“Lily asked me to drive them over, and I figured I might as well hang out here and kill some time instead of coming back to pick them up. And Louise already gave me crap about being here on my day off.”
“Uh huh, whatever you say, man.” He finished off his first beer. “I’m gonna go get one more. Did you want another?”
I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good with just one tonight.”
As Cooper made his way over to the bar, he stopped by where the girls were. He gave a friendly hug to Lily and Eliza.When he reached Juliette, I swear his hug lingered longer than it should’ve, his hand resting on the small of her back for a beat. I inhaled through my nose and exhaled slowly.
Cooper was kind, friendly. People in town flocked to him. He easily flirted with the women in Golden Falls and surrounding towns. It never bothered me. If anything, I was surprised he hadn’t found someone to settle down with yet, since he certainly had women who were interested.
But seeing him with Juliette, likely flirting with her, too, caused my mind to spiral, a sense of dread falling over me. Was he interested in her? What if she was interested in him?
If Cooper wanted to pursue Juliette, I wouldn’t stop him. He was better for her, anyway.
I had no clue what I’d offer a woman like Juliette. She deserved so much more than what this small town and I had to offer.
The two of them even looked like a couple as they walked over to the bar, Juliette trailing behind him.
Fuck it. I was heading over there, too.
As I got closer, her laugh was the first thing I heard.
“You’re kidding!” She threw her head back with another laugh, setting her hand on Cooper’s arm. I’d never gotten the urge to kill my best friend, but murder didn’t sound like a bad idea right now.
“Nope, not kidding at all,” Cooper responded.
I hadn’t caught what story Cooper had told Juliette, which made me uneasy. I assumed it was likely about something we’d gotten up to, but there were hundreds of those stories.
Louise approached the bar. “These two were always getting up to something.” She gestured to me and Cooper.
Juliette grinned at Louise before turning, her hair whipping around and the smell of daisies and vanilla quickly taking over my senses.
“Oh, Wes, hi,” she greeted, but her voice sounded different. Nervous, maybe? Did she not want me interrupting her conversation with Cooper?
“Luckily, Louise keeps us in line,” Cooper teased.
Louise rolled her eyes with a smile. “Always a charmer.” She set her hands on the bar. “Another Spotted Cow for you, Coop?”
Cooper nodded, looking over at Juliette. “Did you want another drink?”
Juliette bit down on her bottom lip as she thought, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her.Again.“I’m good for right now, but I’ll take a soda water and lime.”
Louise looked to see if I needed anything, and I shook my head. She placed the beer in front of Cooper and filled a glass with soda water and dropped in a lime wedge before setting it down for Juliette. “Have you two seen what a talented designer this one is and the plans she has for my rental? You got a gift, Jules.”
Juliette was working with Louise?
“I’m so glad you’re happy with it,” Juliette said with a shy smile. I hadn’t seen her be bashful often, but it seemed like it happened about her work. “It’s been so great working with you and getting to know you. And”—Juliette looked between Louise and Cooper—“I’m going to need more Wes stories, especially ones that prove he wasn’t always this grumpy.”
I grunted, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m not grumpy.”
“Sure you’re not.” Juliette drew out the words. I didn’t miss the sarcasm in her voice, and I sure as hell didn’t miss how her gaze trailed from my arms, up to my chest, jaw, and finally my eyes. Any sense of shyness was long gone. Damn, did I like the feel of her green eyes on me.
Eliza and Lily bounced up next to us. “Jules, we’re going to get some fresh air outside. Do you want to come with?” Eliza asked.
“I’m good for right now, but if I change my mind, I’ll come find you.” Juliette thanked them before the two went off, whispering to each other about god knows what.
“Oh, I love this song!” Juliette’s body started swaying, like the pull of the music and the dance floor was too strong and she was already getting lured back.
Cooper gave me a look, but I couldn’t figure out what the fuck it meant. I made a face. Did he want to dance with her?
