The Greatest Fight of All (The American Soldier Collection 5)

“It was the best way to grow up. Living off the land, working on the farm and in the fields. It’s very beautiful,” Ricky said as he held her gaze then lowered himself to the seat next to her.

She adjusted her position as his thick, hard thigh made contact with her bare one. Perhaps wearing pants would have been the better option today.

“Howdy.”

She looked up as Mad Dog and another young cowboy tipped their hats at her.

“Hi,” she replied.

“I’m Jonas. You must be Amelia, Regan’s friend.”

He reached his hand out and she accepted it as he held her gaze. This cowboy was much younger than Mad Dog and Ricky. His green eyes sparkled as he looked her thighs over.

“Nice to meet you, Jonas.”

“So what are you doing out here all alone?” Mad Dog asked and he sounded kind of pissed.

She looked over her shoulder toward the house, way in the distance, and her belly tightened from his reprimanding tone.

“Regan just headed inside. I was enjoying the quietness.” Damn her shaky voice. Mad Dog Murphy was such a disciplinary man.

Mad Dog stared down at her. His dark blue eyes sparkled as his eyes roamed over her body. There was no denying it. Mad Dog and Ricky affected her. So she focused on Jonas.

“So, where are you staying? Has Regan given you a tour of town and some of the hot spots?” Jonas asked as he stood next to her. She decided to stand up, feeling the heat of Ricky’s thigh next to hers. As she stood, a light breeze collided against her skin, sending her long, black hair over her shoulders. Her skirt lifted slightly because of the flared bottom edge and she grabbed onto it to keep it in place. In doing so, she nearly lost her balance, her legs so shaky from having Mad Dog staring at her, watching her every move, and Ricky doing the same thing.

“Whoa,” Jonas said as he reached for her and steadied her by her waist.

“I’m okay. Thank you,” she said to Jonas who smiled down at her then released his hold and tipped his hat. “No problem, ma’am.”

“Jonas, want to take the horses back to the stable for us. We’ll call it a day. We should walk Amelia back up to the house,” Mad Dog stated firmly, surprising Jonas but also making Amelia jump from his commanding tone.

“It was nice meeting you, Amelia. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

“Yes, nice meeting you, too,” she replied then thought she heard a noise behind her.

Jonas took the reins of both horses and walked them over toward a large stable. She watched him go, thinking that Jonas was very nice and that the horses were gorgeous creatures.

“Didn’t you learn last night about flirting?”

She turned toward Ricky and was a bit taken aback by his comment.

“What are you talking about?” Ricky looked her over and she had to turn away from his gaze that totally affected her. She wound up looking straight up into Mad Dog’s eyes and he didn’t look happy. His arms were crossed in front of his chest as he watched her.

“Last night, after you were dancing with every cowboy in the place and Tucker decided you wanted him to take you home,” Ricky stated.

She was so annoyed. The anger hit her insides as she gave him a dirty look.

“First of all, I was not flirting and nor did I dance with every cowboy in the place. Secondly, Ricky, it’s none of your business.” He took a step toward her and instantly she reacted, taking numerous steps back. She knew that look, or at least she thought she did. Men hit women all the time or manhandled them. These men were soldiers and they were cowboys. Two things she was completely staying away from.

“Maybe I’m making it my business. Regan’s been acting a bit wild lately. She should have warned you about Hucker’s and the types of cowboys that hang out there,” Ricky said.

“You were there,” she retorted, mostly just to zing him. He was making her feel very nervous. Ricky was almost as big as Mad Dog, had just as many muscles, and ultimately was just so damn good looking, she felt faintish

. Never in her life had a man, or more than one man, made her feel this way.

Ricky gently took her hand into his large ones, and began to caress his fingers over her palm. She felt that tingling sensation go from her hand, straight to her pussy from his touch. Hot damn, did this man know how to be suave? She wasn’t born yesterday. Then for a moment she wondered if he were just being considerate because she was Regan’s friend.

“We had a party to go to. Listen, I’m just telling you to watch yourself. You’re a petite little thang, and any man could try to have his way with you, especially if you’re sending out the wrong signals.” Maybe not so suave after all.