Rob’s eyes widened as he looked from CC to Adam then back to her, a skeptical expression on his otherwise flawless face. “You two are—”
“Engaged. You know, to be married,” she exploded with the words like she’d been shot with an EPI pen.
“Yeah, that’s usually what engaged means.” Rob put out his hand for Adam who shook it. “I’m her husband.”
“Ex,” she corrected Rob.
“I’m Adam Colt.”
“Colt? Colt.” Rob tossed the name around on his tongue. “Where do I know that name?” He tapped his temple. “Ahh, are you related to Buzz Colt?”
CC felt Adam stiffen slightly. His knuckles looked white holding the bottle of beer “Yeah, I am,” he answered quietly.
“I was sorry to hear about his passing. The man knew his horses, and his business.”
“Yes, he did.”
“So, you two are engaged, huh? I’m surprised you didn’t mention it to me before, CC, or Cady and Jagger didn’t say something.”
“You and I haven’t spoken in a while.”
“Let’s see that ring.” Rob pulled his readers from his front pocket and slid them on.
“The ring…” CC knew she shouldn’t have lied. Rob had always been one for the finer details and she wasn’t good at lying, never had been. She opened her mouth to confess—
“Is at the jeweler’s shop,” Adam spoke up, still holding her close, his hand settled nicely on the indentation between her waist and hip. “Getting sized. Wouldn’t you know I’d get a ring too big. Thankfully, she didn’t take that as a sign.” He kissed the top of her head and her knees wobbled.
“Yeah, it was too big. Silly, Adam. I told you my size at least a dozen times.” She patted his chest and, even in her state of mind, she couldn’t ignore how well they fit together.
“Well, you know how men are. Can’t remember their own heads if the little lady isn’t helping.” He kissed her cheek.
Wow, he was good at this game because it all felt so real that she could have easily forgotten they were pretending to be an engaged couple. “True.” She laughed, but it wasn’t quite stable.
“I guess congratulations are in order then.” Rob’s shoulders slumped some and his age showed in the creases around his eyes.
“Oh, I love this song. Honey, will you dance with me?” She grabbed Adam’s hand, feeling the calluses brush her sensitive palm.
“You never liked anything but country music,” Rob said.
“People can change. Meeting Adam has made me a completely different woman.” She might have been laying it on a bit thick, but she deserved to rub it in that she was happy—pretend happy which stained the joy a bit. She twirled a stand of Adam’s hair around her knuckle.
“You just needed the right man, sweetheart.” He winked. “How about we get out on that dance floor and show’em how it’s done?”
“Great idea.” She placed her glass on a nearby table. Adam had just set his bottle down when she pulled him toward the floor. They took a spot to the side, away from the other couples. CC glanced in the direction where they’d left Rob and found him still staring. “I’m so sorry about that.”
“So that’s the dumb ex that cheated? Not what I expected.”
“Yeah, I’ve heard that a time or two.”
“Are you wanting to make him jealous?”
She looked up at him as they stepped together. “No, not jealous. I guess I saw his date and I didn’t want him to think I was here alone.”
He placed his hands on her hips and gently pulled her against him. “If we want him truly believing that you and I are a couple, then we need to make this convincing. Right, snookum?” He chuckled.
“I guess so, sweetie pie.” She gulped against the constriction in her throat. Remembering how close they’d gotten during the last dance they shared, she wasn’t sure this was a good idea, but if she walked away, Rob would know she’d been lying. “So what were you expecting?”
“Huh?” He looked down at her.
“You said Rob wasn’t what you would have expected. So, then, what would you expect?”
“Definitely not a preppy, for sure. I didn’t know men who lived outside of Italy still wore their collars turned up.” They moved easily to the beat of the song and she found herself placing her hands on his biceps, feeling them flex under her touch.
“Yeah, he’s always liked the look. He spent more time grooming than I did. I’m sure that is one thing that hasn’t changed.”
“I’d say that’s safe to say. The redhead is his date?”
CC refused to look. “She’s very pretty. And closer to his age.”
“You like older men?”
“I guess so at the time.”
“You do realize that I’m younger than you?”
“Age is just a number, right?” She shrugged. “Anyway, you don’t make me a cougar.”
“Tell me, is he wearing guyliner?”
“No.” She laughed, but it fizzled. “Maybe.” She glanced back in Rob’s direction, but he was gone. “He’s no longer watching.”
“Oh, sweetheart, he’s still watching. Trust me.” There was a persuading tone about his voice that automatically made her body sink closer to him. “I know this because I’m a guy and if I still wanted my ex I’d be watching.”
Realizing what he’d said, she jerked her chin up. “No. He doesn’t still want me. He’s too busy with redheads.”
“What did you see in him?” “He’s brilliant. Charming. Book smart.”
“Tell me if I’m crossing a boundary here, but why didn’t you ask Mr. Preppy to give you some sperm? He’s an Einstein, and I’d guess he’s acceptable in the looks department.”
“It is possible for a person to be both smart and dumb.”
“Any man with a lick of sense would have never traded you in for any woman, let alone a college girl.”
