Page 29 of Hard Rain Coming
“Depends,” he answered.
“You have the party tomorrow night,” Vivian said sweetly, looking at the server. “Though I suppose you could bring a date.”
He shot her a look. “You looking after my social calendar now?”
“Shoot,” Kelli responded. “I have to work all weekend.”
“That’s all right, darlin’,” Dallas said, backing away and trying his best not to snap. “I’ll be back.” He nodded at Vivian and Jack and then strode toward the kitchen. He pushed through the door and obviously surprised Millie Sue and Nora.
“What’s crawled up your butt and died?” Millie Sue asked when she spied him.
He gave Millie Sue a warning glance and turned to Nora. “You got your sweets? We need to go.” His words were clipped.
“Uncle Dallas is in a bad mood again,” Nora said, reaching for her bag.
“I’m not in a bad mood,” he retorted. “I’m just a little…pissed off, I guess.”
“I see that.” Millie Sue peered through the window in the door and then turned back to him. “Vivian is out there.”
He shrugged.
“Who’s the guy?”
“Jack.”
“Just Jack?”
“If you want to know more, you’ll have to ask Viv.”
“I’m asking you.”
“I didn’t take the time to get to know the man.”
“I see.” She gave him a thoughtful look.
“There’s nothing to see. Who Vivian Bridgestone spends time with is none of my concern.”
But the thing about it was, he didn’t like seeing Vivian and this old guy together. They seemed so easy. So okay with each other. Jesus, he’d been over her for years, so why was he annoyed that she was in the Sundowner with another man? He didn’t want to consider the reason. Because that would make him think about a bunch of shit he liked to keep tucked away, out of sight. Like that damn unicorn.
“Are you going to the barn dance tomorrow night?”
Not if I can help it.
“Maybe.” Dallas pointed to the back door and nudged Nora forward. “Let’s go.” The two of them left the Sundowner by way of the kitchen entrance, which meant he didn’t have to deal with Vivian again. At least, not today.
It was an easy out, but for now, Dallas would take it.
Chapter Nine
“So that’s your man.”
Vivian didn’t reply. She twirled her straw, not drinking her soda, not doing much but thinking how good Dallas looked in his old, worn jeans, denim jacket, and boots. He’d tied his hair back, which made him look like a?—
“A sexy pirate.”
“What?” she frowned at Jack.
“Your man. That’s what he reminds me of.” Jack grinned. “Did I ever tell you it was a pirate who made me realize I was gay? I was about ten or so, and my mother had one of those old romance novels kicking about.” He leaned forward and whispered. “You know, bodice rippers.”