Devil in Texas (Rugged and Risque 1)

“Yes, you do!” Ginger knelt before her and clasped her hands. “You’ve been here less time than any of us and already you’re coming up with solutions to help the economy, help save our businesses. You should be running for City Council!”

Liza had to laugh at that one. “Wouldn’t that just put a burr in Lydia’s saddle?”

“Yes, it would. And she deserves it.” They stared at each other a few minutes, before Ginger said, “Please tell me you’re not leaving.”

The truth was, now that she was here with Ginger, talking about the town and her new friends and a life she really wanted to build, she didn’t want to leave. But then again, she—

Liza’s brows knitted together, her thoughts shifting gears. She disentangled herself from Ginger and stood.

She sniffed the air, then asked, “Do you smell something burning?”

* * * * *

Jack had shooed Lydia out of his saloon—literally—and had debated his course of action for a while before he’d locked the door to the bar, climbed into his truck and raced down the road, out of town. He figured he’d likely catch Liza at the cottage. When he pulled into the drive, though, he didn’t see her car. He parked down by her house anyway and took a peek through the window, because this was a serious situation. And he had the ill feeling she wasn’t just done with him, but possibly the town in general.

Sure enough, the few books and knickknacks she’d put out on the coffee and end tables in the living room were gone. Jack used his key to let himself in. Not something he’d ever do without her consent, but desperate times called for desperate measures. He stalked toward the bathroom and poked his head around the door. None of her personal effects were on the vanity. Moving onto her bedroom, he found the bed made and the closet empty.

“Fuck!”

She really thought she didn’t fit in here. She must think Lydia was trying to run her out of town—and she was right.

But what about what Jack had to say about it? What about Jess and George and Ginger? Ruby and Mike?

As the thought flitted through his head, he turned on his booted heels and rushed out of the cottage. Back in his truck, he headed into town. Chances were good she’d stop by the flower shop before she left town.

Feeling uneasy and guilty for letting her walk out of his saloon without him setting the record straight with her, his foot got a little heavier on the gas pedal. He’d call her on her cell, but he didn’t know the fucking number. There really hadn’t been much point in exchanging numbers, what with them living in such close proximity to each other. Now he deeply regretted not asking for it. He could seriously kick himself in the butt for being such a horse’s ass.

If he didn’t find her in town, how would he ever track her down? How would he ever explain that he was on her side, to hell with the Wilder rumor mill and the saints! To hell with Lydia Bain if she couldn’t accept the woman he wanted to be with.

It wasn’t any of her goddamn business, anyway. He’d protected Lydia the whole of her life and in turn, she’d…turned on him. She was taking a stand with the reverend and that told Jack plain and simple that their friendship didn’t mean squat to Lydia anymore. Except as a means to cajole him and try to keep him from running for City Council because it made the reverend “sick to his stomach”.

“Well, you’d better stock up on the Pepto,” Jack muttered. “‘Cause I ain’t backing down. Not now. Not ever.”

Coming into town, hi

s eyes scanned the streets for the flashy red sports car. He found it on the main drag. Jack pulled up in front of Jess’ shop, just as Jess was coming out with a flower arrangement in her hands.

As she headed toward the delivery van, Jack asked, “Is Liza inside?”

Jess looked taken aback. Likely by the hard set of Jack’s jaw and his intense gaze. He felt stiff from head to toe, the tension gripping him like never before. He had a bad feeling in his gut, like he’d just missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime. And wouldn’t get the chance to redeem himself.

“Why, no,” Jess said as she opened the back door to the van and set the bouquet inside. “Liza came in early so she could leave early and talk to you about her new idea, before you opened the saloon at noon.” She closed the door and eyed Jack for a moment. Then she asked, “Is everything okay?”

“No. It’s not.” He shook his head. “She came in when Lydia was in the bar—”

“Lydia was in the saloon?” Her eyes grew wide. She whistled before adding, “Well, I guess miracles really do happen.”

“Yeah, it surprised me too. Unfortunately, Liza came in. The look on her face was like…I don’t know.” He shook his head. “Like I was conspiring against her with Lydia.”

“Oh no, Jack.” She obviously saw the seriousness of the situation. But didn’t get to say anything further, because Lydia came racing down the street, as quickly as she could, given her low heels.

“Jack!” she cried out, waving her hands frantically in the air.

Jack’s teeth ground together. “Thought I made it perfectly clear I was through listening to her.”

Jess shot him a look of shock. “You two are on the outs?”

“Not my doing,” he said and felt he was justified in saying so.