Page 84 of The Texas Ranger: Saddled Up
“That’s very mature of you, but the altercation couldn’t have been worked out? You love working at Creed’s Creek. Don’t you?”
She had a point. “There are many things I love in this world, but it doesn’t mean I can have them.”
“Let’s forget about the world,” she said matter-of-factly.
“And how do you suggest we do that?”
“I have an idea.” She slipped out of the chair and crossed the short space between then. She straddled his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I’m liking where this is going.” He caressed his knuckles along her smooth cheek. Having her close he wanted to be so gentle, something he’d never felt before. Something he didn’t know he could be until she came into his life.
Eventually he’d have to tell her that he’d fallen for her, but for now, he just wanted to show her.
An hour later, they were naked and half asleep when a knock came on the door.
He and Aasia looked at each other curiously. Bear wasn’t expecting anyone. Who would even know he was there because Aasia was the only one he told.
He hopped out of bed, not bothering with covering up and opened the door a few inches. Standing in the hallway was the last person he expected to see. “What are you doing here, Grimes?”
The other man appeared tired and frazzled. Bear almost felt sorry for him. Almost.
“Got a minute?” Grimes asked.
“I’m a bit busy at the moment.” Bear didn’t want to speak to the man who had been a dick for months.
“It’s okay,” Aasia said from behind Bear. She was dressed and her hair pulled up into a messy bun. “I should be going anyway.”
“Give me a minute,” Bear told Grimes then closed the door. “You don’t have to leave.” He pulled her in for a tight hug.
“This is very hard, for many reasons.” Her smile held lots of mischief. “I think Phoebe needs me around a lot right now.
“I get it.” He did, but it didn’t mean he liked it.
“Anyway,” she lowered her voice to a whisper. “Grimes is here. This is a great opportunity for you two to work things out.”
He took a step back. “I’d rather go back to bed with you, but I see your point.” He was already swiping up his clothes and dragging them on.
Once dressed, he opened the door to find Grimes leaning his back against the wall across the hall.
“See you later,” Aasia said to Bear then to Grimes, “How are you?”
He stood straight, almost looking like an awkward teen. “Good. How about you?”
“Wonderful. You two behave yourselves, you hear?” She glanced back at Bear with a pointed glare.
Stepping back, he let Grimes into the room.
“You look like hell, man.” Bear sat down in the chair at the table and adjusted his weight in. “What’s going on with you?”
Grimes took the other chair and kept his eyes on the window. “I slept with someone and I have no fucking clue what I should do.”
Bear snorted. “Let me point out two things. One, I’m not a counselor. Two, you and I aren’t exactly friends so why are you telling me?”
“I’m telling you because you might have a better understanding of what I need to do than I do at this point.”
“If you’re here to accuse me of something—”
“No. Hell no. I’ll explain the details, but you should know that Phoebe and I have been sleeping together for weeks.”
