“I’ve met some interesting people.”
“Tell me about these people. Who are they?”
“They’re brothers. Cowboys.”
“Are you serious? Naughty girl! Did you go to bed with one of them?” Michael’s tone was a mix of doubts and amusement.
“Not that it’s any of your business, but I did.”
“You didn’t?” The shock in his voice pleased her.
“Believe it or not.”
/> “A little fling with a broad shoulder cowboy...tell me more.”
“It might be more than just a fling.”
“I knew you’d fall for the first person you finally went to bed with. Trust me, doll, there will be others.”
His words pissed her off, and she blurted out, “By the way, I didn’t just go to bed with one of them, I went to bed with four of them.”
“What!”
She immediately regretted her confession. “I’m just teasing,” she said, hoping he would buy it.
“No, you’re not.” He sounded worried. “Jessica, this isn’t like you. In fact, this could be dangerous. Who are these guys?”
“Just some guys that I met the first night I got to Wilde.”
“You’re not telling me everything.” His tone was sharp.
“Michael, I know you mean well. You always do. But I’m a big girl.”
“You’re also my best friend. Be reasonable. You’re inexperienced about these kinds of things.”
“Not anymore. We’re not engaged anymore, so I’m free to do what I want, and it’s none of your business.” Silence. She wished she hadn’t sounded so terse. Michael meant well, and she did care deeply for him. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”
“It’s okay. I deserve that and a lot more. But, Jessica, I don’t want you to get hurt. Does your dad know where you’re at?”
“Going for the jugular, are you?”
“No. Just wondering. He left me a voice mail yesterday. You know he never calls me. Said he was worried about you.”
“Please, don’t call him back. I’ll take care of it.”
“You have to tell him about us. There are too many people that know. He’s going to find out that we’re not together anymore. It’s been almost a year.”
God, she didn’t want to face the nightmare right now. All she wanted to do was get through this investigation. She felt the knots in her shoulder tighten. “I will tell my father, but in my own time. When it’s right.”
“Okay. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“At least another two weeks, probably three.”
“I’ve always wanted to see the Wild West. Maybe I should come out. Make sure you’re okay. My pilot is out ill, so I would have to fly commercial. Yuck.”
“Michael, don’t you dare come here. You would hate it, and I know your boyfriend would hate it even more.”
Michael choked out, “Well, he’s not in the picture anymore.”