CHAPTER TWO
T he pen in my grip taps out an agitated beat to match the restless energy inside of me. I can’t stop picturing wild red hair, freckled cheeks, green eyes, and a blinding smile. The girl from my past has become the endgame I’ve been hoping to find. Sappy as fuck and I couldn’t care less. Seeing Cassidy again after all these years feels like destiny. And it’s about damn time.
Garrett and Ridge give me shit for picking the worst women to date. Those two can kick rocks, even if they’re right. The guys I consider my best friends—not to mention business partners—are blissfully attached while I remain the last singleton standing. But I’m about to hit a home run and be out of this slump for good. I’ll be relentless now that I know Cassidy is in Knox Creek. How I didn’t notice her around town sooner remains a mystery.
Maybe the delay was for our benefit somehow. That’s what I’m telling myself to avoid traveling down the road of missed opportunities. What matters is that we’ve been reunited and she’s still Cassidy Brooks. It’s a miracle she’s never been married. Not sure how that’s possible, but I have every intention of claiming her as mine. Once and for all.
Cassidy isn’t planning to make that task easy for me if the past three days are any indication. If only I could casually bump into her again. That would save me the trouble of looking like a stalker. Or she might be flattered by unconventional methods of seeking her out.
I snort at my irrational logic. It’s unlikely, considering she didn’t return to Bean Me Up as requested. Two more failed attempts followed. Not that I expected her to drop into my lap. That visual earns a groan. My cock twitches as desire thrums through my veins. I recline in my seat to relieve the mounting pressure behind my fly.
“Hey, boss? Are you able to—?” Harper’s voice cuts off abruptly as she appears in the doorway of the office. “Why are you smiling like that? You’re supposed to be doing inventory, which you hate . I don’t like that look of elation spread across your face.” A thought seems to occur to her and she dry heaves. “Oh, gross. Please tell me I didn’t interrupt you doing something unmentionable to yourself. At work, Drake? Really?”
I chuckle at the snarky blonde. She gives us endless piles of shit, but hiring her is one of the best decisions we’ve made for Roosters. Without her influence, our sports bar would be a total dive rather than a popular staple on Main Street.
“Can’t I just be in a good mood?”
She scoffs, flipping her ponytail in the process. “Not with your track record.”
My laughter booms across the small space. “That’s harsh.”
“But accurate,” she chirps.
“What’s up, Harps?”
“You tell me.” She leans against the doorframe, abandoning the original reason for intruding on my so-called private moment.
“I wasn’t doing anything.”
“But you were thinking it. I’m a bit perved out.”
“Shouldn’t you be mixing a cocktail or stroking Jake’s ego?”
Harper’s eyes sparkle at the mention of her husband, but she’s glaring at me in the next breath. “Shouldn’t you be elbows deep in paperwork?”
“Already done, mama bear.”
“Mhmm.” She studies me under intense scrutiny until I’m ready to squirm in my chair. “Who snagged your attention this time?”
“Not sure what you mean,” I deflect. Like hell am I going to reveal Cassidy’s identity. The rumor mill will catch wind of my infatuation and news will spread faster than a fart in the breeze.
Harper frowns, something teetering on pity tightens her features. “Seriously, Drake. I hope she’s decent. You’ve gotta stop picking bad apples.”
I resume tapping my pen to drown out the reminder. “Does Sydney like ponies?”
She blinks. “Where did that come from?”
Purposeful deflection. Not that I’m admitting that either. “It’s a simple question.”
Air pushes through her pursed lips. “Does my daughter like ponies? Um, duh. What seven-year-old girl doesn’t?”
The confirmation—no matter how unnecessary—kicks my pulse into a jog. “How would she feel about a riding lesson?”
“She already does those.”
“Really? Where?”
Harper stares at me for another lengthy delay. “Why are you asking?”
“I had a recommendation for you.”
She nods but suspicion still puckers her forehead. “Well, we’re pretty happy with Cassidy’s methods. I’ll let you know if that ever changes.”
My grin returns with renewed excitement. “Cassidy Brooks? At Greener Pastures?”
“Uh, yeah?” The bartender straightens and crosses her arms. “This is getting creepy.”
