Page 68 of Steal My Heart (Prosperity Ranch 2)

“Hey, now,” Lane said, suddenly there, and putting himself between Carson and Deuce. “Douglas here is an old friend. Let’s stay calm and work this out.”

Carson still didn’t release the guy, but he turned his gaze to Lane. “You need new friends.” With that, he released Deuce and walked away.

He found Evie over by the bar, where the women had congregated. Her gaze was on him, and by the look in her eyes, he knew she’d seen him grab Deuce.

As he neared, Jana popped out of the group of women. “What happened between you and Deuce?”

“Nothing,” he said, in a short tone. His gaze found Evie. “I should probably take off. You want to come or stay here with your friends?” He used the word friends lightly.

Evie hopped off the barstool in one second flat. “I’m coming.” She grasped his hand and threw a half-smile to the other women. “See y’all later.”

Carson was positive that Jana was pouting, and he didn’t miss the snide glance she gave Evie as she passed by. What was that all about?

Barb only smiled. “Have fun, you two!”

Unfortunately, they had to pass by the guys’ tables on their way out, but Carson kept his gaze forward as he walked through the crowd.

The cool evening air was welcome; so was leaving the less than pleasant music playing on the stage. They walked hand in hand to the truck, neither of them speaking. Carson was still trying to wrap his mind around what had just happened in Racoons. First, Barb and Jana, mostly Jana, were pretty awful to Evie. Then Deuce was downright rude, and Lane didn’t even seem bothered by it one iota.

Carson opened the passenger door, and before Evie climbed in, she said, “Maybe Racoons wasn’t such a good idea after all.”

“Agreed,” Carson said, everything in his body tense. He’d almost punched a man, and where would that have landed his reputation in Prosper? Yet, he’d happily do it if men like Deuce continued to say stupid stuff.

Evie put her hand on his chest. “Are you okay?” She looked genuinely concerned, and she’d dropped her falsely bright tone.

“I’m much better now.”

Evie nodded and slipped past him, climbing into the truck. Then he shut the door. Before he took her back home, he had a few things to ask her.