You Rock My World (The Blackwells of Crystal Lake 3)

“I can’t promise that.”

“And definitely don’t punch him unless he asks for it.”

“Got it. Only if he asks for it.”

Sidney climbed out of the cart and leaned against the back end as the men prepared to tee off first. “If you do take a swing, just make sure your aim is good. I’d hate for you to miss and take out his buddy Zach.”

She arched a questioning eyebrow at her friend.

Sidney shrugged. “He’s kind of cute.”

“Seriously?” Ruby tried to keep a straight face.

“Seriously.”

“Okay,” Ruby responded, reaching for her glove. “I won’t take out Zach.” She glanced up and caught Travis looking right at her. And she was glad her sunglasses were still firmly in place. No need for him to know he affected more than she wanted…more than he should.

Considering she didn’t care if the earth opened up and swallowed him whole.

She settled back in the cart and sighed. It was going to be a hell of a long day.

Chapter 7

“She really doesn’t like you.”

Travis flung his four iron in frustration, having just hit from the rough. The scowl on his face would make most people take a step back, but not his buddy Zach. The guy was looking at him and shaking his head, a half smile gracing his face. “Seriously, doesn’t like you.”

They were bearing down on the last hole, and Travis was more than happy to put this particular round of golf behind him. Ruby had played the entire day cool and aloof, and he was just about done. He’d take her anger over this. At least when she was angry with him, she acknowledged his existence. But today? They hadn’t exchanged more than a dozen words over the entire eighteen holes, and every single one of them had been indifferent or reserved.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met a woman who didn’t like you.”

“Jesus, Zach. Can you shut the hell up?” Travis scooped up his club and returned to their cart. Up ahead, the girls were approaching the green. Zach followed him and slipped onto his seat. For a few moments, the men watched as Ruby lined up her ball and chipped onto the green with a perfect shot. She turned to Sidney, the smile on her face natural, wide, and open.

Something inside him loosened, and he had to look away. That smile used to belong to him.

His gut tightened, thoughts churning as fast and furious as his heart beat inside his chest. How the hell was he ever going to make things right with Ruby when she had no desire to even talk to him?

“What are you doing here anyway?” Zach asked quietly. “Are you trying to win her back?”

“No, I……” The denial came fast and sharp. “I…” He swore. “I hate that she hates me. I hate that I did this. I ruined everything.”

“Did you cheat on her?”

Travis shook his head, slowly pressing down on the accelerator. As the cart moved forward, Ruby and Sidney watched them from the green.

“Nah. I did something worse.”

Zach looked at him and frowned. “What’s worse than cheating?”

Travis looked at his friend. “It’s complicated.”

“You know what the problem with a word like complicated is?”

“Not really, but I’m guessing you’re going to tell me.”

“It’s too broad. It’s like when I’m defending the blue zone, I use my stick, my body, anything I got to create a smokescreen so their guy doesn’t get a chance to shoot at your ass.”

“Doesn’t always work.”