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Chapter Three

RED

“ S he said no?” They never say no!

I slam the truck door shut, stare in the window of The Courthouse, and watch her talk to my fucking brother, who looks like he’s going to laugh himself to death. I’m sure it’s my expense.

Fuck she’s gorgeous.

I glare at Clayton. I don’t give a fuck that he’s gay and isn’t going to try and fuck her tonight. He’s still in her presence, and I’d take a deal with the devil to switch with him.

I want to wrap all those blonde waves around my wrist, bury myself inside her until she screams my name, and drown in her amber eyes until the sun rises.

And she fucking said no.

“Fuck this shit,” I snap out as I roar out of the parking lot and hit the first number that comes up on my display as I drive home.

“Hey, Red.” I’m not even sure who I called.

“Hi, Sugar. Busy?” I ensure my voice is nice and smooth even if my mind is nothing of the sort.

“Not really,” she giggles.

Fucking perfect. This is how women respond to me.

“Want to be?” It takes me ten minutes to get home and shower off the fight.

When my bell rings, I wrap a towel around my waist and decide against getting dressed. I won’t be needing clothes tonight anyway.

“Trixie,” I smile as I let her in.

“How ya been, Big Red?” I grin to hide my dislike of that nickname.

“Busy, Sugar. A cowboy’s work ain’t never done.” I wink at her as she blushes at my words.

“I haven’t seen you at church lately.” She would bring that up.

The last time I went to services was last year on Easter. It’s also the last time I fucked her in the parking lot of the church right after.

“You know how calving season can be. Leaves me no time to worship like I should. Hoping you can help me out with that tonight.” She shrugs out of her jacket and drops to her knees in a second flat.

“I think I got exactly what you need.” Her left-hand reaches for my towel, and the glint of an engagement ring catches the light.

“What the fuck is that?” I step away, and she has to throw out her hands to catch herself from facing planting on my floor.

“What?” She looks at her clothes like they’re dirty.

“You a promised woman, Trixie?” She shrugs and looks at the ring like it’s from a vending machine.

“It’s nothing serious, really.” Not fucking happening.

“I don’t fuck other men’s women.” She laughs in my face.

“Since when! Come on, Red. Just one more ride.” My vision takes over the color that everyone so fondly calls me.

“LEAVE.” Her shocked face is the last thing I see before my front door slams, and the tires of her car squeal as she takes off.

I sit on the corner of my bed and hang my head.

“I’m batting a thousand tonight,” I say to the empty house.

I throw on a pair of sweats and walk into my kitchen to grab a beer and call Clayton.

“Yeah?” He answers on the third ring.

“Danders cause any trouble after I left?” The bar still sounds crazy even though it’s almost closing time for the locals.

“Nah, he’s gone.” I want to ask but can’t find the words, and thank fuck Clay puts me out of my misery.

“She’s still here.” I frown.

“Is the club there yet?” The Courthouse is a friendly town bar and grill that is open until eight p.m.

Then, it’s a notorious biker joint that is neutral territory for four local clubs. Not even the police will answer calls in the area until the sun is back up.

And my brother Clay, he’s the fucking Ambassador. He keeps the peace and resolves any and all problems.

“Nah, we got time. I’ll get trouble out beforehand.” I trust Clay, but something is telling me to go back and get her.

“No, wait, she just paid.” I sigh in relief.

“Thanks, see ya later.” I hang up and flop back on the bed.

I have a ton of paperwork to finish tomorrow and a meeting with the fucking mayor the next day. I groan when the suit hanging on the hook mocks me. Then I smile as I think of his pretty little daughter.

Tonight might have been an epic failure, but after my meeting, I know someone who can make it all better.

I pick up my phone and dial her number as I walk back into my bedroom.

“Mr. Justice, to what do I owe the honor?” I grin at her professional tone.

“Ms. Grant, I do believe I have a meeting with our Mayor on Thursday, and I find myself without a lunch date for after. Would you like to join me?” She moans, dropping her little act, and I grin alone in my bedroom.

“Red, I’d skip my own funeral to have you for lunch.” Now that answer does my broken ego a world of good.

“Well, I do aim to please, Darlin’. See you then.” I hang up and get ready for bed, knowing I’ll get the relief I’m looking for, even if it’s not from the woman I want.

It takes me hours to fall asleep, though. My subconscious fucks with me every time I manage to start dreaming. A pair of amber eyes haunt me all night.

When the clock on my dresser mocks me with big red numbers and, I can just see the light creeping into my bedroom from behind the blinds so I throw the sheets off, and go in search of coffee.

I guess I’m getting an early start today.

“You’re up before the cocks.” I grunt at my Pa’s voice behind me.

“Having trouble sleeping, son?” I glare at the fancy machine he got Ma a few years ago.

I’ve never been a fan of all those foamy coffee drinks he loves to make and pass off as Ma’s. We’re all on to him. I just need it to brew a nice old fashioned black coffee to get my brain started.

“Yup,” I grumble as I take my first sip.

“Want some advice?” I struggle not to be rude because I wouldn’t put it past him to knock me out.

“Always,” I sigh as I sit my ass down at the kitchen counter.

“Find yourself a wife. It’ll solve all your troubles.” I arch an eyebrow as he grins at me.

“No, I’m serious. There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep once you’ve emptied your balls into your wife.” I stand so suddenly the stool falls out from under me.

“Ugh!” I stomp out of the house with his chuckles floating in the morning air.

Well, I won’t be thinking of that chick tonight. I’ll be having nightmares courtesy of my Pa.