Cassie laughed. “Hell, Penny, I don’t know anyone other than you and the Chases. Matt’s pretty hot. And Marc, well, a younger man could be just what the doctor ordered.”

Penny burst out laughing. “I grew up with those boys. They’re like my cousins so I while I can appreciate all that handsome, I can’t see them like that. And I am quite sure Marc would wear me into nothingness. His prowess is pretty legendary.”

“I was just wondering. After being married and having it not be the best experience, it’s odd to be dating again and have it be so different. Better. I’m a bit giddy even but I’m not quite sure what to do. What to expect. I thought you might have some sage advice.”

Penny patted her arm. “Honey, I’m no sage. All I can tell you is to go on and enjoy yourself. Anyone with eyes can see Shane thinks you hang the moon. You two are good people. The two of you can be good together if you just let go a bit.”

Cassie stood. “We’re headed out to The Pumphouse, you want to come with?”

“I have a date with a pedicure. I’ll see you for brunch on Sunday.”

“All right, come on over and show us your fancy new toes if you’re up for it.”

Shane nearly swallowed his tongue when Cassie emerged from the back of the store. She’d pulled her hair away from her face and was wearing shiny red lip gloss. Her sneakers had been replaced with sandals that showed off those sexy red toenails. The jeans and pretty T-shirt had been exchanged for a knee length skirt that rippled like water when she walked and a tank top-like blouse with buttons down the front. The casual professional look had transformed into something ultra-feminine and sexy with the addition of the sandals and some jewelry.

“I just needed to freshen up a bit.”

He smiled and kissed her forehead. “A bit huh? You look gorgeous.”

“And you smell good and look handsome. It’s going to be a shame beating a man at pool who looks so good.”

“You’re awfully cocky.”

“For good reason. Now come on.”

Chuckling, he led her out the door where she locked up and they took the two block stroll down to The Pumphouse.

“Go on and play with your brothers for a while. I’m going to have a few beers and gossip with Maggie, Liv and Dee. Then I’ll be over to kick your ass.”

One handed, he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her flush with his body. “If it wouldn’t smear that sexy lip gloss, I’d lay a kiss or two on you,” he murmured, eyes locked on hers.

“Go on ahead, Sheriff. It’s kiss-proof. And even if it wasn’t, it’s cherry flavored and I have more in my purse.”

Her eyes fluttered closed as his lips met hers in a soft, brief and yet bone melting kiss. He didn’t even use his tongue and she was nearly panting when he pulled back.

He licked his lips. “Mmmm, cherries. Very nice, darlin’, very nice indeed. I’ll see you in a while.”

Cassie waved at him and stumbled into the booth where her friends waited.

“Uh, hello? The two of you have so much chemistry I’m all hot and bothered now. Sheesh, I’m going to jump on Brody the minute he gets off work tonight.”

Blushing, Cassie grinned at Liv. “He’ll thank me then, won’t he?”

“I don’t need to ask if you two had worked everything out from Tuesday night then.” Maggie poured Cassie a beer and pushed it in her direction.

“He came over on Wednesday and we talked for hours. And kissed, a lot. He’s a great kisser.”

“He is. Not as good as Kyle, but definitely award winning.”

Cassie stilled. “How do you know?”

Maggie blinked several times and stammered a bit. “I thought you knew.”

“Knew what?”

“Shane and I dated before I got together with Kyle. It was just a few times and he dumped me and acted like a total ass. He’s long since made up for it and has really grown. It was nothing, Cassie. God, he never looked at me with half the emotion he shows when he looks at you. I thought you knew.”

“I can’t believe no one told me!”

“Are you mad at me? It was nearly three years ago. I swear to you, Cassie, it was nothing. He really cares about you. Talks about you all the time.”

“Well, I don’t know. I’m not used to being around people who’ve kissed my boyfriend. It’s weird.”

Liv sighed and leaned toward Cassie. “Cassie, I’m going to say this as your friend and I want you to listen and take this to heart, okay? Shane has been with a lot of women in this town. I’m not going to lie to you about it. In this bar alone I count at least eight he’s dated and it’s early yet. He wasn’t a slut as much as a guy who loved a lot of women. He’s thirty-four, that’s a lot of dating years.

“I want you to also hear me when I tell you that he’s never dated a single one of them, including Maggie, for more than two weeks at a time. Shane hasn’t dated since the night you came to town. You’re it for him, Cassie. When a man like that falls, he falls hard and all the way. There’s no middle ground for a guy like Shane.” Liv smiled.

“And you will have to deal with jealous women, Cassie. I’m sorry to tell you but I know from experience. Not that I’m jealous of you and Shane,” Maggie added hurriedly, “but I’ve had to deal with a lot of it with Kyle. If you let them get to you, you’re letting them win. Don’t. I can tell you without a doubt that Shane is not interested in any woman on this planet other than you. And I’m sorry if finding out Shane and I dated a few years ago bothers you or caught you by surprise.”