“Aside from Toby, which we all know was a mistake, and that guy you brought here, you ain’t been with nobody steady. Spent all your time helpin’ your daddy with the ranch after he got sick, like the good son you were. It’s your time now. No shame in testin’ feelin’s. Jake seems like a decent sort.”
Shea remained silent. He couldn’t dispute the truth. Unfortunately for him, that emboldened Craig to keep going.
“Don’t think we ain’t noticed you lookin’ at him. And it ain’t all one-sided. He’s definitely into you too.”
His heart shouldn’t have jumped so hard at Craig’s words. “Don’t matter none. He’ll be gone tomorrow. It’s a silly flirtation.”
“Ain’t nothin’ silly ’bout love, Shea. And if it’s only a flirtation, let it ride. Have a little fling with no strings attached. Like you said, he’ll be gone, so you know it’s going to have to end.”
“Whatever. I got things to do, and so do you. We gotta get ready for tonight’s final dinner.”
“Oh, didn’t Patty tell you?”
He gave Rambo a slap on the rear. “Go on with you, boy.” Rambo nickered and took off for the far end of the paddock, where fresh water and hay awaited him. “Tell me what?”
“The construction crew working on the road hit a gas line. Knocked it out for the ranch. So no gas for cooking.”
“Shit.” He took off his hat, then resettled it onto his head. “Dammit. When is it gonna get fixed?”
“They’re hoping sometime today or tonight, but we can’t take no chances in case they don’t. So Patty called up Dusty at the Round Up and got us a big table in the back.”
His heart sank. “The Round Up?” Damn, this town needed more than one bar.
Craig chuckled and slung an arm around his shoulder. “Don’t worry none. Toby probably won’t even be there, and the place’ll be packed. Jumpin’ Jezebel is playin’, and they always draw a big crowd.”
He huffed out a sigh of relief. “You’re right. I’m too uptight about it.”
“Ain’t that the truth.” Craig snickered and elbowed him, before turning serious. “Enjoy yourself tonight. If that means flirtin’ and dancin’ with Jake, so be it. Live a little. Your daddy woulda wanted to see you happy.”
* * *
Later that night, he dropped into the vacant chair next to Jake, who raised a brow. “Sure you want to sit there? I wouldn’t want you to be sorry for that too.”
Shea’s face heated, but he’d never run from a problem and wasn’t about to start now. “Can I apologize again? I’ll keep doin’ it until you listen to me.”
Jake tipped his head. “You can sit. And I’ll listen.”
Grateful for the second chance, Shea hitched his seat closer. “Look, I can’t say I haven’t been a little messed up in the head lately, but that’s got nothin’ to do with you. And after the first night when you had a little too much to drink and things sorta happened, it confused me even more.”
“Happened?” Jake’s dark brows pulled together. “What do you mean?”
“You don’t remember?”
“Obviously not,” Jake said, impatience creeping into his voice. “Did I do something?”
“You kissed me.” Shea lowered his voice. “I didn’t even know you were gay. And I thought you were still married then, so I pushed you away.”
Twin spots of color appeared on Jake’s suntanned face. “Shit. I’m sorry. That was really wrong of me. I really lost it that night.” His gaze met Shea’s. “I’m sorry I put you in that position.”
“’S’okay. I kinda got the feelin’ you don’t do that too often, and anyway”—Shea paused, the corners of his mouth rising—“you were a pretty cute drunk.”
“Christ.” Jake shook his head in disgust. “No wonder you’re pissed at me.”
“Nah, not really. More at myself.” Shea decided to go for it. Jake was leaving, and Shea had nothing to lose. “Then this morning by the lake…dammit. I felt somethin’ between us, but you’re a guest.” He rubbed his nape. “It’s not right. But I didn’t like leavin’ it with bad blood between us.”
Jake’s pale-green eyes gleamed like shimmering water. “So let’s forget it. Put it behind us and start new?” He held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Jake Axelrod.”
“Howdy, Mr. Axelrod.” Relief made Shea giddy. “I’m Shea Montgomery.”
