Page 26 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
“I don’t care about what happened between you and Flora. Whatever it is, it’s for the best. Adios, Miss Flora. Sayonara. Take care, and don’t let the tumbleweeds catch ya.”
I grab a T-shirt from the drawer and pull it over my head, not remembering the last time I felt so damn irritated and grumpy. The stinging reminder on my chest isn’t helping.
“Listen, I was paired with Agatha’s great-granddaughter today. Now, if you know little ol’ lady Agatha, she ain’t from around these parts. Neither is her great-granddaughter. Sweet little thang with her northern twang and city getup as sharp as a new saddle.”
Listening to my brother’s potential moonlight mingle prospects wasn’t on my agenda today.
“But the real excitin’ news is she brought her sister as her assistant.” He jabs my middle with a few punches before flopping sideways onto one of the overstuffed chairs in front of the fireplace. He dangles his legs over one arm.
Lord, help me now. My brother is trying to get me laid. And I’m pretty sure after tonight’s incident with Flora my junk is broken.
“These gals don’t seem to have a reputation for burning the dance floor, if you know what I mean.” I know exactly what he means. “Unlike the Rowe gals.”
My energy to punch him square in the jaw is drained.
“And we’re meeting them for dinner.”
“No.” I strode out of the room, hitting off the light as I leave.
“Seriously, bro.” He trudges behind me. “You have to eat.”
“Room service.”
“You have to—”
I hit the kitchenette’s countertop with my flat palm. “Theo, I’ve had a fucking day, alright?”
He halts, not hiding his surprise at my temper. Our dad had a temper. I held the cool. And Theo always danced between.
I rub the back of my neck where tension has thickened. “I’m not interested in snagging a lady for my bed this weekend. I’d appreciate it if you quit trying to get me laid. Big surprise, I don’t need help getting the ladies when I want them.” That all but applies to tonight’s scenario—damn, Flora.
My brother chuckles.
“I set up this weekend to show Flora I’ve always loved her.”
Theo’s curled lip gives away the repulse coursing through him.
“I just didn’t realize she didn’t feel the same way.” The words cut hard being said out loud, but that’s a truth I have to face.
“I’m sorry, brother.” He sounds sincere, and maybe he’s even sorry I’m hurting, but there ain’t no way he’s sorry things didn’t work out between me and Flora. “Let’s skip the women tonight, the event dinner, and have a brother’s night out. Just me and you. We’d be late to dinner anyway.”
He tosses my Stetson, but I don’t immediately put it on my damp hair.
“That’s how I was going to pick up little Agatha’s great-granddaughter. Late to dinner, let’s catch a round of pool.”
I wonder if he even took the time to find out her name.
“I’ll skip it all. You and I will hit up The Lodge Lounge. It’s a no-kids zone where we can drink away our problems—yourbroken heart and my blue balls—over a game of pool. Watcha say?”
“Best damn idea I’ve heard all day.”
FLORA
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FOR THE FIRST time since I’ve arrived, I feel as light as a snowflake. Surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations, the atmosphere of the lodge embraces my holiday spirit.
Does sweet revenge also do that to a person?
