Page 97 of Tempted Hearts
“Yeah. Stay open.”
Cole
what are you up to?
Three dots appeared almost immediately.
Jules
just finished some words. you?
not much else exciting happening here.
Cole
went for a run with Beck. we’re back at the bar. any interest in coming over?
Jules
I didn’t think it was open on Mondays.
Cole
it isn’t usually. today’s an exception.
Jules
sounds good. see you there in a bit.
“Well,” Beck said, already behind the bar, “this should be interesting.”
Within an hour, we went from two guys sharing post-run beers to a nearly full bar. Pia was itching to get out, so she and Mason found a sitter. Delaney arrived shortly after Jules, and Mae followed.
Before long, we were packed around the bar, drinks in hand, Jules sitting beside me. Slipping into an easy companionship with her was effortless.
“How did the writing go?”
“Pretty good. Two chapters, fairly clean.” She smiled. “How was your run?”
“Good. Trail run. We raced back. I won.”
“We basically tied,” Beck said.
I noticed the way his eyes lit up when he saw her. Subtle, but telling.
“The gang’s almost all here,” Pia said. Mason looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
Maybe I was smitten too.
But would it last?
Less than half an hour later, Parker walked in soaked.
“Glad we got our run in earlier,” Beck said.
“So what’s this all about?” Parker asked.
“Spontaneous Fun Day Monday,” Mae said.
