So Good: A Ribbon Ridge Novel (Love on the Vine Book 1) (16 page)

A server came by and stacked the glasses. “Sorry. We’re busy tonight.” She pulled a towel from a pocket in the small apron around her waist and wiped down the table. “Do you know what you want?”

They ordered a couple of beers, and the server took off.

“So what’s going on with the history exhibit?” Brooke asked.

“I talked to Hayden, and he hooked me up with Alaina and her friend Crystal. They were pretty excited to hear about the brick you mentioned. Which reminds me, I totally forgot to ask Hayden for it.” Kelsey shook her head. “Any chance you’ll be up at the winery any time soon? Maybe you can grab it.”

Brooke would probably have to stop by there sometime next week to pick up more wine samples. She was running low, but she knew she’d wait until the last possible moment to get more. As it was, communication between her and Cam had trickled to a bare minimum. They’d exchanged just a couple of quick e-mails this week about the wine dinner next month.

“Sure, I can do that,” Brooke said. She went back to their topic to push Cam out of her head. “So what’s your plan with the exhibit?”
 

“I guess there was some discussion about turning the Archer homestead into a museum, but Alaina and her husband are renovating it instead, and they plan to live there.”

Brooke immediately wondered if that was where the brick had come from. “What’s the Archer homestead?”

“It’s a house on the current Archer estate that dates back to about 1890.” Kelsey’s mouth curved up. “Yes, too late for the brick—I can see you went to the same place I did immediately.” She chuckled.

Brooke smiled. “I did. The initials on it—BNR—did anyone have a clue about them?”

Kelsey shook her head. “No, but they were going to hit the books and see what they could find. I’ve been doing a bit of searching too, but they have the bulk of the materials.”

“What sort of materials?” Brooke looked up at the server as she arrived with their beer. “Thanks.”

Kelsey curled her hand around the base of her pint glass. “Letters, copies of birth and death certificates, and property deeds. A random collection, I guess. I haven’t seen it yet. We’re getting together soon so I can take a look and put together some ideas for the exhibit.”

“That sounds so fun. You’re going to house it upstairs at the library?”

Kelsey took a quick sip of her beer. “Yes. You know, I’m sure we could use a hand if you want to help. I’m always looking for library volunteers.”

Brooke instantly warmed to the idea. It would give her something to do that wasn’t work-related. Between that and trying to restart her nonexistent love life, she’d be busy enough to forget all about Cameron Westcott.

“I’d love to help, thanks for asking.” Brooke took a long drink of beer. “Maybe we should’ve ordered shots.”

Kelsey laughed. “Is that right? Is there something you’re trying to forget?”

Wow, she’d nailed that. “It’s just been a long week.”

Kelsey grimaced. “And it’s not over yet. I’m working at the library tomorrow from ten to four, then at The Arch and Vine from five to close.”

“Yikes! I’d say you need a shot—or several—but then you might not be able to function tomorrow.”

“True. So rain check on shots?”

“Definitely. I’d say on your next day off, but I’m worried you don’t have any.” Even though Kelsey hadn’t worked at the pub today, she told Brooke that she’d done a full day at the library.
 

Kelsey lifted a shoulder. “The library’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and I try not to work at the pub on one of those days.”

“So one day a week.” At Kelsey’s sheepish nod, Brooke shook her head. “That’s not enough! Why do I think this is the first social outing you’ve had in ages?”

“Because it is?” Kelsey waved her hand. “It’s fine. I like to be busy.”

“Clearly you don’t have a boyfriend, and I’m guessing you don’t even date.” Wow, this sounded so familiar. No wonder they’d hit it off.

“No, and correct.”

Brooke lifted her pint in toast. “Well then, we have that in common. Men suck.”

Kelsey was quick to tap her glass to Brooke’s. “Amen.”

They drank deeply, and Kelsey was the first to jump in. “Anything you want to share?”

Brooke shrugged. “I don’t want to be Debbie Downer. Suffice it to say I’m divorced.”

