“We could go. Then you could just crash at my place.” I contemplate his suggestion for a split second. Sleeping over is nothing new, but would it be more than just that?

Could it be, and more importantly, do I want it to be?

“Yeah, let’s go!” I finish my last bite, then jump out of my seat. He follows me out the door. A part of me hopes Knox is there. As much as I hate playing his stupid games, I want him to see how unbothered I am by his lack of communication. I want my heart to move on and for my stupid head to get on board too.

During the hour drive to Eldorado, Kane holds my hand. It’s mostly all country roads, so there’s hardly any traffic. Once we get to the main road, the parking lot and streets are packed.

“I’ll drop you off at the front and go park,” he tells me. “Wait for me.”

“I will.” I smile, then hop out.

While I stand outside, I check my phone and see Harper has replied to a message from thirty minutes ago when I updated her on my date.

Harper: Kaitlyn just texted from the saloon. Knox is there with two chicks all over him. Just thought I should warn ya.

I roll my eyes. Of course he fucking is.

Hadleigh: Good. Then he can witness how a real man treats a woman on a date.

Harper sends a few cry-laughing emojis, and moments later, I see Kane walking toward me.

“Ready?”

“Definitely!” I smile as he leads me inside. There’s not a huge crowd, but it’s still busier than usual. Two bartenders are running around taking orders, and a server is handling the high tops.

“What would ya like?” Kane whispers in my ear.

“I’ll have a margarita on the rocks,” I tell him.

Kaitlyn spots me as soon as Kane goes to place our order.

“Hads! Knox is throwin’ me a birthday party next Saturday. You have to come!”

She’s definitely had more than a few drinks.

“Please! It’s gonna be so much fun. I told Knox he better hire a male stripper.”

Before I can respond, Payton approaches with a scowl. “Why do that when you have me?” He lifts his shirt, revealing six-pack abs and a full chest tattoo.

Good lord. Who knew he was hiding that under his clothes?

“Oh, yeah right. Like you’ll dance and grind on me? I feel like I need a professional,” she dismisses him, and I notice the disappointment in Payton’s eyes.

“So you’ll come?” she asks.

“Sure, I should be able to.”

“Perfect! I’m so excited!” she slurs.

Kane returns and hands me my glass. “Excited for what?” he asks.