Page 23 of Storm Warning
His expression is triumphant as a smile graces his full lips.
“No shit. Go get ‘em, Sawyer.” He lets out a soft chuckle at his victory, then whips out his cell phone. “Well, give me your number.”
I’m irritated that he thinks I have interest in him. “What the fuck makes you think I wantyouhavingmynumber?”
He frowns. “Boy that attitude never seems to waver does it? I don’t particularly wantyournumber, but I know Sawyer well enough to know he won’t remember to ask for Daisy’s.”He pauses, that bright grin returning to his face, “Plus, if she ends up at our place, at least you’ll have a way to contact her when I give ya mine.”
I hate to admit it, but he’s probably right. “Fine, but I’m only taking it so that the police know exactly how to find you if I have to report her missing.”
“Yeah, that’s fine, Angel, but if she’s anywhere near me, ya can just tell them she found heaven on earth.”
Heaven on earth.
He’s got to be fucking kidding himself.
A teacher once told me that my future was destined to be with my eyes stuck firmly in the rolled position. I can’t help that it seems to be my go to every time someone does something I find irritating. And everything he says is clearly no exception.
I don’t know what I find most annoying about it, the fact he said it or the fact he seems to truly believe it. And yet, here I sit, at the bar next to the cowboy who pushes my nerves to no end. I don’t trust him, but what’s most strange is I don’t mind it.
“My my. Well ain’t this a sight.” Nancy, the barmaid cracks a smile as she hustles to our side of the bar. “Two of my favorite patrons side by side.”
I turn to my right, checking to see who she must be talking about, yet find the seat empty. Which only leaves Rhett. Of course, the charismatic cowboy has worked his way into her heart. The most deceitful ones always find a way into everyone’s, no matter how young or old.
Releasing a breath, I do my best to play it cool. I don’t want to look as pessimistic as I feel, though I do appreciate that she noted me right alongside him as a favorite, because I never did anything to fake my way into that position.
“Nancy, ya be careful now, or you’re goin’ to make meblush.” Rhett takes a swig of his drink, and I reach for mine out of annoyance.
“How long have y’all been seein’ each other?” Nancy asks nonchalantly, while she wipes smudges from the varnish of the bartop.
Before I have a chance to swallow, Rhett answers, “About ten minutes, but who’s countin’?” I nearly choke. This fool will stop at nothing to tick me off.
“In his dreams, Miss Nancy. We aren’t even friends.” I look from her to him, and he beams at me like he’s having the time of his life. His cheeks are rosy and his eyes are a bit bloodshot. I can tell he’s had his fair share of alcohol tonight. Frowning at him, I return my gaze to hers. “Acquaintances at most.”
Her eyes widen, bewildered by my response and her cheeks flush. “I’m sorry, Hons. I nearly never get that wrong, my heavens, I’m a bit embarrassed. I shouldn’t have assumed.”
In unison, we both tell her not to be sorry. Our eyes meet and behind his stare, an unexpected tenderness lingers, disarming my guard for a nanosecond and bringing a smile to my lips. He looks away, and whatever I felt dissipates just as quickly.
“Another drink for the lady, on me,” Rhett says as I take the final sip of mine.
Stupid cowboy. He can buy me drinks all night, but it won’t change a thing. He knows he’s hot, but that’s an eight second ride I have no interest in.
Raising my brow, I nod to Nancy in agreement. “Make it two.”
14
RHETT - JUNE 25, 2004
Final call came oddly fast.I don’t usually stay at the bar this long, but I’ve got nothing else going on, so why not?
I pull my phone out to check it, expecting nothing to be there. Since I vanished from the rodeo scene, so did all the friends that usually came barking at my door. I could go home, hell, Ishouldgo home, but I’m a bit drunk and driving doesn’t seem like the best idea.
The heat of my drinks linger in my chest as I shift my gaze toward Kaylee, who seems to be lost in thought, adrift in the depths of her glass. She releases a breath, taking another sip. Curiosity pulls me in with the distance of her stare.
I figured she’d have left shortly after Sawyer and Daisy did, but she stayed. She hasn’t talked much, aside from a sugar-coated insult or two and a chat with Nancy about her shop, but the fact that she hasn’t left makes me think she might secretly enjoy my company. That, or at least not despise it. I suppose I, too, stuck around because for me, her presence brings much more excitement than going back to the ranch. Honestly, more excitement than I’ve had in a while.
“Where ya headed, Angel?” I question.
“Home. Far from you. Whichever comes first.” Four Jack and Cokes deep, and her sass toward me is at its peak. “Have a nice night, Miss Nancy,” she says, draining her glass in one final gulp before sliding off the stool and aiming for the exit.
