“It’s not lost on me,” I snapped back. “I just think you need to be toying with someone more age-appropriate, which may be a concept lost onyouinstead.”
Lennox paused, staring at me like I’d grown three heads. Maybe I had. That was the only explanation as to why the fuck Iwas standing here arguing with her about who she spent her time with.
The briefest hint of hurt flashed in those haunting blue eyes before they hardened. Lennox straightened her shoulders, lips curling into the tiniest smirk as she stepped forward. I’d gone too far with my age comment. I knew it was a low blow after everything, but it was too late to take it back now.
All I could do was watch her land the killing strike.
“You know… You’re right. I should find a nice,age-appropriatecowboy to spend my time with. Maybe then someone would finally give me a fucking orgasm.”
And then she walked away, leaving me standing in a crowd, not knowing whether I wanted to fuck her or fight her.
lennox
. . .
I stood by the chutes,watching Lincoln and Bishop warm their horses in the holding pen near the arena. They were relaxed, talking and laughing as they took turns throwing loops at the training dummy in the ring. Josie was beside me with a big, goofy grin when Lincoln did a lap and winked at her.
“Ugh. Y’all are so gross,” I said, resting my boot on the bottom rung of the fence. “Can’t you keep it together in public?”
Josie laughed. “I don’t know. It’s kinda hot that everyone knows we’re head over heels for one another. PDA might not be your thing, but it does something for me.”
“Oh, yeah. I’m well aware of your exhibitionist tendencies,” I said sarcastically. Since Josie and Lincoln had started dating, I’d found out more about their sex life than I ever wanted and had already been stuck listening to them once. “Do you guys even check your surroundings before getting it on?”
“Most of the time, we’re alone!” she said, cheeks blooming red. “But I’ll admit that it’s not always the first thing on our mind.”
“Don’t I know it,” I muttered. “I don’t think I’ll ever get the sound of your screams outta my?—”
She clamped a hand over my mouth. “I already said I was sorry about that.” I licked her palm, and Josie pulled back before rubbing it along her denim-clad thighs. “You’re so gross!”
“That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped having nightmares,” I told her, visibly shuddering.
“You are so dramatic. Leave me alone, I’m happy and in love.”
“Bleh, gross,” I said, scrunching my nose. As much as I hated to admit it, their relationship was on track to rival our parents’. Those two were disgustingly head over heels for one another. “But I’ll let this go this time because you’re my sister. Just don’t tell Lincoln because I’m not quite ready to give up my leverage over him yet.”
She nodded once. “You have yourself a deal.”
“Have you seen Cleo this morning?” I asked, biting down on the inside of my cheek. “I know last night was rough.”
Josie sighed. “Yeah, she’s been helping Cook down at the pits. I think she’s just trying to stay busy. Mom’s been watching her like a hawk.”
“I hate that she felt like she couldn’t tell us,” I said. “It’s one thing to keep things from Mom and Dad, but neither of us would’ve judged her.”
“Yeah, but you know things aren’t always that simple. Once you speak your truth, it’s out there. You can’t take it back. I mean, they were married forever. They had us all fooled.”
I knew she was right, but it didn’t make me feel any better about the situation, especially thinking about the pain she’d been in for God only knows how long.
“Oh, look! Here they come,” she said, pointing toward the alley.
Bishop and Lincoln rode forward as the announcer called their names, drumming up excitement with news of their little competition. Money exchanged hands around us as people laiddown their bets. They were the last two riders for the tie-down event.
“Who’s up first?” I asked. Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes blared through the speakers as Lincoln’s horse, Boots, stepped up. He pranced in place, eager eyes darting around the expanse of the arena. “Guess that answers my question.”
Josie leaned her head on my shoulder. “I almost feel bad for him. He’d have a real shot if he was going against anyone else.”
“Yeah,” I said, sighing. “I hate that you’re probably right.”
Bishop’s been the reigning champion since Dad started throwing these big get-togethers. No one had ever been able to beat him, nor had anyone come close. At least Lincoln would give him a run for his money.
