That Night (Coming Home To The Grove 4)

Stepping up to the bar, I take a seat on the stool and order. “Hey, Jared. I’ll take a Miller Lite on draft.” I play a few games of pool with a few of the ranch hands that came in to let loose, but it isn’t long before they leave early. “Be honest. You’re leaving because I’m winning,” I joke with Miguel. He’s one of my most trusted hands and an all-around good guy. He laughs and doesn’t disagree, but I know the truth. He’s got a family, a wife, and kids to see to. The sheriff and Carrie are gone. Looking around, it seems mostly single people are left, reminding me that I don’t have anyone to rush home to, so I’m watching the game as I down another beer.

The front door opens, and a hush seems to go over the few people still left at the Roadside Diner and Bar. When a petite, curvy brunette comes in, I can’t help but notice her. It would be hard not to, seeing as how the few people in the bar seems to quiet down and every head is turned toward her. She’s got the sexiest curves, not a stick figure or bag of sharp bones like I’m used to seeing and easily dismissing.

Maybe it’s the beer I’ve been downing all night, but I don’t think that’s the case. I quit drinking a while ago to sober up for my ride home. But she’s got the kind of looks that make it impossible to look away. She’s like a magnet, and no matter how many times I make myself look away, my gaze returns to the sexy stranger.

Who is she?2OliviaEven though I’ve been back in Forest Grove for a month, this is my first real night out. In my favorite tight jeans, cute V-neck blouse, and cowgirl boots, I’m excited to hang out, maybe watch a game on one of the many televisions and drink a glass of wine. I haven’t relaxed in a long time, and I know it’s time I do.

As I’m walking in, I almost trip on my boots because a really hot-looking cowboy type has locked eyes with me. I catch myself, and I can feel the waves of embarrassment creeping up my face, but I just keep going and sit down at the far end of the bar.

Yum! That guy is hard work built. That is so much sexier than gym built muscle.

“What can I get you?” the bartender asks.

I almost open my mouth and order a white wine, but looking around, I realize that’s just going to be more proof that I’m sort of out of place here. “Beer. Whatever you’ve got on draft is fine.”

He nods his head and has my beer back to me in only a few seconds. I lift the frosty mug and take a big swallow. I can feel the eyes of everyone in the bar area staring at me, and I’m wondering if this is going to be a repeat of high school. Everyone staring at me and no one talking to me. Am I really that weird? Do I stand out that much?

I sit up in my stool and pull my shoulders back, trying to appear confident while I look at my options on the television. There’s a basketball game on one and a baseball game on another. When I see that it’s one of my favorite teams, the Mavericks, playing, I shift my body to watch the baseball game. Ever since Brody, the starting pitcher got hit in the head and is out for concussion protocol, the team has struggled to get the win. I hate even thinking about that night. My friend Rose is married to Brody, and I was with her at the game when everything happened. That night at the hospital, waiting to see if he was going to be all right, was the longest night of my life. I was so worried about Rose, especially with her being pregnant. I knew she didn’t need the added stress. I’m just glad everything is okay now. I’m a big believer that everything happens for a reason, and I can’t help but think that about Brody getting hit. I watch Kyle Richards, the first baseman, and he is just as handsome as I remembered. He was also there the night Brody got hurt—he’s his best friend, after all. And we seemed to have hit it off that night, but it was more friendly than anything. We’ve texted and talked a few times since then but haven’t seen each other since the accident.

When the Mavericks’ pitcher finally gets the out and the teams are switching out, I glance down to the other end of the bar to find the sexy cowboy looking my way.

Wow, he’s got that slow smolder thing down to an art.