Love So Unexpected (The Lawson Brothers Book 6) by Marquita Valentine Page B

was because reputations stuck to a man, no matter how long it had been since he’d acted in such a way.
    “As I live and breathe, Caleb Lawson has finally decided to grace us with his presence,” Preston said, but since he didn’t shout it to the world, Caleb decided not to throat punch him. Besides, he knew he was only giving him shit.
    “Don’t get too excited. I just came here to beat your ass in darts.”
    Preston grabbed his hand and did the half-hug thing that men did when they were happy to see one another. “Doesn’t matter. I’m happy to have some company.”
    Caleb looked around the bar. It was already half-full at only seven in the evening. Most people didn’t bother to show up until after ten.
    “No date tonight?” he asked.
    “Too busy.” Preston handed Caleb some darts, then erased the scores on the chalk board. “You’re up first.”
    They played a few games without talking much; just the way Caleb liked it. All right, so he didn’t talk much, but his cousin did, and that suited him just fine. Mostly because it gave him time to think about Sofia. Her pretty smile. The way she looked in a pair of shorts. Man, she had some legs—all golden brown and long. She filled out a shirt nicely too. Hell, she looked good in everything she wore.
    But even more than that, she seemed to genuinely care about his parents, especially his mother. That was something unexpected. Then again, everything about Sofia was unexpected.
    “I’m thinking of giving up the medical field for good.”
    That announcement drew Caleb up short. Instead of throwing the last dart, he said, “To do what?”
    Preston grinned. “Isn’t it obvious I’m one of the owners of Whiskey Hollow?”
    “Not really,” Caleb replied, then took aim. He hit the board dead center, but refrained from celebrating. 
    “I’ve been singing its praises for the past thirty minutes. Haven’t you heard anything I said?”
    “Um ... sorry,” he muttered.
    Preston rolled his eyes. “Never mind. I’m not offended. You and that head of yours.”
    “I was busy thinking about my uh, date from last Saturday evening.”
    His cousin seemed to perk up at that. “With the mysterious Sofia?”
    “Yeah. Surprised you haven’t met her.”
    “Been too busy.”
    “Too busy doing what?”
    Both men turned to find Apple McCoy standing there. The cool blonde wore a dress more suited for a picnic than a sports bar.
    “Dreaming about you,” Preston said.
    Her lips flattened. She fixed her gaze on Caleb. “How have you been?”
    “Fine.” His pulse sped up a little and not in a good way. The last time Apple had spoken to him, it hadn’t been the most comfortable situation. “And you?”
    “The same.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Did your mother get her car back?
    Color him confused. “Back from what?”
    Her gaze narrowed. “From Sofia.”
    “You met her?”
    “I know everyone.”
    Yeah, he should have left as soon as she’d asked him how he was doing, but he wasn’t an asshole, and he wouldn’t treat her like she wasn’t actually there. “I’m going get a drink from the bar. Anybody want anything?”
    Apple crossed her arms over her chest. “Answers.”
    “I don’t owe you answers about Sofia.”
    Her mouth opened and closed like a fish caught on a hook, except he felt more like the worm. “You owe me—”
    Preston stepped between them, grabbing Apple’s arm. “A dance. Let’s go.”
    Stunned, Caleb watched as his cousin led Apple to the small dance floor in the corner. Even more shocking was the fact that she allowed him to do so. No one directed any McCoy woman without her permission.
    Preston motioned to the DJ, and a slow song came over the speakers. Apple glared up at him before she slowly put her arms around his neck. Grateful for the intervention, he made his way outside.
    One day he would have to sit Apple down and clear the air between them. While he knew he hadn’t done her wrong, it was obvious she didn’t