“Thank you, baby.” She continued working on her French toast.
I’d checked out Madison on social media. She had like a zillion followers and was always throwing parties and rubbing elbows with celebrities and pro-athletes while posting it all over the place.
Sure, she was gorgeous, but I knew without even knowing her she was one of those women who were like heartburn—painfully bugging the shit out of you long after she was gone. Someone who would suck the energy out of people just trying to get what she wants.
“Now, get that look off your face.” Daisy raised her brow. “She was young when her parents divorced, and Jim moved to Montana. A blessing for us, as he was a wonderful father figure for you and Austin, but she feels like she missed out on that.”
“I heard him practically begging those girls to come when we all were teenagers, but they always said no. Nobody’s fault but her own if she doesn’t know him.”
Casting a side eyed glance at me, she took her plate to the sink. “You never did anything you regretted as a teenager? Is that right, Jax?”
She got me; I had a list as long as my arm of teenage regrets and her eyes reminded me that she knew it.
“We will be welcoming, correct?” She’d always been able to pull that stern tone topped off with a smile, and itworked again.
“Yes, ma’am.”
CHAPTER4
JAX
Preparing for winter on the ranch was a long haul. The land, cattle, horses, and the cold weather on the way, made October a long month. After hours of busting my ass, I headed home for a hot shower and a night of relaxing, which all went to hell when Austin shot through the door just as I was plopping down on the couch.
“Nope, not tonight.” He grabbed the remote from my hand.
“Listen, I know that’s what you hear from the ladies, but if you get the hell out of here, you might have a chance at something.” I settled deeper into the couch, putting my hands behind my head, ready to resume solitude.
“You are definitelynotfunny. I’m taking you to Stella’s Bar and Grill for beers and burgers.”
“Is this a date?”
“Will you shut up, dirtbag?” He laughed at his own line.
“That’s not even funny.”
* * *
We pulled up to Stella’s, and I had to admit I was looking forward to an award-winning burger with my bro. That was when I noticed the sign above the door about dating.
“What’s going on?”
“Okay, don’t be pissed, but I signed us up for “Beer Dating.”
I turned back towards his truck. “I’m not doing this.”
He grabbed my arm. “Dude, it’s like speed dating but just a beer. One beer, hot chicks, it’ll be fun.”
“Why in the fuck wouldyouwant to do this?”
“It’s sponsored by the volleyball team I hung out with last night, and I promised.”
“Austin—"
“I’m sorry, there were like five of them in my hot tub last night, and all I was seeing was boobs, and somehow committed myself, well, us, I guess.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “It’s three girls and three beers, that’s it, easy peasy. I signed you up with three pretty gals.”
Down the street, coming straight for us, was a hot pink moped with a helmeted lady driving, not a common sight.
“Dude, that’s Angie Cope. I met her last night, and she’s your first beer. You’ll love her. Super chill.”
