Tinsel (Lark Cove #4)(56)

Hazel’s face softened as Xavier came over and resumed his seat. “Who’ll stick with you?”

“Sofia,” I told him.

“Hmm. You talk to her lately?”

“Nope.” Which didn’t matter. She was still on my mind.

I thought about her whenever I worked, if I was unloading the dishwasher or sweeping up the floor. I thought about her when I was at home and on the couch watching TV. She’d fit well with me on that couch. I thought about her when I was in my truck, and the kiss I’d given her good-bye the morning I’d dropped her off at Logan and Thea’s place.

It hadn’t been enough. I hadn’t kissed her enough.

Because over the last four months, I’d forgotten what she tasted like.

Xavier and Hazel shared a look, one I ignored because it was full of pity. I didn’t want to be fucking pitied. I hadn’t gotten my heart broken. I hadn’t gotten hurt.

I just missed her.

I missed that connection with another person. Maybe I needed to go on a date. Get laid. It wasn’t like I hadn’t had the opportunity. But the idea of another woman in my bed, taking Sofia’s place, didn’t sit well in my gut.

Maybe this shitty attitude of mine was because I hadn’t had sex in four months.

“So what’s new with you guys?” I leaned forward on my elbows, more than ready for a change of subject.

Hazel and Xavier didn’t answer my question. Instead, the pair shared another look. The two lovebirds had basically mind-melded over the last three years.

“Would you two stop that shit?” I grumbled. “I’m fine. We’re celebrating.”

Xavier put his hand on my knee, and I braced, ready for him to keep hold of the Sofia topic. “Want another beer?”

“Please.”

“I’ll get them.” Hazel snubbed out her cigarette and slid off the porch rail, going inside as Xavier went back to the grill.

Thankfully, the conversation about Sofia was over. For now.

We enjoyed our meal at their small kitchen table, talking mostly about my new properties and the plans I had for improvements.

“I think I’ll take a walk.” I patted my stomach. “I ate too much.”

“Sounds good.” Xavier stood from the table at the same time I did, each of us clearing our plate to the sink. “I’ll help my wife with the dishes.”

“I won’t be long.” I went out the patio door, glad for the cool spring air as I walked outside. In early May, there was still the chance that we could get a late snow, but the weather was turning. It had rained this morning and the smell had lingered all day. As I set out across the yard, the woodsy scent from the evergreens towering over the shoreline filled my nose.

Montana was in my blood. The open plains. The brutal mountains. The sky, wide and blue. I ached to stretch my wings and explore, to experience what other places and people had to offer. But my roots would always bring me back here, where it smelled like home.

As I walked down the narrow road that wound around this cove of the lake, a weight lifted from my shoulders.

I’d been cooped up in the bar, working as much as possible to float that last property purchase. I needed to make more time to get outside, reset myself and take a breath.

I spent the next ten minutes walking in one direction before turning and heading back to the cottage. But instead of going back inside, I took a turn and went to the end of the dock that jutted out into the lake that abutted Hazel’s property.

The dock was old. The boards had completely grayed and were warped at the edges. But it was a cool spot. Thea still waxed on about how much she missed this dock. It had been her spot to unwind when she’d lived in the cottage with Hazel.

I reached the end and looked out over the water. The sun was nearly gone behind the mountains in the distance, and soon the oranges and pinks would fade to black.

Above me, a few stars had already come out for the night.

I closed my eyes and took a long breath.

Maybe it was time to move on. Go on a date or something. Willa had come into the bar the other day with her and Jackson’s new baby daughter Zoe. One of her old friends from high school had tagged along. Hannah was her name. She was good-looking and lived in Kalispell. She’d eye fucked me for nearly twenty minutes. No doubt she’d say yes to a night of fun.

I dismissed the idea instantly. I didn’t need a local woman getting attached when all I really wanted was to blow off some steam. I’d wait until the summer when the tourists flocked to the bar. I’d never been short on action before, and this summer wouldn’t be any different.

It wouldn’t be long before I’d be back to myself.

I opened my eyes and watched the sun set. It was nearly dark and I was about to head back inside and say good night to Hazel and Xavier when my phone rang.

I fished it out of my pocket, not sure what I was expecting, and nearly fell face-first into the lake at the name on the screen.

Sofia.

She’d put her number in my phone the night before she’d left. I’d only seen it once, four months ago when she’d called me after getting back to the city.

My heart was nearly pounding out of my chest as I answered, “Hello.”

“Hey.” She was nervous. Just that one-word greeting and her voice shook.

“How are you?”

She blew out a breath. “I’m good, I think. I-I’ve been meaning to call you. But I’ve been nervous to tell you something.”