Page 50 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
Every cell in her body waved a surrender flag. “Are you flirting with me, cowboy?”
“We’re away from Fin’s Creek. We can do and be anything we want to be,” he said with a grin.
“Because we can’t at home?” She lifted a brow, noticing a flash of something in his expression.
“That’s not what I’m saying. Guess I meant that while we’re all dressed up and fancy, we should enjoy it and the free drinks.”
“I guess you have a point considering this will probably be the last lavish event I attend.”
“I don’t see you crying.”
“And you won’t. Bentley dragged me to these events. There was little he enjoyed more than attending elegant functions where everyone was in awe of him.” She took a sip and felt the burn all the way into the pit of her stomach. “I’d rather be sitting on a picnic blanket along the water right now. I’ve wanted to try my hand at fly fishing. Is fly fishing even a thing in Texas?”
“It’s definitely a thing in Texas. The coast is popular for redfish and speckled trout. If you bring the picnic, I’ll bring the rods.” His eyes twinkled as he studied her.
“A picnic as the sun lowers. A bottle of whiskey, a couple of mason jars, and a blanket in the bed of your truck with a view of the stars.”
“Would that impress you?”
“I do enjoy stargazing.” She hid her smile behind her glass.
Bear leaned against the edge of the bar as he took in the crowd. “These people are about as fictional as the paintings on the walls. All framed and perfect. I’m more of an outdoorsy man. I like messy things. The wind blowing. The last dregs of sunlight turning the sky orange and pink, reminding us that God owns a paintbrush and He shows us beauty every day. Meat roasting over the fire. I can’t speak for all of Texas, but anytime we have a shindig at Creed’s Creek everyone shows up and everyone is more than willing to show their support. That shows that all this isn’t always necessary.”
“You don’t like these people much, do you?”
He laughed, loud enough that a couple sitting at the other end of the bar glanced over with raised brows. “They’re here to line their pockets in some shape, way, or form. None of them have ever earned something by hard work.”
“As opposed to a rancher with callused hands and a knack for branding cattle?”
“The way you put it makes it sound pretty sexy.”
She felt a force like a branding iron that he would use on the cattle.
“Let’s not mince words. It is sexy.”
“Now who’s flirting?”
“Me. I am,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the piano tunes and the chatter.
He cleared his throat and stood to his full height. “I need to use the little boy’s room. Will you be okay?”
“I don’t know. Are these people as dangerous as they look?” she teased.
“Use those heels as weapons if anything breaks out.” He winked. “I’ll be right back.”
~*~
Bear tugged at his tie in discomfort as he stepped through the crowd, keeping his head down in case someone might recognize him. Although, he didn’t think they would, not with the lowered hat, beard, and themess dress uniform.
When there was enough distance between him and Aasia, he checked over his shoulder to make sure she wasn’t watching and he ducked down a quiet corridor. He’d watched Fletcher disappear down the hall a few minutes ago.
He needed to tread carefully with Aasia. She was smart, observant, and paid close attention to his thoughts. At times he wished he was a simple ranch hand—a real ranch hand. Life wouldn’t be so complicated. He’d never thought of himself asanything but a Texas Ranger. He always went where trouble was bold and cheaters were normal. He’d chased killers through mosquito infested fields, followed tracks across dry riverbeds, and settled down on rocks for a few winks. But he’d never followed a political figure through the halls of a museum to find out what he was hiding.
Once Bear was far away from the champagne-induced laughter and theclamorof the piano, he adjusted the cufflinks and tapped the hidden transmitter. His earpiece crackled.
“Enjoying yourself yet?” Bear said.
“Probably about as much as you are,” came the annoyed voice of Sin who was stationed two blocks away awaiting any trouble. The small camera in Bear’s hat gave his buddy a bird’s eye view.
