Page 56 of Cowboy

Scarlett gazes back up at Redd. “That makes me the future dairy queen, I guess. Or would it be bovine bride? Perhaps I’m just a cowgirl to my cowman.” Scarlett leans forward as if she’s about to impart a secret to Redd. “But I don’t want to share my favorite position on Bull with everyone.”

She fucking winks at Redd, and his mouth falls open. If he isn’t frustratingly turned on by now, the man is a monk. He blinks, fighting her spell and turning deep red to match his name.

“Well. I—” His stammering causes Scarlett to give a little wave with her fingers while the heat of her other hand seeps through my jeans like a possessive claim on me.

“Have a nice night, boys.”

Redd steps away from the table, and I watch his retreat. Dillard glances back over his shoulder and gives the table a thumbs-up as if he’s proud of us.

“What the hell?” I blurt.

“Damn, I knew I liked you,” Canyon states.

“Let me out of the booth. I see someone I know.” The strain in Blade’s voice gives away all the sexual tension built up in him, and I hate to think he’ll sneak off to the restroom for a moment alone at the expense of Scarlett.

“I’m sorry. Was that over the top?”

Canyon laughs, and I give in to a chuckle. “I heard what he said, and Rita mentioned he’s one of those wankier guys who peaked in high school and can’t let go of the long-gone status.” Rita’s assessment hasn’t been incorrect.

“And I’m sorry about the bovine bridegroom title, but it was creative.” She smiles sheepishly at me. “But who was that guy?”

“He’s no one,” I dismiss.

“His family’s property borders ours, and he’s been after sharing land with us for years. He’s an ass,” Canyon adds. I shake my head to agree.

“I’m sorry he spoke like that to you because of me,” Scarlett says, lowering her eyes while her hand still remains on my upper leg.

“It’s nothing,” I admit because it wasn’t the worst of things.

“But it was still because of me, and I’m sorry. Again, I’m so sorry.”

I nod once, knowing we need to talk, and I want out of this bar.

“Finished with your dinner?” I ask, twisting to look over my shoulder and back at her empty booth.

“Yeah, Rita said she had to see someone about her charity work.”

“Let’s step outside,” I suggest, and Scarlett nods to agree.

“Will you need me to drive you home?” Canyon questions, narrowing his sights on someone across the bar. He’s really asking if he can stay a little longer.

“I can give him a ride,” Scarlett says, and Canyon turns back to her.

“Now that we all know you like to ride the bull . . .” His teasing voice falls away, and Scarlett laughs, covering her face.

“It was too much, wasn’t it?”

Actually, it was perfect. Scarlett stood up for me. Not that I can’t defend myself but calling me her man was nice to hear. Having someone take my side was also nice. Recalling what my dad said earlier, though, it wasn’t just someone, but a certain someone, and that made it all the better.

18

Them’s Fighting words

Bull

Once we step outside, Scarlett stops by the trunk of her car. Crossing her arms, she faces me.

“You remember that my husband cheated on me with another woman, right?” She pauses. The playfulness of inside is forgotten, and my early position recalled. “I want to believe I can trust you.”