Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
West heads to a local bowling night still buzzing from Skylar’s kiss, drawing Ford’s relentless teasing. At the lanes, West’s distraction shows as team dynamics unfold around newcomer Rhys, who hints he may move to town and has unresolved tension with Tabitha.
The chapter reinforces West’s deepening feelings for Skylar and introduces Rhys’s mystery as a coming source of conflict.
Summary
Driving with Ford to the Rose Valley Alley, West discovers Skylar’s red lipstick print on his cheek and refuses to wipe it off at first. Ford needles him about being a closet superfan, exposing West’s growing attachment despite his efforts to play it cool. The teasing underscores West’s post-barn-kiss daze and attraction.
At the bowling alley, West performs poorly and gets ribbed by Bash for gutter balls. Ford continues the banter, blaming West’s heart-eyes for Skylar. Their easy camaraderie contrasts with West’s scattered focus, confirming that the kiss has him off his game.
Attention shifts to Rhys, the team’s imposing, quiet newcomer. Rhys reveals he lives in Florida but is considering moving to town. West pries about Rhys’s situation with Tabitha from the Bighorn Bistro, and Rhys tersely confirms she seems to hate him, offering no details.
Rhys hurls a blistering throw that knocks only a middle pin, prompting more amusement and highlighting his bottled-up energy. A rival bowler, “Too Tall,” mocks them from another lane, but they aren’t facing him tonight. The night closes on West’s continued distraction and the group’s curiosity about Rhys’s opaque past.
Who Appears
- WestPOV single dad; arrives with Skylar’s lipstick on his cheek; distracted at bowling; probes Rhys.
- FordWest’s best friend; drives, teases West about Skylar; urges others to let Rhys bowl.
- BashGruff teammate; unimpressed with West’s performance; adds dry commentary over beers.
- RhysTaciturn newcomer; says he lives in Florida, may move; tension with Tabitha; throws hard.
- Too Tall (Stretch)Rival bowler from another lane; mocks West’s team during league night.
- TabithaOwner of Bighorn Bistro; off-page but central to Rhys’s hinted conflict.