Love Again (Cowboys & Angels 4)

I couldn’t hold back a big smile for my old high school best friend. “Chris and Jessica, how old are they now?”

“Six.”

“Wow! Time is flying by. I hate that we lost touch like we did.”

Laney shrugged. “It happens, right? But what are the odds we would both end up back here in Oak Springs?”

“As divorcees!” I added.

Her smile faded a bit. “Did y’all end up having any kids of your own?”

“No. Turns out that was a blessing, though. I was able to have a clean cut from the man.”

Laney grumbled. “I had to fight to get full custody and move away. He tried every trick in the book, but in the end, the judge agreed with me.”

We stood for a few moments in silence. It had been years since we’d seen each other. Both of us had dreams we wanted to pursue, and the fact that we were standing in Oak Springs hit me hard.

“Well, I better get inside. I’m meeting my…um…ahh…contractor. He actually did the remodel of your restaurant.”

“Jonathon Turner?” Laney asked.

“Yes. He suggested we come here for dinner. I’m glad he did. It was so nice seeing you again, Laney.”

She wrapped me in for a hug. “You, too, Waylynn. Let’s plan a night out to catch up and not talk about the damn exes.”

I handed her my phone, and she handed me hers. After we exchanged numbers, she led me into the restaurant. The inside was beautiful. Rustic, to match the outside. The original wood beams were left exposed, and a giant floor-to-ceiling fireplace had been added with an iron sign above it that read,

Lane’s Grill

“Did y’all have reservations, Waylynn?”

“Yes, they’re under my name.”

The hostess smiled as she grabbed two menus. “Please, follow me.”

I followed the hostess toward the fireplace. A table was set for two right next to the crackling fire. It was incredibly romantic for a business dinner.

I looked around and saw people I knew. A few nodded and said hello, to which I replied. It was a godsend that our little table was set back from prying ears.

“Would you like a glass of wine? We carry all Texas wines.”

“Any pinot grigio, please.”

She smiled. “Grape Creek Vineyards has the best. Glass or bottle?”

I glanced around again. One or two people were still watching me. Then I caught sight of Jonathon. I was positive my eyes nearly popped out of my head at his black eye and swollen lip.

“Oh, Lord. Better make it a bottle.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll let your server know.”

She turned to leave and ran right into Jonathon. That caused enough commotion to make everyone look yet again. All I wanted to do was slide down in my chair and hide, especially when the good-looking bastard had the nerve to kiss me on the cheek! I was so shocked to see his beaten-up face, I didn’t even bother to pull away.

“Christ Almighty, Jonathon! What happened to your face?”

He reached for the water and took a long drink. “Well, I’m afraid that story is going to make you mad, so why don’t we save it for last.”

I narrowed my eyes. He and his friends had probably gotten into a fight in Vegas. Men.

“Well, you look simply awful.”

“Thanks, Waylynn.”

Leaning closer, I whispered, “You know what I mean. You look like something the dog dragged in. Why didn’t you cancel dinner? Everyone is staring at us.”

He picked up the menu and glanced around. “No one is staring at us, but if you keep making a fuss, they will.”

With a huff, I grabbed the menu. My gaze kept drifting over his face. A strange pain in my chest hit me each time. All I wanted to do was take him home and put a bag of peas on his eye. Isn’t that what you did for black eyes?

“You need a bag of peas.”

Jonathon looked at me. “I beg your pardon?”

“For your eye.”

He laughed and shook his head before he went back to the menu.

“Why was that so funny?” I asked.

A young lady appeared in front of us.

“Good evening. My name is…” She paused. “Jonathon? What in the world happened?”

The way she grabbed his chin and forced his head up told me they knew each other.

“Hey there, Evie. I’m fine, can you please let go of my face?”

A spark of jealousy raced through my veins. Who in the hell was Evie? And where in the hell did this jealousy bullshit come from?

The waitress let go of him. “Mom is going to crap her pants when she finds out you were in a fight.”

“Mom?” I asked.

Evie turned to me, a huge smile spread over her face. “Waylynn?”

My eyes widened. “Do we know each other?”

The girl practically jumped. “Oh, my gawd! It’s so great to finally meet you!”

I turned my focus on Jonathon, who sat there with a stupid smile. I looked back at Evie. “Um, it’s a pleasure meeting you, but I’m afraid you have me at a disadvantage. I didn’t realize Jonathon had a younger sister.”