“I’ll take that chance.”
Nick let out a breath. “Then you have my support, bro. Like Matt said, we’ll do our part to facilitate this romance.”
“Speaking of that, are all the Babes coming to the Moose?”
“Oh, you know it. The only thing they love better than their own schemes is watching one of ours play out. They also want to apprise Isabel of their great-auntie status. I’ve heard rumors of a baby shower this week.”
“That’s nice.” CJ slowed the truck as they approached the town square. Usually on a Tuesday night the grassy area around the gazebo was empty and quiet. Instead the clatter of several folks putting together various sizes of wooden structures filled the air. “What’s going on?”
“Your head must be in the clouds,” Nick said. “This weekend is the Founders Day celebration.”
“I totally forgot that was coming up. How many years is it?”
“I dunno.”
“I’ll look it up.” Garrett pulled out his phone and tapped on it a few times. “A hundred and fifty-two. What happens on Founders Day weekend?”
“All kinds of stuff.” CJ put on his turn signal and waited for a truck to back out of a spot right in front of the Moose. Good sign that he’d scored it. If all went well, he’d be ushering Izzy out the front door and into his truck in about two hours. He shut off the engine.
“Just think, bro.” Nick unlatched his seatbelt and leaned forward. “Could be your last Founders Day celebration.”
“Nick, stop it.” He opened his door.
“I just want you to consider everything before you make such a life-changing decision.”
“I’ve already made it. I just need Isabel to come on board.” He and Garrett exited the truck and waited on the sidewalk for Nick to climb out of the backseat. “Nice night.”
Garrett nodded. “Feels good to ditch our jackets for a change.”
Nick stepped up on the curb and settled his hat on his head. “Don’t look now, but Matt just grabbed a space in front of Gertie’s. Your lady-love has arrived.”
“I noticed.” The transportation plan for tonight had been choreographed over dinner. Matt had invited Izzy to ride with him, Lucy, Jake and Millie. Rafe was bringing Kate and Leo, leaving room for Nick and Garrett in his truck if CJ took Izzy home early.
“There’s Rafe,” Garrett said. “Looks like he’ll have to park in back. Do you want to wait for Matt and company or go in?
CJ took a steadying breath and tugged his hat a bit lower. “Let’s wait.”
“You said you didn’t want to look too eager to see her.”
“But I don’t want to act like I’m avoiding her, either. I’ll keep it cool. I want to see what she did with her hair today. She was getting it cut.”
“I hope not too short,” Nick said. “It’s gorgeous long.”
“I know.”
Jake helped Millie out of the back and then assisted Izzy. She stepped down and laughed at something Jake said. She wore a bright yellow shirt with a hem that reached to her hips, snug jeans and boots. Clearly Lucy had taken her shopping after the salon appointment.
Her hair was shorter, chin-length instead of reaching her shoulders. For a second, he grieved the loss of the silken strands that had caressed his body when they’d made love.
Then she tossed her head and the sassy swing of her dark hair sent a message straight to his groin. He gulped.
“You’re staring, bro,” Nick murmured.
“I didn’t expect the haircut would make her even sexier than before.”
“You want to ditch the program and just go for it?”
“No. She’d only dig in her heels if I come on too strong. Stick with the plan. I’ll… manage.”
“Count your breaths,” Garrett said.
“Count my breaths?”
“Try it. Works for me.”
“Okay.” One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Sure enough, he was back in control. “Thanks, Garrett. Good tip.”
“Works while you’re having sex, too, whenever you’re worried about your timing.”
Nick glanced at him. “Really?”
“In my case, anyway.”
“I believe you. I don’t have a girlfriend so I can’t test it. CJ might be able to, though. Hey, bro, if it works for you, let me know, okay?”
“No can do.”
“Why not?”
He flashed Nick a grin. “I always have perfect timing.” Especially with Izzy. Although if she kept ramping up her hotness factor, she might make a liar out of him. And he wouldn’t mind a bit. But first the Brotherhood campaign had to succeed.
Chapter Ten
He’s up to something. An hour into the evening and CJ still hadn’t asked for a dance. Not that Isabel had been left without partners. She’d been on the floor for nearly every number.
The Buckskin Brotherhood knew their dance moves and seemed eager to demonstrate their specialties. Leo, the classically handsome wrangler, loved to waltz. The two-step was Rafe’s favorite, and he was surprisingly agile for such a big man. Afterward he apologized if he’d worn her out. He had, but she wouldn’t admit it.
Matt had a classic country style that relaxed her, and Jake kept her laughing through the entire number. Garrett was a terrific dancer. She’d seen him clear the floor with other partners. But he toned it way down with her, evidently worried that he’d overtax her.
Nick didn’t have that concern. He had his own athletic version of country swing—fun but challenging. He was also the one who insisted she sit out for a while, though.
He escorted her back to the large booth the Brotherhood had commandeered and ordered her popcorn and a bottle of non-alcoholic cider. When she made quick work of the popcorn, he ordered fries and nachos.
“Popcorn was plenty, Nick. You didn’t have to order something else.”
“Oh, yes, I did. It’s for me as much as you. Dancing works up an appetite, although in my case, that’s easy to do. I’m always hungry.”
She grinned. “Then you must be pregnant.”
“If I am, I’ll never have to work another day in my life.