His words stuck in the center of her chest. “His excuse was that the girls were all over him. That we were having some problems and the temptation was too strong.”
“Pfft. What a jackass. Okay, so he’s a genius. I guess that makes him even more of a prime candidate for daddy material. It could be a little sticky with him being your ex and all, but some would say better than marrying a stranger.”
“Well, let’s see. As smart as he is, he never picked up after himself. Never put the toilet seat down, never was supportive when I needed him to be, and always chewed with his mouth open. During my time of the month he thought he was doing me a favor by staying at his office. He had more clothes and beauty products than I did, took up the entire sink space, and heaven forbid if I accidently stepped on his polished loafers. I did once and I thought he’d keel over. His worst habit by far though is that he couldn’t keep his zipper shut.”
“You haven’t heard me eat or saw my bedroom. Some habits are a gender thing.”
“I could overlook a few flaws. I have many. I’m not the best cook. In fact, I don’t like to cook at all. I clean but pretty easy when I’m only cleaning after myself. I could look over some things, after all, you’re a good dancer and singer. You make being pretend engaged enjoyable…almost.”
“You really don’t like to dance?” He raised a brow.
She shrugged. “I have two left feet. Can’t you tell?”
“I do have on my steel toed boots.”
“There comes a point when a woman just needs to say, “The hell with it” and live her life like no one’s watching. That’s my motto. Live life like there’s no tomorrow. Never take things for granted.”
“We should all live by those same principles. Oh, there he is. I spotted the ex hanging out by the bar.” Adam pulled her even closer—so close that she had no other choice but to lay her head on his chest. She could hear the strong beating of his heart and felt his muscles flex under her cheek.
They seemed to melt together. Belong together. Which made no sense.
Hearing laughter, she looked over to find Betty dancing with a c
owboy.
“Betty looks happy,” Adam said.
“She does.” CC lifted her head. “Were you thinking Betty might be a candidate for your situation?”
“No.”
“I did, for a minute, but you couldn’t do that to poor Betty. She might come off a bit strong at times, but she has a good heart.”
“Just so you know, you deserve to marry a guy who knows your worth too.” He pushed a tendril of her hair off her cheek.
“Is that you, Adam? A guy who knows my worth?”
The song ended. Another faster tune started, and they stood there, staring at each other.
“CC…we should talk—”
An excited scream came from behind her about the same time she felt a grip on her shoulder. It was Cady who was shimmying her hips to the music. “I hate to interrupt this little love fest, but I’m going to steal my sister. I love this song! Come on, babes. Dance with me!”
CC was swept away and she gave Adam a small wave.
“Aren’t you just the secretive one?” Cady laughed.
“What are you talking about?”
“So, does Adam fit into the description of a friend with benefits, honey, because I sure did see a lot of benefits between you two on the dance floor?”
Chapter 7
ADAM LEANED HIS elbows on the edge of the high-top table and watched CC on the dance floor. For a woman who didn’t like to dance, she certainly let on that she did. Her hands were in her hair, lifting it high as she rolled her hips to the beat of the song. She was laughing and enjoying herself, and he couldn’t help but smile too. He’d always thought she was beautiful before but now he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Her skin was glowing, her eyes were bright and his heartbeat faster. Although they were pretending to be engaged for the benefit of her ex, fact was, holding her had seemed right.
“Care for some company?”
He knew the voice. “Sure, Rob.”
“I brought you a beer, my friend.”
With an unnatural hesitation, Adam finally accepted the bottle. “Thank you.” He took a long swig of the popular International brand. “This is the expensive stuff.” He looked at the label. Although it was tasty, Adam preferred the cheaper brand.
“If you’re drinking you got to do it right. Just like getting engaged. If you’re taking the plunge it has to be with quality goods.” He took a long drink.
Adam gritted his teeth. He guessed this was a conversation bound to happen, but he couldn’t promise he’d keep his hands off Rob if he didn’t watch his step. “Yeah,” Adam mumbled then set the unfinished bottle down on the table, hoping the man got the hint that Adam’s patience was thin.
Rob slipped onto the available stool. “She gets better with age.”
“You referring to CC?” Adam snapped his gaze up.
“Yeah, I’m referring to CC. She still looks good. Of course, you think so too, right buddy?”
Adam narrowed his gaze on the other man, his smug smile setting Adam on edge. “Too bad you didn’t see her worth when she was yours. I understood completely just how wonderful she is.”
His laughter raced through Adam like Anthrax. “You don’t really think you’re her type, do you?”
“Come on, friend.” Adam stressed the last word. “You look a little pickled around the edges. I could understand a man looking out for his ex, but I think you’re jealous.”
Rob took a long drink then shrugged. “I’m curious why she feels like she’d have to lie about you and the engagement.”
Adam would give Rob one thing, the man was straight forward. This was easier to deal with than the fake friendliness. “That’s where you’re wrong. It’s not a lie.”
“Sure. Don’t forget that I was married to her. I know her. Every part, every gesture, every feeling. I know when she’s fibbing. Her right eye twitches.”
Adam wasn’t sure what bothered him more. The man’s arrogance or the fact that he brought up his marriage to CC as if he’d been a damn good husband. “Just like she said, people change.”
