Page 5 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
Bentley’s cell phone buzzed and he wasted no time in answering. He covered his phone as concern swept over his features. “Sorry, I need to take this.”
“Sure.” They couldn’t even have a conversation without him being dragged away.
Her gaze was drawn to Bear. He seemed…different. He still hadn’t returned her text message from earlier. Did she think he would? He probably wanted to steer clear of her after she’d made a move then pulled away.
“Can I get you another, Aasia?” the cute, bubbly bartender asked.
“I’ll take a seltzer and lime this time, Wendi.”
Wendi took her empty wine glass and returned with the seltzer. “How are you, honey? I haven’t seen you around much these days.”
“I’ve been a bit occupied,” Aasia said. “How are you? I heard your divorce is final.”
“I’m free at last.” Wendi snapped gum then leaned her elbows on the bar. “Boyfriend trouble?”
“That obvious?”
“Yeah…something like that.”
Aasia traced the rim of her glass. “Nothing dramatic. One day there’s joy and the next you’re just an obligation.”
Wendi snorted. “Girl, do what I did and take out the trash.” She winked and sashayed over to take a customer’s drink order.
“Sorry I didn’t get back to you yet.”
Aasia gave a little jump at the sound of Bear’s voice.
He sat down and settled his elbow against the polished oak bar. His battered white Stetson landed low on his forehead, and the top buttons of his chambray shirt were undone. Helooked every bit of the rugged cowboy she’d been fantasizing over the last two weeks. Remembering the kiss they’d shared sent the temperature skyrocketing.
She took a slow sip of her seltzer. “But you did read my message?”
“I read it. I’ve been wanting to speak to you—”
“Sorry about that,” Bentley said in a rushed tone as he returned. He looked tired and scattered. “I need to run off and handle an important piece of business. Will you be okay?” he said to Aasia as he shoved his phone into his jacket pocket.
“Yes, I’ll be fine, but didn’t you want to speak to me about something?”
“It’s nothing that can’t wait.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and took a step then he noticed Bear. “Take care of her, will you?”
“Sure. I’ll make sure she’s safe,” Bear said with a nod.
Aasia shifted on the stool. Bentley had no clue about the kiss between her and Bear. They’d barely had time to talk since the kiss. She should be plagued with guilt, any yet why? She and Bentley had been broken up, and she’d found comfort and validation in Bear. He’d always been there for her. A good friend.
But friends don’t kiss.
Or imagine each other naked.
Or fantasize about having sex with each other.
Maybe some friends do. Shouldn’t all relationships start with two people as friends?
Bear made her feel…excited. Alive. Wanted. She hadn’t felt those sensations with Bentley in so long that she’d lost track of when he’d looked at her with desire last. These days he’d been more interested in his campaign than spending time with her.
A girl had the right to change her mind when it came to most things. “Wendi, can I have a whiskey?”
“Coming right up.”
“Whiskey, huh?” Bear scratched his broad whiskered chin.
