Page 30 of Sunkissed Colorado

The past had a way of reaching out and pulling us back, no matter how much time had gone by. No matter how much we tried to let it go.

For some reason, my eyes sought out Callum again.

Well, maybe Ididknow the reason. Because I hadn’t forgotten what Callum did to me back then, and I had no plans to forgive.

EIGHT

Callum

Trivia nightat Hearthstone was always a good time. Especially on those rare occasions when the entire Lonely Harts club was present and accounted for.

I had every reason to be having a fantastic night.

My only problem? The gorgeous brunette behind the bar who kept glaring daggers at me.

“What’s with the frown?” My brother Ashford plopped into the seat beside me. “Something to do with your coworker hating on you?”

“Who told you that?”

“Teller.”

I shrugged. Couldn’t believe Teller had narced on me. See if I had a heart-to-heart with the man again. “You know how it is,” I said, taking a long pull from my beer. At least Teller had ordered a pitcher. “Some people just can’t appreciate true charm and devastating good looks.”

“What did you do to her?”

“Nothing.”

My brother eyed me skeptically.

Aside from Zandra’s frequent glares from the bar, we’d had a great night so far. I’d already had a chance to catch up withTeller, who I hadn’t seen in at least a month and a half. The bastard was living the good life as the significant other of Ayla Maxwell, chart-topping singer extraordinaire. I’d jokingly called him Mr. Maxwell, and you should’ve seen the smug smile on the man’s face.

Their bodyguard hovered nearby, making sure nobody uninvited got too close, but the other guests of Hearthstone had been well-behaved tonight. Just like me.

I’d stayed close to our table, relaxing with a few pints. Our team had dominated at trivia before Dane and Grace went over to the pool tables to face off against Emma and Piper. Ayla and her man were whispering lovingly into each other’s ears.

Which left Ashford to harass me. Leave it to my big brother to pick at exactly what was bothering me.

“Zandra was in my high school class,” I said, “and she hated me. You’d think she would’ve gotten over it in the last sixteen years, but no. The feelings are still fresh, apparently.”

“And you’re sure you didn’t do anything to deserve it?”

“I…don’t think so.” Though God knew I’d tried to figure out what her problem was with me.

I’d racked my brain for the last week, going over every interaction we’d ever had. What I could remember, anyway. Sure, there was that time I’d stopped her from going to the first bonfire party our senior year. Same night Jessa Mackenzie died. I’d felt plenty guilty about that afterward.

But I’d already mentioned the bonfire party to Z, and she’d said that wasn’t the issue. What else could I have done?

My brother leaned back in his chair, scrubbing a hand over his beard. “You can be pretty insufferable.” This, from one of the grumpiest men in Hart County.

“Thanks for taking my side.”

“You can’t keep your mouth shut. Can’t mind your own business either.”

“I feel so supported, big brother. Really feeling the love.”

“Like you need me to coddle you. Most people end up likingyou, anyway, even if I’ve never understood it. Do you really care that much if this woman doesn’t?”

“Yes.” I slumped further into my chair. “The bigger issue is that we work together now, and she could take the general manager job right out from under me. She’s Manny’s granddaughter. She has a business degree and experience from living in Chicago.”