I pump my fist and forget about concealing my obsession. “When is Sydney’s next lesson?”
Harper takes a noticeable step backward. “I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t tell you.”
“Why?”
“Would you like a mirror to see how you’re chomping at the bit?”
“I’m hot to trot about horses.” I neigh for dramatic effect.
She guffaws. “Or the redhead who owns the herd. Did she put those hearts in your eyes?”
I avert my gaze to hide the evidence, but it’s too late to stop the loop from replaying her captivating features. My beauty. The nickname reminds me of the filthy excerpt Cassidy was reading, which reignites the lust in my veins. I snuff out the flames with a grunt before Harper reports me to her other bosses.
“Maybe,” I grumble.
A hum scolds my evasive maneuver. “Maybe my ass. Either way, I approve.”
My focus flings forward. “You do?”
“Sure, but how did you meet her? She rarely leaves her property from what I’ve heard.”
“Well,” I start but pause while deciding how much to actually reveal. “Cassidy and I went to middle school together. Hadn’t seen her since, but we just bumped into each other at Bean Me Up. Got to talking and… yeah.”
Her jaw hangs open. “Oh. My. Gosh. That’s too freaking perfect. Why don’t you just text her?”
I scrub over my face. “She told me she’s not interested, but mutual attraction and chemistry like ours can’t be faked. I’ve thought about her a lot over the years, which might sound crazy, but I can’t stop. Maybe that’s why my other relationships failed. Every other woman falls short of her and what’s meant to be for us.”
Harper blinks quickly as she digests my romantic mush. “She’s the one, huh?”
“I think so. Actually, I know without a doubt. Right here.” I clutch the fabric over my heart. “We’re unfinished, but I’m going to change that.”
“Oh, this is so perfect. I can tell you’re super smitten and already halfway in love. It’s one of my many talents. Look at Ridge and Callie. Totally called it.”
I grunt. “Anybody with decent vision could see their happily ever after from a mile away.”
“Mhmm, you’re right. Ridge wouldn’t have it any other way. But how about Garrett and Grace? I could take credit for them.”
“That was a group effort,” I correct.
“Whatever. Just don’t fuck it up.”
“Not planning on it,” I grumble.
She pauses, that shrewd focus pinned on me. “Horses are your point of entry, huh? Have you ever been around them?”
“Just with Cassidy when we were kids. It’ll be a cinch.”
Harper laughs. “Your confidence is adorable.”
“I’ve thought this through. Mostly. There’s nothing she loves more. They go together as a package deal.” I twine my fingers together in a unified formation. “Figured there’s no better place to start than getting acquainted with the furry beasts.”
“Calling them that will go over really well.” She clucks her tongue before waving a hand in a dismissive gesture. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to involve my kid in your latest… romantic exploits.”
Can’t really say I blame her but this isn’t a random date I shouldn’t have gone on. “I just want to tag along. No funny business.”
“That’s doubtful. Go on your own, weirdo. It will look super suspect if you randomly show up with us. Besides, Sydney doesn’t have a lesson until Monday. Can you wait that long?”
That’s almost a week away, which feels like an eternity. Desperation has already crawled under my skin and it’s only a matter of time until drastic measures seep out. “Won’t it be more strange if I just stop by?”
She shrugs. “Boarders come and go as they please. Just act like you belong.”
“But I don’t.”
“Says who? You’ve taken on a very sudden interest in horses. Cassidy has at least a dozen to choose from, not including her fine hindquarters. Might as well toss yourself in the arena.”
I rub my chin at the double meaning. “Yeah. Okay.”
“Great. Glad we settled that.” Harper brushes invisible crumbs from her palms. “The toilet in the men’s room is clogged. Garrett said it’s your turn.”
A groan tumbles from me. “Of course he did.”
“He’s slinging drinks while you’re in here fantasizing about a cowgirl riding you. Get plunging, boss.” She mimics the action.
But I barely hear her after the explicit scene she paints. Down the drain and into the gutter my thoughts swirl.
“Hey, Harps. You’ve been gone forever. Is Drake getting off his—?”
“Yeah, yeah,” I bellow to my so-called friend who put me on poop duty. “I’ve got this shit.”