“Why are you so set on fixing him up with her?” He jerked his thumb in Brook’s direction.
The lump in Kylee’s throat made it difficult to say, “She’d be good for him. She’s smart and funny and—”
“What about what he wants? I can tell you right now, it ain’t that little redhead over there.”
Why was Cutter saying this to her? He couldn’t know that it hurt, to have her hopes and dreams put into words. She knew she and Fisher couldn’t happen. “But—”
“No buts, Kylee. I might be old, but I ain’t dead. That boy’s only got eyes for you.” Cutter nodded once. “I’m tired of seein’ the two of you dance around it. When you get to be my age, you figure out you don’t have as much time as you think.”
She shook her head. “No, he doesn’t.” The lump seemed to get bigger. “I... She...”
“We brought burgers,” Shawn announced as he sat at the bar, dropping two brown paper bags on the bar top. “And fries.”
She jumped, so caught up in her conversation with Cutter she hadn’t seen Shawn arrive...or Fisher, standing behind him. The air was officially knocked from her lungs when she saw Fisher. Instead of his usual snap-up plaid shirt, he was wearing a gray T-shirt. It showcased every ripple and angle of his muscles, stretched tight over his thick upper arms. He looked...and she felt...
This was the last thing she needed right now.
“Bring me anything?” Cutter asked.
“In the bag.” Fisher was all smiles, until he saw her. “You okay, Kylee?”
She nodded, unable to avoid his green gaze. She knew Cutter was wrong, but...she wished he was right. She slammed her black binder shut and turned around, filling four cups with ice water. Her eyes burned and her chest felt heavy.
“You should have seen me,” Shawn said.
“How’d it go?” Cutter asked.
“I rode a horse,” Shawn said, the pride in his voice making her turn.
“You did?” She noted the flush on her brother’s cheeks and the huge smile on his face. “Looks like you had a wonderful time.”
Shawn nodded, accepting the ice water. “It was the best.”
“He’s got a knack,” Fisher jumped in.
When she glanced his way he was still studying her. “Which one did you ride?”
“His name was Trigger,” Shawn said.
Fisher sat on the bar stool beside her brother. “Trigger’s a good horse. He and Shawn had that thing. That instant connection.” He grinned.
Brook Marcus’s laughter filled the bar.
“Sounds like someone’s having a good time,” Cutter said.
Kylee held her breath as Shawn and Fisher turned toward the pool table.
“When are we going bowling?” Shawn asked.
“How about next week?” Fisher said, turning back to the bar. If he was upset, there was no sign of it. She felt Cutter nudge her in the ribs, but she ignored him.
Fisher’s gaze locked with hers. “You sure you’re okay?”
Cutter picked up the manual. “Can’t blame her if she’s testy. She’s been reading this thing most of the night. How’s anyone supposed to read all those little, tiny words?”
“You have to learn all that?” Shawn asked, wrinkling his nose.
Fisher took the manual, flipping through it. “I’d be happy to help—”