Page 38 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
“Fine. I vomited all over mine,” she admitted reluctantly. “Bear and I were kissing and I couldn’t help myself. I threw up in the bushes.”
Tansy sunk deeper into the cushion of the seat then she burst into laughter. “Just when I thought I’d heard it all.”
“What about this story is so funny?” Aasia’s splitting headache was coming back. She took a long drink of the coffee, burning her tongue and not caring one iota.
Patty brought their food and Aasia dug in. Maybe the protein would help.
“Honey, I think you and Bentley breaking up is worth celebrating, and at the same time I’m very disappointed that you were in Bear’s bed and didn’t tap that. The little vomiting fiasco and all wouldn’t have stopped me.”
“Is it always about sex to you?” Aasia said bitterly.
“Yes, it is. Try going four months without it.” Tansy said unapologetically.
Attempting to massage her temples to alleviate the pain, Aasia braced her elbows on the edge of the table. Thankfully the kitten was sound asleep. “I’m sure that’s by choice and not circumstances.”
“Let’s just say if I had a chance like you did, I wouldn’t have slept a wink,” she said sarcastically. “What happened with Bentley this time? Did you finally realize he’s a ball of dung and dump his ass?”
“No, he dumped mine.” She ran her finger around the rim of the cup. “At least I think so.”
Tansy’s eyes widened. “There’s something seriously wrong with him.”
“Well, apparently, he couldn’t handle the fact that I sold foot pics on that cowboy site back when I was in college. Remember? You helped me post them.”
“That’s why he broke things off?” Tansy sighed. “That shows you how petty he actually is.”
“He was looking for a reason. It doesn’t even matter anymore. I deserve better. I’m tired of competing against his mom. She’ll never think I’m the right fit for her perfect son. It was bound to happen. She even paid me a visit.”
“That hoity-toity witch came to see you?”
“I don’t want to rehash her words, but I can tell you without any doubt that this time I’m finished with the entire Fletcher family.”
Tansy reached across the table and covered Aasia’s hand. “Girl, you do deserve much better. Being Bentley’s wife would have been a prison sentence. You’re free now. Free to find out if Bear is a bear.” She wagged her brows suggestively.
Aasia couldn’t help but smile. “Why is it you make perfectly good sense. He certainly can kiss.” She smiled.
Tansy pulled back. “See. The twinkle is returning in your eyes. I like this new and improved Aasia. It’s a miracle what losing a deadbeat boyfriend can do to a person. Oh shit. Don’t look. Bear is heading this direction.”
“You are joking—”
“Hi, Aasia,” Bear said, stepping beside the table. “You dropped something.”
She looked down at the napkin clenched in his fist. She couldn’t find any words as their fingers brushed.
“She sure did,” Tansy said with a wide grin. “Would you like to join us, Bear?”
Aasia kicked Tansy under the table.
His smile could practically make a woman pregnant. Good thing Aasia was on the pill.
“Thanks for the invite, but I’ve got some business back at the ranch to tend to.” He swiped a piece of bacon off Aasia’s plateand took a bite. “You ladies have a good breakfast.” He touched the brim of his hat.
She shouldn’t have stared, but Lord help her, she couldn’t turn away. He walked out of the diner as if he knew she was watching. Slow, easy, confidence was embedded in every step. His boots struck the pavement with lazy purpose. Broad shoulders shifted underneath the soft material of his sun faded cotton shirt and the Wranglers cupped his firm bottom. He lowered his Stetson, maybe to keep the sun off his face, or to keep the mystery alive. There was strength in the solid line of his back, a danger in the sway of his stride. It should be illegal for a man to exude that much sexiness simply by walking.
She watched until he climbed into his truck.
Tansy was watching her. “Yeah, you’re going to get some of that before the week is up.” She pulled a napkin out of the holder and passed it across the table. “Now wipe the drool, honey.”
Chapter Eleven
