“Long story,” Aasia muttered.
Bear slipped off the stool. “Ladies, it was nice seeing you, but I have an early morning. You enjoy your evening.” He grabbed his hat and planted it on his head while he workedto not look at Aasia while digging money from his pocket. He tossed it onto the bar.
“We’ll talk later?” She wished they could have finished their discussion. She swore he had something he wanted to tell her about Bentley.
“Sure.” He didn’t sound too committed.
Aasia watched him stride across the bar. His jeans fit his bottom perfectly and the shirt stretched across his wide shoulders. Several women sitting at a table near the door nearly broke their necks to get a better look as he passed.
Tansy took the stool he’d been occupying. “What the hell was that?” she said.
“Calm down. We were just having a drink.” Aasia tore her attention away from the retreating cowboy and onto Tansy.
“You do realize I know you better than anyone, right?” Tansy reminded Aasia. “Tell me everything.”
“There’s nothing to tell.” When Tansy had her cornered, Aasia sighed. “Fine. Bear and I kissed but nothing more.”
Tansy’s eyes widened. “I knew it! I knew you two were keeping secrets.”
“Shh! Let’s not tell the whole town.”
“If you and Bear kissed, why are you still sitting here and not leaving with him?”
“Like I said, I was here having a drink with Bentley and when he left, Bear and I had a drink and talked. It was innocent.” Aasia felt her stomach flutter. The response wasn’t innocent.
“Speaking of Mr. Fantastic…,” Tansy rolled her eyes “I thought you said you and Bentley were done? Let me guess, he begged you to forgive him. Promised he’d be better.”
“He didn’t beg.” Aasia pushed her glass away. “He and I have a history, Tansy. It’s not easy to give up on someone you’ve shared a lot with.”
“A history of him being a jerk,” she said in a lowered voice. “Sorry, but you know what I think of him. He’s a liar. He couldn’t keep a promise if his life depended upon it. As long as you’re allowing him back into your life he’s going to continue to wreak havoc and keep you from experiencing friends with benefits with Bear.”
“Bear isn’t…” She stopped.
“Bear isn’t what?”
“He would be fun, and I enjoy his friendship, but he’s mysterious.” Aasia turned her attention back to the door.
“And?”
“He could be hiding something.”
“Yeah, presumably he is. In his pants.” Tansy wagged her brows. “You can’t tell me you’re not the least bit curious.”
“Does everything evolve around a man’s anatomy with you?” Aasia waved a hand. “I need to go.” Aasia was already off the stool and plucking money out of her purse for Wendi’s tip.
“Aasia! Don’t go. I’m sorry,” Tansy whined.
“It’s okay, sweetie.” Aasia gave her a tight hug. “It’s been a long day and I’m tired. Call me tomorrow and let’s catch up. You need to tell me everything about your trip.”
It wasn’t a lie. Aasia was exhausted.
Once she was inside her car, she pulled her phone out of her purse and glanced at the screen. Bentley had sent her a message…
“Don’t wait up for me. Long night here.”
Typical text.
Chapter Three
