Reckless Love (Cowboys & Angels 7)

Fucker.

“I care about Scarlett, that’s all.”

“And I don’t?”

With a smug look, Eric shrugged. “I don’t know. Does a leopard really change its spots or is this all just a show because you thought Scarlett might be falling for me?”

“Wait, what? Eric, what in the world are you talking about?” Scarlett asked.

I’d had enough of this prick. It was time to set him straight.

I got in his face.

“You need to stay the fuck away from her. She’s off limits, understand?”

“You going to put a collar and leash on her, as well?”

“Eric!” Scarlett shouted.

Grabbing him by the shirt, I pulled my fist back only to stop when Scarlett pushed us apart.

“Stop this! Eric, I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you once more, I’m in love with Trevor. I’m having his baby. After I move the last of my things out of my house I’ll officially be moved in with him. I’m working for Frio River Ranch, not just Trevor, and I’m excited about it. I don’t care if you agree with that or not.”

Eric rolled his eyes and shook his head in disbelief. I knew how hard it was for him to believe I could have changed. Hell, even I couldn’t believe it until the moment I realized that I could lose Scarlett, that she was the only woman I’d ever loved and would ever love. I didn’t expect this jackass to understand that. He had Superman syndrome. He saw a woman in destress and felt like he had to fly in and save her.

“Scarlett, I care about you,” he said. “I’ve seen you hurt, and I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“I don’t need this stress from you, Eric. What I need is for you to accept that I’m happy. Very happy. Won’t you just be happy for me and move on? I think this friendship is over, Eric. I really need you to leave and let me live my life with the man I love.”

Eric pulled in a deep breath. When he looked back at Scarlett, he didn’t say a word. He simply turned and walked away.

Scarlett sighed and faced me. Before she could say anything, I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her.

When she wrapped her arms around my neck, the kiss deepened, but we both had the good sense to stop since we were standing outside the courthouse.

Drawing back, I grinned. “I honestly would have thought it would be some crazy girl from my past causing us heartache, not this Eric guy.”

“Ugh, don’t even say that, Trevor Parker. Come on, let’s head to my place so I can pack up the last few things to bring to your house.”

Before she had a chance to walk away from me, I took her hand in mine.

“Thank you for doing this. I know you didn’t have to move in with me or give up your job.”

Her smile practically melted my heart. Scarlett Littlefield had a way of making it seem like it was only the two of us no matter where we were. I knew what she was giving up, and I also knew she didn’t do it because I’d forced her into it. We loved each other and if Eric couldn’t see that, then that was his problem.

“I didn’t give up my job, Trevor. I’m doing this for us.”

Kissing her forehead, I smacked her on the butt.

“Meet ya at your place.”

She giggled and got into her car. I watched as she buckled up and pulled out of the parking lot. Jogging over to my truck, I heard my name.

“Trevor! Trevor Parker!”

Stopping, I turned to see Kenzie Lewis, one of the reporters for the Oak Springs Gazette.

“Hey, Kenzie, what’s going on?”

She smiled as she headed my way. “Rumor has it you’re off the market.”

With a frown, I looked directly into her eyes. “I didn’t think you ran the gossip column, Kenz.”

She laughed. “I don’t. This is off the record. I’m curious, that’s all. Is it true? Are you and Scarlett settling down together?”

“What is happening with me and Scarlett is no one’s business. Period.”

“Seems like there are a lot of broken hearts in town. Especially with you quitting over at Cord’s Place. It appears all the Parker men are off the market now.”

I forced a smile and opened my truck door. “It appears so.”

“Tell me, Trevor, are you the type of guy who can actually settle down with one woman?”

Staring at her, I laughed. “Let me guess, Kenzie. You’ve been talking to Eric.”

She smirked. “As a matter of fact, I have been. He thinks there may be a story in there somewhere.”

With a smirk, I took a step closer to her. “I’m disappointed in you.”

Her face went pale. “Excuse me?”

“A piece of advice for you, Kenzie. Let the town gossip mill stay with the prayer chain. This bullshit you’re trying to pull, it doesn’t become you.”