Page 52 of Noble Neighbor
“Man, you’ve got it bad,” Nate commented, grinningwide.
Oliver returned the man’s grin. It was pointless denying the blatant truth.
Beau grunted. “You’re making a fool of yourself.”
“And you need to get over yourself, Sheriff,” Oliver returned.
Nate frowned. “Whatisit between the two of you?”
“Nothing.” Oliver stood and lifted the empty long neck he’d been nursing all evening, looking pointedly at Nate. “You want a fresh one?”
“Yeah. Let me join—”
“Nate. A word.” Another man arrived at their table, and Nate sat down again.
“I’ll get you one,” Oliver said, raising his brows at the newcomer, but the man declined, and he left.
Unfortunately, Beau followed. “See you’re still panting after that woman.”
Oliver stopped. Right there in the middle of the now empty dance floor and turned to the sheriff. “Yes. I am. And nothing you say is going to change my mind.”
“You’re letting her, a stranger, come between our friendship.”
“No, Beau.You’reletting it happen. And if you were a true friend, you’d be happy for me.”
Oliver made to turn, but Beau grabbed his arm. “It’s because I am a true friend that I’m warning you. She’s hiding something, Oliver.”
No way was he admitting to the sheriff he agreed. And that he’d figured it was something bad. Really bad. Enough to make Sunny throw up remembering it. “Leave Sunny alone. And let go of me,” he growled, pointedly looking at his arm.
“You’re going to get hurt, Oliver,” Beau cautioned, releasing his hold.
“Not your problem. Sheriff.”
But Beau’s words hit a nerve, and he mulled over them while collecting fresh beers from the bar and making his way back to the table.
*
Sunny fanned herself, sweaty and tired from a few energetic dances with her girlfriends. Both Oliver and Nate had cried off, leaving the women to their own devices on the dance floor. The bride and groom had departed a while ago, but the reception was by no means over. These Nebraskans knew how to party, and if there is one thing Sunny loved, and had sorely missed in recent years, it was a good shindig.
The only dark cloud on the evening had been the sheriff, but he’d taken his sulky self off, dragging his poor date, June, with him. How such a sweet woman could put up with that grumpy man, Sunny had no idea.
“Nowthatis an ovary-melting sight,” Ruth proclaimed, coming to a standstill.
Sunny followed her eyeline straight back to their tablewhere Oliver sat. Molly was fast asleep, curled on his lap, her head resting against his chest. His arms held her securely, but naturally, while he talked to Nate.
“Yeah,” she whispered, her heartrate picking up a beat. “Guess it’s time to go home, get my girls to bed.” And sample a kiss or two. Hopefully more.
The women around her snickered. “Or get aboyto bed,” Ruth added, grinning.
Sunny hoped her flush from dancing covered the new heat rising in her neck.
Almost at the table, Kenzie, with Michaela by her side, waylaid her. “Can Michaela come for a sleepover?Please, please, please,” Kenzie begged, palms pressed together under her chin.
Ruth stepped forward, her grin turning wicked. “I’ve a better plan, girls. Why don’t you come tous? That way,Iwon’t be on my own. Davey’s already staying over at Kenny’s. As is Clement.”
Two pairs of pleading eyes looked at Sunny. “Can I, Mom?”
“Of course your mom’s gonna say yes. Aren’t you, Sunny?”
