11. Cody

ELEVEN

Mack's was packed like it always was on a Saturday night. The bar swollen to the gills.

The upbeat country band playing on the elevated stage at the very back of the cavernous building drew a slew to the dance floor that sat smack in the middle of the huge space.

Those who weren't shaking their thing were crowded around the high-top tables that surrounded the dance floor on three sides or were tucked into the secluded tables and low chairs that lined the walls. Others gathered in a horde around the two bars where the bartenders fought to keep up with the demand.

I shouldered my way through the crush of people who were making the best of their Saturday night, laughter and voices elevated, the vibe one of carelessness and letting go. One of chasing down a bit of pleasure.

Smokey vapor caught in the strobes of light that flashed from over the stage, twining and twisting as it climbed toward the soaring, arched ceiling before it disappeared.

I could almost taste the lust as I wound through that haze. Could scent it in the darkened atmosphere.

Any time I was here, which was pretty damned often if I was being honest, my pulse always beat a little faster. Body prepping for what the night might bring.

The thrill of the hunt.

Wondering who I'd end up going home with once last call was made and I stumbled out these doors to give myself over to the craving that never seemed to abate.

I always found a willing partner. A hot body who hungered for the same thing I did.

It was my release.

My gratification.

My living free and to the fullest.

The last couple weeks that feeling had been all off, though. The anticipation scraping with something I couldn't quite pinpoint.

An edge that blurred into confusion.

What bullshit.

I knew exactly what it was.

It was all about the woman who was close to driving me insane. Right out of my godforsaken mind. This heedlessness that I couldn't tame getting loose of its chains.

Wanted to kick myself in the damn head for sending that picture last night.

I'd fucking tried to keep it friendly.

The scrape with her father had reminded me why I had to.

But seeing her through the week had whittled that conviction down to shit.

And there I'd gone, pushing her in the direction that she kept saying that she didn't want to go.

Problem was, the way she looked at me told an entirely different story.

I'd nearly lost it when she'd gotten back from work yesterday evening. A crack running right down my middle when I'd seen the way she'd sat in the cab of her SUV staring out the windshield at the house as if she were coming home for the first time.

Like she'd finally stumbled on where she belonged.

Then she'd stepped out and I'd been slammed by her aura.

Floored by the sight.

So fucking pretty in that western outfit that it'd taken every ounce of willpower I'd possessed not to toss myself right over the railing to go striding for her, but there'd been no stopping the truth of my words from sliding out.

I'd always had a thing for cowgirls.

But with her? It was something more. Something that should send me running but instead had me contemplating foolish things.

I mean, fuck, this was Douglas Wagner's daughter we were talking about. Not that I blamed him, but the dude fucking hated me and could have me by the balls if he wanted to.

He was the one person who'd discovered what I'd been involved in.

A desperate man getting mixed up with corrupt people often had a catastrophic effect.

And believe me, it'd been fucking catastrophic.

I still had no goddamn clue how I'd walked out of the wreckage still standing. Still breathing.

And there I was, the fool that kept crawling back in that same direction.

I'd hit a breaking point last night when she'd flipped off her light and the window had gone dark.

Visions assaulted me.

Fantasies.

Ones of her on the other side of the wall.

In her bed.

Naked and spread out.

Fuck me, I wanted to disappear into the curves of that lush, tempting body.

Dive into the clear, endless depths of those eyes.

Fuck her out of my mind because the obsession I was forming was getting out of control.

But I knew that wasn't going to happen.

I didn't do attachments, and she'd made it more than clear she didn't want a fling.

I mean, what kind of scumbag was I? This was a mom, and she clearly wasn't up for messing around, and I was sending her half-fuckin'-nudes like a horny teenager who was hoping to get a nip shot in return.

But holy shit, would I like to get a good look at those tits.

Scrubbing a palm over my face to break up that train of thought, I angled through a group of guys who were getting rowdy tossing back tequila shots, and I wound around them in the direction where my crew always sat on the right side of the bar and up close to the dance floor.

They were already there, a riot of energy buzzing around them, their laughter just a little louder than everyone else's.

Paisley was holding court the way she always did, standing at the side of the two high-top tables they had pushed together, arms waving and demeanor animated.

She was all long white hair and over-the-top sass, wearing a white emblazoned tank that sparkled beneath the lights, red boots, and the shortest pair of cutoffs that I'd ever seen.

Her fiancé Caleb was sitting on the stool closest to her, basically drooling his ass off watching her.

Ezra was snuggled up with his girl, Savannah.

And my little sister, Dakota, was sitting on a stool, her back to me where she sat angled to the side with her legs draped over Ryder's lap.

It was Ezra who noticed me first. He lifted a plastic cup brimming with beer over his head. "Ah, there he is, the man of the hour."

Everyone turned.

A round of cheers went up, and my chest tightened with the welcome.

These were people who I'd do absolutely anything for. Lay down my life. Give it all.

Without paying attention, I cut through two chicks who were standing in the middle of the aisle, only then realizing that one of them was familiar. She ran a hand up my chest as I tried to squeeze past.

