While my friends are dancing and making asses of themselves, I’m struggling to pull my gaze away from the brunette standing off to the side of the tent. I don’t remember seeing her here earlier, but she did walk in and immediately hug Taylor. Of course. Women flock to that guy like moths to a flame. I get it. He’s mysterious and rides a motorcycle. Women think that bad boy image is hot. I blame all the books with half naked dudes on the covers. Where’s the good guy in a flannel? Or the guy dancing with his girl fully clothed?
I learned all about “hot alpha” males when I borrowed Piper’s eReader one day to look something up. I was floored when her screen filled with nothing but abs. She explained all the different genres of books she reads, and I swear by the time she started saying words like “billionaire alpha Rockstar romance” I had checked out. But, the concept lingered in the back of my head.
Maybe I should take my mom up on her offers to play matchmaker. I mean, I give the ladies a chance and engage in conversation. Heck, I’ve taken a few out to appease my mother. But, that’s been it. None of them have caught my eye. Honestly, the only woman to catch my eye in the last year was Lexie, the bartender at Country Road. That was until I misinterpreted her friendliness for flirting and asked her out. Turns out, her girlfriend isn’t into her dating other people.
Whatever, I have too much going on anyway. I just bought a house, moved my workshop from my parents’ barn to my own small garage, and am working a lot. A relationship, or even dating, isn’t necessarily high on my list of priorities even if the single life is boring and some nights, lonely. Speaking of my workshop, I’m glad Jameson and Owen helped me bring my wedding gift in to the house earlier and hang it. I knew it’d be perfect in Piper’s library space and I was right.
When I started working with wood years ago, I never expected people would want to purchase my art pieces. The occasional desk or shelf, sure. But, the art? That was never something I considered. I struggle accepting money for the pieces and prefer to gift them to people instead.
“What’s up Landon? Need a beer? I just added a few of those IPA’s you like.” Taylor pulls me from my thoughts with his question, and I nod. I’m still looking in the direction of his date and feel like an ass, but I can’t seem to pull my gaze from her. The brunette looks toward us and catches my eye. She doesn’t smile and neither do I. Seconds tick by and we’re both just staring. I feel the cold beer drop water on my hand as I turn my attention back to Taylor and accept the bottle from him.
“Why’s your date standing over there, man?” I ask, flipping my head in the direction of the woman across the room who I note has stepped away from where she was standing and is headed for us. Great. She’ll probably tell Taylor I was staring at her and he’ll kick my ass.
“What?” he asks before the woman steps up next to him.
“I think I’m going to take off, this was a mistake.” I note a hint of sadness in her voice.
“I’ll walk out with you, I think I’m about done here. I just wanted to make sure they had enough on ice before I leave. I should check in at The Road before too much longer.” His tone is calm, and I don’t think he’s realized I was perving out on his date.
I stand there awkwardly waiting for Taylor and his date to finish their conversation. When he turns to me, I’m taking a long drink from my bottle as he begins speaking.
“Oh, I’m a dick. Hey Landon, this is Addison. Addison, Landon.”
I pull the bottle from my lips, and with the back of my hand, wipe a drop of beer that’s dribbled onto my chin. I look to Addison and extend my empty hand in greeting. “Hello, Addison.”
“Addy, please.”
“Addy. You don’t feel like staying and dancing? I’m sure you can convince this guy,” I say, thumbing toward Taylor who is now pulling on his leather jacket.
Addy smiles and giggles rolling her eyes. “Not likely. I don’t know anyone and feel awkward. I should get home anyway, I have a long drive tomorrow.”
I want to ask her more questions. I want to know where she’s going, why she didn’t drive here with Taylor, why she’s into the bad boy thing, and mostly I feel a compulsion to ask her to dance.
“It was nice meeting you, Landon. Tay, I’ll see you at your house?” she asks, and my hopeful bubble bursts.
“Yeah. I’ll probably be late, though. Just leave a light on for me, would ya?”
Addison nods her head in agreement and sends me a quick smile before hurrying out of the tent in the direction where the cars are parked. When they say timing is everything, they’ve never been more right. And, whoever “they” are can suck it.
“Ugh, I hate that she’s like that.” I look at Taylor. Okay, glare at Taylor, but I’m stopped short when I see him holding the back of his neck with one hand, his head thrown back in frustration.
“Like what?” I ask, keeping my tone neutral.
“Shy, embarrassed. Fucking broken. Her dickhead ex keeps screwing with her head, and it’s killing me.” This is the most random conversation, but I listen as Taylor takes a deep breath and looks at me. “I told her never to marry him. Hell, my parents told her not to marry him, but she did it anyway. Stubborn as a mule that one.”
“Your parents? You’ve known her a long time?” I ask thoroughly confused.
“What? Of course, I have, man. She’s my sister.”
Taylor shakes his head like I’m not making any sense before saying goodbye and walking out of the tent.
His sister. Not his date. Well then, maybe “they” aren’t such bastards after all.