Page 40 of Dusty Spur Ranch Cowboys
“I would, but watching you pretend not to stare is funnier.”
I shake my head and take a drink of coffee.
When I don’t respond, he nods toward the counter. “Pretty girl.”
I nearly inhale coffee. “Eat your lunch.”
“That’s not a disagreement.”
“Neither is punching you in the throat.”
“See, that’s exactly what a guilty man says.”
I glance toward Arizona despite myself. The second I do, Clint starts laughing.
“Damn it.”
“Seven times.”
I scoff at him. “You’re being stupid.”
“Bronson, I’ve got two kids. You think I don’t notice repetitive behavior anymore?”
I seriously consider throwing my fries at him.
The temptation grows when he settles deeper into the booth looking entirely too pleased with himself. “You’re in trouble.”
“I’m not.”
“Sure.”
Before I can come up with a response, Arizona turns from the counter and spots our booth.
The smile that spreads across her face is immediate. That smile is probably the most dangerous thing about her.
She lifts a hand in greeting. I nod back.
Arizona’s smile somehow grows wider before she turns back to Betty Lou.
Across the table, Clint lets out a long sigh.
I close my eyes. “Don’t.”
“You smiled.”
“I nodded.”
“You smiled before the nod.”
“You’re making things up.” He shakes his head. “I’ve known you for years. I know what your face looks like when you’re pretending not to like somebody.”
The annoying part is that he’s not entirely wrong.
Clint seems to know exactly where my thoughts have gone. “When was your last serious relationship?”
I stare at him. He stares back.
A few seconds pass.
