Kiss Me Cowboy (Cowboys of Crested Butte 3)
“Come, walk me out to the truck.”
Blythe followed him, wondering what the hell was going on. This was turning into the most confusing morning.
“Listen, I want to give you some time alone with Irene. And I need to get to know Billy better. The thing between her and me is over. Now we need to learn how to be friends. Okay?”
“What about Tucker?”
“What’s he got to do with this?”
“What if he wants to come back with you?”
Jace told her he’d already addressed the Tucker issue. He wasn’t invited, and Jace had no intention of changing his mind about it.
“Public ski area,” she murmured.
“He wants to show up on his own, that’s his prerogative. But you and me…we’re on a date.”
The big smile he gave her went straight through her body, down to her toes. He was charm personified. His brother was, too. It dawned on her that those who played with fire often got burned. Was she getting too close to the flame with the Rice twins? As much as she wanted to have the upper hand, it was clear she didn’t.
“Why did you wanna come with me?” Billy asked Jace once they were on the road.
“Those two have some stuff to work out. I figured they’d do it better without us around.”
“Any other reason?”
“Yeah.”
Billy waited for a few minutes, but Jace didn’t continue. “You gonna tell me what it is?”
“Not sure how to say this without causing problems.”
“Say it, for Christ’s sake.”
“Irene warned Blythe away from me.”
Billy was quiet.
“Nothing to say?” Jace prodded.
“I’ll handle it.”
“I told her to back off, myself.” Jace turned his head and looked out the window. “She’s gotta get out of my business.”
“I hear ya.”
They spent the rest of the ride in silence.
“What about Tucker?” Renie asked Blythe once Billy and Jace were gone.
“I feel like it’s a game.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a competition. It isn’t about me; it’s about which of them can win the girl.”
“I don’t know, Blythe. That doesn’t sound like Jace.”
“Maybe not Jace when he’s alone. You haven’t ever been around Tucker and him together, have you?”