Page 54 of Wild Highway (Runaway 2)

I lifted my glass, giving him a silent salute.

Easton acknowledged me with a single nod.

My heart was in my throat as I took another drink, wishing I hadn’t ordered that cheeseburger. Wishing I was in any other seat than this where I had no choice but see him when I faced forward.

How was I supposed to avoid that strong jaw and those dark, dreamy eyes when they were right there?

“Here you go.” The bartender emerged from the kitchen with a plastic basket lined with parchment paper. At least I wouldn’t have to wait long for my meal. The cheeseburger was bigger than my face and the heap of fries was the equivalent of three extra-large potatoes. “Hope you’re hungry.”

I had been. “Thanks.”

I cut the burger in half as she returned to her post, leaning a hip against the bar as she focused all her attention on one man.

Easton.

I kept my eyes on my meal, but the claw of jealousy scraped deeper every time I heard her laugh carry over the music. Or when I’d catch his smile from the corner of my eye. I was chewing with rabid fury when she leaned in closer to whisper something in his ear.

He laughed. She laughed.

She smiled. He smiled.

I was most definitely not laughing or smiling.

No, I was his latest conquest, and he’d waited a whole three days before moving on to someone else. Or maybe go back for another round with a former lover.

She was gorgeous and fresh faced. Her blond hair brushed the tops of her shoulders in effortless, beach waves. Her tee dipped low enough to show a hint of cleavage and she had the perfect hourglass figure, curves I’d only dreamt of having.

But it was her smile that I envied most. It was carefree and effortless. A pretty smile. One that made Easton smile too, wider than I’d seen since arriving in Montana.

He didn’t smile around me, not like that. And as I’d suspected, it was devastating.

“Hey, sweetheart.”

I jerked, forcing my eyes away from Easton and the bartender as a man leaned against the bar at my side.

“How’s it going?” he asked.

“Fantastic,” I deadpanned, not in the mood to deal with stranger small talk and a guy who likely saw me as fresh meat.

He’d brought a beer along from wherever he’d emerged and tipped it to his lips as he grinned. “New in town or just visiting.”

“Visiting.” I ate another bite, busying my mouth so I didn’t have to talk, and cast a glance toward Easton.

His gaze was waiting, the tension in his jaw visible as he squeezed his own beer bottle to death.

For a moment, I thought he might come over, but then the bartender stood in front of him, giving Easton an eye-level shot of her generous breasts.

My appetite vanished and I tossed the uneaten portion of my burger into the tray, wiping my hands and lips with a napkin. Then I dove for my wallet, ripping out a hundred-dollar bill and slapping it on the bar.

I wasn’t sure how much a burger and a cocktail cost in Clear River, Montana, but that should cover it.

“Leaving already?” the man asked.

Not bothering with the obvious answer, I slipped the strap of my purse over my shoulder and—eyes forward—I walked out of the bar and into the fading evening light.

In a way, I should be happy he’d come to the bar. That he’d flirted with another woman in front of me. I’d been conflicted over what to do with Easton, but tonight had been eye-opening.

This was not the place for me.