoln was just as solid a guy as they came. But despite that, Eve wasn’t quite comfortable sharing the details.
“We’re not fighting anymore.” She kicked the ground with the heel of her boot. “I think we’ll behave ourselves for your weddin’. No worries there.”
“I wasn’t worried.”
“In fact, he’s been helpin’ me. Getting up before daylight lately.”
“Jackson?” Lincoln chuckled.
Eve nodded. “This mornin’ he had coffee waiting for me. We’ve been goin’ for rides with Thimble and Taco.”
And a lot of kissing but she wasn’t going to mention that. Good thing, because the grin on his face made Eve think he’d read her mind.
“Well, well. That’s good news.”
“I better get back to it. Sadie and I have a few last-minute things to do before we head out for San Antonio tomorrow.”
Lincoln pointed. “Okay, y’all have fun and take care of my bride.”
“Will do.”
It was finally time for the bachelorette party, the one she’d planned for months. Just a weekend of pampering, girl talk, junk food, and rom-coms. No men or talk of men.
Good thing, because as much time as Eve was spending with Jackson lately, she needed a moment to sort out her feelings. To take a break from the intensity of emotions that washed over her every time he was in the room.
Waving to Lincoln, she hopped in the truck and headed back down the hill.
Chapter 15
Eve had quite possibly never been this relaxed in her life.
Then again, neither she nor Sadie had ever been to a spa. It was one of those luxuries they’d never allowed themselves. Besides, Eve was always more comfortable on the back of a horse, and ranch living wasn’t conducive to such pampering. Still, she would agree there was a time and a place, and right before a wedding seemed a good reason for such pampering. It also became the perfect way to host a small bachelorette party.
The bachelor and bachelorette parties were occurring a week before the wedding, to give the groom enough time to get over the hangover he’d be likely to have the next day. They’d all heard horror stories about grooms who were late, sick, and hungover. One of Linc’s friends threw up on the altar. Not an auspicious beginning.
Eve was salt scrubbed, exfoliated, and deep tissue massaged with aromatherapy essential oils until she nearly fell dead asleep. Keeping her from falling asleep was Daisy’s nonstop talk about Wade. Wade this and Wade that.
“Do y’all think Wade will ever get married?” Daisy asked.
Eve was lying on a cot between Daisy and Lucy, Sadie’s friend and a part-time waitress at the Shady Grind.
“I don’t know,” Lucy piped up. “He’s a bit of a loner. Why do you like him?”
“He’s a good guy deep down,” Daisy said. “With a big heart.”
Eve and Lucy shared a smirk. That sounded like wishful thinking.