Kelsey nodded, and her eyes were warm and empathetic. “I get you. I won’t depress you with my story either. Not divorced, but a long-term relationship that ended badly.” She shuddered.

“Sorry to hear that. You might think I’m crazy, but I’ve actually been thinking it’s time to get back in the game. I have two sisters and an overinvolved mother who keep trying to set me up.”

Kelsey laughed. “I thought you told me earlier that your family still lives in southern Oregon?”

“They do, but you think that would stop them?”

“One can hope. My family lives up in Washington, and it could be Siberia for all I see of them.”

Brooke couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or not. “And is that okay?”

Kelsey cupped her hands around her pint glass. “It’s fine. It’s just my mom and stepdad and my younger half-brother. He’s still in high school, so they’re focused on that.” She took another drink of beer. “Are you eyeing someone in particular? To date, I mean.”

An image of Cam in his towel at his townhouse rose in her mind. No, not him. “My mom wants to set me up with a guy in Mac. I think I’m going to say yes.”

Kelsey inhaled and briefly cocked her head to the side. “You’re brave. Not only putting your toes back in the water, but with a blind date?”

Brooke winced. “You’re giving me second thoughts.”

Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Oh no! I’m sorry. You should totally do it. If your mom vetted him, he’s probably great.”

Probably. “I think he might be more my sister’s type than mine.”

Kelsey chuckled. “So she should date him.”

“Except she’s married. Both my sisters are. I’m the failure.” Brooke took a long pull on her beer to cover up her discomfort. She hadn’t meant to say that.
 

Across the table, Kelsey’s gaze darkened with concern. Brooke averted her eyes and caught the door opening. Oh hell. In walked Cam and Luke Westcott. Of all the damned, rotten luck.

She drank more of her beer, nearly draining it. If she finished it quickly, she could suggest they leave.

“Well, when you decide to go out with this guy, let me know if you need a wingman,” Kelsey said. “I’m happy to sit at a nearby table and rescue you if necessary.”

Brooke bit her tongue before she said that rescue was necessary right now. She glanced toward the door, and damn it, the brothers made eye contact with her. And started walking over.

Steeling herself, Brooke polished off her beer.

Kelsey noted that Brooke’s glass was empty and picked hers up. “I need to catch you.”

She did. Then they could leave.

“Hey there!” Luke greeted Brooke as they approached the table. He looked over at Kelsey.

There was no avoiding introductions at least. “Hi,” Brooke said, somewhat unenthusiastically and not caring one bit. “Luke, this is my friend Kelsey. Kelsey, this is Luke Westcott and his brother Cameron.” She didn’t make eye contact with Cam.

“You look familiar,” Luke said to Kelsey. “Have we met before?”

“Probably. I work at The Arch and Vine.”

He shook his head, smiling. “Duh. Now I feel like a tool for not remembering that.”

She smiled at him. “Don’t. We haven’t ever introduced ourselves or anything.”

“Well, no time like the present.” He sat on the bench next to Kelsey, and she scooted over to make room. “You don’t mind, do you?” He looked from Kelsey to Brooke and back to Kelsey again. “There aren’t any other tables.”

“We’ll be leaving shortly,” Brooke said. She finally shot a glance at Cam, who was still standing next to the table. Their gazes connected, and fire sparked through her. Damn it. Absence apparently made more than the heart grow fonder—it made unsatisfied aches burn.

Luke looked up at his brother. “Aren’t you going to sit?”

Brooke moved as close to the wall as she could without looking ridiculous. Cam slid in beside her, and though they weren’t touching, she felt his presence as though they were.

“What’re you drinking?” Luke asked.

“Hefeweizen,” Kelsey answered.
 

“And it looks like you’re due for another round.” Luke looked around for the server.

Shit. Wait, this was stupid. She could sit next to Cam and be fine. They were going to be doing this in the future for various work-related stuff, so she’d better get used to it. Besides, Ribbon Ridge was a small town. Things like this were bound to happen.

