“Why?” Bridgette asked.
“Give her a break. She’s only just arrived.” Emily patted Sassie on the arm. “Let her get to know us before we start asking the really hard questions.”
Sassie took a deep breath. “No, it’s okay. I don’t mind.” She gave herself a mental shake. “I suck at relationships, that’s why. I raised my brothers and did everything for them. Losing our mam was hard, especially for my brothers. They were so young. But I did more than I should have. Took me years to figure that one out, and when I tried to step back and make them stand up for themselves, you’d have thought I’d taken away their ability to breath.”
“So I gather you’re just a bit overprotective.” Bridgette grinned.
And so much more. It was if she sucked the life out of every relationship she had, including friendships. “You could say that. Sadly, I didn’t treat only my brothers like that. A couple of boyfriends in school got my method of smothering as well, and still I didn’t learn.”
Lara leaned forward. “And the guy in LA you told me about?”
“Yep, same thing. Thought he was the one and did my trademark smother.” And what a painful experience that was. “Being taken advantage of seems to be my lot in life. I don’t want that anymore. It’s time to change things. So, until I can curb my mad impulses, no relationship for me.”
“Don’t you thing that’s a bit extreme?” Bridgette asked.
“Maybe. But it’s better than the alternative, isn’t it? Being used isn’t fun. I figure I’m not quite worthy for the real hearts and roses deal just yet. Maybe I never will be. Until then, it’s sex for me and R.P. and nothing more.”
“But he bought you a bed.” Audrey smiled smugly.
“That he did. I tried to say no, but the deliveryman wouldn’t hear of it. Pushed his way into my bedroom and set it up, totally ignoring my protests.” A cough made her look at Bridgette. “What?”
“You are in so much trouble, mark my words.” She stood, walked to the bar, and grabbed a handful of menus.
“No, you have it wrong. This is just a friends-with-benefits deal. Pfft.” Sassie glared at Bridgette, cursing under her breath at the woman for her comment. “No heart involved. I swore I wouldn’t have a man in my life again when I moved here. I don’t have the time or the inclination, and that is that.”
Bridgette handed each of them a menu. “If you say so.”
The looks on their faces spoke volumes—so why were none of them saying another word about it?
“Tell me all about yourselves, then,” Sassie said. “Since you know everything about me, I think that’s only fair.”
“We’ve only scratched the surface getting to know you, Sassie, but fair is fair.” Bridgette put her menu down in front of her. “I’m currently not in a relationship, and that’s not because I don’t want one either. The man of my dreams is more interested in his career, dangerous as it may be, but that aside, I’m a counselor at school and do some private practice as well. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent your anger at, you can find me. No charge for anyone in this group though, you included. You, my dear, have issues to deal with.”
Sassie blinked and shrugged. “Well now, thanks for the offer. I’ll keep it in mind.” The thought of lying back and spilling all of her darkest secrets didn’t appeal in the slightest.
“You know all about me. Next,” Lara said.
“You know what I do, I’m sure, as I’m one of the Coopers,” Audrey spoke up. “I run the ranch since none of my brothers are interested in cattle or horses, much to Mom’s horror. Officially unattached but too busy with work to do anything about it.” Audrey picked up her glass and saluted her. “I’m going to get my kicks keeping an eye on you and my brother.” Then she pulled a face. “Eew, that sounds weird, but I’m going to do it anyway.”
Sassie looked at Emily, waiting for her to dish the dirt on her life.
“Widowed.” She held out her hand, showing off her wedding ring. “I was married to Peter, the second son in the Cooper family. He...uh...committed suicide three years ago.” Tears filled Emily’s eyes, and Sassie immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Oh no, you poor dear thing.”
“Don’t listen to me. I hardly ever cry anymore. I’m just being silly.” She ran a fingertip under each eye to wipe away the moisture. “Some days I still blame myself for not knowing what was going on.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it, Emily.” Bridgette gave her a hard stare. “I thought you understood that by now.”
“Yeah, I do, but doubt is a horrible thing on a cold, dark, lonely night. It gets under your skin and worms its way under common sense, making the itch bigger and bigger.”
“Well, if you believe that, best you grow your nails and scratch harder then.” Sassie squeezed Emily and together they laughed.
“You’re good for my mood, Sassie. Thank God you moved to town.”
“I’m glad too. I think I’m going to like it here.”
“And why wouldn’t you? A great bunch of chicks like us to be girly with and a hunk like Riley in your bed to scratch your itch. What more could a girl ask for?”
They all fell to laughing and called for another round of drinks while they ordered dinner. By the time Lara drove Sassie home, they were all firm friends, and she had a satisfied glow filling her heart. The move had turned out to be better than she would have thought possible. A great new home and job rolled into one and a fabulous bunch of ladies who had welcomed her into their fold.
And R.P. Cooper. Her promise chewed at her.
