“Why do men like games?” She shook her head.
“It’s not about games. The chase is half the damn fun. If you take it away, you lose the anticipation and all that other good stuff.”
Kelsey rolled her eyes. “You may think I’m desperate, but I’m not so desperate as to take love life advice from you, for God’s sake.”
“Fair enough.” Trip raised his hands, his words dripping with sarcasm. “Do it your way, since it’s worked so well for you so far.”
Her cheeks turned pink, and he almost apologized, but Wade returned. “Ready to head out?”
Trip had to hand it to Boomerang—she recovered quickly.
Kelsey smiled at Wade, although less radiantly, Trip noted with a smug sense of satisfaction. “Absolutely. Let’s go find you a new house.”
“See you later, Trip.” Wade escorted Kelsey through the lobby.
Trip smiled when Kelsey put a little more distance between her body and Wade’s. Of course, he didn’t want to think about why that made him happy.
His gaze followed them out the door, or, more honestly, he watched Kelsey’s hips sway until they disappeared.
Before he realized it, his father had sneaked up beside him.
“She’s a real looker.” His dad’s alert gaze remained fixed on the entrance. “Was that Wade’s girlfriend?”
Trip’s dad seemed almost as enthralled as him. Yes, something else he’d apparently inherited from his old man—an “appreciation” of beautiful women. And an ego big enough to go after them. Precisely why Trip wouldn’t make the same mistake his dad did and commit to just one.
“Not yet.” Trip glanced at his dad.
“That’s good.” Ross’s blue eyes lit up.
Trip stuck his thumbs through his belt loops, irked by his dad’s interest in Kelsey. “Last I checked, you were still married to Deb. Didn’t you learn your lesson, yet?”
As soon as the words left his mouth, he wished he could swallow them. His father’s head drooped as he sighed. “I wasn’t talking about me, Gunner. I meant good for you.”
“For me?” Trip grimaced. “What the hell do I care if Kelsey dates Wade or not?”
His dad slapped his shoulder. “Oh, you care. I’m old, but I’m not blind.”
What did that mean? The parts of his body that enjoyed watching Kelsey walk out the door weren’t anywhere near his heart, for God’s sake.
“She’s pretty, sure. But Boomerang’s not on my to-do list. Trust me.”
“Boomerang?” His dad rubbed his chin.
Trip closed his eyes, sighing. “Long story.”
“I’ve got time. Take me to lunch before I catch the jet back to Denver. You can fill me in then.”
Chapter Three
Kelsey woke up late on her birthday and stared at the ceiling. Thirty-one. Normally she loved any extra attention on her birthday, but not this year.
Thirty-one years old!
On her thirtieth, she’d painted the town red with a group of friends and acquaintances. This year she’d threatened everyone—no big parties or hoopla. All she wanted was a quiet day with the people she loved. Lunch with her besties followed by an evening with her family.
Of course, even though she’d made modest plans, she still wanted—needed—to look fabulous. An hour later, makeup done and hair smoothed, she left her home wearing a smart-looking caramel-colored wrap dress and platform beige suede heels.
She met Emma and Avery at Smuggler’s Notch. Late-July sunlight streamed through the plate-glass windows of the recently renovated tavern. Reclaimed hardwood floors were all that remained of the old building. The stone-and-steel interior finishes were what Kelsey called “cowboy chic,” where the Old West meets Manhattan. While she enjoyed Sterling Canyon’s historic appeal, Kelsey liked modernization, too, and appreciated when local businesses upgraded and remodeled to keep up with the times.
“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you—” Avery and Emma sang, standing and greeting Kelsey with hugs and kisses.
Kelsey curtsied in jest and then they all sat down. In front of Kelsey’s seat was a gift-wrapped box.
“Thanks, guys.” Kelsey toyed with a bow on the package. “You didn’t need to buy me anything.”
“Oh, shut up and open the gift.” Avery said, the flecks of gold in her blue eyes sparkling. “You knew we wouldn’t listen.”