Page 27 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
Or is it the countless glasses of wine in as short a time period?
The soft glow of an antler chandelier hanging inside the entrance of The Lodge Lounge welcomes us.
“Drinks!” My sister heads to the mahogany bar, dominating the wall lined with bottles. Each shelf is meticulously arranged, showcasing an impressive array of colorful bottles and liqueurs.
“What to choose? Something strong or something seasonal?” Dani taps her fingernails on the weathered wood countertop.
“Seasonal.” I only catch a few drinks flashing by on the illuminated sign when one pops out at me. “Frosty Coconut Snowfall.”
“Sounds good.” My sister tosses back her hair and playfully flicks her wrist at the bartender. After a short flirt session, we walk away with two drinks garnished with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a festive twist of mint.
“There he is.” My sister’s nails dig into my arms when she stops me.
“Who?”
“You know who.”
I don’t want to know who, and the idea of who crumbles my inner peace.
I spot him at the pool table. That didn’t take long for him to escape. I’m mildly disappointed. I was even more disappointed he didn’t pack up and leave.
He leans casually against a beam, laid back, confident. He is looking unhitched by the night’s events.
Why does that bother me?
The dim, recessed lights in the beams highlight the strong lines on his face. He’s the definition of a cowboy—worn denim, flannel shirt, untucked and unbuttoned, clinging to his broad shoulders over a T-shirt, scuffed boots, and his famous Stetson on top of his head. Damn, the man is confident in his skin—too confident after our playtime.
“We should go play a round of pool with them.”
“What?” My sister doesn’t hide her shock at my suggestion. “Obviously, I was going to suggest playing with them, you know, being I’m working hand-in-hand with the sisters? But you suggesting it—what?”
I shrug. “Maybe I did share a kiss with him, and maybe I left him lassoed to Santa’s chair with twinkling lights. I am curious how he got out so quickly.”
Dani’s hands clutch my arms, and her drink spills on my skin. “What?! Tell me everything!” Her eyes are as wide as teacup saucers.
“Let’s see if he’s in the mood for a share and tell.” I walk around my sister.
“This is the best day of my life,” my sister squeals.
I have to admit, it beats the heartache of his deception.
Chapter Eight
THORN
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A RUSH OF something I don’t want to name slams into me when I spot Flora stride into the lounge. Her undeniable confidence turned heads, and I immediately wanted to claim her as my own.
Then, the burning sensation on my chest is a bittersweet reminder that claiming her is the opposite of what I want.
I tip down my hat to focus on the game my brother is slaughtering me at, but it’s damn hard. It’s damn hard when the knitted wool clings to every curve of her body, stretching and pulling in all the right places. It’s even more difficult when she sashays straight in our direction.
She stops across the table with her eyes narrowed on me. “If you were a strand of lights, you’d be the one that never goes out.”
She sticks the straw of her drink between her lips and runs her teeth along it. This is a new side to her I haven’t seen before.
My fingers tighten around the cue stick in my hand. My first instinct is to tell her to go to hell, but I won’t give her the satisfaction. If she wants to play games, I’ll play right back.