"Hey, Cody, is there a party tonight?" Her voice was all kinds of coy and interested.

I should be interested, too, but the thought of her soured in my stomach.

"Hanging with my family and friends tonight. If you'll excuse me." I shrugged her off as I took the last couple steps toward my group.

Ryder's grin glinted beneath the flashing of lights, asshole instantly catching the interaction. "Already scoping out who you're going home with tonight, I see," he taunted above the raucous din of the bar.

"Nah, man, just got held up in traffic," I punted back as I pulled the cap from my head and tossed it to the table.

He chuckled low just as Dakota swiveled her legs off him and hopped from the stool. She came beelining my way, and she threw her sweet arms around my neck.

"You're here! Congratulations!" she sang as she rocked me back and forth.

I hugged her tight.

Dakota was so much like our mother.

Fucking sweet and giving.

Kind and modest.

She poured that sweetness out on everyone she met, using her restaurant, Time River Market & Café, to share her love.

The entire town was better for it.

"Thank you, though you didn't need to throw another celebration. I think you've been celebrating me enough."

Aghast, she swatted at my shoulder. "There is no such thing as too much celebrating, Cody. We need to take the time to recognize everyone's achievements, big and small. And this one is big."

She squeezed my biceps like she was comparing the size.

She was right. It was big.

Astronomical.

Something I'd never imagined would come my way.

And somehow, I kept losing sight.

"We know what's big," I said, you know, just because it was me. It wasn't like I could pass up an opportunity like that.

"Eww." Dakota's nose curled.

"Your freaking head, that's what," Paisley piped in. "And now he's got money, too? Lord help us, he's not even going to be able to fit in the room."

I chuckled as I released Dakota and rounded the table to pull Paisley into my arms. I picked her up and swung her around a bit. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to come down off my throne to hang out with you suckers every once in a while."

I settled Paisley onto her feet and sauntered toward Savannah who was draped across Ezra's lap.

"Ah, if it isn't the gorgeous Savannah Ward. What are you doing hanging out with this giant oaf?" I gave a playful jut of my chin toward Ezra who had a massive arm possessively looped around her waist.

He grinned, all teeth, though there wasn't a brutal bone in the guy's body.

Ezra had one of those hearts of gold, the town Sheriff who did his best to make this a safe place for everyone. Good through and through.

"She doesn't want to be anywhere else than right here on my lap," he tossed out, pulling her closer and nuzzling his nose in the locks of her blonde hair. "Isn't that right, Little Trespasser?"

"That's right," she murmured back.

I wrangled her out of Ezra's paws and gave her an enormous hug. "Good to see you, Savannah. How are you feeling?"

She just found out she was pregnant a couple weeks ago.

"Amazing, honestly. I still can't believe it."

"All the good things coming to you," I murmured.

"Yes. The same as they're coming to you. I'm so proud of you."

Emotion tugged at my spirit.

This gratefulness that kept getting tainted by the memories I suddenly couldn't seem to keep at bay. "Thanks, sweetheart. Are you taking care of this guy?"

She peered back at Ezra, her expression soft. "Always, the same as he takes care of me."

"How are the kids?" Ezra had three kids from his previous marriage. A marriage that I'd had no idea had been wrought with lies and betrayal and had come to a tragic end before he'd met Savannah.

Now, she and Ezra were raising them together, and they were going to add another. I was so happy for them.

"They're the best thing that's ever happened to me." Awe filled her voice.

"And I know they adore you, too," I told her before I released her and turned back to the table. I smacked my hands together. "I'm going to hit the bar. Can I get anyone anything?"

Standing, Caleb polished off his beer and set the empty onto the table. "Nah, man, we're celebrating you. First round is on me. What can I get you?"

"Surprise me."

"Someone knows my man has good taste," Paisley drawled, glancing at Caleb.

His gaze raked over her. "The best taste. I'm going to remind you of what that means later."

"I'm going to hold you to that." She dragged her fingers down the front of his shirt, gripping it in a fist at the bottom as she leaned in close. "Why don't you grab a pitcher of margaritas while you're at it? We have a few more coming."

My little sister waved the martini glass that swam with the last dregs of her favorite bright-pink concoction. "This girl needs another cosmo, too."

"Do I look like I have ten arms?" Caleb tossed out.

"I'll help." Ryder drained his whiskey and slammed it to the tabletop before he grabbed my sister by the back of the neck and kissed her hard. "Be right back."

"Hurry," she returned, voice breathy.

I scrubbed a palm down my face.

Bunch of loved up motherfuckers, the lot of them.

Ryder and Caleb disappeared into the fray, and Paisley hopped onto a stool, glancing between Savannah and Dakota. "So, like I was saying before Cody showed up, I haven't seen her in like eight years and haven't talked to her in six. We weren't besties or anything?—"

"Good, I wouldn't want to have to stab her." Dakota spouted the razzing.

