Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch by Emma Cane

money.”
    â€œWell, we know that’s not true.”
    â€œDo we?” Lyndsay countered.
    â€œHan Solo is not a gigolo.”
    â€œThen you better pick another representative, one more down to earth. And don’t tell me you think you’re some kind of Prince Charming.” She felt another unexpected flash of yearning and hoped no one could read it on her face this time.
    He cocked his head. “I’m thinking James Bond.”
    â€œYou’re so conceited. Or did you forget Bond leaves a lot of women behind, just like Captain Kirk? We can’t say we ever saw Han Solo do that. He was all about the money.”
    â€œThe new James Bond doesn’t love ’em and leave ’em like the old Bond did,” Will insisted.
    â€œBut he’s still wrong for you. He used a lot of women to get what he wanted, you know, for whatever furthered the external plot. And I’m using the word ‘used’ in a literal sense. Does that make sense?”
    Kate and Jessica groaned, but the sound barely reached Lyndsay. She was focused on Will as they leaned toward each other competitively.
    â€œExternal plot?” he repeated, eyeing her with interest.
    Lyndsay took another casual sip of her beer and forced herself to keep her gaze meshed with his. He’d pounce on any sign of weakness. “Didn’t you ever take English?”
    â€œI know what an external plot is,” he said patiently. “And I took English in the same class with you. I even read books. Still. To this day.”
    â€œNo!” Lyndsay countered with mock surprise. “When do you have time, since you’re off saving the galaxy one woman at a time?”
    â€œSomeone has to save the day. But I don’t use women, you said.” Will nodded. “That’s heartening to know about myself. So I’m not James Bond.”
    â€œAnd you needed someone to tell you that?” Tony asked as he approached, a towel tossed over his shoulder.
    Lyndsay smiled at her big brother, who put a gentle hand on Kate’s shoulder. Lyndsay and Tony both had the same brown hair—­she’d lightened hers a bit—­and brown eyes, though she was always wanting to cut his longish hair. They’d never had any major disagreements, had always been close, except for the short period after his divorce. Maybe that’s what happened when a mom died young and left her kids to form an even closer family with just their dad.
    â€œHey, enough joking from you,” Will said to Tony. “Your own sister called you Chewbacca to my Han Solo.”
    Lyndsay rolled her eyes. “No, you implied Tony was Chewbacca when you called yourself Han.”
    Tony frowned at his friend. “James Bond, Han Solo? What’s going on with you guys?”
    Will aimed a thumb at Lyndsay. “It started with your sister calling me Captain Kirk.”
    Lyndsay gave an exaggerated sigh. “Let’s change the subject. Kate, did you guys finally decide on your reception?”
    Will got abruptly to his feet. “If we’re talking weddings, I’m out of here. I get enough of that at home.”
    â€œJust like Captain Kirk,” Lyndsay teased. “Commitment-­phobe.”
    â€œNo, I’m just tired of Valentine’s proclivity for weddings.”
    â€œOoh, a big word,” she said.
    He leaned both big hands on the table and loomed over her, making her heartbeat go a little wild.
    â€œMy brother Chris is engaged, remember, and that’s all he can talk about. I work with him all day. A guy can only take so much about flowers and favors and themes.”
    He straightened up, and Lyndsay was surprised to feel like she could breathe again.
    â€œTony, is there a game of pool in back?” he asked.
    â€œShould be.”
    And the two of them left. Lyndsay let out a big sigh and sank back in her chair.
    Kate arched a brow. “That was an interesting reaction.”
    â€œIt’s