Double Inferno (The Sinful 7 of Delite, Texas 2)

Paula was sitting on a bench outside of Stella’s boutique as she waited for Alexa and Sally, Susanna’s cousins, to finish shopping. She had finished fifteen minutes ago and now sat on the bench, absorbing some rays of sun. Her sunglasses covered her eyes, and she felt the sun warm her skin. She was glad she wore the simple camisole and capris. It was warmer than what the weather forecasters had predicted.

“Hey, gorgeous, what are you doing?”

She looked up as she quickly recognized the voice and was shocked to see Jimmy Couger. He moved out of the way as other people passed by, and then he moved closer.

“What’s going on, Paula?” he asked.

She didn’t want to talk to him. He had nerve coming over here after the way he’d acted at Dixie Chix Saturday night.

“Oh come on, Paula, you’re not going to give me the silent treatment, are you?” He placed his foot on the side of the bench and leaned over to talk with her.

He was dressed in a pair of blue jeans, brown scuffed-up cowboy boots, and a button-down blue checkered shirt. The blue matched the color of his eyes and looked good with his blonde hair.

He was a nice-looking guy with dimples to boot.

She really considered giving him the silent treatment but opted to answer him.

“I really don’t have anything to say to you, Jimmy. Your actions were unacceptable last night.”

“I know. I was a complete asshole,” he stated rather loudly, drawing the attention of some people nearby, but he didn’t seem to care.

She raised her eyebrows at him as she dropped her sunglasses to her nose. He chuckled then rubbed his hand along the shadow of a beard on his chin and jaw.

“I’m sorry. I had a bit too much to drink and well, I’ve been hoping to get to know you better, and when we were dancing, I let the music go to my head. You’re so damn sexy, Paula, and beautiful. I couldn’t believe you were dancing with me on your break when you have so many guys pining after you.”

She was shocked, and she felt that bit of guilt inside. That little voice inside of her head reminded her that Sal used to say things like this to her, too. He made her feel like somehow she was at fault for his actions and for making him angry.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I’m not blaming you. God, I’m making a mess of things.” He lowered his head. “See, I can’t even apologize right. Listen. I’m not bullshitting. I really mean it. I’m sorry. I guess I’ll see you around, and maybe one day you’ll forgive me for being a jerk.” He pouted and she felt bad. It really wasn’t that big of a deal, and he did say that he had too much to drink.

“Jimmy,” she stated, and he looked over his shoulder then smiled.

“Yes?”

“Let’s just forget it ever happened. I don’t hate you. I just don’t like to be manhandled.”

“No problem, honey. I’m glad we’re friends again. I’ll see you at the club.” He tipped his hat and went on his way. Just then, Alexa and Sally walked over.

“Was that the guy from last night?” Alexa asked, and Paula nodded her head as she stood.

“Are you two ready?”

“Sure. They have a lo

t of great things in there,” Sally added.

They began to walk down the street.

“What did he want, Paula?” Alexa asked her.

“To apologize for his behavior. He said he’d had too much to drink,” Paula stated.

“Well, that happens. We’ve seen it enough times,” Sally stated, and they all agreed.

Just then the sounds of motorcycles making their way through town caught their attention. They looked on as the men all dressed in black leather and their Delite Warriors logo passed by.

“Holy God, look at those two,” Alexa stated as she watched the troop of them go by.