Page 30 of The Summer for Us (Golden Falls #1)

WESLEY

I couldn’t stop staring at her. No matter how hard I tried to stop, my eyes found her in the crowd. Like there was something pulling me to her.

She was dancing effortlessly, hands above her head, hips swaying side to side, and singing every word. She wasn’t wearing a sundress tonight, like she typically did. She’d opted for a short black skirt—one that gradually rose up as she danced, showing even more of her tan thighs.

The pink strappy heels tied around her toned calves were the same color as her top.

There was no missing her. Pretty sure every goddamn man in this bar was looking at her.

Anyone who saw her observed how radiant she was. It was impossible not to. She took attention from the room without even trying. I was damn near speechless when she opened the door and greeted me earlier tonight.

“Got a little drool there, Wes.” Cooper tapped the corner of his mouth.

“Oh, fuck off, and take your turn.” I tipped my chin toward the pool table. I ran my hand over my jaw. Had my staring really been that obvious?

“It’s your turn, actually.” His grin widened as he corrected me. “I mean, if you want to give up and hand me the win, you certainly can. I’ll win on my next turn, anyway.”

With a low growl, I shifted my gaze back to the pool table. We were playing best two out of three, and Cooper had won the first game. I lined up my shot and sunk the first ball into the pocket easily but then missed my second shot.

Cooper only had the eight ball left.

“Eight ball, right corner,” he called. The ball sunk into the pocket effortlessly. He leaned the pool cue against the table and crossed his arms over his chest, grinning.

Normally, we were well matched and almost always played a third game to break the tie. That wasn’t needed tonight. He’d crushed me during both games.

“Damn it,” I groaned, shaking my head. I took a final swig of my beer and set the empty bottle on the ledge along the back wall.

“Funny how on your day off you still end up here. Even funnier you lost these two games so easily. Wouldn’t have anything to do with your pretty neighbor, would it?” He nodded over to where Juliette was dancing with Eliza and Lily.

“Lily asked me to drive them over, and I figured I might as well hang out here and kill some time instead of coming back to pick them up. And Louise already gave me crap about being here on my day off.”

“Uh huh, whatever you say, man.” He finished off his first beer. “I’m gonna go get one more. Did you want another?”

I shook my head. “Nah, I’m good with just one tonight.”

As Cooper made his way over to the bar, he stopped by where the girls were. He gave a friendly hug to Lily and Eliza. When he reached Juliette, I swear his hug lingered longer than it should’ve, his hand resting on the small of her back for a beat. I inhaled through my nose and exhaled slowly.

Cooper was kind, friendly. People in town flocked to him. He easily flirted with the women in Golden Falls and surrounding towns. It never bothered me. If anything, I was surprised he hadn’t found someone to settle down with yet, since he certainly had women who were interested.

But seeing him with Juliette, likely flirting with her, too, caused my mind to spiral, a sense of dread falling over me. Was he interested in her? What if she was interested in him?

If Cooper wanted to pursue Juliette, I wouldn’t stop him. He was better for her, anyway.

I had no clue what I’d offer a woman like Juliette. She deserved so much more than what this small town and I had to offer.

The two of them even looked like a couple as they walked over to the bar, Juliette trailing behind him.

Fuck it. I was heading over there, too.

As I got closer, her laugh was the first thing I heard.

“You’re kidding!” She threw her head back with another laugh, setting her hand on Cooper’s arm. I’d never gotten the urge to kill my best friend, but murder didn’t sound like a bad idea right now.

“Nope, not kidding at all,” Cooper responded.

I hadn’t caught what story Cooper had told Juliette, which made me uneasy. I assumed it was likely about something we’d gotten up to, but there were hundreds of those stories.

Louise approached the bar. “These two were always getting up to something.” She gestured to me and Cooper.

Juliette grinned at Louise before turning, her hair whipping around and the smell of daisies and vanilla quickly taking over my senses.

“Oh, Wes, hi,” she greeted, but her voice sounded different. Nervous, maybe? Did she not want me interrupting her conversation with Cooper?

“Luckily, Louise keeps us in line,” Cooper teased.

Louise rolled her eyes with a smile. “Always a charmer.” She set her hands on the bar. “Another Spotted Cow for you, Coop?”

Cooper nodded, looking over at Juliette. “Did you want another drink?”

Juliette bit down on her bottom lip as she thought, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her. Again. “I’m good for right now, but I’ll take a soda water and lime.”

Louise looked to see if I needed anything, and I shook my head.

She placed the beer in front of Cooper and filled a glass with soda water and dropped in a lime wedge before setting it down for Juliette.

“Have you two seen what a talented designer this one is and the plans she has for my rental? You got a gift, Jules.”

Juliette was working with Louise?

“I’m so glad you’re happy with it,” Juliette said with a shy smile.

I hadn’t seen her be bashful often, but it seemed like it happened about her work.

“It’s been so great working with you and getting to know you.

And”—Juliette looked between Louise and Cooper—“I’m going to need more Wes stories, especially ones that prove he wasn’t always this grumpy. ”

I grunted, crossing my arms over my chest. “I’m not grumpy.”

“Sure you’re not.” Juliette drew out the words. I didn’t miss the sarcasm in her voice, and I sure as hell didn’t miss how her gaze trailed from my arms, up to my chest, jaw, and finally my eyes. Any sense of shyness was long gone. Damn, did I like the feel of her green eyes on me.

Eliza and Lily bounced up next to us. “Jules, we’re going to get some fresh air outside. Do you want to come with?” Eliza asked.

“I’m good for right now, but if I change my mind, I’ll come find you.” Juliette thanked them before the two went off, whispering to each other about god knows what.

“Oh, I love this song!” Juliette’s body started swaying, like the pull of the music and the dance floor was too strong and she was already getting lured back.

Cooper gave me a look, but I couldn’t figure out what the fuck it meant. I made a face. Did he want to dance with her?

“God, you’re an idiot,” he muttered, which fortunately Juliette didn’t hear. He hit the back of my head when Juliette wasn’t looking. “Pull your head out of your ass.”

I still had no idea what he was talking about.

Cooper cleared his throat. “Wes is a great dancer,” he claimed, causing Juliette to look between us both, blinking her black lashes.

“Oh, well, good for him,” she said slowly as she looked between us.

“Yeah, you two should go out there. Go on ahead. I gotta”—Cooper looked around—“help Louise get another keg from the back. Right, Louise? Didn’t you need one?” Louise gave him a thumbs-up as he rambled. “So, yeah, you two go ahead.”

“Oh, um, you want to?” Juliette tilted her head, her voice softer than usual, unsure. I didn’t like dancing. I didn’t like attention. But I couldn’t say no.

The corner of my mouth tipped up. “Yeah, let’s go. One dance.”

I’d give anything to replay the way her face lit up.

“Lead the way, then, Wesley.”