Page 30

“Hell, Rex, you and I have a history between business and play. Not going to throw that away over a pair of sisters.”

“You and Maisy?—?”

“We’re just friends. She’s a bit younger than most women I date. But I like her. A lot. And, um…she’s a virgin.” He smiled sheepishly. My eyebrows shot up to my hairline at that news. “Yeah, so I’m not going to be that asshole who takes it from her unless it means something. I’m taking this one slow.”

I nodded, completely understanding. “And how’s Archer?”

He blew out air while shaking his head. “Back to the same old. Brianne’s got him in her claws, and already playing her games with him. Fucking bitch.”

“Do you want me to hire someone to off her?” I joked, sort of, and Brooks laughed and slapped my back. I hated to see what this awful woman had done to one of my friends. When she and Archer first met at a sustainable building materials convention, I wouldn’t say it was love at first sight, but they started hot and fast. Little did Archer know then how toxic the woman was. We all could see it, but female attention blinded him.

“It’s not a bad idea, but I think Archer is tiring of her manipulations and starting to see he deserves better. I’ll keep you posted.” He lifted his chin, looking over my shoulder, and I turned with a double take, finding Chelsea coming toward me looking hotter than hell.

Her tight jeans showed off curvy hips as she sashayed toward me. In a yellow and black flannel shirt with the arms ripped off, and tied tight above her waist, showing off plenty of creamy skin at her midriff, she had my cock twitching. I had no idea how badly he wanted to ride a cowgirl.

Upon closer inspection, as she neared me, I realized she mustn’t be wearing a bra. Her erect nipples on full display, I eyed-fucked her plenty. But my jaw set because probably so did every other man in the building.

“Rex!” All smiles, she threw her armsaround me. I could smell a sweet alcohol concoction on her breath. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

The song changed over to something slow, and she practically leapt out before I could wrap my arms around her. “Oh, I love this song. Come on, let’s dance.”

She dragged me out, and I was never so grateful for a slow song. This I could handle; my arms circled her waist, held her close, and we swayed to the music. Anything more, like a country two-step or line dancing, was beyond me. Archer was always the one with the dance moves among my friends.

“Mm. You feel so good, sexy-Rexy-poo.”

“Been drinking already?” I asked, but knew the answer. Her half-lidded domes lazily gazed upon me, and her giggles were sweet but silly.

“I maybe had a few before you arrived. Oh, some shots, too, thanks to Brooks buying rounds for us.”

I shot daggers from my eyes at Brooks, who grinned back. It seemed he had his hands full with Maisy, at least, who also appeared drunk and draped all over him on the dance floor.

“Wish you would have waited for me to arrive before having too many,” I scowled.

“Why? Imma big girl, and I can drink without you.” Her words slurred.

“When was the last time you werethisshit-faced?”

“Hm. Years ago. I’m not usually a heavy drinker.” She hiccuped.

“Just what I figured. Chelsea, this is still the city. Two drunk sisters can find themselves in some trouble with bad elements around every corner. This isn’t Heart Hills, USA, where everyone knows your name.” Just what I needed, Chelsea getting herself into trouble.

“Holly Creek, dammit. Learn the name of my hometown, will you?” She pouted and turned quiet.

Damn. Was this our first argument, right here in the middle of the dance floor, swaying to some song about making love in a hayfield?

“Sorry,” I mumbled. There weren’t many women I’d ever had to apologize to.

“I’ve worked so hard, Rex, and just wanted to have a night to let loose, you know?” Her jade-colored irises set all innocent-like upon me. It worked, and I gave in.

“Fine. I’m here now, so I’ll watch over you. Have all the drinks you want, on me.”

“Yippee.” She jumped up on me, locking her ankles behind my back. I twirled her around at first, laughing and capturing her mouth with mine. Then I carried her off the dance floor, back to where Maisy and Brooks sat at a table.

After a few more drinks—watered down as I ordered them from the bartender—and playing a round of darts and a game of pool, I went for the bathroom. Upon returning, Maisy was half asleep, swaying with Brooks on the dance floor again, but I couldn’t find Chelsea anywhere.

I finally spotted her in a flash of yellow flannel, heading out the smoking door with someone. I rushedout after them and found it was the DJ smoking and Chelsea shivering next to her in the crisp autumn night air.

I raised an eyebrow at them. “Hey. There you are.”