Page 65

“Don’t start,” I warned him before turning around. “I’m heading back to the bar now. Sienna’s waiting for me. Why don’t you go take a shower and get changed and you can come meet us?”

“Is Van with you?” he asked, while making it appear he was busy moving some tools around the bench.

“Not tonight, she’s looking after Aria while Wyatt’s got school reports to write.”

“Try and get the pool table then. I’m going to beat your sorry ass again tonight. Loser buys drinks.”

“Whatever,” I threw over my shoulder as I headed back to the bar.

The walk back was relatively peaceful. There were a few cars pulling into the parking lot and a couple of people I knew well jumped out and waved. I got to chatting to one of the guys I used to compete against in the rodeo for a few minutes just outside the main entrance.

Once I was able to excuse myself, I slipped inside and that’s when I saw Colton approaching a woman standing by the bar. I knew it was Sin in her new clothes she purchased earlier today. Complete with her very own Stetson, blue jeans, and flats. The only thing missing was her boots, but there was plenty of time for them later.

As I approached, I heard him turning on the charm. “Hey there, I haven’t seen you around these parts before.” He leaned against the bar and sipped his whiskey, aiming a smile at her.

“Really, Colton?” She looked up from under her hat and I saw him pale.

“Sienna!” He backtracked, “Oh, you look, um.” He fumbled for words to describe what he saw before him. “Different.”

“Because I’m not in heels and a pencil skirt?” She smiled a little, and her voice was full of that sass I just loved.

“Yeah, uh.” His eyes flicked around the bar and landed on me. “Oh, look, there’s Ry!”

His grin reminded me of Aria when she got caught doing something wrong. I raised an eyebrow in silent answer. Yeah, brother, I caught you hitting on my woman. Possessively, I approached and wrapped an arm around her waist, slipping a hand into her ass pocket for good measure so everyone here knew she was mine.

Colton sipped his drink again, probably looking for any excuse not to talk to me. Finally, I saw him track a redhead as she crossed the bar with her hands full of drinks for her friends.

“Someone call the sheriff because having an ass like that should be against the law!” he called out.

“Colton, shut up before you embarrass yourself,” I told him as Kenzie noticed me with Sin.

“Hey, man. I can appreciate a fine woman when I see one.” He straightened his hat. “Don’t wait up for me! I’ll catch a lift back home with Logan tomorrow.”

“For God’s sake, Colton. Make sure you use protection.” Kenzie slid a drink over the bar toward me as we watched him maneuvering his way between the tables to the group of women.

“He really likes the ladies, doesn’t he?” Sin asked.

“Not just the grown ones. You have seen him with our niece, haven’t you?” Kenzie replied, while wiping a glass.

“God knows he dotes on Aria; I can’t imagine him as a father.”

“Poor kid.” Sin laughed.

“Really?” Kenzie watched as Colton sidled up to the red-haired woman on the dance floor. “I think he’s going to cry when he finds out he’s going to be a daddy.”

“Are we putting money on that?” I raised the bottle to my lips. “Because if we are, I reckon I have a good chance of cleaning up.”

“I’m in for twenty,” Sienna added. “He’s going to cry 100 percent.”

“I’ll match it.” Kenzie nodded in her direction.

“I’ll hold you two ladies to that. I think he’s going to shit himself in fear.” They laughed.

Glancing around the bar, I saw Logan about to enter through the salon-style doors that gave the place a more nostalgic feel. Bending down, I pressed a kiss just behind Sin’s ear and reveled in the way she shivered in response. “I’m going to shoot some pool with Logan for a little while. Want to come?”

Pulling away just enough to look at me, she shook her head. “Nah, I’ll stay here and keep Kenzie company. Have fun.” Turning a little, she pressed her lips against mine for a moment.

Not able to help myself, I squeezed her ass once and watched as her eyes widened before I took a step back. If I didn’t, I was likely to drag her into the supply closet and have my way with her.

“Take this with you.”

I reached for the beer Kenzie placed on the bar for our friend. “Back later. Don’t cause trouble,” I told them and made my way to where Logan was already racking the balls inside the triangle.