Devil in Texas (Rugged and Risque 1)

Liza couldn’t stop the blush that flushed her cheeks. “I’m really not so difficult to figure out. You already know what pleases me.”

The dimple made her insides twist tight. “Told you I was just warming up,” he reminded her with a wink, all traces of annoyance over Wilder peculiarities disappearing.

“Yeah,” she said with a grin. “You did mention that.”

She took another sip of her wine as her insides sizzled. She glanced around the saloon as her cheeks continued to burn. If memory served her correctly, it was pretty much the same crowd she’d encountered last night. The non-Bingo-playing types. She couldn’t help but smile.

Jack said, “What’s so funny, darlin’?”

The way his intense gaze captured hers made Liza’s breath catch. He stared at her as though no one else garnered his attention when she was around. She liked that about him. This was so different from her previous existence, when she’d fought tooth and nail to be taken seriously in a male-dominated profession. And with her own mother. Most especially with Peter. She hadn’t felt the least bit significant in her past life. But when Jake Wade looked at her, she didn’t feel the least bit inconsequential.

As she back-peddled in her mind to what she’d found amusing in order to answer his question, a familiar voice called out to her.

“Liza!”

Her head snapped in the direction of the woman’s voice. Bad memories clouded her mind, making her think of that dreadful beauty salon she’d visited. But when her gaze landed on Jess Mills, one of the few friendly women in Lydia Bain’s shop, she relaxed a little.

“Hi, Jess,” she said, grateful her new acquaintance hadn’t called her earlier bluff and used the Disco Ball nickname in front of Jack and the other patrons.

“Nice to see you again,” Jess said. She wore a prim-looking baby blue sweater with pearl buttons and dark jeans. Her reddish-blonde hair was perfectly coiffed—a lustrous color paired with a complementary cut that gave her smart bob volume and sophistication.

Liza resisted the urge to swear under her breath. Damn that Lydia Bain.

Clearly the woman had talent. Liza had counted seven heads of hair to be dealt with in that shop and Lydia had been the only hairdresser working the floor. No easy feat to turn them all into beauty queens at the same time and yet Jess had hair that was runway worthy.

“You look fabulous,” Liza told her.

She beamed. “Oh thanks. I swear someday I’ll try something new with my hair, but Lydia is convinced this is the style for me.”

Double damn her!

“She’s right.” Liza had to admit, hating that she couldn’t contradict the reverend’s wife. “Both the style and the color are perfect for you.”

“You really think so?” she asked in a serious tone. “I mean, you being from New York and all… You’d know what’s trendy and what’s tired.”

It really was surreal to have everyone know who she was and where she’d come from. But Liza guessed it was to be expected in a town this size.

Smiling, she said to Jess, “Fashion is subjective. The only person who has to like your style is you.” Her lesson to the small-town folks who didn’t like the way she dressed. “Although, personally, I think you look fantastic.”

“Hopefully George feels the same way,” she said with a conspiratorial wink. “Come on.” She grabbed Liza’s hand and pulled her off the barstool. “Meet my husband.”

Liza followed Jess to a table not more than a few feet away from the bar. Sitting in one of the chairs was a distinguished-looking man, who smiled warmly as he got to his feet and extended his hand to her.

“You must be Liza. Jess mentioned you earlier on the phone when she left the salon.”

Liza shot a look toward Jess who merely shrugged, not the least bit contrite. “Sorry. I’ve just never heard anyone put Lydia in her place the way you did t

oday and I have to say, she deserved it.” Jess’ lightly made-up face twisted in a contradictory fashion that said she both loved and loathed calling Lydia out. “I mean, sometimes she just goes too far.”

Liza had no basis of comparison, so she said, “I don’t like being talked about behind my back. If you have something to say to me, be woman enough to say it to my face.”

“Amen, sister,” Jess said with a nod. “But don’t hold your breath for that to happen in this town.”

Liza sighed. “Yeah, I’m already seeing signs of that.”

Jess sank into the chair next to George. Liza was about to slip away when Jack appeared at her side. He set her glass of wine at the empty place at the table, then addressed George and Jess. “Another round?”

“Of course,” George said.