“I never win these things,” Ann complained while she wiped her chin.
He tried not to smile at the mess she was making.
“Riley’s always a judge at these contests, and if I win, she says it will make her appear partial.”
“Which is why I wonder why you keep trying,” Riley said from behind them. “Besides, you steal my best tricks.” She smiled at Ann, but her expression cooled considerably when she noticed him. “Jack.”
“Riley.” He nodded. Then Maya joined them and the Trio was complete. “Hey, Maya. I saw Dex a few days ago. He said to tell you he said hi.”
The woman scowled. Jack hated to admit it, but Ann and her friends could only be classified as dangerous to any man’s state of mind. Riley was gorgeous, no question. Maya, scary but no less sexy, made a man think of satin sheets. But Ann… She burned him up, because she was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.
“Excuse us for a minute.” Riley latched onto Ann’s arm and dragged her away.
Jack turned and saw Anson and Dex approaching. Maya stood her ground next to him, her dark eyes glaring holes into Dex’s forehead.
“Hey, Maya.” Dex gave her a huge smile, one that seemed to push her buttons.
Anson didn’t quite stifle a grin. “Jack.”
“Anson.”
They both pretended not to notice Maya’s hostility, or the way she studied Dex from head to toe, taking in his obvious changes since high school.
“Well, well. If it isn’t Bend’s own Dexter Black.”
Dex didn’t even try not to look interested. “Damn, girl. You look good.”
“Really? ‘You look good’?” She snorted. “That’s the best you can do? You might be bigger than you used to be, but you’re still just as lame.” She turned on her heel and left.
Dex stared after her and sighed. “That is one fine ass.”
“Attached to one pissed off woman. She’d sooner punch you than date you, dumbass.” Anson cuffed his cousin in the back of the head.
“Oh, you’re one to talk. I saw Riley hotfooting it away. Guess your plan to annoy her into your bed isn’t working.”
Anson shoved Dex, and Dex shoved back. Jack would have stepped in except the bravado and trash talk amused him. Then they turned on him.
“So, Jack” Anson said. “You and Ann.”
Dex nodded. “They looked pretty chummy to me the other night at dinner.”
“I don’t kiss and tell. But then, I don’t have to.” Jack smiled.
“Asshole.” Anson sighed. “At least she’s nice. Riley is a huge pain in my ass.”
“You mean you’d like her to be,” Dex murmured.
“Shut it. Just because it’s obvious to the rest of the world how much you want inside Maya’s pants does not mean I’m mooning over Riley. I’m trying to be friendly while building a solid business. But the woman is colder than ice.”
“Uh huh.” Even Jack didn’t believe that one.
“I know, right? He thinks we’re stupid.” Dex laughed. “Cousin, if you’re not trying to win the woman over, why did you move your business right next door to hers? Why send her bouquets of flowers?”
“Really? Flowers?”
Anson flushed. “He’s talking shit.”
“Am I?”