Paisley laughed. "Don't worry, Doodle-Boo, no one could ever replace you. But I think you both will really like her. There was something about her that always drew me in, probably since she loves horses almost as much as I do. She's a little younger than me and crazy beautiful. Super genuine and sweet. She'd moved away out of the blue, and I never got the whole story behind it, but I found out she was back, so I decided to invite her tonight. I didn't figure anyone would mind."

"Of course not. We're always excited to meet new friends. Family we didn't know we had." Dakota glanced at Savannah when she said that.

I swore, my sister always made the effort to ensure those around her knew how important they were.

Appreciation deepened Savannah's features, and she lifted her copper mug. "To family we didn't know we had."

"And you…" Paisley suddenly pointed at me just as I was sliding onto a free stool.

My brow lifted for the sky as I slung back in the seat. "Yeah?"

"I want you on your best behavior."

I let a smirk slide to my mouth. "Come now, Paisley-Cakes, I'm always on my best behavior."

I tossed the nickname my sister had called her for her entire life back at her. The two were ridiculous with the names they gave each other.

Eyes narrowing, she jabbed that finger harder in my direction. "And that right there is exactly the kind of behavior I don't want to see. I haven't seen Hails Bells in years, and I don't want you chasing her off by trying to get into her pants."

Hails Bells? Case in point. But damn, I had to admit, it was kind of cute.

I lifted both hands in surrender. "Now why would I go and do that?"

"Oh, I don't know, because she's stunning and you are…you." Paisley gave a snarky tip of her head. "You'll turn on all that charm and take off with her, and then she's never going to talk to me again since you'll ditch her before the sun comes up."

"I would never?—"

Dakota cut me off with a disbelieving laugh as she polished off the last gulp of her drink. "Cody Cooper, don't you dare say you aren't guilty of that every single weekend."

"Well, I can promise you I'm going home alone tonight." It flew right out like truth.

Because I truly wasn't in the mood. Normally, I'd already be making the rounds, scoping out the crowd, waiting for someone to catch my eye.

"Really?" Paisley challenged, her brow shooting for the sky.

"Really." I said it like an oath.

Signed and sealed.

Dakota reached out and placed her palm on my forehead. Clearly, she was lacking any real concern since she giggled when she asked, "Are you sick, big brother?"

I swatted her hand away, only half annoyed when I said, "I am not sick."

Though maybe I really was coming down with something because nothing was sitting right.

My stomach coiling in knots and my thoughts residing in a place they completely shouldn't be.

"I don't know…you feel a little…feverish." My sister drew the jeering out.

I rolled my eyes while Dakota's own brown pools danced, though I could tell she was trying to actually look deeper, delve down into the parts of me that I kept buried beneath the smiles and easiness. Down to the places I'd never let her see.

She'd hate me if she knew.

"I see you all invited me out to give me a hard time rather than actually celebrate my accomplishment," I said, keeping the roughness out of the retort.

"Who else is such an easy target?" Savannah asked.

Ezra chuckled from where he'd been silently watching the exchange. "Yeah, and we all know the way you like to celebrate. What's up, brother? Someone finally knock you down a peg?"

Yeah. Someone had knocked me down a peg.

Right onto my fucking knees.

But I sure as shit wasn't going to admit that.

"Hell, no. I just feel like blessing my family with my complete attention tonight." I set my palms out like I was offering a gift.

Amusement rolled through Ezra's expression. He wasn't buying it for a second.

"Oh, there she is." Paisley's shouting pulled my gaze back to her. She had her arm lifted overhead and was waving it frantically as she bounced on her stool. "Hails Bells, over here! Over here!"

I followed her line of sight, through the roiling crowd that writhed within the dusky shadows of the bar. Lights strobed, faces flashing in time with the music that thrummed over the speakers.

I caught a glimpse of the movement, of the woman who was making her way through the crush. Flickers of lush blonde hair woven with honey and maple. The hint of a profile, cheeks full and chin sharp.

The pucker of a sexpot mouth.

Energy flash-fired, careening straight through my nerves.

It took her one more second to fully break through.

I realized I hadn't caught Paisley's friend's actual name. Hadn't made the connection that it was very likely Paisley had been out at Wagner Ranch sometime in the past, even though I didn't know the two of them had ever met.

But there she was.

Hailey Wagner standing there in this short as fuck, glittering silver dress that clung to every luxurious curve of her body.

No doubt about it.

The woman's shape was the definition of my perfection.

My fingers twitched, and I didn't know how I remained sitting as my gaze gulped down the sight of her.

The dress's neckline plunged deep between her breasts, those enormous tits barely concealed in narrow swaths of fabric that were held up by thin spaghetti straps that bared soft shoulders. My stare roved, riding down the curve of her legs to the pair of sky-high ankle boots she wore.

Also glittering silver.

The woman was a motherfucking beacon.

I could hardly get my lungs to cooperate as I was struck with a lightning bolt of heat.

Blood boiling in my veins and sweat slicking my skin.

Instantly suffering from that fever I'd just denied.

Hails Bells.

I was in trouble.