“Yeah, they do, but women like CC don’t.”
“I find it very interesting that you preach as if you had a good relationship with her.”
A flash of shock flowed over the man’s expression before he pulled himself back together. “So, she told you about my mistake?”
“You mean your mistakes, right?”
“I admit I was stupid. But who can really blame me?”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, man. College is like having filet mignon at your buffet every single day.” He grinned “But it’s important to know when to run.”
Adam scratched his temple. “Explain.”
A haughty smile curved the man’s lips. He looked like he was more than happy to explain. “Twenty-two days. After that it’s important to walk away. Otherwise it gets too deep. I’m not interested in holding her hair out of her face while she vomits after a night of partying. Or listening to her go on and on about how Susie Nobody sucked off Christine Whocares’ boyfriend.”
Adam had to resist the sudden hankering to punch the bastard square in the jaw. “Then why date them?”
“You have to ask?”
“I need some fresh air.” Adam pushed away from table and marched toward the door. The second he was outside, he inhaled deeply, cleansing his lungs. He’d never been so close to knocking a man’s lights out in all his life. While his brothers always led with their fists, Adam had been more levelheaded, not letting anyone push his buttons. He wanted to go back in and wring the man’s neck, but he wasn’t worth it. Pieces of shit like him got what they deserved. Sooner or later.
The door opened behind him. If it was Rob, Adam wouldn’t be able to control his temper. Turning, he clenched his hands into fists and then he saw Betty, slinging those hips as she stepped out, rolling the tip of her tongue across the plump curve of her bottom lip. “Where are you off to, Cowboy?”
“I just needed some air. It was getting stuffy in there.”
“Care for some company?” She let the door close behind her and swayed her way out to him.
“I don’t think I’d be much good conversation right now.”
“That’s fine. We don’t have to talk. I just need a smoke.” She reached into her small purse, took out a pack, and shook out a slim cigarette. She held it between her lips, waiting. He realized she was expecting him to help her with a light and he used the lighter she handed him. With a long draw, she then blew rings into the air. He gave the lighter back. “My daddy is always telling me these things are going to kill me.” She took another puff then dropped it onto the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of her shoe. “Now I know why you didn’t show me any interest.”
He met her gaze. “Why do you say that?”
“CC. I mean, I don’t blame you. If I was a guy, I’d want her too. She’s beautiful. Smart. Kind. Too bad—” She caught herself, all smile leaving her expression.
“Too bad what?”
“You should ask her. I’m getting back inside. Never know who I might meet tonight.” She hurried back into the building.
“Betty? Wait up.” Confused more than ever, he stepped back inside and someone grabbed his hand. He looked down into the amazing gaze of CC.
“There you are, Adam. I thought you took off.”
“I needed air. You doing okay?”
“I’m ready to go. How about we sneak out?”
“Did something happen?” He automatically glanced around the crowd looking for that bastard Rob, ready to let loose if he did anything.
“Nothing at all. I’d just like to leave.” Still holding his hand in her light clutch, she led the way outside and across the parking lot to her truck. “Are you drunk, Cowboy?”
“No.”
“Tipsy?”
“Not at all.”
She tossed the keys and he caught them in his chest. “You drive.”
“Sure.”
He slid in and was crushed b
ehind the steering wheel. He adjusted the seat and started the engine, glancing over at her. “Home?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Just drive.”
She toed off her boots and propped her bare feet on the dash. The hem of the skirt climbed those tantalizing thighs. Why did he always feel like his brain was in his dick when he was around her? “Whatever you’d like,” he grumbled and pulled out of the parking spot.
Once they were on the road, the window was rolled down and the radio was on, and she asked, “Tell me something about you that I don’t already know?”
Her pensive gaze seemed to seep right into his soul. She had one of those looks, a mixture of seduction and powerful vixen. “You want me to tell you something about me…hmm. Well, during my first rodeo, I got matched with a helluva rough stock. I was sweating bullets and thought I’d hurl before that gate opened. I held on for dear life as I flopped around like a wet noodle, balls to leather, praying I didn’t get jacked up by that sum’bitch. That was the longest eight seconds of my life. I couldn’t remember ever hearing a more pleasant sound than when that buzzer sounded. I didn’t realize until I was out of the saddle that I fractured my shoulder. I didn’t tell a soul, not even my brothers, because I would have been disqualified and wouldn’t have been able to continue. I popped a couple pain killers, iced my shoulder, and got back into that saddle.”
She eased her head back and looked at him. “You’re a tough guy. No doubt.”
“I wanted the money. Greenbacks can motivate just about anyone.”
“Doesn’t make you any less tough.”
“Yeah, but maturity teaches a man what things are important and what aren’t. My body ain’t as resilient as it used to be.”
“That goes for all of us.” She thrummed her fingers on the door, “I saw you talking to Rob. I must say, I’m curious. What did he say?” She tapped her toes to the beat of the music.
“He just showed his true colors,” he growled, anger revisiting his veins.
“Yeah? Sharing is caring.”
Cowboy State of Mind (Tarnation, Texas Book 4) Page 6