The server stopped by, and Luke ordered a pitcher. After she left, he looked at Brooke and Kelsey. “Are we interrupting girls’ night?”

“Sort of,” Brooke said.
 

Luke flinched. “Sorry. We’ll leave you alone as soon as a table opens up.”
 

Kelsey shook her head. “It’s fine.” She exchanged a look with Brooke that seemed to ask if that was okay. Brooke gave a slight nod. What could she do?
 

Luke darted a look at Cam, and Brooke could see the unspoken question in his gaze—why aren’t you talking? She wondered if Cam was as uncomfortable as she was.

“So, Kelsey,” Luke said, “you work at The Arch and Vine?”

“She’s also the new librarian,” Brooke said.

Luke looked confused.

Kelsey turned her head to look at him. “The library just opened up a couple of weeks ago, and I’m running it.”

“Very cool. I didn’t realize. Too wrapped up in work, I guess. I’ll have to stop by.”

The server brought the pitcher with glasses, and when Cam went to pour the beer, his elbow brushed Brooke’s arm. She sidled closer to the wall.

Luke took a drink, then angled his body toward Kelsey. “Tell me about the library.”

As they chatted, Brooke sipped her beer. She kept her voice low as she looked over at Cam. “Something wrong with you tonight?”

He glanced at her. “No, why?”

“I’ve never seen you this quiet. It’s…weird.”

He exhaled. “Sorry.” He took a long drink. “I didn’t realize… That is, I didn’t know how…seeing you… Hell, never mind.” He went back to drinking.

Brooke smiled, enjoying his agitation. “Is this a problem?” She blinked at him and made sure her tone was sugary innocent.

He scowled at her briefly, then took a deep breath. When he turned toward her, he smiled, and the effect was devastating. Brooke’s gut clenched, and heat pooled between her legs.

“Nope, not a problem,” he said, appearing to completely regroup and change his attitude. “I guess I was still feeling bad about the other night, but you seem fine.”

“Yep, fine.” She knew she answered too quickly and wished she’d said something far more sophisticated. Like what? Maybe something like, What are you feeling bad about? as if she’d forgotten all about their near-sexy times. Damn, why did the good comebacks never come to mind at the right time?

Kelsey looked at her beer. “You know, I usually drink this with lemon.”

Luke jumped up. “I’ll get you some.”

“You don’t have to,” Kelsey said.

“No, but I want to.” He flashed her a smile, and Brooke wondered how long Kelsey might stick to her no-dating resolve. Assuming Luke was interested. Maybe Brooke just saw a Westcott smile and immediately assumed they were on the hunt. Ugh, that wasn’t fair. Especially with regard to Cam. He’d been a gentleman last weekend, and she should thank him for that.
 

Brooke shook away the last vestiges of her irritation as Luke took off to get the lemon.

“Actually, I’m going to run to the ladies’ room,” Kelsey said. “Be right back.” She left, and suddenly Brooke and Cam were alone. Well, alone in a boisterous bar.

Cam sipped his beer and cast her a sidelong glance. “You look great.”

“Thanks. You too.” He wore a crisp green T-shirt and dark gray shorts that had clearly been pressed. He always looked so put together. So bizarre for a guy, and such a turn-on for her.

He turned his head to look at her. “Thanks for your help with the wine dinner. The critic from Wine Enthusiast is a huge get. We really appreciate it.”

“My pleasure.” That word set off warning bells in her brain. She looked at his chest and recalled how sexy he looked when it was bare. She jerked her gaze back to his face but ended up staring at his mouth, remembering what it felt like on hers. Fighting a blush that would tell him more than she wanted him to know, she picked up her beer and drank.

Luke came back with the lemons. “Where’s Kelsey?”

“Ladies’ room,” Brooke said.

Luke nodded. He looked between her and his brother, his gaze assessing. He knows. But what exactly? He’d watched them leave the wine tasting last weekend. Had he drawn his own conclusions, or had Cam filled him in? She leaned back against the wall and watched Cam drink his beer.