Page 24 of Roped in Rawhide

I ignore him, refusing to take my eyes off my girl. “Really? This guy?”

“What’s the problem?” She shrugs, the slight movement causing a shimmer to sparkle from her shiny Western shirt.

“You ditched me,” I answer gruffly.

“Well, that’s not entirely true. Someone just lost sight of what’s important.” Gemma boops me on the nose.

Even though she’s sitting on a horse, we’re not far apart. It gives me great pleasure than I’m a head taller than the other guy. Not that I need proof of superiority.

But I do need to squash this emotional distance Gemma insists on forcing between us. Her statement can be interpreted in several ways, all of them at my expense. I narrow my eyes when hers gleam with amusement.

“Have you told Richard about your… itchy pipes in the basement department? Or should I do the honors again?”

She sobers immediately. “Don’t you dare.”

“Are you ashamed? He has the right to know if you’re planning to exchange bodily fluids.”

Gemma gags. “You sure know how to set the mood. No wonder you’re so popular with the ladies.”

Richard snaps his fingers. “That’s why you look familiar! You’re Lucky Stride.”

“The one and only.” I tip my hat, but I really want to kick him in the shin.

He chuckles. “Gall dang, it was drivin’ me bonkers.”

“Speaking of which, be a real gent and scram. I need to chat with this particular cowgirl.”

His blink is slow as if he needs additional time to process my request. “But I was talkin’ to her first.”

“That is most certainly not true. Gemma Keaton has been mine since she was too young to be claimed.”

The woman herself snorts, but doesn’t argue for a change.

He’s weighing his options, sizing me up accordingly. “I think you should be the one to skedaddle.”

“Mhmm,” Gemma agrees. “Richard has been nothing but kind and courteous. Even led Moe down the alley for me.”

I suck in a sharp breath. “That’s my job.”

“Not anymore. Hasn’t been since we were kids.”

A deep furrow forms between Richard’s brows while he observes our exchange. “I thought he was your groom?”

My shoulders roll back as I straighten to my full height. “I’m her everything.”

“Funny way of showing it,” Gemma mutters.

Static buzzes in my veins, attempting to block out logic and reasonable consideration. If it were up to me, I’d toss her over my shoulder kicking and screaming. That’d create one helluva scene. But I’d rather not resort to embarrassing Gemma. It’s better to assert my dominance over this nincompoop dressed in cowboy clothing.

There’s threat of bodily harm in my glare as I lower my voice so only he can hear me. “Fuck off or I’ll make the choice for you. She’s mine.”

“Listen, fella—”

“No, you listen. I’ve tried to be polite. If you don’t kick rocks in the next five seconds, I’m going to remove you from the equation by any means necessary.” I’ll undoubtedly catch hell for another display of male posturing, but I couldn’t give less of a damn.

Richard gives Gemma a final glance before choosing to remain conscious and wisely walks away.

Her sigh is thick with disappointment while watching him go. “That was rude.”